How To Build A Valuable Coach-Athlete Relationship with Dominic Guinto, CTS Athlete Services Director (2022) | KoopCast Episode #189
Jul 21, 2023
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Dominic Guinto, the Director of Athlete Services for CTS, brings extensive experience in matching athletes with the right coaches. He emphasizes the importance of understanding individual athlete needs and the value of effective communication in building strong coach-athlete relationships. The discussion also touches on evolving training methods, like gravel biking and strength training. Guinto advocates for a personalized approach to coaching, focusing on trust and mentorship to enhance athletes' performance and overall experience.
Choosing the right coach enhances ultra running performance, as their qualifications and interpersonal skills greatly impact athlete motivation and belief.
The evolving athlete demographic emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt training plans to accommodate diverse sports backgrounds and preferences.
The growing recognition of strength training among ultra runners necessitates coaches to integrate strength strategies into personalized training regimens for holistic development.
Deep dives
The Importance of Finding the Right Coach
Choosing the right coach is essential for athletes looking to improve their ultra running performance. A professional coach can offer tailored guidance, helping athletes navigate their unique challenges and training needs. Athletes should not only focus on a coach's qualifications but also consider their experience in ultra running and their ability to foster a supportive coach-athlete relationship. This interpersonal connection significantly affects athletes' motivation and belief in their training, making the choice of coach a crucial decision.
The Evolving Landscape of Athletes
The athlete demographic is changing, with many individuals participating in multiple sports rather than focusing on a single discipline. A significant portion of ultra runners are now incorporating gravel biking as a secondary sport, illustrating a desire for variety in training while combining recovery with fitness. This trend highlights the importance of coaches understanding diverse athletic backgrounds and being able to customize training plans accordingly. The shift points to a more holistic approach to fitness, revealing how coaches can adapt to a wider range of athlete needs.
The Role of Strength Training
There is an increasing demand among ultra runners for strength training strategies to complement their endurance workouts. Athletes are beginning to recognize the importance of building strength for overall performance, injury prevention, and recovery. Coaches are now tasked with integrating strength training into ultra running programs, ensuring athletes maintain balance in their training routines. As more influencers embrace strength training, this trend in the ultra running community is likely to continue growing.
Navigating Coaching Challenges
Many athletes are becoming more discerning regarding coaching styles and effectiveness, leading to conversations about how to evaluate their current coaching situations. Some athletes experience dissatisfaction when they realize they are receiving a one-size-fits-all coaching plan that does not address their specific needs. This has emphasized the importance of individualized coaching, where plans must be tailored to the unique circumstances of each athlete. Coaches who rely solely on templates may fail to meet athlete expectations and can lose athlete trust, highlighting the necessity for personalization in coaching.
The Value of Consultation and Communication
Engaging in consultations with coaches before committing to a coaching relationship has proven invaluable for athletes seeking the right fit. These consultations allow athletes to communicate their goals and expectations while assessing the coach's approach and understanding. Such interactions provide insights into the coach's expertise and mentorship capabilities, setting the stage for a successful partnership. Ultimately, thorough communication and transparency during this process can lead to better decision-making and long-term success in an athlete's training journey.
(2022 Re-Release) Dominic Guinto is the Director of Athlete Services for CTS. His role is dedicated to finding the right solution for endurance athletes across the world.
Episode highlights:
(28:00) The best athlete feedback: why do you want a coach, expectations
(34:05) Long term athlete-coach relationships: finding a coach that the athlete believes in
(1:00:40) Coach mentorship: the importance of collective experience in professional development