The Short Story

Iceberg Training Team offers personalized running coaching and training programs. I began running in 2011 after recovering from ACL reconstruction surgeries and discovered a passion for the sport. I started coaching in 2018, launching Iceberg Training Team to support athletes of all levels. The name "Iceberg" reflects the unseen effort that leads to success. I've completed multiple coaching certifications and using the Final Surge platform, have help runners achieve personal bests and qualify for major marathons. Click here for information on coaching.

The Long Story

I began running in April 2011, a couple of years after my first ACL reconstruction. At the time, I was in poor health and not in great physical shape. I had NEVER been a runner. Those first runs were torturous. I wish I had known then what I know now about a proper "Learn to Run" plan. Back then, I would head down to a trail with some co-workers and attempt to run a few kilometers as fast as I could each time. Despite the difficulty, I enjoyed it, and after many failed attempts at the gym, I finally started shedding some weight.

Since then, I've learned a lot about running through trial and error (including some significant, well-publicized errors). Joining the Paradise Running Club in 2015 was a turning point, as it provided me with valuable insights into proper running practices. As well as a gateway to meeting many other knowledgable people in the running community. 

In late 2015, I ran my first marathon using a plan I found on the Boston Marathon website. I remember analyzing the plan and breaking it down logically to understand the workout progressions. While I completed the marathon, I knew I could have trained more effectively.

Shortly after, I tore my second ACL, which sidelined me from focused racing for most of 2016. During this time, I began training in swimming and biking for triathlons to aid my cross-training. In 2017, I tackled my second marathon with a much better plan. I began to understand that running slower could actually help you run faster. That fall, I ran the Hamilton Marathon and shaved over 20 minutes off my previous time.

In 2018, I started working with a coach to focus on breaking 20 minutes in a 5K. I also began studying Coach Greg McMillan's website and book, learning his methods while training myself. With the coach's guidance, I achieved my 5K goal. That summer, I led a Tely 10 training group, applying my personal experiences and knowledge.

Later that year, I built a marathon training plan from scratch for a group heading to the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. While I achieved a personal best, cutting nearly 20 minutes off my previous time, the real satisfaction came from helping other athletes reach their goals—from first-time finishes to Boston qualifiers. This experience inspired me to create the Iceberg Training Team Facebook page.

The Iceberg Training Team Facebook page became a space to share training ideas, community running information, and interesting running articles. The "iceberg" symbolizes all the hard work beneath the surface that leads to the results everyone sees. It's a free group open to all, with the goal of fostering growth and learning.

In 2019, I became the Training Coordinator for the Paradise Running Club. I found success helping athletes improve across various distances, from 5Ks to marathons. Heading into 2020, I aimed to formalize my coaching, but the pandemic brought races to a halt. While I struggled with my own goals during this time, I focused on keeping others active and engaged.

In 2021, we were fortunate to wrap up the year with a few local events. Although I didn't post much on Iceberg Training due to short notice and abbreviated training times, I supported PRC athletes in preparing for the C2C and Tely 10 races. With 2022 looking more optimistic, I decided to adopt a more effective platform for delivering customized training and discovered Final Surge. Around the same time, I also enrolled in online coaching courses.

In early 2022, I participated in Coach Greg McMillan's pilot launch of his Certified Coaching program. This experience deepened my understanding of his methods. In April 2022, I earned Level I and II certifications from the Lydiard Foundation. Arthur Lydiard, the founder of modern coaching methods, laid the foundation for Coach McMillan's programs. Combining this knowledge with my own experiences helped solidify my approach to coaching. 

Later in 2022, I launched a pilot program using my new certifications and the Final Surge training platform. It was a successful year—both personally and for the athletes I coached. I achieved new personal bests I had previously thought unattainable, and I helped others achieve countless PBs and World Major Marathon qualifications.

I’m committed to delivering the best coaching services possible in 2023 and beyond.

For current information about my coaching programs and Final Surge, CLICK HERE.