Coaching 2023 in review
What a year! Also 5ish years of coaching as Trail Run West Midlands.
This year I have learnt adaptability, and reflection. I have had to. It’s been tough, in a world of uncertainty, and my wife Becca has been a rock!
A number of things have been a challenge in 2023, which as a coach can be difficult to reflect on - especially when you think the product you have, works! Also the introduction of Artificial Intelligence initially worries a coach. However, as you get more understanding, now is the time to embrace it, and my aim is to do that. It’s in our world now and we have to learn how it can work for us, not us work against it!
What have I learnt?
Managing my time better, and the number of athletes I coach, coupled with a full time job that includes shift work, a family with our gorgeous 3 year old. I have realised my number that I can dedicate what I believe to be the best time to coach without feeling stressed and provide the best service, and I now have the services of a new coach Leah, who I mentored and continue to mentor as she develops, so we can provide a more diverse coaching experience.
To attempt new things. In late 2022 I came up with a radical idea to provide a trail running training camp like no other, aimed at all runners, to provide a practical and theoretical learning experience, covering all aspects I wish I was able to learn when I was a runner. Two camps later and we are planning a further 2 in 2024.
HIIT and Run was declining in numbers. I needed something new; extraordinary and to provide an adventure. HIIT the Trails was born, with the concept of a transformation, something I learned from head coach of Strength and conditioning education Brendan Chaplin.
To listen to the ideas of others! My amazing wife Becca Roberts-Gawen has been my rock, supporter and advisor, and encouraged me to embrace AI, a work in progress but for all coaches this is a must!
Refresh my website. I created the original, but it wasn’t getting the interaction I desired. I want to be able to present my services and sell an amazing product, and that needs reflecting from not just the service but the first thing people see. Ascent Media Solutions who do the website for ITRA, Vaga, and The Adventure Running Company to name a few, kindly took me on and have created a fantastic website that is easy to navigate and pleasing on the eye.
So by the end of 2023 where are we now, two coaches and more to offer in 2024, 1:1 coaching with more capacity, group sessions with HIIT the Trails, Training camps, and Run performance analysis.
New to come, themed guided runs taking in the history of the local area (Becca has been nagging me to do this for ages), and Poles sessions.
Firstly, the National Running Show Awards as finalist for ‘Coach of the Year’. What a surprise that was. Now I can’t imagine how amazing it would be if I was lucky enough to win, but to be nominated has been fantastic and has allowed me to realise that those I coach, actually value me and the coaching I do. Thank you all.
I will also be available to coach youths! Now qualified, and with my daughter and my motivation, I would like to develop my services so I can help youths enjoy and become healthy, strong individuals for what ever sport they want to play.
Watch this space.