Coaching

The term “coach” refers to the person who directs the improvement or refinement of running performance, and a good coach can answer the question, “Why are we doing this workout today?” A good coach produces beneficial reactions to training, creates positive race results, and transforms the athletes he or she brings into the program into better runners. Nothing can replace the encouraging comments or understanding words of support from a quality coach.

VFAC Coach, Kevin O’Connor: a lifetime runner with elite standing in cross country, road, and track over distances of 5km, 10km, 1/2 and full marathons holding several Canada and BC age group records. Kevin trained as an elite athlete with VFAC for many years before taking on a coaching role with the club in 2020. Kevin is an Athletics Canada NCCP Endurance Performance Coach Trained and NCCP Club Coach Endurance Certified” and is currently studying to become “Performance Coach Certified”. He began his coaching career in 2012, training small groups of athletes and individuals while continuing his own high-level athletic training and working full-time in a demanding industry. Kevin has a great reputation in Canada and the local running community as well as many connections in the UK where he grew up and began his racing career at the young age of 11.  Kevin’s training philosophy is “train hard but smart and recover well“. Kevin aims to give each VFAC member who requests 1:1 coaching from him an individual plan that is tailored specifically to fit in around their lifestyle ~ giving them the ability to improve, be accountable to their teammates, make new friends, and be an important part of this historic club.
Kevin was selected by BC Athletics to be the Team Manager for the BC team going to the 2022 Canadian XC Championship in Ottawa.

Individual Coaching

1:1 Coaching with Kevin: Kevin offers personally tailored, individualized training plans plus 1:1 coaching support. Contact Kevin directly to discuss your training needs and pricing: Kevin O’Connor