A Holistic Approach to Training with Beyond the Line Head Coach Olivier Baillet - EP016

A Holistic Approach to Training with Beyond the Line Head Coach Olivier Baillet – EP016

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Most of us are looking to build a strong relationship with our coach. We want someone who is accessible, someone who listens and adapts our training program to the constraints of our lives. While you may think that an online coaching program is not conducive to building that kind of rapport, Olivier Baillet of Beyond the Line Coaching leverages technology to both measure performance and establish an open line of communication with his athlete clients. His holistic approach to coaching allows him to design very personal training plans adapted to each individual.

Olivier has been a competitive athlete most of his life; he started squad swimming at the age of seven. He has been a competitive runner for 25 years, and he has 15 years of racing experience as a triathlete, competing in the Ironman World Championship three times. He spent nearly 20 years in the banking industry, training for races while working full-time in risk management. After a mid-life crisis, an investment in a business coach, and a lot of self-reflection, Olivier realized that his strengths lie in teaching – and the idea to start a coaching business began to take shape.

Olivier earned his master’s in sports management and a certification as a Triathlon Development Coach in preparation for the transition from banking to entrepreneurship. Today explains how he tailors training programs for busy executives, his approach to communication in an online coaching model, and the significance of strength training for endurance athletes. Listen and learn how his holistic approach to integrates nutrition and sleep, and what he considers the most rewarding part of his new career.

Topics Covered

[1:02] What inspired Olivier to quit his job in banking and become an online coach

Self-reflection with help of business coach
Realized love of teaching newcomers in role at bank
Father passed, didn’t want to wonder what if?

[5:50] Why Olivier chose to further his education before establishing a coaching business

Wanted time to breathe in transition from corporate world
Choose master’s program with emphasis on entrepreneurship
Allowed teachers, other students to review and reassure as he built online model

[9:20] Olivier’s approach to training for busy executives who travel for work

Appreciate tremendous constraints (can’t control food, sleep, jetlag)
Adapt program during difficult times
Design ideal training program, then adjust to reality
Push to grow, but remain flexible

[13:03] Olivier’s coaching style

Open communication to build relationship (accessibility)
Wants client to enjoy, stay in sport for years to come
Remain flexible and align training with personal contraints

[15:14] How communication works with Olivier’s online coaching model

Send training plan through TrainingPeaks app
Clients have full access via WhatsApp, by phone or Skype
Responds within 12-24 hours
Local clients can meet, have coffee

[17:57] How Olivier leverages technology to measure results and offer feedback

Client uploads data from Garmin, Polar or Suunto
Compares base, distance, heartrate, power meters
Uses TrainingPeaks Performance Management Chart to determine level of fatigue
Designs program to ensure client in optimum shape for race
Looking to add HRV
Employs Joe Friel self-assessment as tool to anticipate illness, prevent injury (incorporates state of mind)

[25:37] How Olivier incorporates recovery into his programs

Some people given freedom to take day off when necessary
Clients with more structured lives have specific days off scheduled
Encourage clients to communicate when tired, struggling

[29:02] How Olivier approaches communication with new clients

Open to differences (some open up right away, others take time)
Allow client to write or talk, depending upon what makes them comfortable

[30:34] The importance of strength training

Includes strength training in personal program once/week
Better to eliminate hour of running, spend at gym
Works with network of personal trainers who understand constraints of endurance training
Encourages body pump, kettle bell classes

[33:29] Olivier’s take on the difference between health and fitness