Coaching the Committed vs the Curious Athlete

Two Paths, One Passion

Every athlete’s journey is unique, but as a coach I often see two broad mindsets emerge: the committed athlete and the curious athlete. Picture this: one triathlete wakes up at 5 AM, rain or shine, ticking off a training session because it’s just what they do. Another athlete signs up for a triathlon on a whim, eager to experience the challenge but juggling training around life’s many adventures. Both individuals love their sport – yet their approaches could not be more different. Understanding whether you’re more of a “committed” or “curious” athlete can shed light on your motivations, your training habits, and how coaching can best support you.

The Committed Athlete: All-In and Unstoppable

What do we mean by a “committed” athlete? In simple terms, this is the athlete who is all-in. They’ve moved past mere interest or dabbling – they have a burning dedication to their goals. When you’re merely interested, you do what’s convenient; when you’re committed, you do whatever it takes. Committed athletes exemplify this difference every day in their behaviour.

Defining Traits: A committed athlete tends to set clear goals (e.g. “finish my first Ironman under 12 hours” or “qualify for the Boston Marathon”) and then crafts their life around achieving them. Sports psychologists note that commitment often shows up in the little things that many others overlook. For example, truly committed athletes will make detailed training plans, focus on the process (not just the outcome), work on their weaknesses, prioritise nutrition and sleep, and keep going even when training gets tiring, painful, boring, or monotonous. They consistently do what most other athletes won’t do.

Anecdote – Alex, the Laser-Focused Triathlete: Let me introduce an athlete I’ll call Alex. Alex is the epitome of a committed triathlete. He had set an ambitious goal to shave 30 minutes off his Ironman personal best, and every action in his day was geared toward that target. Early morning swims, lunchtime runs, strength work in the evenings – he rarely missed a session. If a workout had to be moved because life intervened, Alex would reschedule it rather than skip it. He recorded how he felt, what he ate, and how he slept each day. On paper, athletes like Alex seem like a coach’s dream – driven, disciplined, and ultra-consistent. His dedication paid off in strong fitness gains. But coaching a highly committed athlete isn’t just about feeding their fire – it’s also about channelling it constructively.

Psychological Drive: Many committed athletes carry a deep internal motivation, often fuelled by a strong sense of identity tied to the sport. They might see themselves as a triathlete, through and through, and training becomes a non-negotiable part of who they are. This drive can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it leads them to embrace hardships – they’ll do that extra rep, endure the long miles, embrace the grind with a smile. Studies on athletic commitment show that genuinely committed athletes internalise the importance of these habits – they do the hard things not because a coach or plan tells them, but because they personally believe it’s essential for reaching their goals. On the other hand, the committed mindset can sometimes tip into an unhealthy territory if not kept in balance. Some athletes become perfectionistic or obsessive, feeling like they must prove themselves through constant hard work. In fact, at Sense Endurance we often talk about the difference between “secure” and “insecure” drive. A securely committed athlete has confidence and balance – they work hard but their self-worth isn’t only defined by sport. An insecurely driven athlete pushes from a place of anxiety or the need to validate themselves, which can lead to burnout or injury (Secure and Insecure Strivers - Sense Endurance Coaching). As a coach, recognising this nuance is key.

In summary, the committed athlete is passionate and persevering. They thrive on structure, have a laser focus on their objectives, and willingly make sacrifices for their sport. They are the ones who never forget to do the little things.

Next, let’s meet their counterpart: the equally passionate but very different curious athlete.

The Curious Athlete: Passion for Exploration and Growth

Not every athlete marches forward with a singular focus and rigid plan. Some are drawn to sport by an adventurous spirit and a love of discovery. These are the curious athletes – the ones motivated by exploration, learning, and the pure experience of athleticism.

Defining Traits: A curious athlete is often characterised by a broad, intrinsic love for being active rather than a narrow fixation on specific goals. They might hop between different races or sports, try new training methods for the fun of it, and value variety to keep things interesting. Importantly, curiosity does not mean lack of passion – it’s just a different expression of passion. Many curious athletes are highly internally driven; they simply don’t always channel that drive into strict goal-setting. These athletes can improve and achieve through an organic, flexible approach. They often prefer to let natural curiosity drive their growth rather than adhering to a rigid programme, finding joy in the journey itself.

