I began working with Professional German Triathlete Olaf Sabatschus exactly one week ago. Although I had been hearing about Olaf for several years now from Veronica, I finally met him at the Quelle Challenge in Roth, Germany, a few weeks ago.

Photo by: Veronica Crandall

“Why does he need a coach?” you may be wondering about me, especially after I recently wrote and published a book which promote the merits of being self-coached.

I want to improve. It’s that simple. Yes, I have been quite successful as a self-coached athlete, but I have reached a plateau. In order to incrementally improve, I need to make some changes.

Why Olaf? It’s simple. He’s one of the best Ironman-distance triathletes in the world - a two-time winner of Ironman Brazil and a frequent sub-8:30 finisher. He comes with a strong recommendation from my friend, Veronica, as well. As a father of two young sons, his philosophy centers around quality versus quantity - I have done much quantity this year in cycling but have been lacking in the quality. After speaking with him after the Quelle Challenge, I am confident that he has the knowledge and the coaching skills to help me improve.

It’s only been a week, but so far, so good. I actually like not having to plan out my own workouts but rather just do what I’m told to do. The email and Web interaction between us is frequent and I feel like he is dialed into my fitness level and what I need to do in order to become better.

Time will tell, but I am very confident.

Live life richly and boldly!

David

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David B. Glover
Writer, Athlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net

©2007 David B. Glover