Katy Fit Coaches
| ATP | Blue/Green | Yellow Full Mar | Yellow Half Mar | Red Full Marath | Red Half Marath | 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 | |
 | Deana Tysdal deanatysdal@katyisd.org Assistant Coach | |
 | Eddie Araguz utboomer@yahoo.com Assistant Coach Half Marathon This is my second 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 coaches 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 | |
 | Gina Araguz Assistant Coach Half Marathon Eleven 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. Eleven 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. | |
| Joe Barry josephbarry@msn.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Kim McClintic kmcclintic71@hotmail.com Assistant Coach Hi, my name is Kim McClintic and this will be my 6th year running with Katy Fit. Ever since I joined I developed a deep passion of running. Since then I've completed 3 full marathons and numerous half marathons among other races and relays. This will be my first year as an assistant coach for ATP and I'm looking forward to another great season of running hard and training hard....ATP BABY!!! | |
 | Nancy Husby nhusby@comcast.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 | |
 | Steve Brammer steve@brammers.net Assistant Coach | |
| Blue/Green | ||
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Mike Masse mikemasse@consolidated.net Head Coach I am thrilled to be coaching the Blue/Green group for the third year. This is my fifth 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. | |
| Dave Lay newman.lay@springbranchisd.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Dennis Shaw coachdennis@katyfit.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Lisa Bishop runlisa@gmail.com Assistant Coach I am Lisa Bishop and this is my 6th season with KatyFit. I have run over 20 full marathons and many half marathons. I have been running for over 20 years and truly love it. KatyFit is a great program and I look forward to another great running season with them. | |
 | Michael Danke dankemichael@yahoo.com Assistant Coach I’m Michael and love the Houston Marathon so much I’m a double-veteran. I’ve done one iron-distance triathlon and several half-irons. I have never enjoyed physical therapy for injuries (which never seem to be caused by running). I live near Wilcrest and I-10 and wish Katy Fit would have more speed and hill workouts near Town and Country. | |
 | Rick Bozanich rbozanich@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach This is my 4th season with KatyFit, and my 2nd 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 22 marathons including 5 Bostons. This is my 7th year with Katy Fit and 3rd year of helping the Blue-Green group. | |
 | Stephanie Webb steph_ola@hotmail.com Assistant Coach Marathon Having recently moved to the Katy area I was pleased to meet a group of running enthusiasts such as KatyFit. This is my second 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 first 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. 3rd year Katy Fit full marathon coach. Completed multiple marathons and half marathons. | |
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Jeff Clark jeff.clark@aon.com Head Coach USATF Level I Certified Coach, Full Marathon Coach with Katy Fit since 2001, 2nd Year Head Coach Yellow Group, Completed 10 Marathons. | |
| Bill Schick pamschick@mindspring.net Assistant Coach | |
 | Christian Markel cmarkel97@sbcglobal.net 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”….. | |
 | Darcy Stingerie darcy.stingerie@gmail.com Assistant Coach This is my third year with Katy Fit and second time training for Houston. I helped last year with mostly admin for the Yellow group while recovering from knee surgery. I was selected for the lottery for Houston this year and am determined and ready to train for another marathon and can't wait for you to join us! | |
 | Julie Thigpen jthigpen@consolidated.net Assistant Coach I have run one full marathon, a 30K, a 25K and two half marathons. Even though I haven't run a lot of races, I have been a runner for about 18 years. I love the energy running gives me and the fact that it has helped to keep me healthy. When I decided to go for the really long distance, I joined Katy Fit and I am so glad I did! I got lots of helpful information on preparing for the marathon, as well as the enjoyment of running companions. I found I especially need the support during those long runs. Katy Fit has been a real blessing. | |
 | Kelly Eubanks keubanks@greystar.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Kristin Bottorf Kristin.Bottorff@Regions.com Assistant Coach My name is Kristin Bottorff and this is my 5th 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 5 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 first year coaching with Katy Fit, and I'm very excited to be a part of an amazing group! | |
| Yellow Half Marathon | ||
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Candice Trimm joejoecan@aol.com Head Coach | |
 | Alain Ducante ducante@comcast.net Assistant Coach | |
 | Annette Lockwood glamermama2@yahoo.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Bob Furman roguebob@hotmail.com Assistant Coach | |
 | Gerry Montalto g.montalto@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach My work background is in Speech Pathology. I work with individuals that have communication issues and eating challenges. I am married to Phebe who also runs swims and bikes. We have a little boy who is seven and half. I have been running for many years since high school. I ran mainly just 5ks but in the past few years have run longer distances. I have run a few marathons and half marathons. We have teamed up and ran a few relay races such as Beach to Bay or the Texas Independence Relay Run, which is a total of 203 miles. It has been a great time. I enjoy staying in shape and like to do most anything, running, biking and getting better at swimming. | |
