NATIONAL coach John Philip Dueñas is hoping the performance of his athletes will improve after getting certified as Level 2 International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) coach for middle-long distance running.
The native of Carmen, Cebu Dueñas took part in a coaches-course Level 2 training organized by Asian Athletics Association in Singapore and held last Nov. 23 to Dec. 2.
Dueñas, the long-time trainer of Olympian and Southeast Asian (Sea) Games gold medalist Mary Joy Tabal, told SunStar Cebu in a quick talk that he will be using this knowledge to help improve the quality of running in Cebu.
“It was a 10-day seminar that focused on Under-20 athletes. The topics were more on creating a proper training plan specific to middle long distance,” he said.
The Level 2 course covered the 42-kilometer, 21K, 10K, 5K, 3K, 1,500-meter, 800m distances and steeplechase.
“I’m excited to apply this, especially the training plan to my students,” said Dueñas, a grassroots coach who handles hundreds of young runners in Cebu.
On the other hand, the six-peat-seeking Tabal has touched down in Laoag City for the 2018 Milo Marathon Finals slated on Sunday, Dec. 9.
Dueñas said that it’s important to be early at the venue for the athlete to adjust to the place and also check on the race route.
The champion in the men’s and women’s 42-kilometer race will be tapped to represent the Sea Games next year which will be hosted by the Philippines. (RSC)