About Coach Braz
Following a 14 year career as a high school, college, national and international competitive runner, Fernando Braz began coaching in 1992.
Fernando went on to serve as a club coach for the next 17 years.
Then in 2009, Fernando launched Going the Distance -or- GTD for short
Coach Braz’s philosophy at GTD is to develop the…
Average Runner
into a Good Runner
into a Good Runner
Good Runner
into a Great Runner
into a Great Runner
Great Runner
into a CHAMPION
Coach Braz’s programs have resulted in dramatic racing improvements and personal records for his athletes.
Coach Braz's Career at a Glance
Lifetime Athletic Achievements:
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2x Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier (1988 & 1992)
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Marathon PR– 2:18:26
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Half Marathon PR– 1:06-10
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10,000 Meters PR– 29:02
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5000 Meters PR– 13:59
Scholastic Achievements:
– Peabody High School (1977-1980)
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1980 Scholastic National Record Holder, Indoor 5000M
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1977-1980 – Won 12 Individual State Titles
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3 x All American in Cross Country and Spring Track
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Ranked #2 Nationally in the 10,000 meters, 30:42
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First MA High School Athlete, to win back-to-back Cross Country State Titles
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1980-2008 held New England 5000M record (14:52)
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2 x Mass High School Cross Country Runner of the Year
– Boston College (1980-84 & 2005)
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3 x Cross Country MVP
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12 x All New England Team
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6 x All Big East Team
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New England and Big East 5k &10k Champion
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First Distance Runner in school history to qualify for both NCAA Cross Country and Track &Field Championships
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2005 Named Eagle of The Year
Coaching Awards:
1993- Present – Multiple Scholastic Coach of the Year (MVC / GBL / NEC)
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2023 & 2012 Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association (MSTCA) Coach of the Year
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2017 MIAA Indoor Coach of The Year
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2011 Eastern Massachusetts Indoor Coach of The Year
Professional Recognition
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2015 MSTCA Hall of Fame
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2001 Boston College Hall of Fame
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1999 Peabody High School Hall of Fame
Coaching Milestone:
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2009-Present Going the Distance Coaching Services Head Coach
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2019-Present Peabody High Boys/Girls cross country and Track & Field Coordinator
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1998-2019 Peabody High Boys indoor and outdoor Track and Field Head Coach
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1993-1998 Lawrence High School Cross Country Head Coach
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2005 U.S.A Women’s Ekiden Team Coach in Japan
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1993-2009 Merrimack Valley Striders Head Coach
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Coached 11 Women for Olympic Marathon Trials
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Coached 8 High School All-Americans
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Coached numerous High School State Champions
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Coached over 45 league title winning teams, in the MVC, GBL and NEC Conferences
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25+ Year High School Coaching Record 292W – 12L – 1T (Last Updated in 2022)