| Jennifer Smith jlcsmith@hotmail.com Assistant Coach | |
| Suzanne McLean suzannemclean@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach This is my sixth year with Katy Fit and there is no turning back. After completion of my first marathon in 2006, I knew I wanted to do it again. The training is tough but the rewards are so great! I've been rewarded with better health, more confidence and a sense of will in conquering some very difficult challenges. Finding the time to train is a big obstacle but having so many Katy Fit friends to run with makes it easier to do! I look forward to another great year of running. See you on the trails! | |
 | Tom Stallings tomstallings@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach Why I coach: I really enjoyed my first marathons with a USA Fit program and see coaching as a way to pay back the coaches who first got me fired up about running. In addition, it is really gratifying to see people work hard at attaining a goal and make dramatic improvements in their ability in six short months. I ran my first and what I thought would be my only marathon as part of a bet a few years ago. I ran the next six once I learned how much fun it was experiencing a marathon and seeing how good you felt in comparison to how I generally felt before I started distance running. My wife and I have four kids. When I am not running around west Houston, or running after kids, I spend my time coaching and watching soccer, teaching CCE, reading and being a college professor. | |
| 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 6 years, the last 3 as a coach. This is my 1st 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. | |
 | 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 marathon’s 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!!!! | |
 | Alyssa Hill ahill@gddcpa.com Assistant Coach This will be my fourth season with Kay Fit and my first 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 run 7 marathons. This season my daughter, Alli, and several of the Katy Fit Reds are training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October and the Houston Chevron Marathon in January. I have been a member of Katy Fit for 5 years. This is my 3rd 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! | |
 | Harris Arthur hwacpa@yahoo.com Assistant Coach I'm Harris Arthur (Harris is the FIRST name). This is my 5th year with Katy Fit and my 3rd 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 | |
 | Heather Gustafason hgustafson@newlandco.com Assistant Coach I have been running with KatyFit for 4 years, and this is my second year to coach. GO BIG RED! I have completed 5 half marathons and 1 marathon. I started running because I wanted to do triathlons. To date, I have completed numerous Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons and 2 Half-Ironmans. I just got married and am enjoying life as a newlywed. | |
 | Judy Gordon jjcg79@hotmail.com Assistant Coach Hi, I am Judy Gordon. I started training and running marathons by myself. When I joined Katy Fit, I found that the miles were much more enjoyable and passed by quicker when running with friends. I am now starting my 5th year coaching the Reds and have completed 7 marathons and 13 MS150 bike races. I thank God for the ability to run and the friends I have met and shared the mile with along the way. | |
 | 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 those you run with. I never thought I'd be running marathons, let alone running marathons at the age of 73, 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! | |
 | 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 six 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 fourth 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. | |
| Red Half Marathon | ||
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Amy Smith Amy.Smith@deepwater.com Head Coach This is my 6th season with Katy Fit, the last 4 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! | |
 | 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 third 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! | |
| Anne Mullaly anne_mullaly@hotmail.com Assistant Coach Hi I'm Anne! I have a funny accent and talk too fast and I love to coach and encourage people to run! I also love company when I run - this makes Katy fit a perfect fit for me and you! | |
 | Doris Bozanich doeboz@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach I've been a member of Katy Fit for 4 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. | |
 | Doug Campbell doug.campbell@comcast.net Assistant Coach I’m slow, I know; get over it because I know all the shortcuts, where the beer is and the shortest, fastest way to the buffet line. I believe in starting slow and then tapering off. I am starting my 6th year coaching Reds for Katy Fit. Welcome to the Big Red Nation! We are a fun party that uses running as its excuse. We are glad you are joining in on the fun. | |
 | Elle Hill elle.hill@yahoo.com Assistant Coach Running was a decision I made two seasons ago. I needed a *big* change in my life. I needed to do what felt right and running feels soooo right. Looking back, I’ve realized that holding onto who I was was stopping me from becoming who I will be...a runner. I love running. It’s my thing. With the support, excitement and encouragement I receive from my four beautiful kiddos, my awesome husband and Katy Fit, I have finished a handful of half marathons with a 25k and 30k thrown in for good measure! Running in the fresh (albeit hot and humid) air is fun and uplifting in ways I can’t really describe. Whenever I see another runner passing by, I feel like we're in a secret club of people who know how great running feels. As a new coach, I'd like to help you free your feet, indoctrinate you into Katy Fit and change your life. Join me? | |
