Mr. Bernard Helps Athletes Stay Active with Socially-Distanced Running Club

Cross Country Coach Dominique Bernard at a meet in Van Cortlandt Park, September 2018. While athletics is on pause, Mr. Bernard has brought running back in a virtual format to help students stay active. (Photo: Al Pareira)

During the Coronavirus pandemic, cross country coach Dominique Bernard has kept his love for running alive with the creation of the virtual running and fitness club. Not only does he provide the opportunity for students to take part in cross country competitions, but he also instructs them on how they should face the challenge of keeping themselves safe while providing them with a way to exercise. 

“I miss so much running with the boys in person, but virtual running gives you more flexibility in the ways you can run,” Mr. Bernard said.

Mr. Bernard has been a long distance runner for most of his life. When he first moved to New York he played soccer, but after an injury, Bernard decided to focus on running. Since then, he has competed in numerous marathons and half marathons.

“Running is part of my life and my routine, and it is a great way to reflect and relax,” he said.

During the five virtual running events set up by the School Sport Victoria, an organization created by the Department of Education and Training with the goal of providing quality sporting opportunities in the school environment for all school age children in Victoria, students can use the running app Strava to track themselves. Strava tracks routes taken, distance ran, and the time it takes to finish the race. However, these races are not mandatory for students in the club and runners have the ability to compete in these races on their schedule, be it on a treadmill or in Central Park. 

“I think that it is easy to do, because I can do it at almost any time,” Michael M. ‘28 said. “Also, I think this is a good way to get in shape, and I can do it with my family.”

On the club’s Canvas page, Mr. Bernard has posted a link to a website that shows club members the steps they should be taking to stay safe and healthy while running outside. In addition, he has also posted weekly workouts for the students to follow, links relevant articles for the members to read, and allows them to post their runs and progress in a discussion board on Canvas.

“I frequently look at the Canvas page to post my running capabilities and the improvements I have made,” Michael said. “It is also a good way to communicate with Mr Bernard.”

This socially-distanced running club at Browning has proven to be a place where students can enjoy going outside, getting exercise, and achieving goals. This is needed in a time when it is difficult to even get outside, much less exercise. 

“The running club does keep me outside and helps me stay active,” Quinny B. ‘25 said.

Mr. Bernard has kept this club alive during the pandemic and it proves that nothing can hinder his spirits and the drive of the students in the Browning School. 

“While our community navigates these difficult times, I feel very lucky to have Coach Bernard, who was eager to virtually train all our athletes that wanted to stay fit and build endurance so they are ready for whenever we are allowed to safely return to play,” Athletics Director Andrew West ‘92 said. “Coach Blake is also running a virtual strength training club in the morning. Browning and I are lucky to have such dedicated coaches and athletes!”