Anecdote – Brenda, the Explorer: Consider an athlete I’ll call Brenda. Brenda started out as someone who just “wanted to see what triathlon is all about.” She didn’t come to me with lofty race goals or time targets; rather, she said, “I want to try a bit of everything – maybe do a marathon, an off-road triathlon, and a multi-day cycling tour, and see what I enjoy the most.” Her training weeks were a kaleidoscope: some weeks she’d join group rides with friends, other weeks she’d skip a long run to go hiking with her family. At first, this made the coach in me a tad uneasy – after all, conventional wisdom says consistency and clear goals are required for progress. But Brenda was never aiming for the podium; she was seeking personal growth and fun in the process. Over time, we found a rhythm that worked for her: a loose structure that left room for spontaneity. If she felt like swapping a swim for a kayaking day, we flowed with it. The result? She completed her first marathon and triathlon with a huge smile on her face, and immediately wanted to explore what else she could do. For Brenda, the experience and learning mattered more than the finish time. Her curiosity kept her engaged and open-minded, and indeed she improved steadily – almost without realising it – simply because she was consistently doing something active and enjoying it.

Psychological Drive: Curious athletes are often fuelled by intrinsic motivation – they participate for the love of the sport, the social aspects, or the challenge of learning new skills, rather than external rewards. They tend to ask “why” a lot: “Why are we doing intervals this way?” or “What if I tried this race with a different strategy?”. In fact, sports psychologists have started to recognise curiosity as a performance enhancer. Approaching challenges with a curious mindset makes an athlete more adaptable and resilient – it creates a healthy relationship with vulnerability and failure, viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than disasters. A curious athlete might handle an unexpected bad race by saying, “Huh, that was tough. What can I learn from it?” whereas a committed athlete might be more likely to feel devastated if the result didn’t meet their high expectations.

That said, the curious approach has its challenges. Because these athletes aren’t always obligated by a set goal or plan, training can slip down the priority list when life gets busy. It’s not that they lack work ethic – they’ll work hard, but usually on what currently intrigues them or fits into their day. I’ve seen curious athletes who one month are super focused on improving their swim technique (because it’s interesting), and the next month they lose a bit of momentum when something else captures their attention. Training is important, but sometimes “it’s all the way down the list” behind other life commitments. The key for a curious athlete is finding ways to keep their training engaging and meaningful to them personally. They thrive when they feel a sense of exploration and autonomy in their sport, and when the journey is just as rewarding as any destination.

Key Differences in Mindset and Behaviour

Both committed and curious athletes can achieve great things, but they operate differently day-to-day. Here’s a quick comparison of their mindsets and behaviours:

• Goals and Motivation: Committed athletes usually set specific outcome goals (like hitting a personal record or winning an age-group) and structure their training precisely to meet those goals. They’re often motivated by a clear vision of success and a drive to accomplish it. Curious athletes might have broader or more flexible goals – for example, “to enjoy the race” or “to try a new challenge this year.” Some even deliberately avoid strict goals, preferring to keep options open. The curious athlete’s motivation is often rooted in intrinsic enjoyment – they train because they like it (when it’s interesting), not just to check a box.

• Consistency and Habits: For the committed athlete, consistency is sacred. If Tuesday is a training day, they’re getting it done, come hell or high water. These athletes often build strong habits and routines around their sport – for instance, always doing a long run on Sunday. They will push through even the tedious aspects of training, recognising that not every session is glamorous (e.g. grinding out miles on the indoor trainer in winter because it’s part of the bigger plan). The curious athlete values consistency too, but defines it differently. Rather than a strict schedule, they might aim to “stay active most days” but allow flexibility in what that activity is. They might string together a solid few weeks of training when motivated, but they’re also more willing to take a day off or shuffle things around if they’re not feeling it or if another opportunity arises. In short, the committed athlete’s training is high on their priority list, whereas the curious athlete sometimes lets training take a back seat to pressing life events or simply to pursue a new interest. As a result, the committed athlete might log more total hours and have more regimented habits, while the curious athlete’s training volume could ebb and flow.

