Tao of Running  - Long Distance - Holistic Preparation ™

"Angkor Wat half marathon was an amazing experience for me! Not only because of the scenic route but also because I was definitely seeing some huge benefits of this program!

I kept my promise to myself and forgot the time to focus on enjoying the run and paying attention to my body-mind connection. I didn't even bring my headphones and didn't miss them either :D. I found my flow very early on (probably the environment helped) and running felt so effortless! I stopped a few times for taking pics too!

This was the first time with my minimally cushioned shoes, and guess what, my feet and legs were not sore at all. I was stunned! I could have just kept going and also as a result, I was utilizing my body fat as a source of energy as I only used one gel (not sure if I needed to actually, but wanted to avoid exhaustion) and had one banana on the way (and didn't generate any lactic acids either).

So I have to say, even though I haven't learned that "much" new during the program, those little things were worth more than I anticipated."

Note: Received after 1/2 marathon of Angkor Wat _December 2015. (Mari had run a few half marathons before to taking part in this Program)

Message #2 - 1 year after the program - First 1/2 marathon in 2016:
"I never thought I would enjoy running a half marathon and when we decided to participate this year in the Phuket half marathon, I was not even sure I would be able to finish it.

Thanks to Stephane's coaching & techniques, training became enjoyable and really brought me some serenity in my daily life.
Step by step, without suffering, hard-working or struggling I managed to improve the length and speed of my runs. The sensations and the pleasure grew along.

I went to the race not having a serious time objective or intention to fight for it. I just wanted to do it and have a good run. Those hundreds of people running in silence at dawn create a very unique atmosphere. Applying the Tao of running techniques, I really enjoyed the moment and the scenery. After 10 km I felt good and relaxed and looking at my watch I started thinking it was too good to be true… I was performing much better than expected… would I burn out before the end? I had some doubts probably because I felt I did not run enough long runs during the preparation. Then slowing down and focusing on my breath and body sensation, I recovered step by step my confidence and finally managed well the second part of the run with the great satisfaction of feeling good, young, and happy.
I can say that the race has been a unique experience full of positive sensations.

Finishing in good shape and in less than 2 hours for this first half-marathon of my life at age 45, I am looking forward to the next one!
Enjoy running !"

Message #3 - After Angkor Wat 1/2 marathon at the end of 2017:
" Tao of Running is amazingly efficient! No suffering, no hard time, no injuries, great pleasure, and health benefits. And we still enjoy a strong improvement in my performance. Two years ago, I could not run more than 10 km and it took almost as long as a half marathon! "

"I took part in Tao of Running 10-week program to prepare for the running part (20 km) of a Spartan race. It gave me a totally different perspective of what running can be. What used to be a pain became a pleasure in a matter of weeks.

My old me would have been stressed out for weeks before the race but it was not the case. I was ready to enjoy the race and it is what I did whatever the obstacles that came in my way!

Additionally, I feel more relaxed and I have a better awareness of my body in my daily life.

Until today, I am amazed by this discovery and I am now considering running even longer distances.
Thank you Stephane for your secret weapon Tao of Running!"

" I am 72 years old and I am a long-time runner. I have run more than 20 full marathons and many more half-marathons.

Age is not a reason to stop improving and I decided to sign up for the 10-week program with an open mind to see what I could get from it.

I can definitely see a lot of benefits from this program. I was beginning to feel dejected in my recent long-distance runs. I was more enduring them and my time and speed were stagnating for a while.

The mind and body training techniques learned during this program are making me more alert, mindful, and enthusiastic in all aspects. I have also increased my running efficiency. As a result of that, I am improving again my speed. I have trimmed 30 min in my last ½ marathon compared to the recent ones. And, I still foresee some opportunities to continue improving my time and enjoying more my runs.

Thank you for your coaching, Stephane !”

" Thanks to Stephane, I was able to achieve something unbelievable before I joined the program: I finished a half marathon after two months of preparation in 2h 40’, keeping the same pace along the entire run. The mark could be not remarkable, but I enjoyed so much every kilometer I run that day, without suffering any pain the day after!

