Should I find a new coach?

Generally, when it gets to the point that you are asking for input on a public forum, you have reached the point where, justified or not, you need to start looking for someone you trust in.

Yes, feedback as well as help in understanding training with power was to be included. I could buy a plan myself if that's what I wanted.

I've had 3 coaches in my limited time as a triathlete. The first was terrible, mainly b/c of poor communication. The second was a solid coach with good communication but he wasn't as into the toys as I am (power meters, training peaks, etc). I finished out last year with him and had no regrets. I had actually settled on not having a coach for this season when I struck up a conversation with a guy about swim technique, which turned into having a coach. I receive feedback from just about every training session and we talk (text) almost everyday. In fact, we both commented that it's strange when we go a few days without hearing from each other. I consider myself fortunate in that he might be my coach, but he's also quickly turned into a good friend, hence the constant communication.

Yes! You are wasting your money on a coach. Are you telling me you cannot go to www.google.com and do a search for free triathlon training plans?

Unless you are a top level elite or doping, there is absolutely zero sense in giving someone else your hard earned money when you can do the same thing for free.

It's amazing what triathletes waste their money on!

That's a little better than most of your other efforts. I give it a 3/10. ;-)

If feedback was part of the agreement, and you're consistently receiving little to none, then it might be time to look for a new coach! It depends on how necessary you feel the feedback is, and how much added value you think the plan the coach gives you has beyond what you could find online by yourself. If the plan is working, and you really would just like the feedback as a sort of, "Good job!" (I'll be honest--sometimes I do. I train pretty much 100% solo and am one of the only triathletes locally; sometimes after a tough breakthrough workout I need a little pat on the back from someone who knows what I went through!), then I might stick out the season for the sake of consistency, talk with the coach about your issues with him/her, and make a decision later. If the plan isn't really working for you, then you'd probably be better off (and save $) using an appropriate plan like those on BT or elsewhere. Most of those are made by professional coaches and you can modify them as needed to fit your schedule and needs.

I've struggled with the coach/no coach issue for years myself. Right now (have an online coach) I feel like I am getting added value--I can see that the plans are adjusted to my strengths/weaknesses, goals, and race schedule, though feedback isn't always as timely, consistent, or detailed as I would like. Coaches do usually have multiple athletes, families, and sometimes their own athletic careers on the plate as well. If it's just a particular day or a weekend with no response, maybe they were at another athlete's A race, dealing with a needier athlete, or racing themselves. Or sick, dealing with sick kids or a family crisis, or something. I would cut a little slack for occasional lapses, but, considering you are paying them for feedback (if that was part of the arrangement) not too much.

It all comes down to what you paid for and what the expectations are up front. If the coach isn't meeting the agreement you made up front, then maybe it's time to move on. If it's just a miscommunication between you and the coach, this can be fixed with a conversation.

If you decide that maybe a new coach is in store, please send me a message. I coach a lot of athletes online and can do it at a reasonable price point for you.

Good luck

Trolling? haha
I'm not convinced. I can see why someone would want one. I have never had one. I'm doing sprints and hope to train for bigger ones soon but a coach could have saved some embarrassment not to mention many other reasons for one.

Did he give you a truckers hat yet. Oh wait wrong forum.

No not too late at all.

A coach can help assess the training you've done, confirm your training paces & strategies, and like Don said, contribute to upcoming race opportunities and training. At this point, you may just want to consutl with a coach for an hour who will review your training peaks data and give you feedback (anything is better than nothing) and just let the plan run for the next 4 weeks...then resume on your own or with a new coach afterwards.

Also if for no other reason than to give the coach an opportunity to improve, tell him/her why you are leaving if that's what you decide.

I wouldn't spend anymore money on what you are getting.

I like how he says you need a coach if your doping!!! I guess he needs someone else to stick the needle in his a$$.