Running

LCol Coffin is an avid runner and competitor. He has competed in several CAF National Running Championships and most recently qualified for the Boston Marathon. As a commanding officer he is well versed in balancing the needs of his troops with the needs of his organization. In addition to his professional acumen, he balances his personal time with family and sport – which tend to be mutually inclusive. Leading by example, LCol Coffin devotes much time to his health and fitness, primarily focusing on running. LCol Coffin continually seeks opportunities for growth and has been the OPI for large scale events and is now the CAF Running Chief Official.

I’m thrilled to continue in my role as CAF Patron for the sport of Running.  Over the last ten years, I have crossed path with a number of our dedicated runners during the CAF National Running Championship, the CISM Cross-Country or Marathon events, the CISM Military World Games and the Army Run.  Each time I’m impressed by the level of dedication, health and fitness of our CAF runners across the Regular and Reserve components.  I’m also impressed by the level of camaraderie found in our cohort of runners either on the track, the road or in the days leading to the competition.  Despite the individual nature of running, the success of each of our runners depends on the support of a network of people: PSP members, team manager, coach, chief official, trainers, running athletes and most of all, family members; you’re all contributing to our PB’s (Personal Bests) – and we thank you for that! 

The recent publication of the CAF Balance Strategy with its 5 pillars - Injury Prevention, Physical Activity, Sleep/Rest, Performance Nutrition and Physical Performance will not only serve as a guide for our current athletes but should motivate CAF members to adopt a more active lifestyle and hopefully bring additional runners to our sport.  Running remains one of the most accessible sport for the active lifestyle of our CAF members, whether deployed, on TD or at home Base/Wing, only minimal gear (season dependent) and dedication are required.  

I encourage everyone of our runners to remain a road (or treadmill) model for the rest of our soldier, sailor and aviators and for everyone of us to continue our effort in bringing new talent to our pool of national runners.  The CAF Balance Strategy calls on us to walk the walk, I have been there and done that with Nijmegen 2014; I now challenge everyone to “run the run” and feel what’s in it for them.  Looking forward to see you in your new or used runners at the CAF National, the Army Run, the Navy Run or the RCAF Run in the next few years!