Sunday, January 24, 2010

A potential waste of education.


I registered to take the USAT Level 1 coaching class scheduled for this April in Baltimore, MD. I hope this 2.5 day lecture based class will provide me with a foundation of knowledge so that I can understand the training process better.

This isn't an inexpensive class. In addition to the tuition and burning a weekend, I have to drive down to Baltimore (about a 4 hour drive) and stay in a local hotel. I have to get a background check done to make sure I am not an ax murderer or the like and after the class I have to complete the final exam and send it in.

In a past life I was one of the cycling coaches for the local Team in Training chapter. Besides learning how to ride slow and for a long time, I learned how to get newbies to the point where they could successfully complete a Century. I still occasionally ride with the team but I haven't coached officially in a while.

So, why take this class at all? Gunna to put your shingle out and become "Coach Rock Star Tri?" The short answer is most likely not.

I don't expect that I can dedicate the time necessary to become the type of coach I would be proud to be but I do expect that I will learn something that will help me in my own athletic adventures. If I could help others from time to time, great, but that isn't the focus. A little bit of knowledge could make me dangerous and I hope this doesn't turn into a complete waste of education (sort of like my MBA).

8 comments:

Amazon Runner said...

Education is never wasted. Enjoy the weekend away and good luck on the test when you take it.

Big Clyde said...

I agree with Amazon...you'll pick up something new and it could be very impactful.

Pass on some tips to us new guys, okay?

Vickie said...

You never know where this will lead. Sometimes things have a way of presenting themselves after you've already forgotten about them or given up on them. Just be ready when the time comes.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I agree with you, a little knowledge can make you dangerous. I see it as well worth it.

Jess said...

I hope you pick up some great things that you can apply to your own training. If you can use it to train others, great, if it's not the end of the world.

Al's CL Reviews said...

A little education, plus you get to be in Baltimore. I love that town.

Carolina John said...

that sounds like one of the "you can't have too much education" excuses. i like it! and these days you can't have too many things to fall back on. if you can pick up a few coaching clients on the side go for it.

btw, my word verification today is train. you never see those things make real words, much less tri-related words.

Manderz said...

oh wow!! that sounds awesome!