FACT is the best thing that happened to me in my running life!
Coach Armand is simply the best coach anyone can imagine, with deep passion and experience in the sport. He’s beyond a coach to me; he’s my mentor and trusted friend. He not only taught me the nuances of training principals, but also lessons for life - lessons about consistency, patience and setting long-term goals.
When I first joined FACT, I had just had my second baby and was in a rush to get back in shape. I was worried about my postpartum weight and my lack of fitness. Coach Armand encouraged me to not focus on the weight, but on running a few miles everyday. I was able to put in a good training cycle and quality for Boston marathon 11 months after I gave birth.
The other thing I’ve always appreciated Coach Armand is his belief in every single athlete he works with. He doesn’t give special treatments to “fast” people; nor would he ever think you’re a “slow” person. He sees everyone as a unique individual, and tailors his training approach to his/her different physical and mental abilities. He respects all his athletes as whole human beings.
When you join FACT, you’re not just joining a training group. You’re joining another family. The camaraderie you feel can lift you up and naturally brings out your A game. We call each others brothers and sisters in pain, because we are just that. We suffer together, run in the wee hours of the morning, and sweat our hearts out. Training is not glamorous or comfortable, but when we lean on each other, we can go a lot further and faster than on our own.
Come out and give FACT a try!
- Jinghuan Liu Tervalon
Half PR: 1:36
Marathon PR: 3:23