A good coach can be hard to find, but getting the right one can take you to the next level. Here's how to find the coach for you.
At some point, most endurance athletes consider hiring a professional coach to bring them to the next level. Your rapport with one another can impact your development as much as his or her experience. When the person is right, many athletes say, something just clicks. Whether you want to get to Kona or just place in your age group at your next sprint tri, a coach can be your key to success. Finding the right one for you can be a challenge.

"It's kind of like a job interview," says coach Valerie Ellsworth Gattis, who starts each client relationship with a phone call. A local level II USAT coach, she sends potential clients questionnaires asking about everything from personal goals to injuries and drug history. The initial conversation is also the client's chance to explore the coach's training philosophy, style and resources. The more open they are, the better their chances of finding the right match.

Know yourself first
So where do you start? A great coaching relationship hinges on good communication. Be prepared to ask questions as well as divulge personal information. What kind of time commitment are you seeking? Do you respond better to laid-back types or drill sergeants who will get you out of bed at 6 a.m.?

"It's really hard to look at yourself objectively," says triathlete Emily Cocks, who both competes and coaches through Vision Quest. Once you've hired someone, you should continue to discuss nutrition, life stresses and anything else that can help them get to know you better. A coach needs to know what feels right and what doesn't. The more honest you are, the more you'll get out of it. A good coach will tailor to your needs, both athletically and personally.

Shop around Before making a decision, take the time to look around. An effective training plan is essential, but first decide what kind of background you want. Word of mouth is a good indicator, so ask athletes in your area who they use. Cocks, who started out as a swimmer, chose her first coach because he was a swimmer and made her feel comfortable.

Everyone's needs are different. Some athletes want someone who is USAT certified or working toward certification. When cycling pro Debbie Dust was seeking a coach, she looked for someone with a history of publishing as well as client references. "Many coaches hold a degree in exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiology or some other related area," she adds. "This is a big plus."

Be honest with your coach from the get-go Know your goals, but be realistic about your limitations. Many people are so focused on winning that they're not upfront about work, family or other possible constraints. The workouts are tailored around you, but the coach calls the shots. Gattis has let clients go because they were doing secret trainings or not following the program. Be honest with your coach from the beginning and it will be easier to follow the program since it will be made for your lifestyle.

Consider all the options
Coaching isn't cheap; it can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 a month. Paying less usually means less face time, but many athletes use coaches who they rarely or never see. Ask about the interactive component, whether you can stay in touch via phone, e-mail and software. Training packages are also available online, although they won't be personalized to your specific needs.

There are other ways to advance outside of one-on-one coaching. People who have a harder time motivating themselves might benefit more from small groups. Looking to brush up on your swimming technique? Try joining a US masters swimming class in your area. If you're not sure about the commitment, take advantage of group rides, runs and swims in your community.

Give it time to grow
Finally, be patient. A strong coaching relationship takes a lot of time and experimentation to develop. Even for pros, "[coaches] sometimes need to be more psychiatrists than sports coaches able to write training programs," says Marjan Huizing, who competes internationally in duathlons. "It is worth paying a little more for a good coach that understands your way of life and your athletic abilities. Those coaches are the hardest to find."

Luckily, some coaches will let you observe or sample their program. Like any business, anyone who wants to take your money without getting to know your needs probably isn't worth hiring.

Clare Curley is a health, dance and music writer based in Chicago. Reach her at clarecurley@sbcglobal.net.