Coach Carter

As predicted, this week has been a busy one: 8 lab tests in 3 days (and the associated data analysis); and then on Saturday, the post-season PBscience workshop. Dan and I were always aware we were about to enter our 'silly season', so its a case of heads down, coffee 'on tap', and take each day as it comes. Lab testing will end (in the main) in the first week of December, so there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Although its a very busy period, I have also found the past week invigorating. I spoke quite openly recently about how over the summer months, I had the feeling dawn on me that I was not being energised by my work - leading to a decision to reduce my coaching capacity numbers. I believe that has helped me this past week - I have a smaller group of athletes, so a benefit is achieving more depth, being able to go to another level in my work with them. For instance, in the past to be more efficient, I would tie in the post season review and next season planning along with these lab tests. It meant a lot to cover. This year, the lab testing is the focus; and its only when I have the test data in front of me (and the ability to consider the strengths / weaknesses in the athlete's profile) that I will sit down and reflect on the periodization of the training ahead. With each person, I will then fix up a follow-up meeting to run my ideas through with them. I've started this appointment setting, and the athletes so far have told me they look forward to that meeting - probably because this time they won't have a mouthpiece in there mouth and me or Dan sticking a needle in them! End result - more time for me with everyone: I want both sides of the coach-athlete relationship to understand each other and the ongoing training process.

Another reason its been less stressful is that I have had Dan on the road with me. As Dan will be using this data in his PhD (he is looking at modelling of the training responses) it is important he is at the front line collecting the data himself. Its made our process more efficient, as he can focus on the equipment, while I focus on the athlete - caring for all their needs inlcuding keeping them warm with a recent special purchase (thank you Stew for modelling). Of course, the company has been nice too...someone to share the coffee with! Dan coming along is also important as we take more athletes on board. It is an intention of mine that Dan and I can share the workload. My 1-2-1 athletes becoming more familiar with Dan, seeing him as part of the team, means that if in the future I am ill, or have to be away for extended periods of time, he can pick up their individual cases and help monitor them. My vision for PBscience is all about developing a mutually supportive community after all.

Saturday's workshop was a great example of community building. In total, we had 20 athletes involved in the workshop: 14 of which joined us in the morning for a 2.5h training ride. I got to ride with Jill and Sara, whilst Dan took care of the gents. We were so lucky that the weather gods took pity on us: the wind and rain of the last week abating just in time Saturday morning. Sara scoffed at me riding without a waterproof to hand - I had faith! Not so lucky were the gents - a mid ride crash meant poor Chris and Andy went home with scratches and bruises, ouch. Some cynics would say at least the pursuit for future safety has provided motivation to get on the turbo this winter!

During the day, we covered topics such as periodization and maximising the winter's training. We were also joined by Louise Broda who talked everyone through the concept of 'resonance' and making sure your actions are in tune with your life dreams and goals. I am particularly keen on this approach, as I see the development of a belief system fundamental in the implementation of other mental skills training. I have some lovely feedback on the day - with people eager to book on to January's workshop already. I feel very fortunate to be working with such a lovely group of people - they are so keen to learn (I still had questions at 5:15pm in the day, even though some had 2h + journeys ahead of them). I also admire their intelligence. I don't mean in a traditional sense, but more at a level of knowing what they want, and understanding how to make the most of what attributes they possess. Like I say, I am very fortunate.

Saturday evening I was exhausted but very happy. A glass of wine and X-factor was all I was fit for! Not too much wine though, as I had to be up to take our French athlete Nic back to the ferry port at Newhaven at 7:30am. Poor Nic, he had a horrible journey to get to us for the weekend. His ferry Thursday was cancelled, so he had to travel early Friday on a stormy sea: sea sickness and no sleep does not equal best conditions for a lab test! But, I think our introduction to Indian curry on Friday evening made his trip worthwhile!

This week is no quieter - I took some time off on Tuesday (on 'daughter duty' clearing out my parents loft of my old 'junk'...yes, Helen is still simplifying her surroundings!!); but its back to the pump today. I'm editing the workshop videos, keen to get them online for those athletes not able to attend on Saturday. Then tomorrow and Friday, Dan and I are lab testing again. Its a little more restful, as we have the athletes coming to Eastbourne rather than us travelling out. Dan is out again on Saturday, testing another new Member Plan recruit. Next week, we both need to spend time looking at the data, writing reports and planning training periodization spreadsheets to circulate. Eleven reports for me to write, so I am hibernating in order to really dot every 'i' and cross every 't' in the process. Its not a restful week, but one I am looking forward to.