REALISTIC GOALS:  If you're new to the sport then your goal should be to have a memorable and enjoyable first season. If you're looking to PR or qualify for Kona or Boston, you and your coach need to determine if that is a doable goal. A good coach should never promote or encourage unrealistic goals or tell an athlete that they can perform better than a true evaluation of their current development indicates

COMMUNICATION: A coach needs to listen and you need to communicate. Coaching is not "here's your training plan and call me if you have a problem." Continuous and frequent communication is at the heart of the coach/athlete relationship. If your coach has too many clients or has too many restrictions regarding phone calls or E-mails then you may want to look elsewhere.

TRAINING PLAN: The training plans you receive if you are being coached individually should be designed specifically for you. If your coach is using "cookie cutter" or "group" plans and you're not in a group coaching situation, look elsewhere. Your training plan is also a contract between you and your coach. Your coach is responsible for designing a program to meet your goals and you are responsible for accomplishing the program. Periodic reviews need to be accomplished to ensure you are on track toward meeting your goals.

SHOP AROUND: Cost is only one feature of the relationship. There should be good chemistry between you and your coach. Look for a coach that has solid credentials. Not all coach's fit all athletes. If a coach worked well for one of your friends, it doesn't mean he/she will work well for you.

HONESTY: If, after you have worked with your coach, you feel that the arrangement is not working, end it. Further, your coach should let you know that if there are differences in approach that cannot be worked out, he/she should have the option of withdrawing from the relationship as well.