Katy Fit Coaches
| ATP | Blue/Green | Yellow Full Mar | Yellow Half Mar | Red Full Marath | Red Half Marath | 90/30 Half Mara | Purple |
| Click on a color group above to see the list of coaches for that group. | |||||||
| About the Organizer | ||
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Scott Balin docbalin@yahoo.com Being a chiropractor, I have been treating athletes since the 90's in my practice. After hearing so much about this "26.2 mile thing" from my patients, I finally decided to do it. Now, many many many miles later, I find myself not only running, but eager to get others moving as well. Due to this passion to help others, I started to coach running, and now I find myself organizing this awesome group we call Katy Fit. Remember the recipe for a perfect run: The wind at your back, the sun in front of you, and friends by your side. My goal is to touch and enhance the lives of as many people as possible through hard work, perseverance, compassion, and most importantly friendship. Katy Fit...Change your Life! |
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| Advanced Training Program | ||
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Mark Coleman mcolemant@gmail.com Head Coach | |
 | Alexis Llewellyn-Saacke alexis.llewellyn@gmail.com Assistant Coach Our head coach can be heard stating, "ATP is a family" and the experience in the group proves him right. We are blessed to be in a group that runs fast and encourages in the miles on the road and in life. I joined Katyfit ATP committing to run half marathons only, which produced laughter in my teammates as they shook their heads and remarked that I'd be doing a full before the year ended. Let's just say the enthusiasm for marathoning is contagious so come on out and catch it too with a great group of people! | |
 | Deana Tysdal deanatysdal@katyisd.org Assistant Coach | |
 | Eddie Araguz utboomer@yahoo.com Assistant Coach This is my third year coaching with ATP which means I see the backside of Steve Brammer a lot as he laps me! I've also coached with the crazy Yellow group as well. I've run a few marathons but the most fun i've had are the two I've run with my wife Gina, including last year. You can spot us on the Houston Marathon website smiling after our finish! I'm looking forward to running a half this year and working on getting back in shape to keep up with our ever growing ATP'ers. | |
 | Fred Knies alfred.t.knies@wellsfargo.com Assistant Coach I am 58 years old and don’t love running, but I do love the BENEFITS of it, which include improved overall health and association with wonderful people in Katy-Fit. I began training with Katy-Fit in July 2003 and ran my first marathon in Houston in January 2004. Since that time I have completed 20 marathons, which include 6 Boston Marathons and 2 New York Marathons. The friendships I have made in Katy-Fit are priceless! I have been married 38 years to the love of my life, Cynthia. We have 5 children and 15 grand children. Cynthia, 4 of our children and 1 of our children’s spouses have completed at least 1 marathon and 2 spouses have completed at least 1 half-marathon. We are a running family. | |
 | Gina Araguz Assistant Coach Twelve years ago my goal was to make it around the block without stopping. After running the same block every day for several months, I needed a change in venue. I found HoustonFit online and loved it so much, a year later I started the KatyFit chapter. Twelve years, 4 organizers, and 700 members later....I have completed 7 marathons, 8 half marathons, 3 Tx Independence Relays, and numerous training series and events. KatyFit has helped me to achieve it all. This program is full of wonderful people of all walks of life and every pace. KatyFit can help you reach your fitness (and possibly your relationship) goals! I met my husband Eddie in KatyFit, and together we enjoy training with some of our closest friends. We are both excited to spend this season assisting in the new ATP half marathon group and help you achieve your half marathon goal. | |
 | MIsty McGuire mistym2@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach | |
 | Phil Trumbly siddingo@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach | |
 | RL Loving RLLoving@swbell.net Assistant Coach | |
 | Robert Tysdal robert.tysdal@hp.com Assistant Coach I started running 11 years ago. At the time, I was barely able to make it to the end of the block, gasping for breath, I thought my heart was going to explode! Since that time I have run over 15 marathons and 7 Ultra Marathons, including a 50 mile trail run. I have enjoyed running with Katy Fit for 7 years and have really enjoyed being Assistant ATP Coach for last 4 years. I have made so many great friends and so many good times and memories. Looking forward to another great year. | |
 | Steve Brammer steve@brammers.net Assistant Coach | |
| Blue/Green | ||
