I wrote the following in response to an athlete who is considering joining Endurance Nation (EN). We both used "the other coach" in previous years, and he wanted my comparison. It's such a ringing endorsement for EN, I thought I'd share it. I have been with EN for a full year now, and my certainty they are the most value-laden, effective training option out there just gets stronger every day.
Dear Athlete,
Happy to answer any questions you have re EN vs. "the other coach." I used "the other coach" for two years. I loved his approach of "strong before long," and the philosophy of lower volume tempered with intensity to maximize ROI in training. I made some gains, and completed my first Ironman in Florida. I'm not a Kona-qualifier level athlete, but I got the job done. I've met "the other coach" a couple of times, and found him to be a great, nice guy.
I had to leave "the other coach" for one very simple reason. The communication from him was so awful, it was almost criminal given the amount of money I was paying. Sometimes a week or more would go by before he would get back to me on a simple question. It just became intolerable. Perhaps he's changed his ways, but I know others who have had similar complaints. Granted, I thought the training was good, but I felt I was always in the dark. Should I be doing this? That? Run how far? Am I making progress? Getting faster? Am I ready? I went into IMFL with little direct evidence that I was prepared apart from time in the saddle.
EN turned everything on its head. When they first started up last September, I "took a chance" on their off-season program. (OS). I knew from "the other coach" that intensity-based training worked, and a strong off-season program was important. What I have gotten from EN is almost indescribable. Now riding with power, I test all the time. Since I started with EN, my power at threshold on the bike has gone up 40 watts! That's a 26% increase. In the OS season alone, I dropped 2' from my 10K PR, and running is my weakest sport.
Coach Rich and Coach Patrick keep saying this EN is for the "self-coached athlete." I think they need to change that! I get more coaching, more direction, more support, and more feedback in a week at EN than I did in two years with "the other coach." The forum will introduce you to athletes of such intelligence and experience, ready to share and advise. Rich and Patrick "drive the bus" overseeing all, posting daily, advising, helping. and correcting. I can't imagine how much service their 1:1 athletes got, if this is what they call "self-coached."
All I can say is that EN not only has gotten me faster, but will send me into IMFL this year with a renewed, solid confidence I thought was long dead. For me, this training not only got the physical in place, but changed my mental outlook to a place that is positive, focused, and a lot tougher. I can assure you, no matter what level athlete you are, this program will test you, and challenge you, push you to your limits and beyond. Hope you give it a go.
The EN Out-Season is starting up in October, November and December. Do it!
