Learn All About the Coaches
PACE GROUPS (Pace groups are approximate and will be determined after first day of class)
PACE 7:30 | Coach Brian Wies
DOB: 10/21/65
Years running: 15 years
Why do you coach/mentor: I started out running when someone else
encouraged me to do so, and feel like it’s my turn to give back. I
enjoy seeing the progress that people make.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: The best scenery has been a
toss-up between Central Park in New York or Carmel in California
(ran 5 holes of Pebble Beach Golf Course). My favorite place to run
in the lakefront in Chicago because there are always hundreds of
runners there!
PR’s (time/distance): Marathon 3:26; ½ Marathon 1:35:03; 10 Mile
69:21
What you do in your spare time: Spend time with family and friends.
Go to movies, dinners and roadtrips anywhere fun.
Favorite running memory: Finishing my first marathon, and the
friends that I’ve met in running ever since.
Something to know: I am addicted to sweets
Favorite quote: “DREAM AS IF YOU’LL LIVE FOREVER, BUT LIVE AS IF
YOU’LL DIE TOMORROW” James Dean
Tim Detmer
DOB: Tax Day 1982 (April 15)
Years running: 12
Why do you coach/mentor: Helping people achieve things that most people think are a little crazy.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: I’ve had many runs in very picturesque places in ideal weather, I’ve run in packed stadiums with crowds roaring, but the best place I have ever run is a loop through my hometown because it will always bring back memories that I wish I could recall everyday. I never end that run without a smile.
PR’s (time/distance): 4:08/1500m, 9:52 Steeplechase, 15:48 5K
What you do in your spare time: What is this spare time you speak of? To relax, I like to compete, softball, volleyball, and poker, anything to relieve the competitive streak.
Favorite running memory: Getting lost on a 12 mile run, running 17 before walking through fields harvest corn, pine forest and swap, only following the GPS back to the starting point. Oh yeah, it was 17 degrees, in northern Wisconsin.
Something to know: Perspective is a wonderful thing. I’ve never met someone that I could not learn something from.
Favorite quote: The s*** is always deepest closest to the barn.
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Kristen Leon
DOB: 4/14/1974
Years running: 6
Why do you coach/mentor: I love watching people grow through running – personally and as athletes. There’s nothing more amazing than witnessing the look of sheer joy and personal accomplishment found only by pushing past your “limits”!
Best place you’ve ever run and why: Personally speaking: the 2006 Boston Marathon. There is nothing like it – it’s truly the Superbowl of the running community. From a coaching standpoint: I love the first day of class, no matter where it is. The nervousness and excitement of the unknown give me a charge.
PR’s (time/distance): 5K 20:38, 10K 46:34, Half Marathon 1:41:13, Marathon 3:33:08
What you do in your spare time: This IS my spare time! When you love what you do, it’s no longer work.
Favorite running memory: When I lived in New York, I’d meet a group of friends to run Central Park. There are so many good restaurants there and we are all “foodies”, so on the last stretch we’d yell out “Why do we run?” and answer “So we can eat!” and sprint the last mile. Good friends, good food, good memories!
Something to know: The human body is capable of so much more than we give it credit for. Our limitations rest in our minds, disguised as fear. Be fearless – this is the only way to find out your personal truth.
Favorite quote: “You don’t need to apologize for the gifts you’ve been given. Only apologize for not using them.” – Sister Madonna Buder
PACE 9:00 | Coach
Joan Bennett
DOB: July 31, 1962
Years running: 20
Why do you coach/mentor: I really enjoy meeting runners and helping them reach their goals. Coaching also keeps me motivated in my own running.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska (June 2007). The marathon was on a trail which was just so beautiful and peaceful.
PR’s (time/distance): 3:13:47 - Marathon (many, many years ago)
What you do in your spare time: Bike, Gardening, Watch TV; Newsletter Editor for the SLUGS (St. Louis Ultrarunners Group)
Favorite running memory: This past August, I ran along the Santa Monica Beach on the pier with my daughter, Jessica, and saw about 10 dolphins jumping in the water.
Something to know: I have been a passionate Boston Red Sox fan
since I was 8 years old.
Favorite quote: If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger.