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Mike Masse mikemasse89@gmail.com Head Coach I am thrilled to be coaching the Blue/Green group for the fourth year. This is my sixth year with KatyFit and I have enjoyed both running as a member and as a coach. I enjoy long distance running and training and running marathons. I’ve done several of them and a bunch of half marathons, 10k’s , 5k’s and some other odd-ball races here and there…like the Texas Independence Relay. I get my biggest satisfaction from helping the KatyFit members in general and the BGs in particular train through the various workouts during the marathon season. The friendships I’ve formed running as a BG coach or KatyFit member are some of the most fulfilling I’ve ever had. I’m looking forward to another year of excellent friends, new and old, as I help the BGs achieve their running goals. | |
 | Ben Shepherd benshep78@yahoo.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Dave Lay newman.lay@springbranchisd.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Dennis Shaw coachdennis@katyfit.com Assistant Coach | |
| Kim McClintic kmcclintic71@hotmail.com Assistant Coach | |
| Nancy Husby nhusby@comcast.net Assistant Coach | |
 | Rick Bozanich rbozanich@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach This is my 5th season with KatyFit, and my 3rd season as a coach with the Blue/Green group. I am also serving as a coach/mentor for Katy Students Run, a running and life skills program aimed at at-risk high school students. So far, I have completed 11 full marathons, including Boston, New York, Dallas and, of course, Houston. Along with Coach Masse, I have also participated twice in the Texas Independence Relay (203 miles of fun, as long as the weather holds and the beer doesn’t run out). I am looking forward to working with a great group of people again this year and in helping others to achieve their running goals. | |
 | Scott Spencer sspencer7@mac.com Assistant Coach I'm Scott Spencer and I have been running for over 30 years, as well as completed 26 marathons including 7 Bostons. This is my 10th year with Katy Fit and 5th year of helping the Blue-Green group. | |
 | Stephanie Webb steph_ola@hotmail.com Assistant Coach Having recently moved to the Katy area I was pleased to meet a group of running enthusiasts such as KatyFit. This is my third year participating in this program. One of the great things about KatyFit is the people, who are warm, welcoming, and provide great motivation to train and overcome our personal best. As a second year assistant coach, I am looking forward to getting to know old friends better as well as meeting new ones. | |
| Yellow Full Marathon | ||
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Craig Becker craig.becker@mustangeng.com Head Coach Certified USA Track and Field coach. 5th year Katy Fit full marathon coach. Completed multiple marathons and half marathons. | |
 | Bill Schick billschick59@gmail.com Assistant Coach I am looking forward to my second year coaching Yellows. This will be my eleventh consecutive Houston Marathon, every one of them thanks to Katy Fit. | |
 | Chris Morales Assistant Coach I’ve been a runner of sorts my whole life. I ran several 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances prior to joining Katy Fit in 2011, but after watching the Houston Marathon from my comfy couch for many years I thought it was time to try and tackle the 26.2 mile adventure. Without the coaching, training, and camaraderie of the group I know I would not have been successful in reaching a lifelong goal of completing a marathon. I have learned a lot about running and myself over the last year with Katy Fit, and I look forward to sharing my experiences and helping the next person to reach their goals! | |
 | Christian Markel cmarkel97@gmail.com Assistant Coach Katy Fit member since 2003, assistant coach of yellow since 2008 and was one of the first coaches of the 5K program. When I completed the Houston Chevron Marathon in 2011, it was my 5th Houston and my 35th marathon overall, so when it comes to experience and stories (some very funny and some not so) I have a lot of them. Looking forward to having some new ones this year... Have fun and “Breathe”….. | |
| Hillarie Forister hcbloxom@yahoo.com Assistant Coach Howdy! I am looking forward to returning for my third year as yellow coach following the birth of my daughter last year. I have been running with Katy Fit since 2005 (with a few seasons off here and there) and have previously coached the 5K training group. For the past 5 years I have been captain of our Texas Independence Relay team and enjoy participating in 5K and 10K races throughout the year. It's marathon season now and time to ramp up the miles...if we can make it through the summer heat, we can do anything! Happy Running! | |
 | Jeff Clark jeff.clark@aon.com Assistant Coach USA Track & Field Level I Certified Coach, Full Marathon Coach with Katy Fit since 2001, fourth year on the Yellow Group coaching staff, Completed 11 Marathons (of which 6 are Houston). Looking forward to another great year running with the Yellow Group. | |
