USA Fit San Jose Coaches
| Blue | Green | Yellow | Red | Purple | Half | Conditioning |
| Click on a color group above to see the list of coaches for that group. | ||||||
| About the Organizer | ||
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Bill billy@sanjosefit.com Bill Griffiths, or Billy, has been a member/coach since '99. He joined SJFit for many reasons but his main goal was to simply get into shape. "Completing a marathon was not one of the reasons that I joined my first year. I wanted to run a few 10K's and avoid becoming a balloon in the Macy's day parade." Like most of the new members to SJF he did not think he would be able to finish a marathon or even a half marathon. The first year Billy competed and completed the San Jose half marathon. After that he came back and has completed many half marathons, marathons, ultra marathons and the American River 50 miler. Billy also is a member of the Santa Cruz Track Club and in 2009 coach track for the Special Olympics. "I have had the pleasure of meeting many new faces and made many new friends over the years. I look forward to meeting you and sharing our running stories. The best is yet to come. Hope to see you on the trail." |
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| Blue Group Coaches | ||
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Arnon arnon@sanjosefit.com Head Coach PACE: 8:20 MINUTE MILE and ATP-Lite. I joined San Jose Fit in 2002 with a "simple" goal in mind - to finish a full marathon, or a half. And if not even that, then at least do something which does not require a computer. I ran my first half at San Francisco, then the Silicon Valley marathon, and I was hooked. I started to coach in 2005 and became a head coach in 2007. The winter trails running program followed, taking after Tom's RSD runs. I finished 23 marathons, including San Francisco, Big Sur, California International, Napa, Oakland, Tucson and Boston. In 2010, on the 2500th anniversary of the marathon, I ran the Athens Classic Marathon, Greece. It starts at Marathon, follows Pheidippides's original marathon course, and ends at the Panathinaikon Olympic stadium, Athens. But what really changed my life are all the friends I made in SJF, who support me all along this journey. | |
 | George Assistant Coach PACE: 8:00 MINUTE MILE. AFTER 13 MILES, MAY DO A RUN/WALK COMBO. Hi! I've been running with San Jose Fit since 2002 and started as an assistant coach in 2004. My first son was born in 2003 and I pushed him in a stroller for a couple of years until he got too big. The second joined us in 2006 so they now have a Saturday morning baby sitter. I've been running a 9:00 min/mile pace since the start, so this will be my first year going faster. I tend to have a very consistent pace and like to keep the 8:15 target pace until around 13 miles. In the past I have done run/walk for 15 miles and farther, but I always ask the group if they want to continue after the first long distance run. Come join our group for a great run! | |
 | Mark Assistant Coach PACE: 7:30 MINUTE MILE Mark loves to distance run. He recently completed the 2011 Boston Marathon with a 3:24 time. Mark has also completed the California International Marathon in 2009 and 2007, the Napa Marathon in 2008, the New York Marathon in 2006, the Dallas Marathon in 2004, the Boston Marathon in 2004 and the Austin Marathon in 2003 and 2004. Each time, Mark re-qualified for the Boston Marathon. His personal record is 3:00 and 58 seconds at the Austin Motorola Marathon in 2004. Mark thoroughly enjoys running with his friends and the social as well as fitness aspects of San Jose Fit. | |
 | Thomas Assistant Coach PACE: 7:30 MINUTE MILE. Thomas got into running only 8 years ago when he ran the ING New York Marathon. Since then he ran Marathons in San Diego, Boston, SFO, Sacramento CIM, Death Valley and others. Napa Valley with a PR of 3:23 in 2010 has been his favorite due to the beautiful sceneries. Thomas loves running and socializing with his friends at SJFit. He even promotes SJFit to strangers on the flight back from Boston Marathon who are now active SJFit members. | |
 | Vivian Assistant Coach PACE: 8:00 MINUTE MILE. Hi. I'm Vivian Currington. I'm a late starter. I started running with San Jose Fit in 2004. I never ran in my life, not even in High School. Except those little runs they make you do in PE. I started, not even knowing what a marathon was. I ran in the red group. Run 5 min walk 2. I kept with the program and ran my first marathon in Sacramento (4:45 finish). My best time is 3:28, at Silicon Valley Marathon. It was a lot of hard work but worth it... I qualified for Boston and ran it twice. It's a great place to get support and confidence. I would never have come this far without everyone's support and encouragement of the San Jose Fit Team. | |
| Green Group Coaches | ||
