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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How to Protect Your Time

Managing athletes requires time management skills. Coach Ryan Bolton balances the needs of his pro athletes, age groupers, and a team of coaches. He talks with Joe Friel about his screening process and the groundwork that goes into a positive athlete-coach relationship.

The Secret to Retaining Athletes

Client retention comes down to two things: 1) the athlete’s longevity in the sport, and 2) the coach’s ability to evolve with the athlete over time.

Illustrated headshot of Joe Friel

What Was It Like to Be Coached by Joe Friel?

Ryan Bolton was coached by Joe Friel for the duration of his career as a pro triathlete. He reflects on what made that relationship work and the lessons he took from it in establishing his own coaching business.

How coaches can expand the services they offer to athletes

Expanding Your Coaching Services

More coaches are seeking partnerships with outside experts to better meet the needs of their athletes. Find out how these partnerships work best, giving even the “maverick” coach a competitive advantage.

The Value of Business Services

Many coaches are happy to focus their energy on coaching, not running a business. Some coaches choose to outsource specific tasks through business services.

Sports Psychology for Cyclists Pathway from Fast Talk Laboratories

Sport Psychology Pathway

The very best athletes are as strong mentally as they are physically. In the Sport Psychology Pathway from Fast Talk Labs, we explore how to build mental skills with experts like Dr. Simon Marshall, Julie Emmerman, Grant Holicky, Lesley Paterson, and Julie Young.

Endurance coach Philip Hatzis speaks with other coaches at an endurance sports coaching conference.

4 // The Business of Coaching

Find out how successful coaches navigated the challenges of getting started, becoming profitable, marketing for growth, and building a team into long-lasting businesses.

Coach Philip Hatzis coaching an athlete

Different Business Models for Coaching

Joe Friel explores the pros and cons of different options available to coaches, both online or face-to-face. Consider the quality of the service you deliver, the time investment, what it’s worth, and the level of expertise required.

Coach Philip Hatzis reviews a plan with another Tri Training Harder Coach

Build a Solid Platform for Growth

Coach Philip Hatzis is in the business of positioning coaches for growth, both professionally and financially. He describes the mindset that every coach needs to embrace before they can effectively grow their business.

Coach Philip Hatzis of Tri Training Harder

Coach Philip Hatzis: From Training Camps to Training Coaches

When and why did you start a coaching business?   I started the business in 2010 while at university. Initially, I was all set to go into the Army. However, Tri Training Harder took over. A couple of friends and I set up the business to get some work experience as we needed a summer internship […]

Title card for Making Money as a Coach

Making Money as a Coach

Gordo Byrn used his racing career to build a coaching business. It started as a side gig to cover his racing habit, but, like many coaches, eventually he had to figure out how to turn a profit . . . and fast. Coming from the world of finance, Gordo brings a unique perspective to the business of coaching.

Coach Gordo Byrn on a trail in the Grand Canyon

Finding the Value of Your Time

Your billable rate is a key metric that will inform nearly every decision that you need to make in running a business. Gordo Byrn applied the same approach he took with his financial consulting business to his coaching business.