USA Fit :: Austin :: Marathon and Half Marathon Training Programs

RNR Marathon and Half Marathon Coaches

RNR Blue	RNR Green	RNR Yellow	RNR Red	RNR Orange	RNR Purple	RNR Get Fit	RNR Half
Click on a color group above to see the list of coaches for that group.

About the Organizer
	Debra Saleny info@austinfit.com Debra is the organizer of the Austin Fit program. Fast Facts: Years running - 27 Years with Austin Fit - 13 Number of Marathons - 35 (including 5 ultramarathons, one 50 miler) Favorite Race - Pike's Peak Marathon Favorite Distance - 50K Goals - Continue to train for and complete various marathons around the U.S., especially endurance trail runs, and have fun along the way. Debra started the Austin Fit program in 1995 and has been "running" the program ever since. She enjoys running for many reasons, including meeting wonderful people, making lifelong friendships, attaining achievable goals, helping others reach their goals, and spending time outdoors. Along those lines, her goals for running are to continue to train for and complete various marathons around the U.S., especially endurance trail runs, and have fun along the way. Debra's advice to others: " Running becomes a lifestyle. You try to fight it at first, and then, you are hooked. Your eating habits change. You will get up earlier on a Saturday morning, than you do for work. Your friendships increase. You feel differently about yourself. You really cannot fight it. Running will become a part of your life that stays with you as long as you allow it, through tough times, easy times, and maybe even a lifetime. You meet the greatest folks on earth, and they get to meet you. Change your life? Absolutely. Enjoy the ride." "One of the first Austin Fit pre-marathon parties was actually in my home, with a tent attached to the back of the garage. What a crowd. People were everywhere, the toilets backed up, but the party continued. One of my favorite runners, helping with dirty dishes, said she really liked me because my dishwasher was full of only wine glasses and coffee cups. For some reason, that statement has stuck with me. I also have a fond memory of a pair of my running shoes, stolen from my garage, that very same evening. Having about 50 pair of old running shoes, I never missed them. About a month later, at the Beach to Bay relay marathon, a group of about 20 Austin Fit members presented me with those same stolen-from-my-garage running shoes, bronzed, with a plate that read, "We had a good time!" It was what I always told runners to say when asked what their time was at the finish of a marathon: A GOOD time! What an honor to receive that pair of shoes. It sits proudly in my home. However, the best part of Austin Fit is finding the best friends a person could ever ask for!" Debra was featured as a Wear Tester in the September 2002 issue of Runner's World. View the article here.
	Jeff Barnett red@austinfit.com Fast Facts: Years running - 25 Years with Austin Fit - 10 Number of Marathons - 23 (including 9 in Austin, and others in San Diego (Rock N Roll), Nashville (Country Music), Phoenix (Ariz. Rock N Roll), Dallas (White Rock), San Antonio (Rock N Roll), Duluth MN (Grandma's), Orlando FL (Disney), Houston (USA Fit)) Number of Ultra-Marathons - 1 (Sunmart 50K) Favorite Races - (1) Disney Marathon, (2) Sunmart 50K Ultra Marathon, and (3) San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon Favorite Distance - 50K (31 miles) Goal - to run a marathon in each of the 50 states, plus DC Jeff started running in high school and continued during his college years at UT Austin. While at UT, he got to where he ran the Longhorn Dam loop (MoPac to Longhorn Dam and back) three times a week. It was during that time that he set the goal to "someday" run a marathon. When Jeff went off to law school in Des Moines, Iowa for three years, he stopped running for a while. "With all the ice and snow, I found it very hard to run outside for several months of the year and I despise running long distances indoors or on a track." Upon his return to Austin, he slowly got back into running and ultimately stumbled upon an advertisement for Austin Fit. Remembering his goal to run a marathon, he signed up. At registration, he could not even complete the pace run. But 26 weeks later, he completed his first marathon. Because of how Austin Fit changed his life, through coaching he has dedicated himself to helping others attain the same goal. Jeff has since run 23 total marathons and one ultra marathon, along with many half marathons and 10K's and 5K's. Running is a big stress reliever for Jeff and provides some diversion from the hectic pace of life as a lawyer, husband and father. But running and fitness also is something he shares with his family as well. His wife, Helene, has run/walked 3 half-marathons and completed one triathalon. She is also a coach for the walking group for Austin Fit's Cap10K Training. His son, Shawn, who began coming to Austin Fit as a rider in a baby jogger at just a year old, and later rode his bike along-side "daddy" to distances as far as 15.5 miles, is now following in Jeff's footsteps -- literally and figuratively. When he was 7, he ran his first 10K (Capitol 10,000). When he was 8, he ran his first half marathon, and he did two more when he was 9. He has now run a total of 6 half marathons, almost eclipsing Dad's PR. He has run in numerous 5K's and 10K's and has placed first in the 14 and under age group at the Blue Bell 10K in Brenham, TX. Jeff's daughter, Alesha, has just also taken up running and walking and has run in two 10K (Capitol 10,000) races.