• Attitude Toward Coaching and Feedback: A committed athlete often craves guidance and structure. They tend to be more proactive in communication – sending detailed workout reports, asking for adjustments, and so on. In fact, some are what I call “perfect students” who follow the coach’s plan to the letter and hate missing any workout. The upside is that these athletes execute well and take coaching seriously; the downside is they may need permission to be flexible. Curious athletes, on the other hand, might interact with coaching in a more collaborative or inquisitive way. They are the ones likely to ask “why are we doing this workout?” not to challenge the coach, but because they genuinely want to understand the reasoning. They appreciate learning through the coaching process. However, if a curious athlete doesn’t feel heard or if the training stops being interesting, they might disengage – for example, skipping workouts and going radio-silent for a bit. It’s rarely defiance; often, they’ve just gotten distracted or aren’t sold on the plan. A coach working with a curious athlete might need to regularly check in and adjust the approach to keep it aligned with the athlete’s current interests and life situation.

• Handling Setbacks: Setbacks (like injuries, illness, or disappointing races) test any athlete’s mindset. A committed athlete might initially take setbacks harder – since they invest so much, a missed goal or forced rest can feel like a personal failure. I’ve seen very driven athletes get down on themselves or worry that a week off will ruin their progress. Part of this is that committed folks often hold themselves to very high standards. On the positive side, their sheer resolve can help them push through adversity – many will diligently do their rehab exercises or cross-train in whatever way possible to maintain fitness. The key is whether they have a healthy perspective or not. The healthiest of committed athletes (those “secure strivers”) are able to treat a setback as a learning experience and bounce back confidently (Secure and Insecure Strivers - Sense Endurance Coaching). The less healthy (or “insecure”) might spiral into overtraining or negative self-talk, thinking they must double down to make up for lost time (Secure and Insecure Strivers - Sense Endurance Coaching). Curious athletes often have a bit more emotional buffer when it comes to setbacks. If they get injured or life derails training, they usually won’t view it as catastrophic – after all, they were juggling sport with other interests anyway. They might simply explore something else (e.g., focus on yoga or a new hobby while an injury heals). Their challenge is that without a strong commitment tethering them, a setback can lead to losing focus on the sport entirely for a while. Because they aren’t obligated by a goal, it’s easy for “a break” to turn into a lengthy hiatus. Interestingly, a curious mindset can also be an asset in setbacks: these athletes might approach recovery with curiosity (“What can I learn about my body and training from this injury?”), which can reduce frustration and keep them engaged in some form of progress.

• Examples of Behaviours: To illustrate, imagine a cold winter morning for two runners. The committed runner, even if they dread the cold, will recall their training plan and the upcoming spring race and head out regardless. The curious runner might wake up and decide, “Running in subzero temps sounds miserable, I’ll do a spin class indoors later – or maybe just take a rest day and see how I feel tomorrow.” Neither approach is “wrong” – the committed athlete is practicing discipline and consistency, while the curious athlete is listening to their internal desire (or lack thereof) at that moment. The key difference is which value is driving the decision: external goal and discipline (committed) versus internal mood and exploration (curious). Ideally, an athlete strikes a balance, but we all tend to lean one way or the other.

A training approach or coaching style that works brilliantly for one personality might frustrate another.

Coaching Strategies for Committed Athletes

Working with a committed athlete can be incredibly rewarding – their drive often leads to significant improvements and achievements. But coaches must also guide that drive so it remains sustainable and positive. Here are some strategies I use (and you as a self-coached athlete can use) to get the best from the committed type:

1. Emphasise the Process and Balance: Committed athletes are goal-oriented, which is fantastic, but I make sure to continually steer their attention to the process of training, not just the end result. This means celebrating weekly improvements, consistency streaks, and good execution of workouts – not only podiums or PRs. By reinforcing process goals (like “increase weekly running mileage gradually and safely” or “improve technique in the swim”) alongside outcome goals, the athlete stays grounded in day-to-day progress. It also helps them cope if outcomes don’t go as planned because they can still see success in the steps they’ve taken. This aligns with the idea of becoming a “secure striver” – caring deeply about goals but not tying self-worth to each result. From experience, committed athletes actually perform better when they maintain some balance and joy in the sport rather than treating it like a do-or-die mission.

