Raised on a commercial cattle ranch, Peter Coe Verbica learned the meaning of hard work at an early age.
“You’re working from sunup to sundown,” he said. “You grow up learning core values and developing a good work ethic, being self reliant, having respect for one’s elders and having a sense of pride in one’s history and community. It was a great upbringing.”
Even though Verbica didn’t grow up in Morgan Hill, his local ties are significant. Henry Coe State Park was named after Verbica’s great grandfather. The 57-year-old Verbica will be giving a presentation on the Coe family history at the Morgan Hill Society on Aug. 4. Author of “Hard-Won Cowboy Wisdom,” Verbica, who formerly was the vice president of the Pine Ridge Association—an organization that advocates for Henry W. Coe State Park—has dedicated a good chunk of his life to philanthropic causes.
When Verbica’s oldest daughter was in the Navy, he helped co-found the military care committee of the Rotary Club of San Jose, donating hundreds of care packages to active U.S. service members throughout the world. The organization also supported a number of Veterans organizations, including the Defender’s Lodge and Fisher House of the Veteran’s Administration of Palo Alto, which provide accommodations for Veterans.
“From working to teaching and writing, I’ve tried to be supportive of the community,” said Verbica, whose job titles include Vice President/Senior Financial Adviser at Merrill Lynch and Adjunct Lecturer at San Jose State University.
Verbica’s wife, Tiffany, is also heavily involved in philanthropic causes, as she works in underwriting for a non-profit organization that insures non-profits. The Felton residents have been married for six years and met through tennis, which along with hiking is their favorite activities to do together.
“When we first met, we told each other we were runners, but neither of us were running at the time,” Tiffany said with a chuckle.
“Little did I realize we’d go out on a run together of course, and it was quickly revealed who was really the athlete there,” Peter said. “But naturally, I wanted to establish a rapport with her.”
Tiffany, 42, happens to be an accomplished runner, having won over a dozen single-trail races. She has done it in the most unconventional of ways—by not running. After winning the women’s Masters medal in the Tahoe Trifecta—three half-marathons over three consecutive days—last October, Verbica didn’t run again until racing in the Forest of Nisene Marks Half-Marathon in June.
That’s right—Verbica said she didn’t go on a single run in between the two race events.
“This is my dirty little secret, but I only run if it’s a race,” she said. “I train by not running.”
Before the running world gets in a tizzy, Verbica does specific and non-specific cross-training for her races. Although Verbica forgoes the route of traditional runs, she stays in shape by doing the Stair Master, playing tennis and going on strenuous, intense hikes that involve several thousand feet of elevation gain.
So it’s not like Verbica is sitting on the couch sipping on a alcoholic beverage or two. And whenever Verbica plays tennis, gets on the Stair Master and hits her favorite hiking trails, she goes all out. And by engaging in race specific work—the Stairmaster and hikes mimic the single-trail races she competes in—Verbica is tailoring her workouts so she can be strong in the races.
“I really believe I’ve done as well as I have by not running a lot (in terms of mileage),” she said. “It’s not a training strategy that works for everyone, but I’m convinced my body has stayed healthy as long as it has because I’m not hitting pavement or having that repetitive impact all the time. The way I do things is not for everyone, but it’s worked for me.”
Also an accomplished tennis player, Verbica took a 15-year break from running before starting regular trail running for the first time seven to eight years ago. Verbica mostly does 10K single-trail races, though she does mix in a couple of half-marathons every year.
The only road event she competes in is the Wharf to Wharf , which holds a special place in her heart because it was her first-ever race—and her dad was there to accompany her. Peter ran with Tiffany at the Tahoe Trifecta, and their relationship has grown through tennis and running.
“It keeps the relationship healthy and fun,” Tiffany said. “The most important part is spending time with Peter—doing well is a great byproduct. It’s a great way to keep our relationship healthy and exercise at the same time.”
Make no mistake: when the Verbicas are on the tennis court, things get rather competitive.
“We get along better if things stay pretty even,” Tiffany said laughing. “We go back and forth, and he has an amazing ability to go out and beat me.”
Said Peter: “I can barely beat her, but I have to use a lot of junk (shots).”
Upon meeting Peter for the first time, Tiffany came away with a great impression.
“There was a kindness and sensitivity from the moment I met him, and since I’ve known him that has continued to be true,” she said. “He has a heart of gold, is compassionate in helping others and cares about his family very deeply.”
When it comes to the Verbicas and their pathway of romance, it was truly a case of love-set-match.