RNR Blue Coaches
	John Munro austin.john.munro@gmail.com Head Coach
RNR Green Coaches
	John Munro austin.john.munro@gmail.com Head Coach
RNR Yellow Coaches
	Mercedes Orten mercedesorten@gmail.com Head Coach Mercedes Orten is Head Coach of the Yellow Group which spans 8:30-9:55 pace per mile. She also leads the 8:30 min/mile pace group. Fast Facts: Years running - 11 Years Coaching with Austin Fit - 3 Number of Marathons - 3 Favorite Marathon - San Antonio Rock N Roll! Favorite Races - 3M Half Marathon Favorite Distances - 5K Other Interests - Yoga, Triathalon, Ironman, Writing, and Animals Mercedes' running and coaching resume is quickly growing along with her passion for both. She began her coaching career with a city-based children's track and field program in 1999 and her interest in coaching grew from there. As a competitive swimmer from age five, her running career occurred to her when she ran her first mile in middle school gym class. She shattered the boys and girls school record and shocked everyone, including herself. It was when she set that record that she thought "I might like to try this in high school, maybe I could enjoy it!" She then joined her high school cross country team and the fun, competition, and joy of running began. Swimming fell by the wayside, with running as her primary means of staying fit and enjoying exercise. Her running then extended to the high school track team and beyond. Her interest in marathon running and triathlons increased while she was in college at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Living and growing up in such an active, elite running community as Boulder, Mercedes found it difficult to find running groups that were accepting of all levels of fitness, and compatible with the demands of her college schedule. Her marathon goals were put on hold until graduation. She moved to Austin, TX after graduation and soon after the move she heard buzz about the Austin Marathon. While looking for running opportunities, she thankfully found Austin Fit. Austin Fit's acceptance of all levels of fitness is something she deeply identifies with. For Mercedes, marathon training and running has been and remains a transformative experience of the mind and body. Mercedes believes that the thrill of the race and the joy of the finish are experiences achievable for virtually everyone. Training for and then running a marathon is about achieving goals, reaching new heights, true self awareness, and learning how to draw on the vast capacity of your heart and soul. To Mercedes, it is a reflection of our humanity, inner strength, and incredible endurance. Mercedes likes spending time persuading others that running is one of the most meaningful pastimes in life. She wants everyone to know that running is fun and running a marathon is possible. To her, it's about motivation in your mind, body and soul. Mercedes is focused on the mental aspects of running. She enjoys how running makes her feel and how it clears her mind, settles, and grounds her. These amazing feelings translate into all aspects of Mercedes' life, and can for you as well. The lasting friendships, the memorable trials and tribulations and the great times and finishes make getting up at 5 am on Saturday mornings more than worthwhile. Mercedes has a goal is to bring all of her friends and family to the end of some sort of finish line, be it a marathon finish line or a life goal finish line. Mercedes loves motivating others toward their goals and has found that achievement, not just for oneself, but in the interest of others, is the main thing that makes her tick.