2. Prevent Overtraining and Burnout: One common issue with very driven athletes is the temptation to do too much. They often believe more training is always better, or they refuse to skip a session even when their body is begging for rest. I counteract this by building trust and educating them on the value of recovery. A phrase I often use is, “Resting is training too.” We schedule recovery days and I explain how those days are when the body adapts and gets stronger from the hard work. Sometimes I even have to “protect” the athlete from their own enthusiasm. For example, if Alex logs an extra bike ride on a supposed rest day, I’ll gently call him out and adjust the next days to avoid cumulative fatigue. Communication is key: I encourage committed athletes to be honest about soreness, fatigue, or life stress – and I reassure them that taking a day off or easy when needed is not a sign of weakness but smart training. I proactively check in on how they feel and sometimes even enforce rest (e.g., “I see you hit all your workouts hard this week – tomorrow will be an easy spin!”). Over time, they learn to appreciate this balance.

3. Channel Their Determination Productively: Highly committed athletes love a challenge. A great coaching strategy is to direct that trait toward productive ends rather than let it turn into unfocused hyper-competitiveness. For instance, instead of the athlete trying to “win” every training session (going all-out even on easy days), I reframe winning as executing the purpose of the workout. If the plan calls for an easy aerobic ride, then “winning” that session means strictly keeping it easy, no matter what others are doing. For a committed athlete who has that win-every-session mentality, I might set specific guidelines: “Today’s run is about aerobic base – if your pace creeps too fast, you’re actually losing, not winning, in terms of the workout’s goal.” It sounds paradoxical, but framing it this way often resonates. We work on maturity to understand that consistency trumps intensity in the long run, and sometimes less is more. I encourage gadget-free sessions or a casual group run where the focus is pure enjoyment. This helps them rediscover the simple love of sport beyond just metrics and achievements.

4. Communication and Trust: With committed athletes, establishing a strong coach-athlete trust is crucial. Because they are so invested, they need to trust that I equally invest my expertise to get them to their goal. I make it clear that I’m in it with them – celebrating their successes and managing the setbacks as a team. I encourage them to share worries or doubts. For example, if a workout goes poorly and they’re upset, I want them to tell me rather than silently brood. That gives me a chance to offer perspective (“Yes, that was a tough day, but one bad workout doesn’t erase weeks of fitness. Let’s analyse if anything went wrong – like poor sleep or nutrition – and learn from it.”). I’ve had conversations like, “I know you’re worried after missing training while on that business trip, but your fitness is solid. Let’s adjust this week slightly to accommodate and you’ll be fine for the race.” Once the athlete trusts that I have their long-term interest at heart, they are more willing to follow advice that might initially feel counter-intuitive (like resting, or slowing down to eventually go faster). They also feel comfortable voicing when life is impacting training. With Alex, after a few months, he admitted to me when work stress was wearing him down – something he was initially reluctant to do. This allowed us to tweak his plan proactively.

In summary, coaching a committed athlete means harnessing their fire without letting it burn them out. By emphasising process, enforcing smart recovery, channelling their competitive spirit in the right ways, and maintaining open communication, I help these athletes achieve their big goals while staying healthy and happy in sport.

Coaching Strategies for Curious Athletes

Coaching a curious athlete is a different but equally fulfilling experience. These individuals keep you on your toes (in a good way) as a coach – they ask questions, they propose ideas, and they need a more flexible approach. The aim here is to nurture their love of the sport and gently build direction and consistency, without dampening their natural enthusiasm or turning their hobby into a chore. Here’s how I approach the curious type:

1. Embrace Flexibility and Personalisation: Rigid training plans can backfire with curious athletes. Instead, I opt for flexible frameworks. While I provide a week of workouts, the athletes know I don’t fret over the manner in which the execute them. They can go harder than prescribed when their body calls for it, and dial it back when they’re not feeling it. They also know they can easily send me a message to let me know a swim has turned into a SUP session, for example. As a coach, I still ensure the necessary work is getting done, but I relinquish a bit of control over the when and how to the athlete. This collaborative planning makes them feel ownership. Research on athlete motivation suggests that autonomy is a big component of intrinsic motivation and commitment – when athletes feel they have a say in their training, they often stick with it more consistently. I’ve had curious athletes who, once they realise the plan can accommodate their spontaneous bike ride with friends or an unplanned rest day when life gets hectic, actually end up adhering better over the long term. The key is setting minimum targets (to maintain progress) but allowing freedom in execution.

