Joe Friel – an internationally recognized cycling & triathlon coach, author, and co-founder of TrainingPeaks – shared his thoughts on endurance sport coaching in our latest ‘inside the news’ discussion.
With a masters degree in exercise science, Joe has worked with amateur and pro endurance athletes since 1980. He co-founded TrainingPeaks in 1999 with son Dirk Friel and friend Gear Fisher.
These days he is an accomplished author. Some of Joe’s popular books include: Ride Inside, The Triathlete’s Training Bible, The Cyclist’s Training Bible, Fast After 50 and The Power Meter Handbook. He also helps to train coaches on best practice.
In a recent tie-up with USA Cycling and Fast Talk Laboratories, ‘The Craft of Coaching’ offers a range of modules for coaches as an ‘ultimate guide to becoming a better, more successful, and happier coach.’
Joe talked through how The Craft of Coaching is being used by coaches today, and how the program is a long-term project that is continuing to be expanded. He gave his insights on how happy coaches can be successful coaches – putting the athlete first and ensuring that the process leads to happy and successful athletes.
The discussion also touched upon some of the challenges faced by the coaching industry post-pandemic, with a drop in athlete numbers seen as a particular area of concern. Although, perhaps reflecting some underlying positive currents, Joe noted that a residual base of endurance sport athletes appears highly engaged and keen to return to racing.
www.joefrieltraining.com
www.usacycling.org/coaches
www.fasttalklabs.com
www.trainingpeaks.com
