Austin FIT Spring Coaches
Austin FIT coaches are ready and here for you to start your training!
For any program or season, these coaches will help prepare you for your race!
Coach Robert
Organizer
Fun Facts: Coming Soon
- Years Running: Life-long
- Years with Austin Fit:
- Number of Marathons:
- Number of Half Marathons:
- Favorite Race:
- Certifications:
- Goal:
Retired from State of Texas after nearly a quarter of a century. I have run and exercised nearly all my life. I ran cross country and track (mile, two mile) in high school and college (5,000 m and 10,000 m). I became a running coach in my late teens and continued to coach young people until I moved to Austin in the early nineties (for about 10 years). For over 10 years, I have periodically coached adults. The last person I coached to the Texas state championships in cross country. Married to Aura E. Swinning for the last 24 years.
Coach Darnell
Coach Liaison (10:00 to 12:00 min/mile Pace)
Fun Facts: Coming Soon
- Years Running:
- Years with Austin Fit:
- Number of Marathons:
- Number of Half Marathons:
- Favorite Race:
- Certifications:
- Goal:
As a fun and enthusiastic runner, I love chasing the sunrise. And I’m on a mission to bring high energy and positivity to every mile. Known for motivating madras and group selfie post runs. It’s all about training health and finishing strong. #RunHappy #RunnerLife #livelifenow
Coach Mark
Half Marathon (Yellow Group – 9:00 to 9:29 min/mile Pace)
Fun Facts:
- Years Running: 9
- Years with Austin Fit: 9
- Full Marathon: 3
- Half Marathon: 7
- Favorite Race: 3M
To maintain physical fitness through running and assist others in avoiding common mistakes.
Coach William
Half Marathon (Orange Group – 9:30 to 9:59 min/mile Pace)
FAST FACTS:
- Years Running: Since 2006
- Years with Austin Fit: Starting 2023
- Number of Ultra Marathons: 2
- Marathons: 14
- Half Marathons: 5+
- Favorite Race: Marine Corps, Paris & Houston Marathon
- Goal: To create community around the joy of running
William is an avid runner who began his marathon journey in 2006 with DC Fit. He’s run numerous marathons across the United States and one in Paris, including completing the San Francisco “Worth The Hurt” double-marathon, twice. He formed a marathon training group in Washington, DC and also served as a pacer for the San Francisco Marathon training team for several years. He’s been coaching with Austin Fit since 2023 and finds joy in supporting and guiding new runners as they work towards their running goals.
Coach Marzi
Half Marathon (Red Group – 10:00 to 10:29 min/mile Pace)
FAST FACTS:
- Years with Austin Fit: 9
- Number of Ultra marathons: 1
- Full marathons: 5
- Half marathons: 15+
- Favorite Race: Big Sur Marathon
- Goal: Do a race ( either half or full) in every state.
Marzi’s story begins with a challenge from a friend ….1000 mile in a year …challenge accepted !! She did that in 2016! She also joined Austin Fit in 2016 and haven’t stopped since! Marzi maintains, she’s now addicted.
Coach Mike
Half Marathon (Red Group – 10:30 to 10:59 min/mile Pace)
FAST FACTS:
- Years with Austin Fit: First season-2026!
- Years with USAFIT Woodlands Fit: 2011-2012; head coach 2013-2025
- Ultra marathons: 3
- Full marathons: 90; one in each US state
- Half marathons: 25
- Favorite Race: Too many, but here are a few: Big Sur (CA), Philadelphia (PA), Route 66 (OK), NYC (NY), Mesa Falls (ID), Marine Corps (VA), Hatfield McCoy (KY), Missoula (MT)
- Goal: Become a member of the 100 Marathon Club of America by the time I retire from work.
Welcome to USAFIT Austin. I look forward to sharing the miles, our lives and our running story with each other.
My running story started in 2009, running 5K races for some weekend recreation. After getting hurt (because I did not run during the week), my wife signed me up for “a couch to five-mile” training program. The “training program” became my new daily routine and the “training group” my new friends. As my friends decided to run longer distances, I joined USAFIT Woodlands with them in 2011 and I was the head coach there from 2013 to 2025. Through the support of the USAFIT running community, I have been able to make and achieve new personal goals and to complete 50 marathons in all 50 US states in my fifties. My current goal is to complete 100 marathons before my work retirement.
The USAFIT program is designed to get you across the finish line whether it is your first or fiftieth marathon. We are looking forward to a new season, to all the fun times on the way to the finish line, on hearing your running stories and in helping you achieve your goals! Run Happy!