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Arnon arnon@sanjosefit.com Head Coach PACE: 8:20 MINUTE MILE and ATP-Lite. I joined San Jose Fit in 2002 with a "simple" goal in mind - to finish a full marathon, or a half. And if not even that, then at least do something which does not require a computer. I ran my first half at San Francisco, then the Silicon Valley marathon, and I was hooked. I started to coach in 2005 and became a head coach in 2007. The winter trails running program followed, taking after Tom's RSD runs. I finished 23 marathons, including San Francisco, Big Sur, California International, Napa, Oakland, Tucson and Boston. In 2010, on the 2500th anniversary of the marathon, I ran the Athens Classic Marathon, Greece. It starts at Marathon, follows Pheidippides's original marathon course, and ends at the Panathinaikon Olympic stadium, Athens. But what really changed my life are all the friends I made in SJF, who support me all along this journey. | |
 | Ed Assistant Coach PACE: 8:20 MINUTE MILE. I started running with San Jose Fit in 1999 and 2000 and now feel happy and fortunate to be back as a coach. My first Marathon (Silicon Valley Marathon) was with SJ Fit in 1999 and my second (California International) 4 weeks later. Since then I have continued running marathons (about 25 total). My favorite courses are St. George, Big Sur, Cal International, Lake Tahoe, and Boston. My near term running goals are to regain form, eat whatever I want, crack the lottery at The New York Marathon, and re-qualify for Boston. My experience has taught me that the fastest and least painful way for most people (including a Clydesdale like me) to run a marathon is to run the second half of the race faster than the first. It’s also more fun passing people in the end of the race than it is getting passed. We will likely run that way in training runs (a little slower in the early miles) picking it up a bit on the way back to the barn depending on how I/we feel. | |
 | Jerry Assistant Coach PACE 8:40 Jerry has been running with San Jose Fit since 2002. He ran his first ultra in April of 2009 at the 50K Skyline to the Sea Trail Run. He liked it! Jerry subscribes to the "running should be fun" philosophy, even when it hurts. His first 50 miler will be in early April and then it's back to training for short races, like the marathon. ;-) He believes the best approach to qualifying for Boston is to get older, but not slower. Eventually you will make it. | |
 | Yuka Assistant Coach PACE: 8:40 MINUTE MILE. Yuka has been a member of SJFit since 2004 and an assistant coach since 2008. She has completed five marathons and a number of half marathons and 10K's, although her ultimate goal back in 2003 was to get a free T-shirt at a 5K race. When she's not running, you can find her dancing Argentine tango or practicing yoga, although she's also known to show up to work between workouts. She loves the camaraderie of SJFit, and is excited about yet another fun season. | |
| Yellow Group Coaches | ||
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Georgiana Head Coach PACE: 10:30 MINUTE MILE. Georgiana started running with San Jose Fit in 2002. She has since run many marathons, half marathons, trail runs and fun-runs. You will also see her yearly as a walker and supporter for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. A firm believer in the philosophy 'no runner left behind', she ensures every runner crosses the finish line. Georgiana, attributes her long association with running and San Jose Fit to the incredible bonds she has forged with her runners over the years. She dearly misses her mentor Tom Kaisersatt and continues to run in fond memory of him. | |
 | Ivette Assistant Coach PACE: 9:40-10:00 MINUTE MILE. Ivette started running with San Jose Fit in 2007 with no intention of running a marathon. She was just looking for running buddies. Two seasons later after her first 23 mile run with said buddies, 26.2 started to sound tempting. The following month while she was running the first leg of the Big Sur Marathon relay, she decided to run to the finish instead of waiting for the relay bus, earning two medals (relay and marathon) in one race! Since then she has run numerous marathons, including a couple of ultramarathons. Her long term running goal is 50 marathons by the time she's 50. | |
 | Janet Assistant Coach PACE: 10:00-1:30 MINUTE MILE Janet did not begin running until five years ago, under the conviction that running would lead her to a healthier lifestyle. After 3 marathons and numerous half marathons, Janet is now dedicated to sharing her passion and experience with others. Last year, for the first time, she ran in the world largest road race, The New York City Marathon. Janet is looking forward to her 2nd year coaching with San Jose Fit. "I love the camaraderie found throughout the running community!" | |
 | Janine Assistant Coach PACE: 10:00-10:30 MINUTE MILE Prior to joining SJFIT in 2006, the thought of completing a marathon never crossed my mind. That same year I crossed the finish line of the SVM and I was hooked. Don't get me wrong, running a marathon or half marathon is no easy task, it will challenge you physically and mentally but in the end will reward you greatly. This will be my 2nd year as an assistant coach with SJFIT. I hope that I can share with you all that I've learned about the sport of marathoning and hopefully have alot of fun in the process. Let's get running! | |
