I believe that everyone has potential and that potential needs to be explored, cultivated and maximized. Like everything else in life realization of potential requires hard work, commitment and patience to the end which is rarely clearly seen or defined. The adage of “many fall short of success by a foot” can be literal when there isn’t a clearly defined end; thus the difference of a foot between the mind and the heart. Chasing down the horizon requires a faith in ability to be the best possible regardless of the duration of the challenge throughout the journey. This is called ENDURANCE.
I am a believer in athletics because I feel it provides an edge in life if you learn from all of the experiences that you rarely will receive from a traditional classroom. As a coach my training philosophies may change as I learn more, become more experienced or less stubborn. But my foundation of understanding the importance of my role as a coach in people’s lives will not change due to my experiences of being a recipient of good and bad coaching. The impact of the words I say, the actions I make and the choices that I take when coaching has a navigational influence which can be paramount. It is a parental like responsibility that should not be taken carelessly and should be nurtured wisely.
I do not coach to win at all expenses, I believe in periodization and the principles of physiology. I don’t believe that the athletes I coach are there for me, but the contrary. I want to win every time we compete, and we should win every time we compete, nonetheless I also know winning isn’t always about taking first place. I believe in the intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and despise the status quo of mediocrity paralleled by irresponsible winning. I believe in developing athletes that will positively contribute to society, be respectful and continuously initiate to become a better leader.
I coach because it’s my passion, it’s something I would do for free and I’m great at it. I enjoy sharing tools that I have picked up from the successful and pass them along so they too may be successful. I am motivated to help all of the athletes that give it their best regardless of their “PR.” I try my best to motivate, encourage and instill habits that will contribute to their overall achievements in life. I believe it is my job as a coach, trainer instructor, and teacher to acknowledge my role as a leader and to provide the best advice possible. I continuously learn from the best, the top, the origin of training which dissipates to all other levels to sharpen my saw, to have an edge, to be a little smarter so I may give those who I coach a competitive edge in sport and life.
“Robert Belo is married to Mayra Medina, who was a standout Orange Country athlete herself, and resides in Murrieta and Rancho Santa Margarita with their children Valerie, Sebastian, Gavin, Alexandra, and Gabriella.”
Rob coached me in track at Saddleback College. He was one of the first coaches I had who really understood the mechanics of running and how to tailor workouts to the individual. With his guidance I was able to improve my times in both the 800 and 1500 meters and set the school’s 1500 meter record which still stands 20 years later. Rob also took the time to give advice as far as approaching potential colleges for scholarships. I ended up not needing to approach any as I was offered a full-ride scholarship at a Division I school before the semester ended. Rob kept in touch over the years and when I was finished with my eligibility offered to coach me once again with 5k races over the next year. Coaching and running are truly his passions.
I have known Robert Belo for the better part of 25 years as an exceptional coach fully committed to bringing out the best in his athletes. Coach Belo has an innate ability to tap into his athlete’s motivation centers and draw out the remarkable. His athletes benefit from a very well-rounded coaching approach that utilizes current research and knowledge of sports physiology, mental training strategies, good old fashioned hard work, nutrition counseling, and a good balance of intensity and levity.
I had the benefit of Coach Belo’s instruction while at Mission Viejo High School 1989-1993, where he helped me become the women’s South Coast League cross country champion (1992), the South Coast league champion in the mile (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993), and I held the school record in that event for over 10 years. Coach Belo also guided me to a podium finish at the Footlocker West Regional Championship (1993), and to personal best performances in a multitude of Invitational’s and competitions.
I have so much confidence in Mr. Belo’s coaching skills that I have sought him out again. I am now 37 years old and training again for triathlons and the elusive goal of qualifying for the Olympics in the mile (or perhaps triathlon). In my first year of training, I have already qualified for amateur nationals in the Olympic triathlon. I have no doubt Coach Belo will help me accomplish whatever athletic goals I set my sights on.
Coach Belo was one of my first running coaches and he takes a holistic approach to coaching as he considers all aspects of the mental and physical elements. His point being to have all factors of a good performance to line up together on race day. His program is also designed based on what the athlete wants to accomplish, and more importantly when he will accomplish it to allow maximum performance at the right time. Continuous improvement is a focus, and all elements of a performance are constantly revisited until all the positives and negatives are considered and improved upon. The program is designed to help reach one’s potential by implementing and accounting for all performance factors.
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