PACE 10:00 | Coaches Mike Burke and Charles Leon
Michael Burke (Some call me stud)
DOB: 1/17/70
Years running: 15 Years
Why do you coach/mentor: To give back to a sport and community of people that provide continuous inspiration, generosity and friendship.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: Numerous mountain locations in Colorado. Most beautiful, peaceful and challenging locations anywhere.
PR’s (time/distance): 5k 26:11 - ½ Marathon – 1:58:38 – Marathon 4:11
What you do in your spare time: Run – Play Golf – Hang Out with Awesome People - Work around the house
Favorite running memory:
Finishing Disney ½ marathon and running back 2 miles to cheer on my wife who was finishing her first ½ marathon.
Charles Leon
DOB: Feb 26, 1962
Years running: 30?????
Why do you coach/mentor: I remember how much having a group helped me.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: San Francisco Marathon.... crossing the Golden Gate Bridge just after sunrise!!
PR’s (time/distance): I use a sundial.
Favorite running memory: 1976 Robstown Relays,,,, The first time I ever ran on an old school cinder track... nothing else sounds or feels like that.
Favorite quote:" I don't really enjoy running... I enjoy stopping"
PACE 11:00 |
Coach Amanda Diel
DOB: 10/03/80
Years running: 4 years
Why do you coach/mentor: I love bringing goals to reality and helping people get to the finish line!
Best place you’ve ever run and why: San Diego, CA. There are rolling hills and an ocean on one side. It is just plain beautiful. I could get lost in the distance.
PR’s (time/distance): 5K = 24:16 Half Marathon = 1:54 Marathon = 4:25
What you do in your spare time: Graphic Design and cross train. I also run with my insane dogs: German Shepperd and a Puggle (he is FAST!) When not doing all that I enjoy movies and LOTS of popcorn.
Favorite running memory: My favorite memory is while running the Gumbo Flat race and being “blessed” by a fast running Priest. His exact words “Bless you slow people”
Something to know: Kristen has a Pea head. Seriously, runners are fun, loving, insane and just a great group to have! You can take so much away from the Training Team and grow so much in just a few months, it is an incredible experience. Something I truly treasure.
Favorite quote: No one can tell you that you “CAN'T” do something you love. -ME
PACE 12:00 |
Coach
Susan Walsh
DOB: 5/2/68
Years running: 5
Why do you coach/mentor: Love to support people as they challenge themselves to reach new goals. Great to meet fellow runners and run with a group.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: Along a beach road in Florida – ocean view, sun, and fresh air are hard to beat.
PR’s (time/distance): 9.6 minute mile for a 5-mile run – I was 1/3 of a triathlon with friends
What you do in your spare time: When I can find spare time, I RUN J, take road trips, walk my dog, go to movies, and enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Favorite running memory: First marathon in Nashville 2007
Something to know: Tough question…You should always know the posted speed limit. Good advice I received from a police officer a few years ago…On a serious note, it’s good to know how to achieve and maintain balance in your life.
Favorite quote: “The miracle is not that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
Run/Walk 5:2 |
Coach Jeanne Finney
DOB: 10/21/76
Years running: since Fall 2004
Why do you coach/mentor: I just like to help people feel better about themselves and achieve better health. I used to be 200 lbs., so I know the struggles and the great sense of accomplishment in reaching one’s personal goal(s).
Best place you’ve ever run and why: Creve Coeur Park is my favorite place for training runs. I love the fact that you are running by water for a while, and then you get to run on the trail and see the wildlife and enjoy that peace with nature. It is so refreshing.
My favorite marathon was Chicago in 2005. The weather was PERFECT, the spectators lined up the entire 26.2 miles to cheer you on, volunteers were everywhere, and the variety of music and bands kept your spirits up the entire way!
PR’s (time/distance): Chicago Full Marathon (10/09/05) 4:39:43 (26.2 miles) Air Force Half-Marathon (9/14/07) 2:03:28 (13.1 miles)
What you do in your spare time: I enjoy scrapbooking, cross-stitching, crocheting, reading, listening to music, watching movies, and working out.
Favorite running memory: Epcot Center glowing in the early morning darkness and the Disney characters cheering us on while running my first marathon at Disney World.
Something to know: I grew up in Washington, Missouri in a large family. My younger sister was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 19. So in honor of her, I joined Joints In Motion (the Arthritis Foundation’s marathon training team), who trained me in five months to run my first full marathon (26.2 miles) at Disney World on January 9th, 2005.
