Coach Julie Dibens with one of her professional athletes, Ironman champion Matt Hanson

Coaching

Coaching endurance athletes is an art, a science, and a craft.

We offer this selection of coaching-related articles, videos, workshops, and guides to help coaches begin to explore the support available for coaches through Fast Talk Labs.

Contact us with your questions, clarifications, or requests at coaches@fasttalklabs.com.

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2022 USA Cycling Coaching Summit video recording

2022 USA Cycling Coaching Summit

Watch recordings of the 2022 USA Cycling Coaching Summit featuring Brendan Quirk, Jim Miller, Trevor Connor, and Joe Friel.

The History of Endurance Coaching with Joe Friel

The History of Endurance Sports Coaching with Joe Friel

Legendary coach and endurance sports author Joe Friel sits down with us to discuss the history of coaching and his role in that history, from being one of the first freelance coaches to publishing his ground-breaking book The Cyclist’s Training Bible.

The Good Coach

What Makes a Good Coach?

With perspective from over 40 years of coaching experience, Joe Friel shares his detailed list of qualities that make a good coach.

Ashton Lambie wins individual pursuit world title

What Makes a Successful Coach?

Joe Friel details the attributes and skills it takes to be a successful coach—and produce successful athletes.

Coaching Expertise

Assess Your Coaching Expertise

Joe Friel introduces the eight skill sets and knowledge bases he believes are critical for becoming an effective coach.

People Skills

Improve Your Interpersonal Skills

Joe Friel explains why people skills are the most important talent required to become an effective and successful coach, and how to improve them.

Analytical Skills

Extend Your Analytical Skills

Joe Friel details the ways in which coaches can identify strengths and weaknesses in movement patterns, motivation, and training execution.

Planning Skills

Develop Your Planning Skills

Joe Friel explores the development of annual training plans, short-term plans, and matters beyond sport-specific workouts.

Teaching Skills

Hone Your Teaching Skills

Joe Friel explains the keys to becoming both a good coach and teacher, and taking ownership in an athlete’s progress.

Sport Science Knowledge

Expand Your Sport Science Knowledge

Joe Friel explains the importance of having a broad understanding of exercise physiology, psychology, nutrition, and other science fields.

Technological Knowledge

Upgrade Your Gear & Tech Knowledge

Joe Friel describes the evolution of sports tech, explains how to keep up with new advancements, and offers tips on improving technological knowledge.

Business Knowledge

Build Your Business Knowledge

Joe Friel explores one of the major stumbling blocks for coaches: creating and maintaining a profitable business.

A USA Cycling mountain biking coach works with a Team USA athlete cyclist at the 2018 UCI MTB World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.

2 // The How and Why of Coaching

Coaches often focus on methodology over philosophy. Your own path to coaching shapes both, and Joe Friel shows why it matters.

cycling coach encourages a racer at a track cycling race

Why Do You Coach?

By understanding the people and events that shape you as a coach, you will be more aware of who you influence and how.