Paul Jones talks GO TRI Active sessions and coaching during lockdown
Paul Jones is the coach of fully booked GO TRI Active sessions in Northumberland that aim to introduce swim, bike and running skills to beginners as well as developing individual’s confidence and enabling more people to enjoy triathlon.
The GO TRI Active sessions are a series of skills-based sessions delivered locally, including bike skills (cornering, gear changing, braking etc), transition practice (running with a bike, mounts, dismounts), run drills and an introduction to run training.
“It’s really exciting to have these sessions fully booked. I think it shows how eager everyone is to get back into endurance sport. Triathlon is a lifestyle sport, so in many ways athletes have had their lifestyle taken away from them,” said Jones,
“The good news with all the cycling and running we have been able to do, is that athletes are keen to put all that training into an event. Events are starting to happen now and this will only continue to develop in the coming months. My top tip is to get yourself entered, events are filling up fast.”
Reflecting on the role that the pandemic has played in altering how the sport has been delivered over the last year, Jones said: “The pandemic has been brutal on everyone involved in the sport of triathlon. However, as a coach, it has been important to stay positive and keep athletes motivated.
“I have had to work with many athletes altering their mindset and rather than think about an event to train for, it’s been about providing structure to the day and accepting this is still part of the triathlon journey. It has been challenging though, especially through winter.”
Adapting to the new online nature of coaching, Jones began online sessions creating a way to engage with people in a group environment remotely. He also created turbo, stretch chord and strength sessions which were delivered online.
“With athletes unable to attend group sessions I also set up Q&A sessions aimed at specific topics, for example, swim technique, run drills, race day nutrition and transitions, for the athletes to engage with, which worked really well,” said Jones.
“Finally, I also delivered a motivational evening where Steve Trew came and did an interview, he was awesome, and we had a cook-a-long with SwimBakeRun where we made Chicken Tikka Masala.”
Jones also created a new podcast, PK Triathlon, with Kate Charlton, connecting with people across the sport, saying: “This has provided opportunities to talk to people that would never have been possible without lockdown. It has provided the chance to speak to my coaching and triathlon heroes, Mark Allen, Dave Scott, Jonathon Riall, Jem Lawson, Craig Alexander, Steve Trew and Joel Filliol to name a few.”
When reflecting on what he’s learnt over the past twelve months and what advice he would give other coaches, Jones said: “Be adaptable. This is for the athletes you coach as well as yourself. For example, public swims at the moment vary in length and how many people are in the lane. So rather than being rigid with the swim session your coach has set, use it as a guide. Be courteous to and aware of other lane users. If necessary, adapt your session. Take an extra 5 second rest before pushing off, change to 100s to 200s if that works better.
“Look after yourself. Engage with other coaches. As coaches you can often be left on your own – it is our lifestyle too. You have to stay positive, motivate athletes and be aware of their wellbeing, but we as coaches have to look after ourselves too. Talking to people makes a huge difference to our mental wellbeing.
“My door is open to other coaches. I am also keen to develop partnerships with coaches and mentor coaches, sharing knowledge as these in turn create opportunities.”
