Which Will Be Best For Me: Training Plan or Coaching?

Are you looking for a training plan that will provide structure or a training plan that fits your life? Or do you want to work with a coach who will steer you towards a specific goal?

What is a training plan?

A training plan is a structured way of improving your fitness, speed and endurance on the bike. It usually consists of different types of rides and workouts, should match your goals, abilities and schedule, and help you avoid overtraining or injury.

A training plan can be pre-built or customised.

Both pre-built and custom plans include physiological elements - overload, progression, recovery, and specificity.

The physiological elements in a pre-built plan are generalised. The plan has a set period and targets a cycling discipline, performance ability or event. By definition a pre-built training plan is designed by a coach and is often available for different levels of ability, making them accessible and effective for a wide range of cyclists.

The physiological elements in a custom plan are individualised (data collection via a training questionnaire). The plan is designed specifically for you. By definition a custom plan involves creating something from scratch according to an individual's specific requirements and preferences.

With either one, you self-manage and follow it independently without providing input and feedback.

Advantages of a training plan -

A custom training plan is more affordable than one-on-one coaching.
A pre-built training plan is the most cost-effective solution to structured training.
If the plan matches your abilities or goal, and if you train consistently within the guidelines and tick off 80% (or more) of the planned workouts, then a training plan will bring improvements you seek.

Disadvantages of training plan -

No accountability.
No athlete-coach communication.
No training analyses, monitoring, feedback and course correction.
In most cases, there is a fee for amending the training plan.

A training plan is an excellent option for a cyclist who -

During certain weather seasons or training phases may only need minimal coaching guidance or no coaching guidance.
Is doing an event for first time.
Needs an introduction to structured training.
Is a beginner and can benefit from a structured plan that gradually increases their fitness and helps them avoid injury.
Has a reasonably consistent family, life and work schedule.
Is experienced, has trained more, is more aware of the training process and can self-manage.

From the coach...

Raf here, the above disadvantages are the norm. However, RIDEANDRACE custom and pre-built training plans are slightly different.

Custom plans includes a supportive environment maintained via email or WhatsApp text, along with monitoring of your training status, and coach-initiated check-ins when needed. Communication is athlete/rider initiated, please reach out if you need guidance or clarification regarding the training plan or your goals. TrainingPeaks Athlete-Coach connection is required, and subjective feedback using RPE and emojis is encouraged. If you leave a comment, I will review it, assess your session data, and respond if necessary.

Pre-built plans includes a supportive environment via email. Communication is athlete/rider initiated, please reach out if you need guidance or clarification regarding the training plan or your goals. Please note that I do not actively monitor your training progress if you opt for the pre-built plan; however, if you provide your email address when purchasing a RIDEANDRACE plan from TrainingPeaks, you can expect occasional check-ins from me. Additionally, a direct purchase from RIDEANDRACE includes a one-time amendment or tailoring of your plan, which involves minor adjustments to better align the pre-built plan with your energy expenditure and schedule.

Please be aware that I typically do not make ongoing adjustments to training plans. However, I understand that life can bring unexpected changes, and I want to support you during those times because your well-being and goals are important to me. I will update a custom or pre-built training plan only once if you experience an unforeseen schedule change or illness. I'm here to assist you throughout the training process, but any additional changes needed after that initial update will incur a fee.

What is coaching?

Coaching is an opportunity to work with someone who is certified and a specialist in their sport and who will be able to provide guidance, feedback and support to help ensure that you reach your target.

Many believe a coach or coaching program is only for professional athletes. However, this is not true. No matter the size of your realistic goal, a good coach will tailor their approach to fit your abilities, schedule, family life, and work commitments.

Advantages of coaching -

Removes the guesswork; there are many components and lots of behind-the-scenes thinking and planning involved in preparing for your goal, and a coach all of the above for you.
Provide accountability; there is nothing more effective than a coach. Knowing that someone checks if you missed or shortened a session will keep you accountable.
Support and maintain motivation; having someone in your corner who believes in you and your goal can make all the difference. A coach encourages you through training and even through the difficult days, keeping you on track to reach your goals.
Regular analysis and monitoring of training progress and making necessary adjustments. Athlete-coach communication for guidance and feedback.

Disadvantages of coaching -

Coaching can be a premium service, which might not be feasible for everyone.
Possibility of frustration and lack of progress if the coach and athlete is mismatched. This can be avoided if the coach adapts their approach to better suit the athlete. However, the athlete also needs to be flexible or open to changing their approach.

Coaching is an excellent option for a cyclist who -

Requires regular guidance and support to reach their cycling goal.
Has a cycling goal that require a higher level of attention and dedication.
Encounter various obstacles and challenges during their training, such as sickness, injury, or difficulties in work and personal life.
Has limited time for training and can benefit from a coach's ability to create efficient, effective training that maximize their available time.
Is advancing to a higher level of competition and can benefit from personalised training, performance analysis, and strategic advice.