	8:30 Barbara Fellman Assistant Coach
	8:30 Mercedes Orten mercedesorten@gmail.com Assistant Coach
	8:45 David Ellis Assistant Coach
	8:45 Rand Biersdorff Assistant Coach
	9:00 Robert Ostos Assistant Coach
	9:00 Ron Chatterjee Assistant Coach
	9:15 Jodi Ondrusek Assistant Coach
	9:15 Steve Herskowitz Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 14 Years with Austin Fit/USA Fit - 5 Number of Half Marathons - too many to count! Number of Marathons - 12 (San Antonio, Austin, Houston, NY and Boston) Favorite Run - 13 mile training run on the via Appia Antica in Rome -- Nothing like running on roads built 2000 years ago! and no twisted ankles nor run over by crazy Italian drivers. Favorite Race - Monterrey Mexico 21K (Animo!) Favorite Distance - half marathon Steve was an occasional gym rat, but mostly a couch potato! In 1996-7, a friend was training for the Austin Marathon with Austin Fit. Steve listened to his friend's training stories and told him "I can do that! I can run a marathon!". The friend said, "It's hard. I don't think you can!" Never tell Steve he can't! The line was drawn. The next year, Steve signed-up with Austin Fit. Steve ran his first Austin Marathon in 1998. Steve ran several marathons and ultras over the years. He even qualified and ran the Boston Marathon. Steve's says his running goals are "to have a fun time" and "to keep running until he's 80 years old". Running an overseas marathon would be fun, too!? Each marathon training is a personal journey. Each has it's own stories and challenges. The friendships made are the best part of the journey! When Steve is not running, he's a computer geek, husband, father of two teens and still an occasional gym rat.
	9:30 Ann Collins Assistant Coach
	9:30 Cynthia Mixon Assistant Coach
RNR Red Coaches
	Jeff Barnett red@austinfit.com Head Coach Jeff Barnett is the Organizer/Director of Austin Fit's Rock N Roll San Antonio Marathon & Half Marathon Training Programs, AND he is the Head Coach of the Red Group (10:00 - 10:50 minutes per mile pace), AND he leads the 10:45 pace group. Fast Facts: Years running - 25 Years with Austin Fit - 10 Number of Marathons - 19 (9 in Austin, and 10 others between San Diego (Rock N Roll), Nashville (Country Music), Phoenix (Ariz. Rock N Roll), Dallas (White Rock), San Antonio (Rock N Roll), Duluth MN (Grandma's), Orlando FL (Disney), Houston (USA Fit)) Favorite Races - (1) Disney Marathon, (2) Sunmart 50K Ultra Marathon, and (3) San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon Favorite Distance - 50K (31 miles) Goals - (1) to finally break under the elusive 5 hour mark, and (2) to run a marathon in each of the 50 states Jeff started running in high school and continued during his college years at UT Austin. While at UT, he got to where he ran the Longhorn Dam loop (MoPac to Longhorn Dam and back) three times a week. It was during that time that he set the goal to "someday" run a marathon. When Jeff went off to law school in Des Moines, Iowa for three years, he stopped running for a while. "With all the ice and snow, I found it very hard to run outside for several months of the year and I despise running long distances indoors or on a track." Upon his return to Austin, he slowly got back into running and ultimately stumbled upon an advertisement for Austin Fit. Remembering his goal to run a marathon, he signed up. At registration, he could not even complete the pace run. But 26 weeks later, he completed his first marathon. Because of how Austin Fit changed his life, through coaching he has dedicated himself to helping others attain the same goal. Jeff has since run 19 total marathons and one ultra marathon, along with many half marathons and 10K's and 5K's. Running is a big stress reliever for Jeff and provides some diversion from the hectic pace of life as a lawyer, husband and father. But running and fitness also is something he shares with his family as well. His wife, Helene, has run/walked 3 half-marathons and completed one triathalon. His son, Shawn, who began coming to Austin Fit as a rider in a baby jogger at just a year old, and later rode his bike along-side "daddy" to distances as far as 15.5 miles, is now following in Jeff's footsteps -- literally and figuratively. When he was 7, he ran his first 10K (Capitol 10,000). When he was 8, he ran his first half marathon, and he did two more when he was 9. He has run in numerous 5K's and 10K's and has placed first in the 14 and under age group at the Blue Bell 10K in Brenham, TX. Jeff's daughter, Alesha, has just recently taken up running and walking and ran/walked her first 10K (Capitol 10,000) in April 2009 at age 11.
