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. 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 I love distance running. I recently completed the 2012 Napa Valley Marathon with a 3:19 time. Overall, I've completed 10 marathons including the Napa Valley marathon in 2012, Boston Marathon in 2011, California International Marathon in 2009, Napa Valley Marathon in 2008, California International Marathon in 2007, the New York Marathon in 2006, the Dallas Marathon in 2004, the Boston Marathon in 2004 and the Austin Marathon in 2003 & 2004. My personal record is 3:00 and 58 seconds at the Austin Motorola Marathon in 2004. I thoroughly enjoy running with my friends and other runners in San Jose Fit. I have trained with USA Fit since 2002 where he started with Austin Fit until early 2006 when he joined 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. 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. | |
 | Bill D. Assistant Coach PACE: 8:45 MINUTE MILE. I joined San Jose Fit in 2003 and started as an assistant coach in 2004. I have run fourteen marathons since 1979. My first marathon, in Iowa City, was my fastest at 2:50:45. The Boston Marathon was my slowest at 4:44:36 in 2005. I have completed two 50K’s and this year completed my first 50 miler, the American River, with my son Luke. I joined SJF for the camaraderie. My favorite running location is Rancho San Antonio. This fall I will be entering a new age category, 60-64, and am looking forward to the challenges that this brings. | |
 | 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. | |
| 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 ACE: 10:00-10:30 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!" | |
 | Jerry jerryc@mac.com Assistant Coach Jerry jerryc@mac.com PACE: 9:00 - 9:20 MINUTE MILE Joined San Jose Fit in 2002 and ran my first marathon that fall. Swore it was a really stupid thing to do then almost immediately signed up for Big Sur in spring of 2003. Love running trails in the mountains surrounding mountains. Favorite races so far: American River 50, San Francisco Marathon, Big Sur, Way Too Cool 50K, and Skyline to the Sea 50K. Favorite trails to run: Castle Rock State Park, Almaden Quicksilver, Calero County Park, Table Mountain, Rancho San Antonio, and Dipsea trail. | |
 | Kelly Assistant Coach PACE: 9:20 -9:40 MINUET MILE I've been a member of San Jose Fit since 1999. 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 this season! | |
 | Larry Lmyers95@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach I trained with San Jose Fit for my first marathon in 2003. I ran my first ultra in 2006, and in 2010 I ran the Western States 100-mile Endurance Run. Now I coach individuals and small groups, and I am certified by RRCA and USATF. This is my second year coaching with SJFit, and I am looking forward to enjoying the season with you. (Yellow 9:00-9:20, and track workouts) | |
 | 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 the Yellow group where he wound up staying. The mere act of finishing a 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. | |
 | 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! | |
 | Terry Assistant Coach PACE: 10:00 - 10:30 MIN/MILE. On runs longer than 13 miles we'll add a 1 minute walk after each mile. I've been running with San Jose Fit since the inaugural year in 1998. I had no idea if I could run a marathon, but thought the training program might be a good way to improve my fitness. After that first year, I signed up for another season, and then another. The rest is history, I've run 35+ marathons and 15+ Ultra-marathons since then, I've coached runners in various pace groups between 8:45 min/mile and 10:30 min/mile during that time, and I've finished everywhere from 3hrs 32min to 9hrs, depending on the terrain and my fitness level at the time. My favorite marathon is the Napa Valley Marathon, which runs along the Silverado Trail every March. The scenery is beautiful and is the perfect distraction for a long run. | |
| 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 with Run/Walk added (one mile, one minute) after reaching double digit miles. Bill has been a San Jose Fit member since 1999. As a new member to SJFit, he 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. He has now completed many half marathons, marathons and ultra marathons. The reason he continues to run with SJFit is for the camaraderie 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 sagtigerinsf@yahoo.com Assistant Coach PACE: 11:20-11:50 MINUTE MILES run/walk interval (3 minute run / 30 second walk) I joined San Jose Fit in 2008, and started coaching in 2010. I have now completed 9 full marathons, 7 half marathons, and a handful of shorter races. I decided to run my first marathon as a personal challenge. After I finished my first marathon, I continued to run because I didn't want to lose the discipline I had learned while I trained for my first marathon. Then, in my third year of running something strange happened – I started to enjoy going on long runs and hill runs. Now I enjoy running for the social benefits as well as the health benefits. I'm hooked with no end in sight. | |
| 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: 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! | |
 | 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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TBD
Head Coach | ||
 | Aracely Assistant Coach PACE: 10:30 MINUTE MILE 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. 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! | |