Coach Greg
Half Marathon (Orange Group – 11:00 to 11:29 min/mile Pace)
FAST FACTS:
- Years running: Youth and again starting at 48
- Years with Austin Fit: Since 2008
- Number of Half Marathons or more: 200+
- Marathons: 22
- Credentials: USA Fit Certified Marathon Coach
- Goal: Learn about you to help you achieve your running goals.
My name is Greg Guthrie, I have had the great pleasure of spending my life in Austin, watching and living in a small Weird College town that grew into this amazingly different city. I ran track in high school, but nothing over a mile, then waited until I was 48 to start running again. I began running with Austin Fit in 2008 to get help completing a 10K. My coaches told me they could get me through a Marathon, I couldn’t imagine it. I marathoned within a year, after 2 more I became a USA Fit certified Marathon Coach. I have coached the Full Marathon Groups for over 10 seasons. I’ve ran 22 Marathons and over 200 Half Marathon or longer distances. My passions are my family, starting Businesses, traveling, flying airplanes, Sailing boats. To keep grounded I Run, go to the ranch and keep my vegetable Garden. I look forward to enjoying running and learning about each of you. You can do this!
And have Fun,
Greg
Coach Charles
Half Marathon (Orange Group – 11:30 to 11:59 min/mile Pace)
FAST FACTS:
- Years Running: 30+
- Years with USA Fit: 7
- Number of Marathons: 12
- Half Marathons: 6
- Goal – Train easy. Help members achieve their individual goals.
Coach Valorie
Half Marathon (Orange Group – 12:00 to 13:00 min/mile Pace)
FAST FACTS:
- Years Running or Walking: 17
- Years with Austin Fit: 2
- Number of Marathons: 7
- Half Marathons: 50+
- Favorite Race: LA Marathon
- Goal: Feel better and stronger
Valorie picked up running after college. Her and a co-worker at the time, signed up for a 5k and it was that race that sparked her passion for it. The two of them decided the next day to sign up for a half marathon.
Then came the training and the runners highs followed suit. After 20+ half’s Valorie decided it was time to try a full. She loved the finish line adrenaline and sense of accomplishment that came with these events. She’s since gotten married, had two children, and now has decided that she IS going to be a runner again. 2021 is when she joined Austin Fit and now she feels like this community is the perfect motivation to stay active and build long runner relationships with.
Coach Torey
10K (Jump Start Group – 12:00 to 14:00 min/mile Pace, 1 min run/1 min walk intervals)
FAST FACTS:
- Years running: 30
- Years with Austin Fit: 2
- Number of Half Marathons: 1
- Favorite Race: Rock and Roll Half Marathon
- Goal: Stay fit
Excited to join the team
Organizer Jessica - Sunday Trails Run and Walk
10K (Pace varies with terrain and members)
Coach Nina
10K (Walk Fit – 16 plus min/mile Pace)
FAST FACTS:
- Years running/walking: 13
- Years with USA FIT: 6
- Number of Marathons: 1
- Number of Half Marathons: 14
- Favorite Races: Diva Race Half Marathon in Galveston, TX
- Goals: Stay fit, have fun and do races in other states and countries
I ran track in high school and then was on the Texaco Corporate Challenge, which included running. Then, in 2011, my neighbor introduced me to AustinFit. I don’t run anymore, but I love walking and getting to know the team every Saturday and during the races. It keeps me motivated to reach my goals.
Coach Steffi
10K (Walk Fit – 17 plus min/mile Pace)
FAST FACTS:
- Years Running: 20+
- Number of half marathons: 8
- Favorite Races: Cap 10K, Run for the Water, 3M Half, Austin Half
- I have run over 100 races from 5Ks to half marathon
I started running regularly when in college to stay in shape while playing on the Ultimate Frisbee team. While I didn’t continue frisbee, I have been running ever since. I got started running distance races in Northern Virginia. Seven years ago I moved to Austin, found Austin Fit, and I’ve been a Saturday morning regular ever since, both running and walking.
Coach Paula
10K (Walk Fit – 18 plus min/mile Pace)
FAST FACTS:
- Years with Austin Fit: Since 2009!
- Number of Half Marathons: 16
- Favorite Races:
- (1) Austin 10/20 (10 mile) – 5x;
- (2) Distance Challenge Series – 5x
- Goals: Keep walking and make new friends
I began walking with AustinFit in 2009. I wanted to get moving by walking with a group and train for the Austin Half Marathon. Through the walking program, I became more fit and made some lifelong friends. We met each Saturday morning and planned social activities as well. Austin Fit makes it easier to walk the long distances because I know my walking friends will be there for me each Saturday.
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