"Interviewing" a Potential Coach

I haven't .... but it is not really that much different than interviewing an employee combined with a first date ........ I know, weird combination, but hopefully you understand that.

You want to find out what sort of training philosophy they have, how they approach training their athletes, what sort of availability they have, how they design their plans, what sort of education/background they have in the sport and such.  And what their expectations of their athletes are ......

To me it really makes no difference if they can rip off a 9 hour Ironman or a 2:30 marathon.  That has nothing to do with how well they can coach and how well they know physiology and sports nutrition.  It just means they are good sthletes themselves.  Some of the best coaches out there are fat and out of shape, but they know how to get the most out of their athletes and have them excel.

The key is to find one that you meld with and that brings out both your strengths and weaknesses to make them better.

What is their education background? Does it enhance their understanding of the sport and coaching?

What is their normal method of communication? Do they have a 24 hour rule on return emails?

Do they work with folks in person? Is that included and is it important to you?

Do they limit contact on some of their lower cost coaching programs?

How does coaching fit into their life? Are they a full time coach? Do they work full time, train as a triathlete and coach on the side to support their tri habit?

What experience do they have coaching? Limit # of folks they coach?
What experience do they have racing?
I personal don't think best athlete makes best coach could may not.

Do you mesh well with the coach, which I think is very important. Part is personalities and part is do they have same vision you do for yourself.

What is their philosophy?

How do they handle changes in your schedule? Will they rewrite your training plan or help move things around without limits or is that limited?

I'd ask for references of folks they have worked with and email or talk to them on the phone.

I've been with my coach this will be my 4th season. In talking/emailing with a few different coaches it was really clear who was the best choice for me and my mind was changed from who I thought I wanted to work with. 

These are some of the things I get I get asked during interviews or info I pass along to potential clients:

What is his/her Triathlon background experience wise, credentials, how long he/she is been coaching (notice - it is NOT important whether he/she is a good athlete or not)

Gordo Byrn wrote a few thoughts on getting the most from your coach.  Good luck.

People have already given you a great list.  Here is the one question that I got which made me really think about before I answered.

What is the reason you coach?

Good luck in finding a coach and don't be afraid to ask tough questions.  Also, ask to see a sample training plan.

Lots of good info so far, a few things that I would ask:

Are there any pieces of training equipment that are required - i.e. powermeter, HRM, GPS, etc

Can you provide some examples from a training plan for the distance?

What level of athlete do you usually (or prefer) to work with?

Are your programs fully personalized?

How do you apply the principles of physiology in your training programs?

Hope this helps, good luck in your search!

Shane

Good luck finding your coach.

I was lucky in that I had heard so many great things about my coach that I really did not have to ask any questions.  On our first call, we mostly talked about what races I was planning on doing and what my expectations were. 

So to me,  above the questions that I would ask a coach, would be talking to other athletes who are coached about their coach.  IMHO, you will learn a lot more going that route.