 | Kelly Eubanks keubanks@greystar.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Linda Ornelas lindavo98@gmail.com Assistant Coach My name is Linda Ornelas, I’m married and I have two beautiful children and I have a passion for running! I started running at the beginning of 2010 with the encouragement of a friend that wanted me to run a 5K with her. The 5K is all it took - after the 5K, I continued to run and realized that I loved it. I have run 5Ks, 10Ks and several ½ marathons races. Last year, I joined KatyFit to train for my first marathon (Chevron Houston Marathon) and it was the best decision I made. I was successful and accomplished my goal of finishing a marathon. I could not have accomplished this without the support of my family and all the enthusiasm, encouragement, and great people that the Yellow group gave me. Crossing the finish line made me realize that running is something that I want to continue to do. This year, I am back with KatyFit and I am really excited about the opportunity to pay it forward and give back to the group that helped me reach one of my goals in life. | |
 | Yolanda Aquino yomaqui@aol.com Assistant Coach Work as physical therapist assistant since 1997. Started running during highschool on the Philippines. I had 3 Houston marathon experiences, several 1/2 marathons and other running races. | |
| Yellow Half Marathon | ||
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Candice Trimm joejoecan@aol.com Head Coach I’m so excited to be coaching again (6th year) with Katyfit. I’ve been running with Katyfit for 11 years and have been lucky enough to run with some fantastic Katyfit people. Even though I’m coaching the half group I have 10 consecutive Houston Marathons under my belt which means that I will be running the Chevron Houston Marathon as a veteran. Katyfit is a wonderful training program that will truly change your life. I feel there is no better training program that is more knowledgeable, positive, friendly & encouraging. Throughout all of the races and years I’ve been running, one thing I have learned about running is you have got to have fun. Have you ever seen kids running at recess? They all have smiles on their faces. Welcome to Katyfit, “it’s recess time!” Have a terrific training season! | |
 | Bob Furman roguebob@hotmail.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Craig Childs cchilds1@comcast.net Assistant Coach | |
 | Jennifer Smith jlcsmith@hotmail.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Kristin Bottorf rkbottorff@yahoo.com Assistant Coach My name is Kristin Bottorff and this is my 6th year with Katy Fit. I've completed 6 marathons and several half marathons. Although I've always been very physically active, my running journey began 6 years ago while living in California. I joined a running group to train for my first half marathon. When I moved to Houston I thought that all my hill running would have me in great shape since it's so flat here. Well I was not prepared for the heat & humidity, and it was a huge adjustment. I learned a great deal about hydration! This is my second year coaching with Katy Fit, and I'm very excited to be a part of an amazing group! | |
 | Sarah Muirhead smmuirhead@gmail.com Assistant Coach I'm a stay at home mom with two boys, ages 1 and 5 and I've been an assistant coach for the Katy Fit 5K/10K program for the last year and I'm excited to help coach the half marathon program this season. I trained for the half last year with Katy Fit and now have a couple races under my belt. I'll be doing my first full this year if all goes as planned. I started running after my first son was born and got hooked after I did my first 5K. I can't imagine my life without running now. I hope to keep improving with each new challenge. | |
 | Terry Waltrip terry.waltrip@comcast.net Assistant Coach I'm a retiree from the "oil patch" and have been running off and on for about 11 years. The earlier years were done mostly on a treadmill (kind of boring). A friend suggested that I get off the treadmill and join the Bagel Run group that leaves from Luke's Locker, La Centerra every Thursday morning at 5:15 am! Never a "morning person" really, I have been converted and actually enjoy these weekly runs. I would encourage everyone to try this run, organized by Luke's Locker; bagels, Starbucks coffee, Gatorade, fruit, etc. are provided to participants. It is a great time of exercise and fellowship with other runners. I joined Katy Fit in 2011 to train for the 2012 Aramco Houston Half Marathon. Candice (and her assistant coaches) did a wonderful job getting us ready to complete that race! It is still my PR even though I have completed three additional half marathons since January this year. I'm excited and looking forward to more good runs, fellowship and fun as we prepare for another race season! | |
| Red Full Marathon | ||
