USA Fit :: Kingwood :: Marathon and Half Marathon Training Programs

USA Fit Kingwood Coaches

Blue	green	yellow	red	Purple	1/2 Marathon	1/2 Purples	Staff
Click on a color group above to see the list of coaches for that group.

About the Organizer
	Elaine Smith elasmi@msn.com A long time ago on a nice spring day I got off the couch and went for a walk on the greenbelt. I enjoyed myself so much that I decided to do it again the next day, and the next, and the next. A few weeks after that I began walking/running up to the grocery store. If I ran more than I walked I rewarded myself with a jelly donut. After a few weeks of that, I ditched the donut and kept running past the grocery store. About a half year later, I quit smoking. A few months later I ran my first 5K. A few weeks after that my knee became sore. I was so excited-A SPORT\'S INJURY!!!. It healed and I ran my first Houston Marathon. Big journeys can start with small steps. In 2003 KingwoodFit got started and I signed on to coach the red group. Last year was my first as organizer. I\'m here to make your big journey as rewarding as mine was-let me know if there is anything I can to do help.
Blue Group
	Caroline Chamness dwchamness@msn.com Head Coach Hi - I\'m Caroline Chamness and I have been running seriously for 5 years now. I had been running in 2003 for exercise and ran my good friend in at the 2004 Houston Marathon and told her \"I would never do this!\" My background includes swimming competetively from the age of 6 to 22. The next year I trained for my first Houston Marathon and ran it in 4:45. I decided to put my competetive spirit into my running and managed to qualify for the 2006 Houston Marathon as one of the 25 local elite invited runners. I ran a 3:07 and won 2nd place local masters female placing 19th overall. The same year I went and ran the Boston Marathon which was my ultimate goal. 13 marathons later (be careful what you say) I am totally addicted. My career in running has included placing in several races as well as winning (and still holding the course record) the Seabrook Marathon 2 years in a row. I love using my knowledge to help other runners achieve their goals which may be qualifying for Boston, setting a PR or both. I can\'t wait for another year of great running and great friendships. Happy Trails :-)
Green Group
	Belinda Borgers borgersbrent@yahoo.com Head Coach I have been lucky enough to a part of the KWF family for five seasons! This is an awesome organization and I feel so lucky to have found it. I have completed seven marathons. I ran my first two marathons on my own and I can truly say that the five I have run with KWF have been my best! My goal as your coach is to help you reach your goal...the start line! And most importantly, the FINISH line! The Green group, also known as the Greenies, strive to encourage and help one another through the long runs. We are all in this together. I can\'t wait to welcome you to our Greenies family!!!
	Dan Jacks djacks0515@gmail.com Assistant Coach I’ve run six marathons and lost twenty-five pounds since joining Kingwood Fit. I’ve met runners with artificial legs, runners who push their babies in strollers on 18-mile early morning training runs, and runners who give up setting a personal record so they can walk with someone who’s injured. I’m happy to help Coach Belinda this year, so I can pay back a little of the encouragement and inspiration this group has given me. See you next Saturday!
Yellow Group
	Billie Bobbit bkbobbitt@aol.com Head Coach I’m Billie Bobbitt and I’m going to be head coach for the Yellow group. I have been running since I was in High school but as an adult I didn’t pick it up marathoning till 2000. This year 2010 made my 10th consecutive Houston Marathon; I am officially a veteran of the Houston marathon. YEAH for me!!! I have always enjoyed running even with the challenges it brings sometimes. I run because I enjoy running and the company of good friends always motivates me to meet them every Saturday morning; even if it’s 5:30 in the morning. I hope I will be able to assist and encourage you through your journey this season with Kingwoodfit.
	Stephen Davis Stephen.K.Davis@lonestar.edu Assistant Coach This is my sixth season with Kingwood Fit and my first to serve as an assistant coach. I could never have sustained myself as a serious runner without the foundation and encouragement provided by this organization. My efforts as a coach will be a small step toward repayment of that debt. If I can especially help new runners with advice and inspiration the way my coaches over the years aided me, my major goal will be accomplished. In my other life, I am a professor of history and chairman of the Social Sciences Department at Lone Star College---Kingwood where I have taught since its opening in 1984.
Red and 5/1 Group
	Chris Zukowski cp.zukowski@yahoo.com Head Coach This is my third year with Kingwood Fit and second as a coach. I have run for fitness on and off since high school but prior to joining Kingwood Fit I had never run more than 5 miles without stopping. 3 years ago my weight was out of control and I knew that I either had to lose weight or face a future of medications and declining health. I started to make the necessary changes in my diet and started walking for exercise, as I began to lose some weight I started adding running to my exercise. Running a marathon had always been kind of a bucket list thing for me so I joined Kingwood Fit to see if I could do it. Well that was 4 marathons, several half marathons, 10K’s and 5K’s ago! I’m looking forward to the new season. I hope I will be able to help and encourage you to meet your goals with Kingwood Fit.