2. Connect Training to Their Interests: Curious athletes are naturally interested in why and how things work. I leverage this by turning coaching moments into learning moments. If I give a workout, I explain its purpose: “This interval session will improve your lactate threshold, which means you can sustain a faster pace in your next half-marathon. Basically, we’re teaching your body to go faster for longer.” When they understand the reasoning, they are more motivated to do it. I also invite their input: “Out of these two long ride options this weekend – one hilly, one flat – which sounds better to you?” If they choose what excites them, they’ll pour more heart into it. Sometimes a curious athlete will come to me with something they heard on a podcast or read online – like a new training technique or a supplement – asking my opinion. Rather than dismiss it outright (even if it’s a fad), I engage in a discussion. We might even experiment if it’s safe and potentially beneficial. For instance, one of my curious triathletes wanted to try a block of yoga to see if it helped her recovery and mental focus. We adjusted her schedule to include yoga twice a week and monitored how she felt. By validating their curiosity and guiding it, I keep them excited about training. It becomes their journey of discovery, with me as a knowledgeable guide.

3. Set Challenges and Mini-Goals: Even if a curious athlete isn’t driven by big competitive goals, setting mini-challenges can provide direction and a sense of accomplishment. These aren’t necessarily traditional goals like “win X race,” but more like fun milestones or experiments. For example, I might challenge them: “I know you’re not focused on your 5K time, but you’re improving consistently. Want to test yourself in a park run and see what you get?” Often, they’ll take on the challenge out of curiosity. The outcome is less important than the effort of stretching their comfort zone. These mini-goals work as gentle structure. They provide something to work toward in the short term without the pressure of a long-term commitment. Over time, sometimes the curious athlete discovers a competitive spark through these low-stakes challenges. I’ve seen athletes who initially claimed to have no interest in personal records suddenly light up when they realize, “Huh, last month I rode 100km in one go, I wonder if I could do 150km this month?” or “I improved my swim pace; maybe I will set a time goal to keep it fun.” Each achievement opens a door to a new question or possibility, keeping them engaged.

4. Be Patient and Adaptive: Life tends to pull curious athletes in many directions. As a coach, I’ve learned not to get frustrated if an athlete like Brenda gets sidetracked now and then. Instead, I remain a consistent support, ready to help them refocus when they’re ready. If a curious athlete disappears from TrainingPeaks for a week, I’ll send a friendly check-in message, not a scolding. Something like, “Hey, I noticed you aren’t logging any workouts. Everything okay?” Often, they’ll reply with something like, “Yeah work was crazy and I just didn’t get much done. I’m hoping to get back on track next week.” At that point, we might adjust the plan to ease them back in. It’s important for coaches of curious athletes to go with the flow to a degree. This doesn’t mean we abandon all structure, but we learn to expect some zigzags on the path. By staying patient and positive, I keep the door open so the athlete doesn’t feel ashamed for deviations. Instead, they feel understood. Over seasons, I’ve noticed this approach actually builds their commitment – they see that training can flex with life rather than being a rigid master, and thus they’re more likely to stick with it long-term.

5. Highlight Growth and Personal Wins: Since curious athletes may not be podium-driven, I make a point to highlight other markers of success. This could be pointing out improvements  or acknowledging consistency streaks. I also underscore experiential wins: “Remember when a 50-mile ride felt intimidating? You just crushed a 60-mile gravel adventure!” These reflections help the athlete see progress, which feeds their intrinsic motivation. It’s like adding fuel to their curiosity – “What else can I discover about my abilities?” If a curious athlete does express a new specific goal, I’ll remind them of these wins to build confidence that they can commit when needed. For example, one runner I coached was usually ambivalent about finish times, until one day he said he’d like to break 1hrs45 hours in a half marathon just to see if he could. We mapped a light training plan around his busy schedule and I reminded him of how he had steadily improved his pace over the past year of casual running. He achieved his goal, and we celebrated it as another experiment in self-discovery that paid off.

In essence, coaching a curious athlete is about meeting them where they are and gently guiding them forward. It requires flexibility, creativity, and a lot of communication. The reward is an athlete who not only improves but does so with genuine joy and passion, retaining that spark that got them into the sport in the first place. And as a coach, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing someone fall in love with the process of getting better, entirely on their own terms.