 | Kelly Assistant Coach PACE: 9:20 -9:40 I've been a member of San Jose Fit since 1998. I joined the group to find people I could run with and finally get back in shape. I never thought I would actually be able to run a marathon! Over the years, I have run several marathons and half marathons, but I keep coming back for the terrific people I meet each year. It is a privilege to get to know the new-comers and watch them achieve what they might not have thought was possible. I am looking forward to running with you in my 14th season. | |
 | Larry Assistant Coach PACE: 9:00-9:20 MINUTE MILE I have been running marathons for 8 years and ultra marathons for 5 years. I trained with San Jose Fit for my first marathon is 2003, and last year I ran the Western States 100-mile Endurance Run. This is my first year coaching, and I am looking forward to enjoying it with you. | |
 | Ramesh Assistant Coach PACE: 9:40-10:00 MINUET MILE Ramesh started running with San Jose Fit in 2007 after hearing about the program through another fitter. While starting with the Red pace group he found himself consistently catching up with Georgiana and Bill P's Yellow 4 group and soon called Y4 his home. The mere act of finishing the SVM marathon his first year spurred him on to several more and pretty soon he had a few CIM, SF, and SVM marathons under his belt and a desire for more. The camaraderie within the Y4 group ably led by fellow coaches Georgiana, Jan, Abe, and Karen and their constant encouragement saw Ramesh literally making rapid strides over the years resulting in PRs at Big Sur Half Marathon 2009 with a 1:58 and SF Marathon 2010 with a 4:24. His goal is to run a sub 4:00 marathon. Ramesh looks forward to a brand new season of running and another year as asst coach. | |
 | Susan Assistant Coach PACE: 9:00 MINUTE MILE Milestone birthdays awaken a reflective time when you realize that you better get moving before the alarm clock of life goes off. So I joined SJ Fit in 1999 to chase another goal on the bucket list. My first marathon was not pretty but it spoke to me and keeps calling my name. 18 marathons later I am more drawn in and thrilled that I answered the call. Some of my favorites have been Boston, Washington DC Marine Corps and Napa Valley. I also love chocolate and running is the means to increase consumption. Isn’t it actually one of the food groups? Discussion to be continued with the 9:00 min. pace group. | |
 | Ted Assistant Coach PACE: 10:30 - 10:45 Ted has been a member of San Jose Fit since 2007. He joined that year as a novice runner and completed his first marathon that season. Before this he was a self-described coach potato, having never run at all. His running goals are simple: 1) start and finish on the same day, 2) have fun and 3) no injuries. Ted is a big fan of run/walk intervals. When he is not running, he is a neurologist at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara and therefore appreciates not only the health benefits of running, but also that runners have very special brains! | |
| Red Group Coaches | ||
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Sandi sandi@sanjosefit.com Head Coach | |
 | Bill Parish bill@sanjosefit.com Assistant Coach PACE: 10:45-11:15 MINUTE MILE Bill Parrish has been a San Jose Fit member since 1999. As a new member to SJFit, Bill pondered whether he was able to finish a marathon, but he stuck with the program and followed the teachings of the SJ Fit lectures and practical knowledge and experience of all the coaches. Bill has now completed many half marathons, marathons and ultra marathons. The reason he continues to run with SJFit is for the comraderie between old friends and the pleasure of making new friends, coaching and mentoring novice members. | |
 | Don Dickey Assistant Coach PACE: 11:30 TO 11:45 I have run for a lot of years, however until a joined San Jose Fit I could not run more than 5 or 6 mile. I joined San Jose Fit in 2006 and ran my first Marathon that year. Since I started running with San Jose Fit I have run 5 Marathons, 8 1/2 marathons and a number of shorter runs. I coached in 2009 and the 2009-2010 winter programs. The encouragement and training I receive from the program made it possible to complete my first marathon and to continue to run. | |
 | Linda Assistant Coach Pace: 13.5 to 14 MINUTE MILE. I ran solo for years and decided i wanted to run more than 10K's. I joined San Jose Fit 2009 with the intention of completing a half marathon. With the guidance of the coaches and the SJ fit program I was able to complete a full marathon and 4 Half Marathons in less than a year. | |
 | Paul Assistant Coach PACE: 10:30-11:00 MINUTE MILES. Just completed my 43rd marathon (Austin) in my 25th state with my twin brother, Dave (in picture from Detroit Marathon), who was 2nd in his age category, and sister (her 3rd). Dave runs his first 100-miler June 4th. This is my 10th season with San Jose Fit. I like to share my running experience Saturday mornings with friends, new and old. I'd like to plan more marathons this year if me knee holds up. But it's all about showing up and running. Long runs silence the voices and keeps me sane. | |