	Steve Potlock sjpotlock@kingwoodcable.net Head Coach This is my second year coaching the esteemed Red group. It will also mark my 6th year with KW Fit. I have truly enjoyed running and growing with the KW fitters. The trials and tribulations of marathon training has been made easier by this dedicated, helpful, open and humorous group of friends. I hope you take the first step of joining an activity that really will change your life. More than that, I hope it becomes a way of life for you as it has for me. Happy trails.
	Annamarie Clark aclark@tsp-tx.com Assistant Coach I quit smoking about 10 years ago. I started walking because I had to do something to get rid of stress. Because, I walk/run, I would not call myself a runner. When someone would ask me about running, I would say, “I’m not really a runner, I’m a walker. I walk/run”. I did the Rock & Roll San Diego marathon in ’05 but I am truly a half marathoner. I love them, and usually do several a year. Last year, I decided I NEEDED to do the Houston marathon before I turn 60! I knew if I was going to finish, I needed help. With much prodding from my sister, I joined Kingwood fit. It didn’t take long for me to know KWF was a great decision, I loved it! I met new friends and finally had someone to run with. The camaraderie, training and encouragement I received were just the push I needed. I finished my marathon strong. This year, I hope to give someone that little extra push. The push that will give them the confidence to do something they weren’t sure they could, the push to say, “I am a runner”.
	Jenny Briganti JennyBriganti@gmail.com Assistant Coach It was almost ten years ago, when I was sitting at a Houston Rockets basketball game when a man handed me a flyer advertising the Rocket’s 5K Fun Run. I had not run a 5K since I was 12 years old. The next day I started running 5 minutes and it was not pretty. I was so out of breath and I thought my lungs were going to burst out of my chest. Then I did it again. Slowly but surely, minute by minute, I made it the entire 3.1 miles without stopping. From that moment I was hooked. The 5K races turned into 10K races and before I knew it, I was running half marathons after training with Kingwood Fit in 2007. In 2011, I ran the Big Sur Marathon and had such a blast that I am ready for more. I plan to run another marathon in my hometown of Houston. I am one of the assistant coaches for the red marathon group, Jenny Briganti at 35 years young, and this is my 5th season with Kingwood Fit. Signing up for various races is the dangling carrot that keeps me hungry for more. On top of that, the friends you meet during the season will keep you motivated long after the race is over. You will find people to match all paces, weekly running times to fit all schedules and friends to last a lifetime. Welcome to the world of running! It just may become your new passion of choice. http://tri2imajen.blogspot.com/
	Suresh Shah uncleshah@hotmail.com Assistant Coach A Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Engineer by profession. A Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing contractor by trade. Living in Texas since 1993. Have participated in at least 43 marathons. Have volunteered in at least 20 marathons. Volunteer of the Year 2006, Dallas Running Club. A member of Dallas Running Club from 2000 to 2007. A member of Houston Strider, 2007 and 2008. A member of Road Runners Club of America, 2007-2008. Have participated in Texas Marathon, Big D Texas Marathon, Whiterock Marathon, Houston Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Waco Marathon, San Antonio Marathon, Austin Marathon, Oklahoma City Marathon, Personal Record of running longest is 32 miles, Personal record of running none stop is 7 hours. Love the Run walk program.
Purple Group
	Jane Carter decmjc@aol.com Head Coach Certified USAT&F Level II Racewalking Coach Walked 4 marathons, best time 6:26:30 Goal is 6:00:00.
	Addie Kephart addiekephart@comcast.net Assistant Coach Addie Kephart has been with KingwoodFit since it\'s inception and a walking coach for all but the first year. She started as a Racewalker in the Senior Olympics and decided to take up the challenge of a marathon. She completed her first marathon at the age of 73 and has done many since. After a knee replacement she decided to do half marathons and has gotten first in her age group each year. She continues to compete in the Senior Games in bowling and racewalking and has qualified for Nationals in both which means first or second place in the state games. Her best finish in National Racewalking was fifth place. Look for the \"young\" gray headed gal out there and say \"Hi!\"
	Bruce Melson bmelson@comcast.net Assistant Coach This is my 4th year with Kingwood Fit and my 2nd year as an assistant coach. It's a great hobby and it’s fun to meet new friends. I have always loved walking, because you can talk and be social while exercising. All of the sudden, exercise becomes fun! Also, I enjoy the camaraderie and the joy of success on the faces of those who finish after all the hard work is done.
	Marylin Weakley Assistant Coach
Half Marathon
	Bonnie Beirne mwbeirne@msn.com Head Coach My journey started with Kingwood Fit in July 2005 when I saw the sign at the YMCA challenging people to sign up for Kingwood Fit to run the half or full marathon in Houston in January. I was over 50 and needed to improve my over all fitness. I joined Kingwood Fit in July 2005 and completed my first half marathon in January 2006. I have completed 7 half marathons since joining Kingwood Fit and continue to improve my pace. Kingwood Fit provides coaching, a great support group, valuable experience and a proven program to help you achieve your goal to complete the half marathon. Please join me as “My journey continues”!
