Coaching

Have you ever wondered how elite coaching programs work? We interviewed Scott Blanchard of Pyramid Coaching about his philosophy on coaching and what makes up a good coaching program. Read on for some insights into the other side of cycling: training the athlete.

Q: How did you get into cycling?

A: In my younger years I was always competitive in sports such as track, swimming, soccer and karate. I also was passionate about bicycles since I was a kid and rode all day, every day, whenever I had the chance. Once in college I put much of that to the wayside in place of work and study. One day my roommate and I decided to go to the track and see what we could knock out a mile in. Needless to say I did not perform too well and so we began working out with some regularity. In 1992 I started competing in some duathlons and triathlons and quickly realized my cycling potential. In 1993 I started doing a couple cycling races and some mountain bike racing. I loved mountain bike racing immediately and for the next 5 years advanced through the levels ultimately racing pro for 3 seasons. From there I turned my attention to the road and have been competing there ever since. Now, a cat 1, I am still passionate about the sport and l am still motivated to be the best I can be.

Q: What led you to coaching?

A: Getting into the sport of cycling can be a challenge. There is an incredible amount of information and experience needed to perform well and that information is not easily accessible. While there is a lot of information out there it needs to be sifted through and organized in a meaningful manner. It took me a long time to do this by myself and I now know that years of performance development were wasted. I saw a lot of people in the same position and decided there was a need for coaching. Training is just one small aspect of coaching process whether it be for health and weight loss or competition. Making the entire package available in one central location streamlines the performance enhancement process. After all, if you are out there training you may as well be making the best use of your time and not spinning your wheels.

Q: Do you have a favorite athlete story?

A: No. I have had so many positive experiences with so many athletes in the past 7 years it is impossible to isolate just one. Working with professional athletes is incredibly challenging because the performance gains sought are in the 1-2% range and when you see a plan come together for a peak performance it is a fantastic feeling. On the other hand, working with armature racers is super rewarding. Seeing huge performance gains (25-30% in many cases) in as little as one season never ceases to amaze me. The excitement of an athlete who has finally "hung" on the fast group ride or who was finally there for the sprint at the end of a tough race. That is the stuff you never get tired of hearing about. Cycling is a passionate sport and to be a part of something someone cares so much about is a great feeling.

Q: With so many riders seeking training assistance now, what makes your program different or better than others?

A: Our level of service, quality, and affordability at Pryamid make our programs attractive. We are certified USA Cycling Elite level coaches, USAT certified, Cooper Institute certified in Biomechanics of Resistance Training, licensed and insured. We have worked with hundreds of athletes since 1996 from beginner to professional. We have worked with a large population of female athletes and have a vast understanding of their particular needs. All of our programs are 100% custom designed for the individual and we are experts in working with all existing power meters.

Q: What would you tell a rider who is considering a coaching program?

A: Endurance athletics are a long-term process. There is no magic formula. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work but the results will come. Make a commitment to yourself to stick with a program once you have started. It takes a little time for adaptations to take place and if you get frustrated after 8 weeks and pull the plug you will never have a chance to see the gains. Be willing to let go and put your trust in the plan.
Secondly, hire a professional coach. Find someone who is experienced, accredited, licensed and insured. Like most everything else in life, you get what you pay for. Remember, you are trusting your athletic development to this person and if they are just doing it after work for some race money you may not be getting what your entitled to.

Q: What makes a rider coachable? Not-Coachable?

A: A teachable athlete is one who is willing to give up control, trust in the process, and have confidence in their coach. If you are not willing to follow the program do not waste your money on a coach.
A teachable athlete is one who is inquisitive, passionate, and dedicated. An athlete should always inquire as to the process and the intent of the training program so they are able maintain a firm understanding of the direction.
A teachable athlete is one who is willing to try something new, something they may be unfamiliar with, with an open mind. Sometimes you just have to take a risk and place your trust in someone.

Q: What do you see is the biggest mistake most amateur riders make?

A: Easy. Overtraining. More is only better if you are worth your weight in gold. Most athletes who coach themselves are overtrained. They go too hard on their easy days and this generally leaves them too tired to go as hard as they need to go on their hard days. Then, based on poor performance, they assume they have to train harder. The cycle is born and the athlete is ruined. Rest is the primary component in fitness. The body adapts to stress through periods of rest. Training is the breakdown process and recovery is the rebuilding process. If you do not allow for proper recovery to take place the body will never adapt to the stress, will be in a constant state of breakdown, and will never improve. Train hard but rest just as hard. Training is not just riding a bike but it is an entire lifestyle. You have to take into account everything from eating, sleeping, stress, and mentality play a huge role in fitness development. Excellence is a habit.