Treat myself more like an elite athlete

One of my resolutions was to make sure that I treated myself more like an elite athlete!  Ok, that hasn't come out quite how I meant it to... what I mean is that as a coach, when should I take a rest day?

Its something that came up a couple of times recently, and is actually really important.  I have spoken with one of my coach mentors, other coaches and professionals... I need to look out for myself better.

As a coach, I am always monitoring when an athlete needs a rest day or a break from their training program, but being as passionate about what I do it is very easy to forget to rest myself.  This is something I am sure other coaches around the world have come across.  Certainly I struggle with making sure I get enough rest.   There are reasons that I struggle to stop:

• When you have athletes racing... you want to know how everyone is doing.
• I want to be there at every session
• I want to respond to emails as quick as possible
• You want to be, at least available, for your athletes if ANYTHING goes wrong
• Ideally I want to be with them at a race - I am part of their triathlon journey
• I care about how they perform
• It can be easier to debrief them post race if you are there with them

I have been accused in the past of 'wearing my heart on my sleeve.'  I do.  That's who I am.  I care about what I do, I care about my athletes and how they perform.  I also have genuine care for their well-being, so if they need picking up from a date, I do.  If they need a lift home, I will.  If they need taking to hospital, I will.  Being a coach does not stop after you have left the pool deck.  It is a 24/7 relationship.  I only want the best for my athletes, for them to enjoy the sport and achieve what they want to achieve.  Sorry, if people don't like that in a coach.  I know that it is one of my strengths (giving a shit)... but I also know it can be one of my weaknesses.  No one is, or ever will be, more critical of me as a coach... than me.

I know, this week I have not been on top form with my coaching... I know why.  So I apologise... I will be better.  But to do that, to be better, stronger, more efficient and effective I have to stick to my New Year's resolution.

So, I am planning to take a regular day off each week - and do something non Triathlon... possibly Golf if anyone fancies a round (did I tell you I once played off a handicap of 16 and then gave it up to be a swimmer - another story!).  I am also planning to switch my phone and computer off at a certain time each night.  In addition I need to make sure that I occasionally take a weekend off.