	Barb Griffin griffins@cebridge.net Assistant Coach Did you know that over 1.4 million people completed a 1/2 marathon in 2010? It is the fastest growing road race distance in the United States. Hi Everyone! My name is Barb Griffin and I have been a member of Kingwood Fit since 2003. Over the years, I’ve participated in the full marathon, half marathon, and the walking group and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have met the greatest people that have kept me motivated and on target! I also really enjoy the social aspect of running in a group. There is something about good conversation that makes a run fly by, especially those long runs! This year, I’m thrilled to join the half marathon group as an assistant coach. In a small way, it gives me a chance to give back to a program (and the people) that have done so much for me. Come join us and be part of the 1/2 marathon explosion!
	Mike Martin mike@qmcompany.com Assistant Coach Hello - My name is Michael Martin and this will be my fourth year running with Kingwood Fit and my third year of coaching the 5-1 runners. In 2008, at my son\'s request, I joined Kingwood Fit. I did not expect to last very long in the training program because I am not built to run. The first week we ran 3 miles, failure seemed certain, out of breath and out of shape. The second week I ran with Diane Heard\'s group and found out I could almost keep up. This is when I found out running is a team sport, the other runners were not my competitors, they were my teammates. They helped me to improve my running ability and encouraged me to stay with it. My running improved more than I would have ever thought possible. I have now finished three Half Marathons and am really looking forward to running my fourth. My experience as a 5-1 coach has been great, and I fully expect this year to be the same. I know I can be successful as a coach, encouraging other runners and getting them to believe in themselves too. I am not a talented runner or athlete by no means, but I have found that with a commitment to keep running, success is inevitable.
	Ryan Spindle ryan.spindle@yahoo.com Assistant Coach The upcoming season will be my second with Kingwood Fit, and my first as a coach. I have been involved in organized sports all of my life, including ice hockey, soccer, wrestling, weightlifting and tennis. But running is something that I have only recently become involved with. Joining Kingwood Fit last year was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. The program challenged me, motivated me and helped me achieve things as a runner that I never thought that I would be able to accomplish. I learned a lot, and became part of a great group of very supportive people. I am looking forward to the new season and seeing everyone out there!
	Terry Rodriguez terryrodriguez@embarqmail.com Assistant Coach I’ve been a part of Kingwood fit since 2004 and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve ran two full and four half marathons over the years and have coached with KWF for two years. I’m a mother of three wonderful kids that keep me very busy, so running has been a way for me to stay in shape both physically and mentally. It’s been such a pleasure meeting new people and keeping in touch with the old ones. I’ve made long lasting friendships along the way and look forward to making more.
Half Marathon Purple
	Debby Currin dhcurrin@peoplepc.com Head Coach I have always loved walking because you can talk and be social while exercising. All of a sudden exercise becomes fun! It never occurred to me to be a part of an organized walking program until my father, at age 76, joined Houston Fit and completed his first marathon as a walker. I walked the final 5 miles with him on his second marathon, and that was all it took to get me hooked. I completed my first half marathon the next year. Thanks to all my training it wasn\'t difficult, and, unbelievably, nothing hurt! I told myself I would do the marathon just once, to prove to myself I could. That was five marathons ago. And I\'m not planning on quitting any time soon. Besides meeting lots of fun people, a big bonus of the practice walks is the scenery. Early morning walks by the river, or the golf course, or through the greenbelts are absolutely spectacular! Seeing the mist over the water during a sunrise is totally inspiring. Being a part of Kingwood Fit is a gift I give to myself.
	Heather Burke hdburke.hb@gmail.com Assistant Coach After many years of inactivity and struggling with my weight, I finally began working toward a healthier lifestyle and was able to lose a significant amount of weight. I quickly learned, however, that maintaining weight loss is the most challenging part of the battle! To keep myself motivated, I began to look for a group fitness activity and that\'s when I heard about Kingwood Fit. I\'d never done anything like it before, and wasn\'t crazy about the early hours, but decided to give it a try anyway. When I joined the program last year, my goal was to train with the runners in order to prepare for my first half-marathon. During the training season, however, a knee injury forced me to slow things down and join the walkers for a while. What started out as a temporary fix until I was ready to return to running, quickly developed into a love for walking. It turned out that I didn\'t need to slow down for long either.... power-walking provides many of the same benefits as running with less impact to the body. Walking also allows you to socialize and enjoy your surroundings as you work out which is a definite bonus as the mileage begins to add up. Thanks to the training and support I received from Kingwood Fit, I was able to complete the Texas Half-Marathon, along with my husband, on January 1st, 2010. What an amazing experience that was! We\'re already signed up for the next one :) I\'ve made some great friends through Kingwood Fit and I look forward to meeting many more as our new season gets under way.
Staff
	TBD Head Coach
	Akilah Willery awillery@gmail.com Assistant Coach I am a former couch potato that finally decided to give up my sedentary lifestyle for a more active one about 12 years ago. As a result of a lot of sweat and dedication, I have been able to complete 9 marathons and countless half marathons. Although I cannot say I have gotten any better at the sport, I still show up for each race eager to experience the same runner’s high that brings us all back again and again. “I am a marathoner…regardless of my speed, my weight, or my age, I will cross that finish line like the best of them.”