 | Paula G. Assistant Coach Pace: 11:30 – 12:00 Run 6 minutes/Walk 1 minute - I have been with San Jose Fit for 6 years . I reluctantly went to the SJ Fit trial run thinking I could never run a marathon nor did I even want to. After that trial run I was hooked and have now completed 10 marathons, numerous half marathons and multiple other races. I live and run in Santa Cruz. What could be better than running along the ocean with waves crashing against the cliffs or dolphins popping up out of the water? The pinnacle of my running career was April 20, 2009 when I completed my first and probably only Boston Marathon. I can guarantee you will have fun and be amazed at what you can accomplish! "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali | |
 | Sean Assistant Coach PACE: 11:20-11:50 I joined San Jose Fit in2008. This is my first year coaching. I will be training with the R2s, using a run/walk program with a pace of 11:20 to 11:50 per mile. I trained for and ran the San Francisco AIDS Marathon in 2007. This was my first marathon, for which I decided to train as a personal challenge after I lost 40 pounds through an at-work weight loss program. As I was training for the AIDS Marathon, and running every Saturday morning along the Los Gatos Creek Trail, the hundreds of runners I encountered in their San Jose Fit “No Whining” t-shirts peaked my curiosity. I looked up San Jose Fit on the Web, and joined the following year. I have now completed 4 full marathons and several half marathons. My philosophy as a trained for and finished my first marathon was “If I can run a marathon, I can do anything.” As I continue to train for future marathons, I truly believe that if I can do it, anyone can do it. I also find that as I continue running, I continue to get stronger and healthier. Now that I’ve been running for 3 years, I’m hooked, and in pursuit of another PR. | |
| Purple Group Coaches | ||
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Bertha Bock Head Coach My blood type was caramel when I first joined San Jose Fit! With the support of my coaches and lots of encouragement from fellow walkers and runners, I was able to complete my first half marathon, and then my first full marathon. Now it’s a way of life, and I live for the next race. I’m living proof of what can be achieved when the gluteus maximus comes off the couch! | |
 | Laurel laurel@sanjosefit.com Assistant Coach Laurel started her 12,874K run in April of 1998 with San Jose Fit. With occasional water and December holiday breaks, she should hit this 8000 mile mark by this October! Look out, Dean Karnazes! Project Manager by day, Group Fitness and Personal Trainer by night, and San Jose Fit coach by weekend, Laurel knows that running and jumping is in her blood (along with the raspberry Gu) and feels blessed to be able to share her energy and love of the sport with others, especially the San Jose Fitters! (uh, the jumping part comes from the snakes she avoids on the trails). Her simple marathon goals remain: 1) same day finish, 2) finish upright, 3) no vomit. | |
 | Ruben Assistant Coach PACE: 15 MINUTE MILES and W2R (Walk to Run) I do 5 to 6 half marathons and one full marathon a year. I'm looking forward to a great year with the Purple People. PURPLE RULES. | |
| Half Marathon | ||
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Teri Head Coach PACE: 10:00 MINUTE MILE. In 1989, I saw an ad in the Campbell Times for San Jose Fit. I showed up by myself not knowing what to expect. I am now a marathoner because of San Jose Fit and have been with the group ever since. This program will make the journey of getting to the starting line as enjoyable and fulfilling as the event itself. It is the best way to train for a marathon. This year I’m going to coach a running group for the full-season ½ marathon program. I’m looking forward to being part of this inaugural event. It's running season, lace up your shoes! | |
 | Ellen Assistant Coach PACE: 11:45-12:15 MINUTE MILE PACE THAT REPEATS AN EIGHT-MINUTE-RUN/ONE-MINUTE-WALK I've been running, or walking, with San Jose Fit since 2003. I've run numerous half marathons and I never get tired of the excitement and energy that I feel at the beginning of a running event. I seem to have a freakish ability to stay on pace and I lack any ambition to get faster. For me, the fun part is getting into a "pace groove" and then enjoying the ride and the scenery. I started San Jose Fit as a much larger junk food junkie and couch potato. Now I'm a normal sized, nutrition-geek runner. I look forward to meeting you, on the trail, on our journey to good health and happiness. | |
