I am an RRCA Certified Running Coach with a serious passion for running. Some of my most treasured experiences occurred while running alone through the woods and others while racing on city streets with thousands of runners. When I think of what all running has given me, I can only say that I am incredibly grateful.
Over the years, I have run, literally, hundreds of races, including 5k's, 10k's, 15k's, halfs, urban adventure races, triathlons, and a handful of marathons. I even rode in a 72 mile bike race once. Well, actually, it was a 60 mile race, but a friend and I missed a turn and went 6 miles out of our way; so we did 72.
I am currently on a one-marathon-a-year schedule, but my favorite distance will always be the half marathon. I still think there needs to be a better name for that. Half just sounds less than whole, hardly an appropriate name. True, it's half of a whole marathon, but it's also over four times the distance of a 5k. I'd like to see all halfs replaced by 20k's if only because that sounds better. Half just doesn't sound appropriate for the effort expended by a runner training for his or her first endurance event.
I often hear runners say, "I'm only doing 5 miles today," or "I'm only doing the half." That just kills me. My rule is that the word 'only' should never be used in the same sentence with any number of miles. And, by the way, the rule applies to the word 'just,' too, as in "I'm just doing five miles this morning." I always tell the speaker, think about it, while you were doing only five miles, most people didn't even get off the couch.
A couple of years ago, I began RunTampa.com because no one had created a website with a comprehensive, interactive running calendar. Because I love to write and share photos, it has been a labor of love. Since that time, I have become a certified running coach and started an international running site, MojoforRunning.com. The Mojo Running Community now includes members from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada. I also Twitter @mojoforrunning, which has made it possible for me to interact with many other runners around the world - great fun!
I started running in the late 70's, and served on the original board of Team Tampa Triathletes in the early 80's. I did many triathlons for a year or so back then, then took a long hiatus from triathlons while I raised my family. I continued to run and race the whole time, though. And now, my daughter Wendy, son, Ben, and bichon, Bailey, are all runners, but Wendy is the one who inherited my passion. She's training for her first ultra. I have to admit I've got that distance on my radar as well. I should add that my husband actually became a runner even before I did, but he has since developed a greater passion for cycling.
As much as I Iove to run, I enjoy helping others achieve their running goals even more, and that is why on June 29th, I will begin the Run Tampa Coaching Program. We will have sessions at both 5:30p.m. and 6:45p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Those sessions will be for runners who've already completed at least one 5k race.
For beginning runners - or people who want to become a beginning runner - I will soon be starting a Beginning Runner Class, too.
My coaching philosophy is to educate my runners about why we do what we do. Every runner should have at least a basic understanding of the running principles around which a running program should be planned. When they do, they are more likely to make wise training and racing decisions. As a result, they run better and experience fewer injuries.
As much as we enjoy running faster or farther, setting PR's, and exploring new adventures, remaining healthy is even more important. Of all long term goals, we should all share one universal goal, that of staying healthy and able to run for the rest of our lives.
I look at running as much more than exercise. I think it's fascinating to carefully plan a training regimen, then modify as needed based on performance and response, apply periodization, and incorporate cross training.
I am a HUGE proponent of cross training, but I think many people don't reap the potential benefits because they lump all cross training together, treat it the same, and do it at the wrong time.
All cross training should be seen as in one of three groups. Essentially, what I mean is that activities such as biking, spinning, elliptical, skating, swimming belong in one group. They are all similar to running in that they are rhythmical repetitive exercises that can be either aerobic or anaerobic.
The other group would include strength training, yoga, pilates, etc. And walking is an essential type of cross training that I put in a group by itself.
Anyway, most people, I think, do not get the possible benefits from cross training, and that's something I encourage my runners to do. When cross training is incorporated appropriately, it goes a long way towards preventing injury, providing all around fitness, and making every runner faster.
Running is not my only passion, as you can see, writing is right up there as well. I have published over 130 blog posts/articles, some of which have been published on 20 other websites. I also have a passion for education, English, journalism, parenting, healthy living, games of all kinds, and Mother Nature. I taught high school English and journalism, advised yearbooks at three schools and coached swimming in local schools.
Coaching is the marriage of my love of people, teaching background, and passion for running.
If you have any questions or if you are interested in any of my programs, please call me at 813-416-4638 or email me at deb@RunTampa.com.
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