In the world of triathlon coaching, there is an obvious range of attitudes and approaches that lead to very different coaching styles within the sport. Of course, the one thing these differing approaches have in common, wherever they sit on the spectrum, is the ultimate goal of performance for any given athlete.
This may sound contradictory—that such differing techniques can both lead to success and performance—but hey, Google Maps always gives you more than one route to reach your destination depending on your preferences: no motorway, toll-free, via scenic route, etc. Coaching works the same way—each ‘school’ knows the destination but uses different mechanisms and routes to get there, ideally tailored to what each athlete actually needs.
At Nebula Triathlon, we wholeheartedly embrace this concept. With a diverse coaching team made up of four passionate coaches, each with a unique approach, we pride ourselves on offering a spectrum of coaching styles to suit a wide range of athletes. Our methods span from data-driven scientific strategies to intuitive, feel-based philosophies. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all coaching; instead, we meet each athlete where they are, adapting our methods to suit both their physical capabilities and their lifestyle needs.
To understand how the ultimate goal is attained despite differing journeys, it’s important to analyse each approach and explore the key differences. As mentioned above, there is a spectrum to coaching, which lies between two broad extremes: the Scientist and the Practical Scientist.
The Scientist
This coaching approach is heavily reliant on technology—power meters, heart rate monitors, running metrics, and other data-driven tools. It is grounded in research and scientific formulas that predict success: X can be achieved through the application of Y and Z. This method can be methodical and highly structured, which is a clear benefit for some.
However, athletes are not machines—they are human. And with that humanity comes a range of variables that cannot always be accounted for in a formula. Stress, recovery, emotional wellbeing, and life pressures can all affect performance and render even the most “perfect” training plan ineffective if not acknowledged.
That said, the scientific approach does not have to be rigid. At Nebula, our coaches with a science background are also skilled at integrating human understanding into their frameworks. They use data to inform their plans, but they don’t let it override the athlete’s lived experience. This blend of metrics and mindfulness ensures a flexible, evolving plan that grows with the athlete.
The Practical Scientist
On the other end of the spectrum is the coach who champions intuition and body awareness. This approach might be considered more “old school” or gadget-free, with a deep emphasis on how the athlete feels rather than what the numbers say. The “feel it” method encourages athletes to listen to their bodies—hard feels hard, and easy feels easy, regardless of what the watch says.
This coaching style centers the human variable, fostering resilience, confidence, and adaptability. It’s especially valuable when unknown race-day variables come into play. Because there’s no pressure to hit precise targets, perceived failures are minimized, and the athlete remains engaged and positive.
That said, tracking progress across the three triathlon disciplines without any data can be challenging. The practical scientist might argue that racing is the best test of performance. But at Nebula, even coaches who lean into this intuitive style are open to a hybrid approach—incorporating periodic testing and using metrics as a review tool, not as a dictator of effort. This way, we maintain awareness without losing the emotional and physical intelligence that drives long-term success.
In Summary
As demonstrated, each coaching “school” is unique and valid, with the right approach depending entirely on the individual athlete. Most effective coaching, especially at Nebula Triathlon, lands somewhere in the middle—balancing evidence-based science with athlete-specific adaptability.
From elite racers to weekend warriors, it’s important to recognise your current needs—balancing evidence-based science with athlete-specific adaptability.
From elite racers to weekend warriors, it’s important to recognise your current needs—be they physical, emotional, or mental—and work with a coach whose philosophy aligns with your goals. And remember, just like your training, the right approach can evolve. As both people and science change, so too can the map to your personal best.