Posts Tagged with: "Bull Session"

Like I’ve said many a times over, my dream of the perfect run clinic was one that focused on running long (not fast) and encouraged camaraderie among runners.  It should also be led by a reputable coach, not just any runner off the street, but one who is knowledgeable on proper training and highly experienced in the field.

I wouldn’t say the 2nd Bull Session held at 5 this morning was perfect, but we had a good crowd of wonderful people (almost 200 runners!), an awesome coach, a conservative and safe training program, and support from Team Secondwind.

For Bull Session 2, which is our run clinic in preparation for TBR Dream Marathon on May 22, 2010, we were scheduled for our 2 hour run today based on Coach Jim Lafferty’s Training Program which all registered participants are (or should be) following.  The program teaches us to follow a run-walk program which guides beginners into safe and slow running.

– Stretching after our two hour run led by Coach Jim (far right in green) –

We gathered in front of R.O.X. in Bonifacio High Street.  Before the run, our race director and coach, Jim Lafferty, who most of our TBR Dream Marathoners had met for the first time gave us a short talk.  He reminded runners about the importance of running slow and discussed pre-race preparation before the big day.  Then we were off.

Our huge group ran for two hours at a good slow pace for the most part. Again, my favorite part was meeting new runners who always have their own stories to tell about their love for running.  In between stories and anecdotes, we would hear Jim yell from behind “WALK!!!” and we would all ease up to a slow walk.  After a minute, he would shout “RUN!” and we would follow.  It went on like this until we all gathered together for stretching at Bonifacio High Street.

After the clinic, over breakfast, Jim shared more tips for us to improve our Bull Sessions. I truly feel fortunate to have him as our race director because he teaches us how to provide even more guidance for our runners, especially the beginners.  More than that, I feel blessed to have found a new mentor in him, one who, in a matter of days, taught me more than a thing or two about selflessness, responsibility, and always striving to give the best.

– Marga of Run Radio, Coach Jim (TBR Race Director), myself, Raymund (TBR Legal Counsel), hubby, Jun (Nuvali GM), and Neville (TBR Technical Consultant) –

Mark your running calendars for the next BULL SESSION, a run clinic where we run slow and easy together. This clinic is free and is open to everyone.

DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010
TIME: 5 A.M.
VENUE: in front of R.O.X., Bonifacio High Street
DURATION: 2 hours (runners who wish to run shorter may choose to end earlier)
GUEST COACH: Coach Jim Lafferty, race director of The Bull Runner Dream Marathon. He will briefly discuss the TBR Dream Marathon Training Program before the run.
PACERS: Team Secondwind

Click HERE to view photos from our 1st Bull Session.

To TBR Dream Marathoners: we will not have a Bull Session on March 20 to make way for the Globe Run for Home which many of us are joining.

March 6, Saturday, was the day of our first ever Bull Session, a run clinic where runners can run at conversation pace enjoying each other’s company.

– “Class Pic” of the 1st Bull Session runners –

The Bull Session was a dream project of mine for years, long before TBR Dream Marathon was conceptualized. I always envisioned my dream run clinic to be one where people just gather together to run for fun; no pressures to reach a specific time, perform certain drills, or cover a number of loops for the session. I wanted a clinic where all types of runners, even non-runners, would simply experience the joy of running. Hence, the Bull Session was born.

When I arrived at our meeting area, R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street, I was pleasantly surprised to find close to 100 runners awaiting the start.

Before the run, Coach Rio first gave us a brief talk on basic running form and technique.

– Coach Rio shows us the perfect form –

– Runners listen intently –

Then, we ran 1 hour and 15 minutes around Bonifacio Global City led by Team Secondwind.

– Up the hill! –

– Like a mini rally! –

– I had a grand time meeting new runners during the clinic… –

-…even met this cute guy in white. Oh wait, that’s the hubby! 🙂 Running with him is Chi running instructor, Lit Onrubia. Both are TBR Dream Marathoners –

– Neville of Secondwind leads the cool down –

NEXT BULL SESSION (run clinic):

• March 20, 2010, Saturday
• Venue: TBA
• Coach: Jim Lafferty to discuss training for the marathon (15 mins only)
• Pacers: Team Secondwind
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (following TBR Dream Marathon training program)
• Open to the public
• Free of charge