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Bob Ganczak BobG@fenstermaker.com Head Coach I’m Coach Bob and welcome to the Big Red Nation! I’ve been with Katy Fit 7 years, the last 4 as a coach. This is my 2nd as co-head coach so bear with me. My running philosophy is, “the only people who run 26.2–miles are nuts or are being chased by a large predator or a crazed ex!” If you meet any of these qualifications, welcome aboard. We’re glad you’re joining in on the fun. No, really! PS: If you have any complaints, see Coach AMY. | |
 | Alyssa Hill ahill@gddcpa.com Assistant Coach This will be my fifth season with Kay Fit and my second year as a coach. It seems like just yesterday that I came out to Katy Fit for the first time not having a clue what to expect. I already enjoyed running but dreaded running the longer distances alone and wanted to train for a marathon. I mean, I can sing along to the iPod just as good as the next gal but knew I would need a bit more encouragement for the long haul. What I found was a great group of people that all enjoy running (go figure) and face the same hurdles of balancing work, family, and training. The group of coaches, fellow runners and terrain of THP provides for a great atmosphere and all the encouragement one could need. I am so happy to be giving back to the group that got me hooked on marathon running! Gig ‘em Ags! (*note:Katy Fit neither endorses nor scorns the Aggies...we just run!) | |
 | Bob Russell RJRusse23@gmail Assistant Coach I decided to coach for the first time during the (2009-2010) season because there was a need for a RED, CONTINUOUS 1/2 marathon coach after the season started. I enjoyed the coaching experience and my group of runner so much that I've decided to do it again! I've run a handful of 1/2 marathons over the last couple of years and look forward to needing two hands to count my 1/2 marathons in the future. This year I will attempt (and complete) my first full marathon. So if you're interested in running a full marathon and you are coordinated enough to drink while running (remember, this is a continuous running group), sign up for my group!!!!! And be ready to chit chat as we’ll have lots of time together running over the hills and dales on our 6 month journey to the finish line. | |
 | Catherine Bequette ccbqtt@aol.com Assistant Coach I have run10 marathons. This season my daughter Alli and I are training for the Dallas Metro Marathon in December and the Houston Chevron Marathon in January. I have been a member of Katy Fit for 6 years. This is my 4th year as an assistant coach for the Red Marathon Group. I’m very excited about seeing all the returning "Katy Fitizens" and I can’t wait to meet all the new "Katy Fitizens". It’s going to be a great Katy Fit season. | |
 | Cathy Harris geneharris1@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach My name is Cathy and I have been with KatyFit since 2002. During that time, I have ran 12 full marathons and I am not sure how many halfs, 30 / 25 / 20 / 10 or 5Ks that I have participated in. My best finish to date (not time wise) has been in the Singapore marathon where I placed third in my age group. I really look forward to running with you this season and I really wish you to very best in your training whether for the full or half marathon! | |
 | Christi Behrens phyerphlie@hotmail.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Harris Arthur hwacpa@yahoo.com Assistant Coach I'm Harris Arthur (Harris is the FIRST name). This is my 6th year with Katy Fit and my 4th as an assistant coach. As a CPA, I led a pretty sedentary lifestyle. I took up running as a way to get and stay in shape after hearing of and watching so many of my CPA colleagues dropping dead of heart attacks and other medical problems. As an early riser during the week, and an inability to sleep late on Saturdays, I fit in perfectly with the Katy Fit schedules. I have completed one marathon and several half's as well as other distances. Looking forward to working and coaching you. If you are a new runner, I will work with you to make sure you will not be the last one in. Harris W. Arthur 5-1 Asst in the Big Red Nation | |
 | Jeffrey Ganczak robert.ganzak@gmail.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Judy Loy jaloy@msn.com Assistant Coach I'm sure I would not be a distance runner, a coach and also be fit and in good health if I wasn't in this interesting and upbeat Katy Fit group! It's so much fun running in a group as you converse with others, learn so many new things from others and share plenty of laughs with your running group. I never thought I'd be running marathons, let alone running full marathons at the age of 74; but Katy Fit keeps me enthused and doing just that. I do expect to just keep on keepin' on with this lifestyle until my ashes are scattered along my favorite running trail! | |