 | Jan Rupe janr0505@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach | |
 | 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! | |
 | Jenny Wilson jenny.wilson11@gmail.com Assistant Coach This is my 3rd year with Katy Fit, and my second year coaching with the Big Red Nation! I have completed 2 full marathons as well as 4 half marathons. Along the trails I have made many great friends and even participated in the Texas Independence Relay this year, 203.2 glorious miles, with many of them! I look forward to another great season coaching the continuous half group, GO BIG RED! | |
 | Julie Campbell julie.campbell@springbranchisd.com Assistant Coach Hi, I am Julie Campbell and started with Katy Fit over seven seasons ago. I walk/ran my first marathon with the purple group. I now love coaching Red and have run 5 marathons and many ½ marathons. The key to enjoying the experience of running is the friends you meet on the trail. Running is cheaper than therapy and a great stress reliever! | |
 | Kim Gustafason kimmiegrn@hotmail.com Assistant Coach This is my 4th year with Katy Fit, my first year as a coach of the Turtles on Half Shell (3:1). I just started "running" 4 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! | |
 | Lindsey Chase lnchase81@yahoo.com Assistant Coach Hi there! I'm Lindsey, a stay at home mom of 2 beautiful children. I've always been a runner, but after having kids my life had strayed a bit far from the running path. Last year, with the encouragement of my awesome husband, children and good friends from KatyFit, I got back on the path and enjoyed completing three half marathons! However, I gained so much more than a few medals - I learned to believe in myself, and to remember how important and precious my life and everyone in it was. I am so excited to give back this year and be your coach! I'm a big believer in the power of God, family, friends, cross training, yoga, and of course, running with all your heart. I hope that through this process, you will realize that you are worth it, and you can do this crazy 13.1 mile thing that we all love. See you on the trails! | |
 | Lisa Buckner lisaag84@aol.com Assistant Coach I started running 7 years ago in New Orleans, where believe it or not, it is even more humid! I've completed 18 half marathons and 3 full marathons (Walt Disney World '07, Chevron Houston '09 and Mardi Gras New Orleans '10). This will be my sixth year as a member of Katy Fit and fourth year as a Red assistant coach. My mantra is: just keep moving! | |
| 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 My name is Phyllis, I enjoy running, and often joke that I run for therapy. And, I also have a bridge named after me in Terry Hershey Park...long story but one you'll always remember! Ask me sometime! | |
 | Robin Sturgis robinsturgis@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach I have been running with Katy Fit for 3 years and this is my first 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!! | |
| 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 11 years. Three 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 64 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. Last year 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 first 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! | |
 | Burcin Ozcan burcin1975@gmail.com Assistant Coach My name is Burcin and this is my fourth year with Katy Fit and my third year coaching the 5K and Purple groups. I love the support and friendships that I have gained from becoming part of this great program. I look forward to another great year. | |
 | Deborah Holcombe DeborahHolcombe@comcast.net Assistant Coach I joined Katy Fit last year for the exercise opportunities. The group offers me so much more than a “walk in the park.” With the help of great coaching and supportive team mates, I have completed numerous Half Marathons and looking forward to the 2011-2012 season. As coach I want to inspire folks to achieve and improve their overall fitness. Grab your tennis shoes and let’s hit the road… | |
 | Nancy Holcomb nholcomb1@comcast.net Assistant Coach Hi--I'm Nancy. This is my fifth year with Katy Fit and my first 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 5 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. | |
 | Shelley Burkett shelley.burkett@baesystems.com Assistant Coach This is my second year in Katy Fit and my first year coaching for the Purple group. I have coached the 5K group and completed my first marathon this year. | |
 | Stephen Kimmel stevekimmel@yahoo.com Assistant Coach Stephen has walked 24 marathons including Houston five times and Boston three times. He has been a pacer at Little Rock and Memphis. This will be his third year coaching walkers at Katy Fit. Perhaps the most noteworthy thing about him is his speed. A certified freak of nature, Stephen walks faster than some of our runners. He also enjoys work and says that he can watch it for hours. | |
 | Terri Schultz tls0159@gmail.com Assistant Coach I joined Katy Fit during it's first year and finished the training season walking the Houston Marathon. No, I was not fast but I DID It. I then finished the next season doing the Houston Half Marathon. It was then that, as I like to say, I got lazy. After some time off I joined last year with only the intention of getting out and walking with others. Boy, was I wrong. Katy Fit has given me so much more. I have gotten stronger in so many areas of my life, caught up with old friends and made lots of new friends. Oh yeah, and did a few races along the way. I will never forget what Coach Gina said to me back in 2001 during my first year as I struggled slowly on the trail. She said, "You are an athlete!" I still may not be the fastest...but I walk, I run and I have lots of fun. | |
