The Inaugural TBR Certified Running Coach Program

Saturday, 3 September 2016  |  Running + Triathlon

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Since I started running in 2006, one of the biggest frustrations I’ve had over the years was witnessing how some runners who had a few years of experience of running under their belt and perhaps a medal here and there transformed themselves into “running coaches” practically overnight. I saw how some sports companies created running clinics and pinpointed runners as team leads and gave them the title of “coach” which was enough to fool a newbie runner into thinking that they were receiving sound advice from experts. I felt that the word “Coach” should never be used too freely so I made it a point to inform people that I love running and I do run a lot, but nope I am certainly not a “Coach.”

For years now, worried and disheartened, I raised this concern with friends in the running community, but I never knew what to do about it. I didn’t want to point fingers at anyone nor rant. After all, often times, most of these runners who turn themselves into coaches have good intentions because they love the sport; it’s just that they don’t have the means to receive proper training or certification to officially become coaches. I felt that we needed a body to ensure that running coaches were imparting the right training and knowledge to individuals who wanted to learn more about our sport.

Fortunately, my partners for TBR Dream Marathon, co-founder Coach Jim Lafferty, and our new head coach, Coach Francis Diano, shared the same concerns and Francis had the solution for it. After a couple of months planning and meeting, we are now ready to launch: TBR Certified Running Coach Program.

Initially, the new coaches under TBR will guide our Dream Marathoners into running their first marathon, but in time we hope they can be coaches who can help others beyond the reach of TBR so that even more people can learn to love running.

WHAT IS TBR CERTIFIED RUNNING COACH PROGRAM?

The Bull Runner (TBR) launches its inaugural TBR Running Coach Certification Program with partners, Coach Francis Diano, PT, MCMT, COMT and Coach James Michael Lafferty. It is the first running coach certification program endorsed by the U.S.-based Medical Wellness Association.

IMG_5794– with Carol and Coach Jim Lafferty, Dr. Christopher Breleux, President of the Medical Wellness Association, and Coach Francis Diano –

GOAL OF TBR CERTIFIED RUNNING COACH PROGRAM

The goal of the program is to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills to individuals who wish to train other runners for a marathon or shorter road races. The program also aims to create a high standard of knowledgeable, effective, and ethical coaches to the running community.

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Wanna Run? Here are 6 Tips to Get You Started

Wednesday, 31 August 2016  |  Running + Triathlon

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Running at Fitness First before work. Do you know that I started running on a treadmill before I tried road?

In my years of running, the most common question I get from people I’ve just met is this: How do I start running? Truth be told, despite all the information in books, magazines, or online, it’s not as complicated as you think. Here are simple and practical steps to take on how to get started running: (more…)

Pre-Race: Ironman Cebu 70.3 (Part 1 of 2)

Thursday, 25 August 2016  |  Running + Triathlon

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– So happy to be a member of Sun Life Tri Team –

Has it really been 3 weeks since Ironman 70.3 Cebu? For the past weeks I’ve been telling friends I need to physically and mentally recover from the experience as if it was yesterday and now I realize I’ve had more than enough time! Worse, I hadn’t even posted all the great photos we took during that fun weekend!

So, even if I’m weeks late, I hope you enjoy these pre-race pics. Next post will be photos from race day. (more…)

When I Grow Up, I Want to Be Sister Madonna Buder

Wednesday, 17 August 2016  |  Running + Triathlon

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For the past months since I turned 40, I’ve been feeling old.  I’ve been complaining to friends about how much longer it takes for me to recover from half marathons, how much harder it is to get out of bed if I don’t get my full 8 hours of sleep, and how much more weight training I need to do now just to keep the triceps from going all wiggly on me.  Then, I view Sister Madonna Buder’s video from the Nike Unlimited series and I’m speechless.

Sister Buder completed her first Ironman World Championship triathlon in Hawaii way back in 1985.  Get this… she was 65. At 75, she became the oldest woman to ever complete an Ironman triathlon. At 82, she set a world record as the oldest Ironman triathlon competitor. Today, at 86 years old, she has completed over 40 Ironman races thereby earning her the nickname “Iron Nun.” (more…)

Training for Speed on a Treadmill

Sunday, 31 July 2016  |  Running + Triathlon

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Ironman Cebu 70.3 is exactly 7 days away!  I’m pretty psyched to do the run leg for the Sun Life relay triathlon team.

Looking back at the past couple months, I’d say I’m pretty confident with my training, but I’m still nervous about my performance.  This is the first time I’m joining the relay so starting at around 10AM for a run under the intense heat of the Cebu sun is unchartered territory for me.
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