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Our Coaches

All of our "Fit" programs are overseen by our program head coach, Katie Johnson. Katie is uniquely qualified for this title because of her knowledge, experience and passion for running and walking. She holds a degree in kinesiology from UCLA, a masters in counseling as well as a teaching credential and has run dozens of marathons and half marathons. But, best of all – she's just plain fun.

In addition to Katie, our Fit programs are fortunate to have an outstanding group of coaches and assistant coaches, all with a passion for fitness. Each of our dedicated coaches embody enthusiasm, sense of humor, and the desire to help members reach their goals. While we are certainly serious about providing our members with the very best training programs and information possible, we never lose sight of the fact that it has to be fun. That is our promise to you.

Meet the Coaches! Check back here for photos and fun facts!

	Coach Katie Single best benefit of running/walking: It makes me stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally which allows me to perform better in all areas of my life. Best running/walking advice ever received: Start slow, finish strong! Favorite pre-race ritual: Lay everything out the night before!! Pin bib number to shirt and attach timing chip to shoe. Pack clothes to change into, as well as snacks.
	Biff Euler Favorite role model and why: Dean Karnazes, he has made running about more than just running, whether for science or the disadvantaged he is more than just a runner. Favorite workout weather: January and February when the sun is out and the air is crisp and always in the springtime. Single best benefit of running/walking: Keeps you young and reduces the stresses that life can throw your way… Mission Bay- Red Color Group
	Bill Aaron Favorite role model and why: Survivors, because overcoming odds typically bring out the best in people. Favorite race: San Dieguito Half Marathon; great course, wonderful beer garden Favorite post-race meal: Phil’s BBQ or carne asada Mission Bay- Site Adminstrator
	Claire McDonald Favorite role model and why: Every one who has been part of the group from day one, no matter what their abilities. All have had the courage to do the hard work and find their own way along the way and they allowed us to share their experience. That is what keeps me coming back! Best running/walking advice ever received: Think of numbered mile markers, at all times keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep locating landmarks along the way until you have reached your goal! Favorite pre-race ritual: I admit to being OCD, and MUST have my nails done and clean my house the day before. The nails get done because I will crawl to a finish line if I have to and at least the nails will look good! The pillow, blanket and foot massager are on the couch in the living room so I can crawl from the car if necessary. Mission Bay- Purple Color Group
	Holly Higgins-Smith Favorite role model and why: My pug, Maisy - seriously! She has been there for EVERY race, even those that I traveled to. She is a great example for learning to go with the flow, dealing well with change of any kind and learning to welcome everyone and make them feel loved. Favorite workout weather: While I love that we can run and train all year round here in San Diego, I do love the cold, foggy running we did in San Francisco, too! Single best benefit of running/walking: The way you feel when you (finally) get to the start line of a race that you have trained for. Life is full of all kinds of crazy at times, and things really will conspire against you getting to that start line, I promise! But once you GET there, it's all yours - every part of that race experience ahead of you that day, you earned it, you got there, you ARRIVED! Everything after just GETTING there, seriously, it's icing on the cake of your training. Mission Bay- Green Color Group
	Jim Musgrove Favorite role model and why: George Sheehan - runner,doctor and writer, ran until the last days of his life and wrote about running as a feature and function of life. Favorite race: Biz Johnson - It kicked my butt all along one of the most beautiful race courses to be found Favorite post-race meal: Swami's Scrambled egg black bean and avocado burrito. Mission Bay- Orange Color Group
	Jodi Hays Best running/walking advice ever received: Don't let not feeling good keep you from running. Head out for ten minutes, then decide how you feel! Favorite running/walking gear: A running buddy. If I don't have that I like to listen to music. Favorite pre-race ritual: Stretching & listening to 'Today is Your Day' on my iPod. Carlsbad- Yellow Color Group
	Kim Guillen Favorite role model and why: My father. I grew up watching him run races (I especially remember the Coronado Bay Bridge race) , stay physically fit for the military, and raise two daughters on his own. Best running/walking advice ever received: Enjoy every minute and don’t be too hard on yourself. Favorite pre-race ritual: Get up early, shower, and take my dog out for a brief walk. Carlsbad- Orange Color Group
	Larry Padilla Favorite role model and why: Winston Churchill because he overcame a speech impediment and bad decisions in his early life to become a great speaker and leader. Favorite workout weather: California coast, 76 degrees, sunny, slight breeze. Favorite pre-race ritual: Drink Gatorade diluted with water 1:1. Eat two slices Banana Chia bread. Give wife a big hug and kiss. Carlsbad- Purple Color Group
	Laurie Adam Favorite workout weather: San Diego most of the year -- overcast and cool. Single best benefit of running/walking: There are so many .... The single best benefit probably is that I set goals for myself, and I accomplish them, leading to self confidence and pride. Favorite running/walking gear: I always carry my water bottle. I have tried different water belts over the years. I like the 20 oz bottle in the center of my back. I felt like Batman when I ran with the belt with multiple bottles... Mission Bay- Red Color Group
	Maureen Ferrel Favorite role model and why: My mother because she always tells me, 'The more you move the better you feel!' She also tells me when she thinks I'm getting to fat! Single best benefit of running/walking: Feeling good! Favorite post-race meal: Cheeseburger with fresh tomato, onion, and lettuce. Carlsbad- Green Color Group
	Penny Clews Favorite role model and why: My sister. She is a committed, disciplined athlete who pushes herself yet maintains a lighthearted attitude. She is competitive yet she always makes the effort to encourage others. She has an enthusiasm for life and for adventure that is contagious. By her example, I've learned that if I reach just beyond my comfort zone I may find that I am capable of more than I thought! Favorite work out weather: 60 degrees, 53% humidity, overcast, winds 1-5 mph Single best benefit of running/walking: Walking clears my mind and enables me to keep perspective on the things that matter most and not get bogged by the little stuff. Mission Bay- Purple Color Group
	Richard Currier Favorite race: Carlsbad Half Marathon - great course, great weather, great organization, and great people. Favorite pre-race ritual: Visiting with running buddies. Favorite post-race meal: Pizza and champagne. Mission Bay- Yellow Color Group
	Shanthi Lackey Favorite role model and why: Meb Keflezighi. He has defied many odds and overcome them. He is very down to earth and an amazing runner. Single best benefit of running/walking: The camaraderie and motivation of running with others. Best running/walking advice ever received: Add mileage slow don't do too much too fast whether you are just starting out or coming back from a injury. Carlsbad- Orange Color Group
	Tim McCool Favorite workout weather: I LOVE running when the temperature is around 45-50 degrees. I feel like I perform at my peak in cooler weather. Best running/walking advice ever received: The only person you're running against is yourself. Others will be faster so don't force yourself to try to keep up with them. Just do your best to keep improving on your personal performance. Favorite post-race meal: After putting in the work I HAVE to have a Philly Chicken Cheesesteak. Carlsbad- Red Color Group