The Low-Down on Tom Clifford:
Starting as a personal trainer in a small, local gym, Tom has always given 110% (and then some), and credits his work ethic and outlook to God and his family—mom, dad, brother and sister—who all taught him that to achieve your goals, you’ve got to give it everything you have. As a competitive athlete in college and beyond, he knew how important group training was for motivation. He began developing structured running programs and leading a variety of running practices all around town. Tom’s faith is at the forefront of his career and family.
What He Coaches:
Runners, Triathletes, Cyclists, and Elite Athletes
Qualities Tom Admires in His Students:
Known as a music junkie, Tom says that if it makes him feel good, he loves it. One minute you’ll find him blaring some 80s metal, next he’ll be bouncing to some 50s Do Op. He’s got Tom Petty, Metallica, or Party Music on his diverse playlist. When asked about Kesha, he grinned and said “Maybe.”
Defining Moment In Tom’s Career:
Remember Christa Iammarino? The Wilmington runner who qualified for the Olympic Trials with an “A” standard? Tom started working with Christa back in 2010 when she won her first-ever marathon—the Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon.
Tom says: “She nailed it. She absolutely nailed it. And we worked so hard to get there, but she was just so dedicated. It’s any coach’s dream to have an athlete reach that caliber. I am just so proud of her.”
The latest is Brittany Perkins Olympic Team Trials qualification for 2020 Marathon Trials in Atlanta.
Best Part About Being a Without Limits Coach:
Tom’s proud of all of the Without Limits coaches: their dedication, sincerity and overall passion for being able to facilitate an athlete’s growth. But it’s more than just the running, swimming and cycling. Watching them grow as people—more than athletes—is the best part.
Olympic Trials Qualifiers
Tom has coached 5 Olympic trials qualifiers since 2012:
- Ann Marie Pierce 2023 “A” Standard 2:36:17
- Christa Lammarino 2012 “A” Standard 2:38
- Peyton Thomas 2020 “B” Standard 2:42:21
- Brittany Perkins 2020 “B” Standard 2:44:15
- Erin Hogston 2020 “B” Standard 2:44:28
Accomplishments
Accolades
- Without Limits won the Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- USATF Level 2 Certified Coach Specializing in Endurance
- USA Triathlon Certified Coach
Eastern Michigan University Cross Country/Track - USA Triathlon All American
2024 RRCA Regional 50K Champion: Frosty 50K with a time of 3:13:08. - IRONMAN 70.3 NC Champion 2017 – 4:02:52
- Top 20 men at NYC Marathon 2013
- Top 70 men at Boston Marathon 2014
- Top Amateur at Steelhead 70.3 2012
- 3rd Age Division WORLD 70.3 Championships Clearwater, FL.
- Coached 5 U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifiers in the Marathon
- Coached over 150 athletes to the Boston Marathon
- Coached 3 athletes to their USA Triathlon
- Coached 20+ athletes to a sub 5 hour 70.3
- Coached Kona Qualifiers
Event ACCOLADES
- Wilmington Marathon
Founded the race with 1,300 athletes and grew it to over 4,500 particpants. - Southern Tour Ultra
Established one of the region’s premier ultra-distance running events. - Copperhead Relay
Developed a unique relay race experience for teams of all levels. - Shakori 40
Created a challenging 40-mile trail run that quickly gained popularity. - Battleship Half Marathon
Took over the event in 2019, expanding participation from 1,100 to 2,500 runners. - YMCA Triathlon
Began directing in 2018, helping the event grow from 550 triathletes to over 1,300 by 2024. - White Lake Half
Teamed up in 2021, increasing participants from 150 to 400 by 2023. - Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot
Joined forces in 2012, boosting the race from 800 runners to over 3,200 by 2023.
Top Songs on his Playlist:
Known as a music junkie, Tom says that if it makes him feel good, he loves it. One minute you’ll find him blaring some 80s metal, next he’ll be bouncing to some 50s doo wop. He’s got Tom Petty & The Heart Breakers, Metallica, and Mumford and Sons on his diverse playlist. When asked about Kesha, he grinned and said “Maybe.”
Guilty Pleasures:
Cold Stone Creamery, Cookie Dough, Beer. (Shall I continue?)
Latest Achievements
Your AI Training Plan Is Not Your Coach. Here’s Why That Matters.
By Tom Clifford | Without Limits Let's start with something you probably didn't expect to read on a coaching website: I used AI to help write this blog post. I know. Stay with me. Because here's the thing, AI is genuinely useful. It can research, organize, draft, and...