	10:00 Jennifer Burgess Assistant Coach
	10:00 Lizette Alaniz Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 2.5 Years with Austin Fit - 2 Number of Half Marathons - 3 Number of Marathons - 9 Number of Ultra Marathons - None yet, but never say never Favorite Race - New York Marathon Favorite Distance - Marathon Goal - Stay fit, healthy and just keep running and running and running Lizet started running 2.5 years ago. Although she played soccer in school, she was never a distance runner. She never imagined she could , or would ever want to, run a marathon. She was about to celebrate a milestone birthday and wanted to do something significant for the big day. She decided to run her first marathon in New York City with two friends. Although her friends have not elected to run any other marathons (although they said they may reconsider if the marathon is in Europe), Lizet has continued. She loves the people, motivation and support of Austin Fit. She admires people who continue to exercise and run events in their 70's and beyond. She hopes to be among this elite group of people one day and to continue a fun, fit and active lifestyle.
	10:15 Ricky Vega Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 7 Years with Austin Fit - 4 Number of Half Marathons - 3 Number of Marathons - 4 Number of Ultra Marathons - Hope to do one this year! Favorite Race - 3M Half Marathon Favorite Distance - Marathon To be honest, I didn't start running until about 7years ago. I had never been very fit and had never run a single mile in my entire life. One day, I just decided one day that I needed to take better care of myself so I started walking and eventually running. A good friend encouraged me to join Austin Fit to train for a marathon and after my first, I was hooked. Running has become an important part of my life - a great way to stay fit, and giving me the opportunity to meet some great friends. I'm looking forward to another training season!
	10:15 Stephanie Rios Assistant Coach
	10:30 Jeff Barnett Assistant Coach
	10:30 Jerry Velasquez Assistant Coach
	10:30 Jessica Galloway Assistant Coach
	10:30 Jim Long Assistant Coach (2 Run/1 Walk, or 3 run/1 walk) Fast Facts: Years running - 11 Years with Austin Fit - 3 Years with USA Fit - 10 Number of Half Marathons - hundreds Number of Marathons - 65 Number of Ultra Marathons - 0 Favorite Race - Big Sur International Marathon Favorite Distance - Marathon I do the "walk/run" technique promoted by Jeff Galloway of Runners World and others. I am currently doing 2 1/2 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking both in training and in marathons. With the right weather conditions I can do a 4:45 marathon with this method. For shorter distances I'll do a run half a mile and walk 30 seconds. Many folks find it hard to believe you can run faster by walking more, but it does work.
	10:45 Janee Briesemeister Assistant Coach
	10:45 Maria Mondragon Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 7 1/2 Years with Austin Fit - 71/2 Number of Half Marathons - 4 Number of Marathons - 15 Favorite Race - Decker Challenge Favorite Distance - 15 miles
RNR Orange Coaches
	Dave Drabek RunDrabekRun@aol.com Head Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 10 Years with Austin Fit - 10 Number of Half Marathons - 12 Number of Marathons - 13 Favorite Race - Chicago Marathon I joined Austin Fit in 2000. I run to keep the eating under control. My favorite race is the Chicago Marathon because I grew up there and it's my favorite city. If I'm still alive when the Cubs make the World Series I'll be there. (I'm not holding my breath.) Running with Austin Fit keeps me going.