 | Jill Assistant Coach PACE: PACE 11:00 to 11:30 Run 6 min, Walk 1 min I started running cross country back in high school, mostly to keep in shape during the off-season for track, my "real" sport. While the 2-3 mile cross country races were difficult for me, somewhere along the way I started to enjoy myself. I continued to run 3-4 miles (semi-regularly) for general exercise thru college and after, but never with any specific goals. I always thought a Half Marathon sounded fun and even signed up for the inaugural San Jose Rock 'n Roll... but didn't train... or race. Not wanting to lose my entry fee again, I asked around and a friend recommended San Jose Fit. Now I'm running Half Marathons, 10k's and everything in between! | |
 | Joy Assistant Coach PACE: 13:00 MINUTE MILE; ALTERNATE 3 MINUTE RUN/1 MINUTE WALK. I began running in high school when the cross country coach let 7 girls join the boy's cross country team since there was not a girl's team. I continued running cross country in college. After college, work took over my life and I slowly became a couch potato. Over the next 15 years, I did little exercise. In 1999 I decided to go back to what I did in high school, to get more healthy. I slowly worked up my mileage on the local high school track. In 2002, I entered my first half marathon. After that race, I realized I needed some expert training. I found San Jose Fit 2 months later. This will be my 6th year with San Jose Fit. Motto: Giving up is not an option. | |
 | Patty Assistant Coach PACE: 13:00-13:30 MINUTE MILE My husband and I decided to run a marathon for our 26th anniversary- in 2003. I had never run before but SJ Fit got me thru that first marathon- the Sacramento marathon. I met Joy that year, and other wonderful people from SJ Fit. I also found my Fitter on that run! (Yes, we named him Fitter!). Since then I have done 7 marathons and numerous half marathons-- but not for speed. I do it for the great companionship with SJ fit friends. If I can do it EVERYONE can! | |
 | Phyllis Assistant Coach PACE: 11:30 to 12:00 MINUTE MILE This is my 3rd year as a member of San Jose Fit and first as an assistant coach. I will be assisting Rosalie Toren who is coaching for the 1/2 marathon at a 11:30 to 12:00 mm pace. The first year with SJ Fit I joined the walker group and finished my first 1/2 marathon. Last year I picked up the pace a bit and ran. I have done a few half marathons since and will run my longest distance yet, a 21 mile race at Big Sur on May 1st. I've met so many great people since I joined this organization. They have kept me motivated and moving. I'd like to help you do the same. | |
 | Rosalie Assistant Coach PACE: 11:30-12:00 MINUTE MILE My name is Rosalie Toren. This is my second year of being an assistant coach. I am coaching for the half marathon. I have been participant at SJ Fit for past six years. I have run 10 marathons and numerous halfs. I prefer hill runs and running on dirt trails. I run eight minutes and walk for a minute. I am excited to say that my group will be running the big sur 21 miler in May and everyone is coming back to San Jose Fit. During the week some of us from the group also get to run Rancho. | |
 | Sharron Assistant Coach PACE: 10:30-11:00 Run 5 minutes walk 1, but will be flexible based on needs of the group. I trained for my first marathon the year that San Jose Fit started and ran the inaugural Silicon Valley marathon. After that ran a series of shorter races until coming to the realization that the lenth I enjoy running is the 1/2 marathon distance. Try and run three to four 1/2 marathons a year as I need to goal to help motivate me. Rejoined SJ Fit 4 years ago and became a member of the 1/2 marathon group. This will be my third year of coaching in this group and hope for many more. | |
| Conditioning | ||
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Head Coach | ||
 | Aracely Assistant Coach PACE: 10:30 Aracely has been a marathon coach/member of San Jose Fit for over 10 years and Core Conditioning trainer for over 5 years,. She is a ChiRunning®/ Instructor since 2004 and Certified ChiWalking Instructor since 2005, she has been personally trained and mentored by Danny Dreyer, the founder of ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® techniques. Runner for over 15 years, Aracely experienced the running’s challenges, injuries, and physical pain of power running. But, after coming across Danny in 1999, she immediately booked a personally 1 on 1 with him on the ChiRunning® technique. She will never forget that summer day in June 1999 when she run 5 miles with Danny as her running Coach...it was the first time she felt such of enjoyment in running, her running thinking changed for ever, now she enjoy running without the physical pain. She also teaches these techniques to groups and private citizens. Aracely is also a certified Pilates Mat and Equipment instructor…and marathon Coach since 1996 . She has completed 20 marathons and earned Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do in 1999. Aracely’s teaches with passion, she loves to share her running experience with others. In December 2009 Aracely finished 3 marathons in the row Oct, Nov, and Dec. to qualify for the Marathon Maniac - 3 races in 56 days, pain free! | |