 | Karla Scroggins tnvol2cats@yahoo.com Assistant Coach Hi everyone. I started running to train for the 2006 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis Half Marathon to raise money for my favorite charity St. Jude. Our grand daughter was diagnosed with AML, a type of very aggressive cancer when she was only 9 weeks old. Imagine being in the fight for your life at only 9 weeks old, probably even earlier than that. But thanks to the wonderful staff and researchers at St. Jude our little angel pulled through! I ran that first half to celebrate our granddaughter's life and to pay back a little of what St. Jude had done for our family. But, what I discovered while running that race and crossing the finish line was that St. Jude had done so much more for me personally than I even realized. It helped me discover my love of long distance running. I used to laugh at people who ran long distance. Not because I thought they were stupid or silly but because I just couldn't see how I could ever run like that. I was in the Navy & I only ran to stay in shape for my physical fitness test. Until I started training for the half marathon in 2006 I had never ran further than 5 miles and I thought that was a long way. But once I crossed that first finish line and received my medal I was hooked. I drove back to Athens, GA where I was stationed and promptly made plans to sign up for my next half the very next month. After 11 half marathons I decided it was finally time to take the plunge and run a full marathon. I still remember the long training run when I ran 15 miles. My coach was running with us and I yelled out to everyone "hey this is the longest I have ever ran." Everyone laughed not at me but because they could still remember a day when they did the same thing. I love to promote running and all the comraderie I get from the sport. I want to tell other people about how easy it is just to get started running and then how they can get faster and run longer distances if they want. Since that first race in December 2006 I have ran 34 half marathons, 3 30Ks, 20 full marathons and even a 50K. I love running and especially the race bling too:-) So welcome to Katy Fit. I look forward to training with you as we get ready for the Houston Marathon! | |
 | Lin Hale redkatygoose@gmail.com Assistant Coach May 15, 2006 I quit smoking; a year later in May of '07 I started running again. I joined Katy Fit when it started up that summer and ran my first marathon - Chevron in '08 and have never looked back. Katy Fit has given me my life back in more ways than I can count. It's more than just a training program - it's building some pretty awesome bonds with some pretty awesome people! When I think of my first year with Katy Fit; I think of my awesome coaches. They pushed, nagged, cajoled...ANYTHING it took to get me through at times. Looking back; I am so thankful they didn't let me stop! Now, as a coach, guess what? I won't let you stop either! Oh; trust me! You WILL cross that finish line! And you WILL look back over all that training and marvel at how far you have come in six months! Lace up my friend! The trails are calling and it's time to go! | |
 | Micah Lipperd micah.lipperd@gmail.com Assistant Coach | |
| Red Half Marathon | ||
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Amy Smith Head Coach This is my 7th season with Katy Fit, the last 5 as a Coach. When I joined Katy Fit, I didn't think I could run further then 4 miles, so my initial my goal was to complete my first Half Marathon. Since then, I have completed 7 Half Marathons, 2 Full Marathons and numerous Triathlons. Katy Fit has such great people who not only helped me accomplish these goals, but have become my good friends! | |
 | Al Spencer alspencer31@yahoo.com Assistant Coach I joined Katy Fit last year to help prepare for the Houston ½ Marathon and the run portion of Triathlon races. I never thought in a million years that I would be running marathons let alone enjoy the training leading up to the event. Last year, I made some really good friends that motivated me to complete 3 ½ Marathons and a 202 mile relay race. I enjoyed my time with Katy fit so much that I decided to come back as a Coach. See you out at THP, GO BIG RED!!!! | |
 | Angie Davis AngelaR.Davis@bp.com Assistant Coach My name is Angie, I like to run Come on along, and when we're done We'll do some yoga, no pain involved And soon enough, your problem's solved. With KatyFit, this is my fourth year Made lots of friends, some quite dear I've run in halfs, and a full or two Run with we Turtles, you'll never be blue! | |
 | Doris Bozanich doeboz@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach I've been a member of Katy Fit for 5 seasons and look forward to a great running season this year. I have completed several half marathons as well as a number of 5ks and 10ks. As a coach, my goal is to make training fun for our new members as well as a meaningful marathon experience. | |
 | Heather Gustafson hgustafson@newlandco.com Assistant Coach I have been running with KatyFit for 5 years, and this is my third year to coach. GO BIG RED! I have completed over 10 half marathons and 2 marathons. I started running because I wanted to do triathlons. To date, I have completed numerous Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons and 3 Half-Ironmans. Running for me is a social thing, and I love getting to know people along the trail. If you can find people to talk to, the runs go by SO MUCH faster. I have met some of my best friends through running, and I hope you will too. In addition to running, I also love to eat great food (which is why I keep running). | |
