The Inaugural TBR Certified Running Coach Program
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.
– 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.
