Local Running Group Inspiring Hundreds

       Ralph Fernandez de Castro simply wanted to scratch off the words, “full marathon” from his bucket list. However, running became more than an ordinary obstacle on a list nearly no one ever completes. It developed into a passion and led to the establishment of local and free of charge Miami running group, Team FDC. 
“The running group started almost by mistake...I gathered a few family members and friends and we went out. That initial group of about fifteen grew and grew and that first year forty-five of us ran the 2009 ING Miami Marathon," said Fernandez de Castro. 
The motivation for running spread like wildfire and the second running season began with 200 new team “FDCers”, as the members are nicknamed. These members benefit from cardiovascular fitness, in a therapeutic environment throughout the streets of Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne and the Brickell area. For the team leader, however, it is more than just exercise.” My main motivation is to get people out there and have them discover something about themselves that can lead them to be a more empowered version of themselves,” said Fernandez de Castro. 
But running is not a challenge-free activity. Psychologically, most Team FDCers have difficulty during the tapering down period, a time of recovery right before a race. It is up to the coach to remove those doubts and nerves out of each runner’s mind and reassure them that are ready. Even Fernandez de Castro did not know if he could continue with the group training. 
“This last season only happened because a few FDCers from previous seasons refused me when I told them that I could not do the group because I had to train for the Ironman 70.3," commented Fernandez de Castro, "We met at my home and planned out a way where they would take the reigns while I was training. I learned a lot about myself in that process and discovered that this group is bigger than just me anymore." 
Team FDC has become a recognized team throughout Miami and its members continue to participate in local and national marathons and triathlons. Most recently, the group participated in the ING Miami marathons which occurred on January 30, 2011. And even while they are running a race, Fernandez de Castro and FDCers continue to motivate thousands of runners. The back of all Team FDC shirts have the quote by Dean Karnazes, “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up," an inspiration for all marathon participants.  
By: Danielle Fernandez