 | Jan Rupe janr0505@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach I joined Katy Fit 3 years ago and this is my 2nd year to coach. I started running because I needed a challenge in my personal life and in the process I found inspiration, motivation and met some wonderful people. I don't like getting up early on Saturday mornings and I don't like to run alone. Coaching solves these 2 issues, I have to get up early and I get to run with all of you!! | |
 | Jane Wallace Jane.C.Wallace@bp.com Assistant Coach I have been a member of KatyFit since 2005. The first year I trained to walk the Houston Half Marathon. The following year I progressed to 1:3's the 3rd year to 3:1's….after that I found my niche with 5:1's. I have since completed several Half Marathons in different cities and states, often travelling with friends from KatyFit…we always have a blast. I did manage to finish one Full Marathon last year, the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC….I think I'll be sticking with Half Marathons from now on! | |
 | Jill Seltzer jillseltzer@yahoo.com Assistant Coach My name is Jill Seltzer and this is my third year with KatyFit. I joined the group when I moved here from Michigan and was looking for a way to get some exercise. My son, Adam, suggested we join KatyFit and train for a half marathon. I thought he was crazy, because I wasn’t a runner and 13.1 miles seemed like a lot of running. But I joined the group and with the help and support from Coaches Walter, Amy and Lin and the rest of the Turtle family I have run 4 half marathons, several 10ks and lots of 5ks. KatyFit has turned me into a runner. I look forward to being a part of the coaching team and helping new runners to have the wonderful experience I’ve had with KatyFit. | |
 | Kim Gustafason kimmiegrn@hotmail.com Assistant Coach This is my 5th year with Katy Fit, my 2nd year as a coach of the Turtles on Half Shell (3:1). I just started "running" 5 years ago and joined Katy Fit to help me train for my first 1/2 Marathon. After telling "friends" and family that I was going to run the Houston 1/2 Marathon and getting "really?? You are going to run a half marathon?" I was determined to show them that I could do it. Granted, they had a, if not several, valid reasons for their pessimism - I had never even run a 5K! But, thanks to Katy Fit I was able to accomplish my goal! The encouragement, support and motivation I received from the coaches, and other runners, kept me coming week after week. This has motivated me to give back and encourage others, no matter age, size or ability you can attain any goal! GO BIG RED! | |
 | Lisa Buckner lisaag84@aol.com Assistant Coach In 2003, I was bored with walking local 5K races and wanted a new adventurous challenge. So I joined a charity team to learn how to run and raised funds to earn an almost all expenses paid trip to Disney World to run my first half marathon. I was living in the Metairie/New Orleans area, where it is just as hot in the summer and believe it or not, even more humid than Houston! I caught the running bug and ever since have been collecting heavy medals (race finisher bling). I have finished 4 marathons (Walt Disney World 2007, Chevron Houston 2009, Mardi Gras Rock 'N Roll New Orleans 2010 and Marine Corps 2010), 21 half marathons (4 Aramco Houston) and many other races. Four days after evacuating from New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina, I obtained a position with a different company which brought me back to Houston. This will be my 7th year as a member of Katy Fit and 5th year as a Red assistant coach. I met my best friends through Katy Fit and we enjoy travelling to races. I have lots of stories and experiences to share with you on the trail. Every run in the park is an adventure whether at dawn or dusk you might see a wild rabbit or maybe even a deer. Train with Katy Fit and we'll help you reach the finish line to collect your own medal. When the miles get to feeling too long, my mantra is: Just Keep Moving! | |
 | Marc Mandell mmandell@me.com Assistant Coach Hi I'm Marc Mandell and I'm from Tulsa, OK, lived in Houston since "74, and I am an agent with New York LIfe Insurance Company. I have two great kids and my interests are, running (oh really), tennis and biking. Non participating activities are theater, Houston Texans and Houston Aeros Hockey. I started running July 09, completed my first half as a result of the great training from Katy Fit. I was so moved by the motivation, caring and friendships, besides the persuasion, that I chose to coach starting last year. Katy Fit has truly changed my life so I want to "give back" to the next group of marathoners. | |