Bridging the Gap: Committed vs Curious – Can You Be Both?

It’s worth noting that “committed” and “curious” aren’t mutually exclusive labels. Many athletes find themselves at different points on the spectrum depending on the season of life or even combine elements of both. In fact, the sweet spot for long-term success in endurance sports often involves blending the strengths of each approach. The committed athlete can benefit from a dose of curiosity, and the curious athlete can benefit from a measure of commitment.

For the highly committed athlete, incorporating a bit of curiosity can prevent burnout and add dimension to their athletic identity. If you recognise yourself as ultra-committed, ask: When was the last time I tried something in training just for fun or out of interest? Allowing yourself occasional unstructured sessions or exploring a new aspect of your sport (like a trail run for a road runner, or a fun relay race with friends) can rekindle enjoyment. It reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place, beyond the pursuit of a specific goal. Even the most serious athlete should remain open to adjusting plans and enjoying the ride, not just the destination. Curiosity can enhance a committed athlete’s resilience too – when things go wrong, adopting a curious mindset (“Why did this happen and what can I learn?”) is healthier than self-criticism.

Conversely, if you’re a predominantly curious athlete, practicing a bit more commitment could unlock new levels of performance that you might otherwise never tap into. This doesn’t mean abandoning your free-spirited approach, but perhaps choosing one or two aspects to really commit to. For example, you might commit to a season of structured training for a big event that truly excites you – think of it as an experiment in peak performance. With the right coach, you can do this your way, without losing the joy. Often, curious athletes are pleasantly surprised that with a supportive structure, they can achieve feats they didn’t realise they cared about until they accomplish them! And you need not lose your identity; you can still keep things flexible and fun within that commitment. It’s about finding a balance where you have enough discipline to make consistent progress, but enough freedom to keep your passion alive.

At Sense Endurance, our philosophy is very much about this balance. We’ve seen hardcore athletes learn to smell the roses and come out happier (and still fast!), and we’ve seen casual enthusiasts discover their competitive edge and accomplish incredible goals. In both cases, it comes from an athlete-centred approach – understanding what makes you tick and crafting training that fits.

Conclusion: Your Athletic Journey – Own It

Whether you see yourself in the committed athlete, the curious athlete, or a mix of both, remember that your approach to sport is personal. There’s no single “right” way to be an endurance athlete. What’s important is that your training and mindset serve you – your health, your happiness, and your aspirations. If you thrive on structure and chasing big goals, lean into that and be the best committed athlete you can be (just keep an eye on maintaining balance). If you thrive on variety and discovery, embrace your curiosity and let it fuel your fitness in creative ways (just know that a bit of consistency here and there will boost your growth).

From a coaching perspective, I can attest that both types of athletes can achieve remarkable results. I’ve had the privilege of coaching fire-breathers who will do everything in the plan plus extra, and free-spirits who come to me with wild ideas and an open mind. In the end, both kinds cross finish lines and grow as individuals – each following a training journey that fits their personality. The real magic happens when an athlete gains self-awareness about what drives them. Once you understand your own style, you can either find a coach who “gets it” or tailor your self-training to suit your nature.

If while reading this you found yourself nodding and thinking “Hey, that sounds like me!”, it might be time to leverage that insight. Perhaps you recognised your committed side and want to ensure you’re channelling it effectively, or perhaps you saw your curious side and want to build a bit more focused progress. In either case, having guidance can make a huge difference. At Sense Endurance, we pride ourselves on a practical, athlete-centred coaching style – whether you need structure with a side of sanity or freedom with a touch of accountability. We’ve helped driven athletes find smart ways to get faster without burning out, and guided inquisitive athletes to improve while still loving the process.

If you see yourself in either of these athletes and want help reaching your goals (or finding those goals!), feel free to reach out. It’s not about moulding you into a preset programme – it’s about coaching you as you are, committed or curious, towards becoming the best version of your athletic self. After all, the ultimate goal is to keep that passion alive for the long run, enjoying every step (or pedal stroke, or swim stroke) of the journey. And who knows – with the right approach, you might find that you can be both committed and curious, dedicated and delighted, as you chase down whatever finish line lies ahead.