	11:00 Janette Pichette Assistant Coach
	11:00 Joe Puscas Assistant Coach
	11:30 Dave Drabeck Assistant Coach
	11:30 Joan Brook Assistant Coach
	11:45 Laura Miles-Valdez Assistant Coach
	12:00 Lisa Barlow Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 5 Years with Austin Fit - 5 Number of Half Marathons - several Number of Marathons - 6 Favorite Distance - Half Marathon Lisa started running in August 2005 with Austin Fit. First half marathon was the Bison Half Marathon in November 2005. First Marathon was the Austin Marathon in 2006. She has finished six marathons with the next one planned - the Rock N Roll San Antonio in November 2010. She has run several half marathons, 30k, 20k, 10 miles, and 10k races -- 3 years she did the Distance Challenge race completions. Half Marathon is a great race distance -- it has plenty of challenge yet she can recover and still have some daylight left! Austin Fit has introduced her to the world of running and the benefits of regular exercise goals. She has also made many great friends through the training and traveling to local races. This spring Lisa expanded her running to include "distance travel" and relay running by entering the Big Sur International Marathon with her husband, son, son-in-law and his father!
	12:00 Racheal Kane Assistant Coach
	12:30 Karen Ostlund Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 30+ Years with Austin Fit - 10+ Number of Half Marathons - 50+ Number of Marathons - 30+ Favorite Race - Austin Marathon Favorite Distance - 26.2 miles
	14:30 Carmen Long Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 11 Years with Austin Fit - 12 Number of Half Marathons - 100's Number of Marathons - 41 Favorite Race - Marine Corps Marathon Favorite Distance - marathon Carmen does the Galloway method of walk/run. Her current pace includes 40 seconds of running and 1 minute of walking on both marathons and training. All things being equal, she is able to complete a marathon between 6 hours and 6 hours 15 minutes. These walk/run ratios allow you to finish strong and have a quick recovery from long distance. Many folks find it hard to believe that you can actually run faster by taking the walking breaks, but it does work quite well if this is the way you train. Also, during training she only do the trails and tries to avoid the concrete as much as possible.
RNR Purple Coaches
	Elayne Barber elayne_barber@yahoo.com Head Coach Elayne Barber is the head coach of the walking group. Fast Facts: Years walking - most of her life, but 10 years as a hobby Years with Austin Fit - 5 Number of Marathons - 6 Favorite Race - Her first AVA 10k in Gonzales, Texas in 1997 Favorite Distance - 10K Elayne enjoys getting out for a serious walk to relieve stress. She loves the longer distances because you have time to clear your head. Her first major walking goal was to do a marathon when she was 40, which she did! Her next major goal is to do a marathon when she is 80. Elayne's advice to others: Keep your hands up, look ahead and move your hands\arms forward like a train. (Railroad track do not cross over your body, if they do - stop walking, don't cross your hands over your body.) You can do a marathon, believe in yourself and stop listening to your lazy couch potato friends. Seek out professional nutritional advice for just you...and stop listening to your lazy couch potato friends - look at them.
	12:00 - 13:59 Jim Forrest Assistant Coach Jim is a full marathon walking coach.
	12:00 - 13:59 John Hallett Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years walking -10 Years with Austin Fit -7 Number of Marathons -5 Number of Half-Marathons 13 Favorite Distance - Half Marathon John started walking as a request from his wife looking to help him find an activity they could both do together with the focus on improving their lifestyle and to lose weight. Over the past 8 years he has lost 65 pounds. His goal is someday walk the Boston Marathon where his kids live and can see him finish the race. John has been an assistant walking coach for 6+ years. Throughout his first year in AF, the head walking coach called him Bill the entire training season. John loves sharing knowledge and stories how he get through a race with others. John enjoys challenging himself and supporting others to do the same.
	12:00 - 13:59 Kay Horn Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Fast Facts: Years walking - 5 years, seriously Years with Austin Fit - 5 Number of Half Marathons - 10 Favorite Race - Zooma Half Marathon Favorite Distance - Half Marathon Kay is a half marathon walking coach. She joined Austin Fit in August 2005. A co-worker, who is now an assistant coach for an Austin Fit running group, invited her to join the program and promised Kay that there was a walking group, (she sure did not want to run!). So she signed up, but it took her a few weeks to decide that she really wanted to take on this challenge. She told myself that Ishe would do this for the t-shirts she would get. She thought of everything she could that would help he stay committed. She is so glad she did because the program has changed Kay's life.
