Coaching Philosophy & Core Beliefs
I firmly believe that a running coach is not made by a certificate hanging on a wall but by a lifetime of preparation and relatable experiences.
As a runner who always wanted to improve and was curious to understand why I am doing what I do so I can get better, I have spent countless hours studying the most influential running minds of our time. I have gone through the writings of Arthur Lydiard, Jack Daniels, Pete Pfitzinger, Tim Noakes, Mark Cucuzzela, Jonathan Beverly, Alberto Salazar, Steve Magness, Hansons Brothers, and many others. I have read biographies on some of the best runners of our times such as Bill Rodgers, Halie Gerbselassie, Med Keflezighi, Lopez Lomong, Frank Shorter, Emil Zatopek, Steve Prefontaine, and many others. I also have a Level II certification from the Road Runners Clubs of America (RRCA) as a running coach.
This, plus a ton of bad decisions and failures that have turned into teaching moments, has allowed me to understand that running requires a different approach for every single runner. This is what has allowed me to develop my coaching philosophies and beliefs, such as:
Individual Training
What worked for me does not necessarily work for you or your running buddy. What Frank Shorter did to win the Olympic gold medal in 1972 is not what my body will be able to handle. What I was able to handle as a 20-year-old athlete does not transfer to a 50-year-old runner. Some people want to run just to improve their health while others can’t wait to test their fitness in the next race. Some run just for the joy of movement, others to lose weight or to achieve a certain time goal. For some, running is the “the meaning of life”. So, the approach to training each athlete must be individualized.
Resting
I am a firm proponent of resting and recovery as part of a running and exercise plan. I firmly believe, as Jack Daniels preaches, that recovery is part of training. You can certainly be training in front of your TV on a Saturday morning while getting ready for your Sunday long run. Avoiding injuries (physical, mental, and chemical) is the key to a successful training plan. What good is it to set a PR in a race if you end up injured, burned out and/or out for six months after crossing the line?
Technique
Just as the approach to running is individual, so is the technique. I firmly believe there is no one set of mechanics that works for everybody. Yes, you need to fine-tune your mechanics to avoid injuries, but those are as individual as your personality, age, body type, and goals. Don’t sweat what part of your feet touches the ground first. Worry where it hits in relation to your body.
Goal Setting
Athletic goals need to be feasible and set according to a master plan that is as individual as the athlete itself. Once you understand the reason why you want to run and what you are trying to get out of it, then we can set up a program that will take you to where you want to go in a safe and structured way. Yes, it is possible to qualify for Boston if you have never run a 5K, but it may not happen in three or six months. A feasible master plan needs to be set in place to understand what is achievable and then go for it.
Accountability
As your coach, I am not your personal cheerleader but a guide during your running journey and your motivator during the process. I understand some people need more help and incentive than others, but at the end of the day, you are not training for your coach but for yourself. This said, I feel that as your coach who has invested time in your development as a runner, I must be kept abreast of your training, progress and failures in order to adjust your program accordingly. So, let’s keep in touch.
Let’s do this, together!
Let’s figure out what are your running goals, why you run, what you want to get out of it, what time are you willing to invest, and what are you willing to sacrifice. This way we can set up an individualized plan that is right for you, one that will maximize your results based on your individual ability, keep you motivated, and keep you healthy for a long, long time.
Email me at foultips.running@gmail.com to get the conversation started.