CheckIn CONFESSIONS OF AN AGE-GROUPER

THE BOSS OF ME
BY HOLLY BENNETT

TAKE GREAT PRIDE in being an independent, capable and self-governing adult. But on occasion I enjoyyes, I even long forthe stern enforcement of someone showing me whos boss. Enter the coach. As athletes we look to coaches to dictate our schedules and training sessions; in fact, we pay them to do so. Were wracked with guilt if we dont follow these plans to the letter. Sometimes we even lie to maintain a faade of perfect compliance. Its about accountability, and a complex tug-of-war between ourselves, our coaches and our screaming quadriceps. Some coaches demand accountability outright. Others have a subtle way of getting under our skin, subconsciously coercing us to tell ourselves what to do. Veteran pro Michellie Jones coached me through my last Ironman race. One summer day, I lounged on my back deck after a long morning ride, wondering how I might weasel out of a prescribed afternoon swim. I texted Michellie, asking whether the dreaded session was really all that important. Her response was brief, yet conveyed volumes: Its a choice.
50 JUNE 2012

Crap. It was my choice to put in the work or sit on my tush. Michellie wasnt strong-arming meI was the one who chose to race an Ironman in the rst placebut she knew what it would take to get me to my goal. Begrudgingly, I dragged myself to the pool, where lo and behold, I had the best swim session of my entire training program. I laughed on the drive home, certain that my coach knew all along which choice I would make. I currently swim with two coaches here in BoulderMonica Byrn and Laura Tingle. Like Michellies one-line motivator, Monicas mantra has a similar eect: Just turn up. Her noon workouts are tough as nails. The rst few months swimming with Coach Monica I had an intense love/hate relationship with my lunch hour. But despite putting us through some badass sessions, Monica is ever encouraging and fun. Ive become markedly faster and much more committed to being there. And if I dare skip a day Im guaranteed to nd a note waiting for me on Facebook: Missed you today. Sure enough, next time Ill turn up. Turning up to a coach who coddles you with humor is another strong

stimulus. Coach Tingle has a way of making her swimmers feel hilariously childlike, not a care in the world except the next 25 meters we must conquer. Anyone have anything they want to share? she asks, once were done warming up. When describing proper nger position for pulling through the water its spoons, not forks. Last weekend Coach Tingle was at the tail end of a head cold. Weve been here an hour now and the only one Ive heard whining is me! she proclaimed. And she occasionally closes her sessions with the exuberant announcement: Im not even tired! Even though Coach Tingle is a good 10 years younger than most everyone in the water, her kindergartenteacher vibe is timeless and never fails to inspire a pool full of smilesplus some super-quick swim times. I halfway expect Kool-Aid and Nilla Wafers to be served on deck post-workout. Whatever style of coach works for youa comedian, a compassionate whip-cracker, a reverse psychologist or even an outright tyrantnd one. Hook up with a mentor who triggers your own internal get-up-and-go. Your swim, bike and run skills are sure to improve.

HUNTER KING