 | Maria Colon ugogreys@gmail.com Assistant Coach I joined Katy Fit seven years ago when I moved to Houston to get back into running and to meet new people. I have since run 5 marathons, over 10 half- marathons, and many other races. I have also made some wonderful friends along the way. You get to know people pretty well when you spend hours running with them. This will be my fifth season as a coach and I'm looking forward to helping other runners achieve the goal of running a marathon. I've gotten to like this marathon running thing so much that I celebrated my 50th birthday by running the Philadelphia Marathon. | |
 | Peggy Russell prussell@steversonstaffing.com Assistant Coach Hi I am Peggy Russell . I started with Katy Fit a few years ago walking a Full Marathon …Wow that was so long! So I decided to run…Wow it was so hard, not much time to talk between breaths. And besides I can’t drink and GU while running. Now I run/walk/talk in the 5:1:6 group. Mmmmm so right. I look forward to meeting many new people this year as we try to find balance in our lives and run/walk/talk a half marathon. | |
 | Phyllis Vargas phyllisvargas@comcast.net Assistant Coach Hi, I’m Phyllis and I joined Katy Fit as a walker 10 years ago in order to fulfill my goal to do a half marathon. Since then, I have completed 5 full marathons and countless half marathons. I have visited new places, made friends, and learned how to get up early. I enjoy coaching and watching new runners get the “running bug” and am looking forward to another season with Katy Fit. | |
 | Rebecca Masse rebeccammasse@consolidated.net Assistant Coach I initially joined Katy Fit for the 5K Training Program and I moved into the Half Marathon Program 2 seasons ago. I have run 4 half marathons since then and look forward to running the Houston ½ Marathon a 3rd time this year. The friendships I’ve made and the support received through the program have been amazing. My husband and our children are avid runners, too, so it has become a shared family activity. They are all faster than me, but I’m running on the same course! I love that Katy Fit has training programs for all levels of runners. I look forward to helping and encouraging Katy Fit runners meet their ½ marathon goals. | |
 | Robin Sturgis robinsturgis@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach I have been running with Katy Fit for 4 years and this is my second year to coach. I love the Half Marathon distance and have experienced it to be challenging, but HALF as grueling as a full Marathon! I love the social aspect of running with other people – it gets me out on the trail when I might otherwise skip out. I have benefitted so much from the shared running information on the trail and have met such great people! | |
 | Tina Seaman tinaseaman@katyisd.org Assistant Coach Hi! I’m Coach Tina! I have been with Katy Fit for six years and a Turtle Coach for the past three years. I have enjoyed being a part of this fantastic group of runners who celebrate small and great accomplishments as runners as well as in their personal lives. I’ll be here to bring you in and motivate you to keep going even when you think you’re done. Katy Fit is about fellowship and friendship!! Turtle Power is my Motto!! Blessings to all!! | |
 | Walter Davis wcdavis@gmail.com Assistant Coach A rather sedentary job at IBM had turned me into a couch-potato until one day I decided to get off my butt and get active. I went back to my roots as a runner, but to be honest - running alone isn't very challenging or instructive, so when a friend suggested we train to run a half-marathon with KatyFit I jumped at the chance. As sick as it sounds, I began to really look forward to those 6am runs on Saturdays with all my friends. The 2009 season was awesome and I learned so much from so many fun people. As a coach I'm all about setting and meeting personal goals. You don't have to be the fastest runner out there, but getting up, getting out, and getting going are 75% of the work, and going the distance gets you across the goal line. And that's why we say TURTLES ROCK!! | |
| 90/30 Half Marathon | ||
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Doug Campbell doug.campbell@comcast.net Head Coach | |
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Hayward Sparks hsparks1@comcast.net Head Coach | |
| Purple (Walkers) | ||
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Lynn Furman lynnfur@gmail.com Head Coach Hi, I am Lynn Furman and, I am so happy to be your Head Coach for this season of Katy Fit Marathon training! I am excited to meet each of you and join you on this amazing journey you are about to begin...or continue. We of the purple are fun..social... award winning, and very committed to our training. Our coaching staff is outstanding, dedicated, experienced and available to help you accomplish your dream of finishing a marathon. No matter what your beginning pace, stick with us and you will get faster. We have all paces in purple and we also offer an opportunity to walk for 3 minutes and run 1 minute. We also have a several race walkers who would be happy to introduce you to the techniques of race walking. I would ask that you remember: THE GROUP NEEDS YOU AND YOU NEED YOUR GROUP!!! Our