Brendan O'Keefe Introducing Online Coaching for those Prone to Injuries

I’ve started an online running group and I’m calling it F.I.T.  At the moment that’s all it is; a name.  I’m a first-time coach, I’m looking for athletes and I’ve decided to take a rather different approach.  I’m actually searching for athletes who are seriously injury prone. Have you had five stress fractures? Does your IT feel like a steal cable? Perfect.

You see, I spent most of my career butting my head against the wall, trying to fit the training mold of a typical runner.  I found myself caught on the injury roller coaster unable to put consistent time on my feet.  That is, until last year.

I run for an elite running group in Blowing Rock, NC called ZAP Fitness.  A year and a half ago, after seven tibial stress fractures and a plethora of other injuries my current coach (Pete Rea) and I threw up our hands and decided to try something new.  We backed off running (only 4-5 days a week) and added in specific x-training, drills and strengthening exercises.  After a few months I began to improve.  By the end of this past year I had dropped my times considerably at everything from the 8K to the 1500 and qualified for my first Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.

Consistency is by far the most important factor in improving as a runner and I’ve come to find that there are far more ways to achieve consistency in training then most realize. 

With this little online coaching venture I’m hoping to help athletes with cases like mine.  I’ve learned a lot about the runner’s body and it’s limitations over the last few years.  I’m looking for athletes who know they have way more inside then they have ever been able to put on display.  With any luck, a few of the unconventional strategies we have employed over this past year will allow others to start over as runners and reach toward their full potential.

For more details drop me a line at.
bokeefe7@netzero.net

Or check out my F.I.T. page.
http://groups.myspace.com/crazyfit

Brendan O’Keefe
9560 Blackberry Road
Lenoir, NC
28645