Timely and targeted communications are key to a successful coaching relationship. Once the program is in action, data captured during workouts is reviewed and combined with subjective feedback provided by the athlete throughout the week (microcycle). Once a week, a complete progress review is made, and all aspects to the program are adjusted accordingly. Areas of concern are identified and discussed, a plan to address them established. Changes in time availability are also taken into account at this point, as well as other events impacting the ability to follow the activities identified in a given microcycle. The result is a specific sequence of workouts, drills, activation and stretching exercises, as well as a series of dietary guidelines, race nutrition, rest/recovery protocols, guidelines and recommendations uniquely tailored to the athlete’s developmental needs, for that week.
On occasion, coach and athlete need to work together in defining novel approaches to address specific areas of improvement. An open and clear dialog is paramount in assessing the efficacy of a given solution, and in making adjustments along the way.
In certain circumstances, the coach will refer the athlete to obtain a professional opinion in a specific field, in order to address specific areas of improvement.