I achieved my goal and I am convinced I will get better marks in the future. Meanwhile, running has become an enjoyable and a pleasant routine in my life! “

“I have completed 4 marathons and yet this program helped me learn to love running so much more!

For the first time I can do long runs without the need for music, and just totally enjoy the rhythm of my heart, the scenery, the cadence of my run. Mindfulness helps not just in running but in other areas of my life as well.

Thanks Tao of Running ! Thank you for your coaching, Stephane !”

“ Thank you Stephane for your coaching & continuous support!

I discovered the Tao of running in 2015. As a regular runner, I was not expecting major changes… but after the 10 weeks transformation program and a few half-marathons, I realize that it changed completely my vision and perception of running from the way to move, the way to use my mind, the way to breath and even the way to eat!

I completed my first half-marathon in June 2016 after a preparation based on long runs in the happy zone (1h52). One year later, I ran the SCKL with a more specific program, and I improved my performance by 7min.

And on Dec 4th,2017, with my running partner for 2 years (Loic ), we were running the Angkor Wat Half Marathon. Based on a 12 weeks program prepared by Stephane – more performance-oriented but still based on Tao principles – I beat my previous record by 10min (1h35).

This run in the middle of the temples was amazing… The day after, we felt so great that we were already thinking about our next objective with Loic… KL FM in April 2018! What a fantastic experience, everyone can find his own pleasure and satisfaction with the Tao of running… beginners likewise more experienced runners.

And the last thing, since I am practicing mindfulness regularly inside and outside my running practice, I manage better my stress of my day-to-day life and I feel better in my body and my mind! Well done Steph ! “

“Thanks Stephane for the support, inspiration, and coaching…
From panting at 400 meters to running my 1st 6km, then 10km, 15km, and finally a Half Marathon, it has been an amazing journey…
I could not have dreamt of this in just 4 months…

The best part is how I do not experience any pain after all the runs thanks to the preparation, training regime, and techniques imparted…. I went around Melaka the whole day after my 15km and did the same in Ipoh after my 21km… Essentially means I ran for myself and spent the rest of the day with family… This means all parties are happy!

Finally, you were not just a Running Coach. I always refer to you as a Lifestyle Coach to my friends. From nutrition to running and mental conditioning, you really supported me through this journey with the right amount of tips. Thanks a lot!“

Note: Rohit lost 19 kgs in about 8 months by combining running, mindfulness, and nutrition new habits

"I have run my first ½ marathon starting from no sport activity at all with only 4 months of preparation in 2 h 31 min! Looking forward to the next one… in 2h15

Here is the story with a bit more details…
At the end of January 2016, I have decided to commit to the Phuket half-marathon to join a group of friends. The event was happening a bit more than 4 months later in early June 2016.

As I have never done any sport before, I was quite afraid of the challenge ahead of me. Stephane reassured me that he was confident that with the right approach, discipline, and coaching I could make it.

He encouraged me to register for the 10-Week Transformation Program starting at that time first. What I did and it really developed my mind, body, breathing foundations and built my initial confidence that it was doable. At the end of the 10 weeks, I was able to run several times a week 7 to 9 km without suffering. I even liked it and was looking forward to my runs.

In the remaining weeks, Stephane gave me the additional coaching and support to increase the distance in a healthy and enjoyable way. Thank you Stephane for your program and your coaching! What a great feeling of accomplishment! "

“Stephane did an amazing job of training me for my first marathon!

As an amateur runner, I had little knowledge of what it takes to train for an endurance event. Stephane’s step-by-step guidance and especially the holistic mind-body approach really appealed to me and it enabled me to feel confident and prepared for running the distance.

Stephane also enabled me to learn a lot about the fundamentals that underpin athletic activity and allowed me to self-discover the joys of running long distances.

I recommend Stephane enthusiastically for those looking for unique and personalized coaching for mindful running!“