	14:00 - 16:59 Jody Patterson Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years walking - Since she was 1, according to reliable reports Years with Austin Fit - 1 Number of Half Marathons - 3 Favorite Race - Anything she can finish Favorite Distance -10 (she believes in the power of zeroes) Walking for pleasure has always been one of Jody's favorite things, probably because it's one of the few coordinated physical activities she is able to do well. She became a fitness walker two years ago as part of a fund-raising campaign, and was hooked. She loves the Saturday AustinFit walks - great regulars, great new people, and a connection with the city of Austin that she hasn't felt in years. Keep Austin Walking!
	14:00 - 16:59 Kelly Manzano Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years walking - Almost all my life Year with Austin Fit - 4 Number of Half Marathons - 3 Number of Marathons - 2 Favorite Race - Capitol 10K Favorite Distance - Half Marathon Kelly was getting close to one of those Special Birthdays when she decided to sign up for her first race, the Capitol 10K, and train with Austin Fit. She had so much fun she decided to jump from that distance to doing a full marathon. She did the Austin Marathon the next year and the San Antonio Rock 'n Roll Marathon last year. Kelly hates getting up so early on Saturdays, but she wouldn't miss it! She enjoys walking with the awesome purple group!
	14:00 - 16:59 Mary Nell Villarreal Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years walking/running - 6 Years with Austin Fit - 5 Number of Half Marathons - 7 Number of Marathons - 3 Favorite Race - Capitol 10K Favorite Distance - Half Marathon Mary is a full marathon walking coach. She started running/jogging/walking in 2005 with the City of Austin PE Department. Her goal was to complete a 5K, which she did with the Trail of Lights 5K. Mary's next goal was to complete a 10K, which she did. Then came her biggest challenge ever--to complete a Marathon. She joined Austin Fit in August 2006, and since then she has completed 2 Marathons. She has also completed the Austin Distance Challenge twice, and "is very proud of the jackets I have earned!!!" "I look forward to the Saturday morning meetings with Austin Fit because it gives me a chance to make friends and to stay in shape at the same time," Mary says.
	14:00 - 16:59 Walt Joaquin Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 6 years Years with Austin Fit - 3 years Number of Marathons - 4 Walt started running in 2004 after watching his son run in the LA Marathon. When he moved to Texas, he found and has been very happy walking with Austin Fit. The Purple Group has been a great help to him, especially Mary Nell Villarreal and the Head Walking Coach, Elayne Barber, as he has learned to train in the Texas heat. The support of the coaches makes the training worth driving in to Austin from Lockhart. Walt was asked to help coach the next generatation and finds it an honor to hit the streets with the Purple Walking group each Saturday sharing his knowledge learned.
	15:00 Janina Flores Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years Walk\Running - 5 Years with Austin Fit - 3 Number of Half Marathons - 4 Number of Marathons - 0 Favorite Race - Austin Half Marathon Favorite Distance - 10k After leaving Austin for Fort Worth for a short while, Janina returned wanting to be part of Austin again, and set a goal to get into running. She signed up for Austin Fit's Capital 10K program and surprisingly felt good about the accomplishment of completing the race. Ready for the next challenge, she signed up for the San Antonio Rock N Roll Half Marathon program. She quickly found out she was too slow for the running group, but perfect for the walk/run group. Janina has been with the Walking Group ever since. 'I have enjoyed the camaraderie and support of my fellow walkers, and hope to be an active member and Assistant Coach for a long time.'
