Got Mud?

A number of readers have asked for some more "About Me" material. So here goes:

I am not a professional triathlete or trainer. I'm pretty new to the sport, actually, having run a few marathons and completed several sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. This year, I've signed on for two Ironman 70.3 races (Oceanside & Honu), and Ironman Switzerland this July. I gather I have the right mixture of athleticism, craziness and stupidity to put these events on my calendar for 2008.

I expect my Iron(wo)man career to be brief - nay, I want to be a one-hit-wonder. But I want to do it right. I don't want to take my coveted spot at the sold-out starting line, only to flail around and struggle for 15+ hours and cross the finish on a gurney. I want to do this right - ergo, I got MUDDY.

Coach Muddy, to be precise. My buddy, muddy, as he humbly calls himself, has brought several athletes to the ITU World Championships in the past several years. He's plugged in with the best of 'em - from Lavelle to Lieto, Muddy Waters is 1 part coach, 10 parts friend to many in the triathlon nation.

Looking for coach to help you reach your full potential this triathlon season? GET YOUR OWN MUD! Just kidding. I know we can't keep him all to myself - he's just too lovable a guy. But here are some tips from the pros on how to select the right coach for you:

Full Article: [Courtesy of Dave Scott, Triathlete Magazine]

1. A combination of education and experience.
2. An understanding of the fundamentals of workload.
3. An ability to cross-reference key training indicators such as speed, heart rate, watts and perceived exertion.
4. The ability to design a program for the full training year (periodization, micro-cycles, rest, etc.).
5. An attention to the details of your training and the astuteness to recognize when it's time to make changes (e.g., to recognize symptoms of over-reaching/training or mental burnout, etc.).
6. An understanding of the biomechanics of swimming, cycling and running and the ability to prescribe drills and exercises to effect corrective changes.
7. The knowledge of the principles of endurance nutrition and supplementation and the ability to prescribe a fueling plan that is tailored to you.
8. Any advice and guidance for your individual race-day tactics.
9. Excellent communication skills.
10. A motivating personality that fits you.