training schedule works and will get you to the finish so I also ask that you BELIEVE. There is no magic to walking a marathon just devotion to the training. This is so fantastic as you are about to amaze your family, friends and yourself but more that that you are going to change your life! I have been running/walking more marathons than I can count since 1979. My husband, Bob, my daughter, Candice (yellow group coach) and myself have been members of Katy Fit going on 12 years. Four years ago I had both my hips replaced and since that time I have completed 6 marathons, 17 half marathons, not to mention numerous 30ks, 10milers, 10ks, and 5ks. I am 65 years old with two artificial hips so if I can do it so can you.....just Believe and remember to stick with the group, who will walk with you every step of the way.....so, lace 'em up and see the BLING at the finish. | |
 | Amanda Oster amandaloster@yahoo.com Assistant Coach In junior high I did the 1 and 2 mile in track but that was the furthest distance I dared to go for a long time. Then in 2006 I brought home a very scared Catahoula puppy. In my attempts to socialize him I soon realized that nothing made Cole more confident than a long walk or run. In 2010 I did my first half marathon and I look forward to do many more! Now I’m the organizer for Fido Fit Katy so that I can help others bring their shy dogs out of their shells. This will be my second year coaching for the purple group and I look forward to helping others to complete their first half marathons and to bring out the hidden athlete in myself and in the purple group members. It’s going to be a great season! | |
 | Carol Roberts cajun.dancer@yahoo.com Assistant Coach Hi. In June of 1995 I went into cardiac arrest and was in a coma for 8 weeks. The Doctors said I would never walk again. God took control and I have now run/ walked several 1/2 marathons . Katy Fit continues to help me with my recovery journey. | |
 | Gay Waltrip Gay.Waltrip@comcast.net Assistant Coach I am very happy to help coach the walking group! This is my second year with Katy Fit. Walking has always been my favorite form of exercise. Now being able to incorporate half marathons and 5K’s into the mixture has added a whole new dimension and has been much more challenging. I plan to do my first full marathon this year and I’m very excited to be able to accomplish this with the help of Katy Fit. Being able to meet new friends and to help others meet their goals is something I’m looking forward to this 2012 season. | |
 | Joanna Teitel jnjteitel@gmail.com Assistant Coach I joined Katy Fit 3 years ago, after unsucessfully trying to increase my mileage on my own. After only 1 season I completed my first marathon - Amazing! It is so much easier to complete the training with friends. I have grown to think of the Purple Walkers as my 'walking family' and I look forward to every workout with them. As an assistant coach I want to help others accomplish their goals as long distance race walkers. It is wonderful to workout, lose weight, gain friends, get medals, and have so much FUN doing it. | |
 | Nancy Holcomb nholcomb1@comcast.net Assistant Coach Hi--I'm Nancy. This is my sixth year with Katy Fit and my second year as a coach. I completed the Aramco Half in 2007, 2008, & 2009. In the fall of 2009 I had to drop out of Katy Fit due to back issues. After tests I was diagnosed with disc and facet disease. Surgery was recommended but I decided against the surgery. Instead I went to a massage therapist who specializes in orthopedic/spine issues. After months of therapy I begin taking short walks in my neighborhood. When I joined Katy Fit in July 2010 I was able to walk three miles. My goal was to complete another half marathon but this was to be my "championship season". I did the training walks during the week and the Saturday long walks. My weekly mileage begin to increase and I completed the Ten for Texas in Oct. I completed the Galveston Seawall Half in Nov. and continued the Saturday long walks. As time passed I completed the 25K and the 30K. Upon completing the 30K I knew I could do a marathon. So I signed up for the USA Fit Marathon. On January 16, 2011, I completed my first marathon. My Katy Fit coaches, Lynn & Burcin, were with me all the way and I will always be gratefully to them for their support and encouragement. Katy Fit does, indeed, change your life. Physically and mentally you will feel better. You will accomplish goals greater than you ever expected. You will make supportive friendships. And, you, too, will have your "championship season"!!! | |
 | Ruth Ramos ruthdramos@comcast.net Assistant Coach I joined Katy Fit 6 years ago. I have really enjoyed and had a wonderful time and have benefited greatly from the training program that I decided to help others by becoming a coach. I did not think that I could accomplish the fitness level that I have and even more incredible is the fact that I accomplished my goal of being a long distance runner/walker. I am a member of the Tornados Running Club and HARRA. | |