	17:00+ Cheryl Taylor Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years walking - More than 2 but less that 80 Years with Austin Fit - 1 Number of Marathons - planning it Number of Half-Marathons looking forward to doing one Favorite Distance - off the sofa and out the front door Cheryl joined the Run like a Girl program the Winter of 2009 to train for her firstCap 10k race. She talked her sister and daughter into joining her. They embarked on a new journey to improve their health as a family. She loved it and was considering training for her first half marathon when the head walking coach asked her if she would join the coaching team to work with the 'slower' walkers. Her positive fun loving attitude has helped others realize they too can walk a 10k race and work towards new goals. Cheryl is working with the half marathon walking group and the GetFit program.
	17:00+ Noella Silverberg Assistant Coach Noella is a half marathon walking coach.
RNR Get Fit Coaches
	Elayne Barber Head Coach
	Komal Patel Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years walking - Most of her life Year with Austin Fit - 3 Number of Half Marathons - a future goal Number of Marathons - a future goal Favorite Distance - 5k Komal was looking for something to keep her active when a co-worker, the Head Walking coach of Austin Fit, asked her to join the Austin Fit program. There is a need to help the average person stay active in Austin that is not looking for an extreme training program. Komal was excited to help form the GetFit program. She porvides valuable support to the first time walker and helps transition slower walkers to the half marathon program as they become confident with buzz words like 'pace', 'speed workout', 'core', and 'don't wear cotton.'
RNR Half Coaches
	Mia Zmud zmia@sbcglobal.net Head Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 7 Years with Austin Fit - 7 Number of Half Marathons - 12 Number of Marathons - 4 Favorite Race - Bonneville Salt Flats Half Marathon Favorite Distance - 13.1 When Mia started running with Austin Fit, in 2003, she focused on the full marathon. In 2008, after an injury, her focus shifted to half marathons. That was a turning point for her; that's when she fell in love with running. Her objectives for running are probably similar to yours: she run's for the health benefits and to keep fit. She runs for the social camaraderie and for the many friendships that continue to grow with every training season. Coaching with Austin Fit keeps Mia motivated and inspired. Whatever your own running goals may be, participating with Austin Fit is a great way to realize them. We've got a fantastic team of half marathon coaches ready to make your training experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible, share running tips and experiences, and motivate you through challenging runs and drills. Come join us!
	08:55 (and faster!) Paul Gonzales Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 20+ Years with Austin Fit - 9 Number of Marathons - 11 Favorite Race - 3M Half Marathon Favorite Distance - Half Marathon Paul enjoys running to meet other runners and for the health benefits. He enjoys helping people meet their goals and is an inspiration and leader to many. He enjoys running with Austin Fit (and other groups) because "Running with other runners makes the miles more enjoyable and will keep you motivated. In a group we can also share our running knowledge with each other, we can also make new friends."
	09:00 Todd Hittner Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 6 Years with Austin Fit - 6 Number of Half Marathons - 5 Number of Marathons - 2 Number of Ultra Marathons - "hell no!" Favorite Race - 3M Half Marathon in Austin Favorite Distance - 13.1 miles "I never ran in school. I made it into my early 20s without ever running that much at all. Then I joined the US Army in 1992 and that changed. I realized that running wasn't so bad, and that I could actually enjoy it. After my three years serving this beautiful country was over, the runner in me slumbered. After reaching my mid 30's, I realized that having an idle lifestyle and a desk job starts to show. My wife had been an Austin Fit coach for years, and was always hounding me to start running. So, I was determined to get my body moving again. And I did." "I've been running with Austin Fit for six seasons now. And I keep coming back for more. Why? Because I feel that it's a fun environment which isn't too competitive or demanding. You can easily find a group to fit your needs, and it can balance fun with your goals. We train together as a group, and everyone will gain the confidence required to cross that finish line!"
	10:00 Jenny Mowery Assistant Coach
	10:00 Keith Rutledge Assistant Coach
	10:15 Keith King Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 7 Years with Austin Fit - 5 Number of Half Marathons - 6 Number of Marathons - 1 Favorite Race - Cap10K Favorite Distance - 10K "I was born a flat-footed, four-eyed, asthmatic and never came close to making the team in Jr High, High School or College. I tried, but was too short, too slow. So I went to the gym and began lifting weights. I always wanted to run, but didn't take it seriously until I was 29 yrs old, and, inspired by Michael Jordan, started playing basketball outside at the neighborhood court, and stuck with it for 10 years. I then played some fastball in an adult baseball league for about 3 yrs, until my arm couldn't take it any more. So, I took up weight lifting again. Then, I was introduced to running, just for the sake of running, about 2 years later, and I never looked back. In my first year, I ran my first half marathon. I ran my one and only full marathon the following year! Believe me -- if I can do it, so can anyone else." "I exercise for 2 reasons. So I can eat what I want, and to keep my stress levels in check. It works for me, and I highly recommend it to everyone I know. I don't care what shape you're in today -- you just have to commit to making a difference in your life."
	10:15 William James Assistant Coach
	10:30 Cheryl Thrailkill Assistant Coach
	10:30 Mia Zmud Assistant Coach
	10:45 Laura Sledge Assistant Coach
	10:45 Michele Sniffen Assistant Coach
	11:00 Lori Gates Assistant Coach
	11:00 Monica Lambert Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 15 Years with Austin Fit - 8 Number of Half Marathons - 21 Number of Marathons - 3 Number of Triathlons - 5 Favorite Race - same Favorite Distance - Half marathon Monica started running with Austin Fit in 2002 completing her first half marathon. Since then she has continued to run with Austin fit setting many goals and conquering obstacles. She has made many lifelong friends along the way. Running with a group makes the miles seem shorter and it keeps Monica motivated. She loves helping other runners meet their individual goals. Austin Fit will change your life as it has truly changed hers.
	11:30 Donna Dent Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 24 Years with Austin Fit - 11 Number of Half Marathons - 16 Number of Marathons - 4 Favorite Race - 3M Half Marathon Favorite Distance - 13.1 My athletic lifestyle started sometime in my late 20's. Walking with a friend turned into running 5K's and various events around Austin in the 80's and 90's. I joined Austin Fit in 1999 in support of that same friend who decided to run a marathon. I have to admit that one of the best things I learned in that first season was how to stretch properly. I keep coming back each year because I enjoy the camaraderie and support from all the coaches and the enthusiasm of both the new and returning runners. It has always been a good feeling to know I'll have friends to run with on Saturday mornings. My goal is to outlive my competition, but as Austin continues to become a healthier city by supporting runners and cyclists, that may be a bigger task than it once was.
	11:30 Veronica Miller Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running - 2 Years with Austin Fit - 1 Number of Half Marathons - 3 Favorite Race - Austin Half Marathon and Texas Roundup 10k Favorite Distance - 13.1 I began running just two years ago after a lifetime of being sedentary and unhealthy. I started with walking and running short distances on the Town Lake trail and doing a boot camp. Before I signed up for Austin Fit, I'd always thought, "There's no way I could ever do that -- half marathons and marathons are for other people, not me." Despite an injury and a nagging voice in my head wanting me to quit numerous times, I completed the training and did my first half marathon in November 2009 in the San Antonio Rock N Roll race. The encouragement and advice of my Austin Fit coaches and friends kept me going, especially during those times it was difficult to keep going. Besides running, I enjoy weight training and yoga. I am thrilled to be coaching this season and look foward to helping others acheive their goals.
	12:00 Ralph Henderson Assistant Coach Fast Facts: Years running: 30+ Years with Austin Fit: 8 Number of Half Marathons: 15-20 Number of Marathons: 6 Favorite Race: IBM Classic, Austin Marathon , USA Fit Half I started running when I was 20 and have run off and on ever since. I participated in the second Motorola Marathon in 1992 and waited 11 years to run another. I joined Austin Fit in 2002 and trained for my second Marathon . The training for the second Marathon was a lot more fun than the first so I stuck with Austin Fit. I ran 4 half marathons last year and qualified for the Half Fanatics. I plan to run my 7th Marathon in 2011.
	12:00 Trish Link Assistant Coach