Favorite quote: (Here are my two favorites in reference to
training/exercising):
“ It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you do not stop.” -
Laotzu
“For all of us, the miracle isn’t that we finish, the miracle is
that we have the courage to start.” - John “the Penguin” Bingham,
The Courage To Start
Run/Walk 10:1 |
Coach Rene Burke
DOB: 01/20/1971
Years running: 4 years
Why do you coach/mentor: I like to help others accomplish something possibly never achieved before. It's a great feeling to be a part of something larger than yourself.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: Marine Corps Marathon, Washington D.C. – The scenery was outstanding. I felt so patriotic and it made me incredibly thankful to live in a free society!
PR’s (time/distance): 2006 Chicago Full Marathon (26.2) - 5:57:02; 2005 St. Louis Half Marathon (13.1) - 2:41:32
What you do in your spare time: Run, Hang out with friends, work on our home, sometimes golf when I get the chance.
Favorite running memory: My first full marathon in Chicago. It was so exciting to actually finish a race of that magnitude. I was so cold and the last 6 miles had a tremendous head wind but I put my head down and just gutted it out. I finished and walked back to the hotel where my husband was waiting in the lobby (after running the full marathon himself) with a huge smile on his face...that was priceless.
Something to know: I am a U.S. Air Force veteran
Favorite quote: "Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started" – Steve Prefontaine
Walk | Coach Brigit Parkinson
DOB: 12/03/1976
Years walking: 2
Why do you coach/mentor: I like coaching because I get to do something I enjoy with great new people. I thought training alone with my iPod was fine, but I was wrong. Training with a group of people who share stories, tell jokes, and entertain on the trails, makes the miles fly right by in no time at all. I get to share my experiences and lessons learned while I learn from each of them. It is a win-win situation and I am grateful for the opportunity.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: So far it was in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon in Florida. Getting to run through all of the theme parks with all of the Disney characters cheering you on—it was quite an experience, not to mention, perfect weather in January.
PR’s (time/distance): The farthest I have gone--13.1 miles. My best time is really only about finishing, but someday I would like to come in under 3 hours with just walking.
What you do in your spare time: In my spare time, I spend time with family and friends. I like to dance, paint, play sports, and enjoy being outside. Right now, most of my spare time goes to supporting my husband in campaigning for his upcoming election.
Favorite running memory: It would have to be training for my very first half marathon. I thought I was going to fall to the ground after completing two miles and wondered what I was getting myself into. I tried talking myself out of the whole thing. But each time I went out, it got a little easier, fewer pains, less discomfort, and before I knew it, I was like my sister (Rene) and brother-in-law (Mike), saying “oh eight miles is no big deal!” Then ten and then 13.1. When I crossed that finish line in downtown St. Louis, I felt like I really did something special and was crazy enough to want to do it again and again and again.
Something to know: Some people think that walking a half marathon is not something to praise. Well, it is a very big deal, and whether you run or walk, you are accomplishing something that many people dare not attempt. Be so very proud of yourself!
Favorite quote: I sent this out to my group right before the half marathon in September—it kind of stuck with me.
"Dream barriers look very high until someone climbs them.
They are not barriers anymore."
- Lasse Viren
MENTORS:
Robert Batts, Kelly Brown, Jim Gunderson, Leslie Miller, and Beth Flint
Robert Batts
DOB: 1953
Years running: 3
Why do you coach/mentor: To see the look on someone’s face when they finish a half-marathon for the first time.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: Great River Road, the view.
PR’s (time/distance): 2:28:19-Half Marathon
What you do in your spare time: Think about running
Favorite running memory: Running the entire outer trail at Forest Park for the first time.
Something to know: I love pasta
Favorite quote: If you keep doing things the same old way you’ll keep the same old results.
Kelly Brown
DOB: February 28, 1974
Years running: 2 years
Why do you coach/mentor: To give back what was given to me…the power of believing in myself
Best place you’ve ever run and why: Al Foster’s trail off the path because I felt like a kid running through the woods on an adventure to save the world.
PR’s (time/distance): 5K 25:17 (8:09 min/mile) half marathon 1:55:38
What you do in your spare time: Spare time? What is this? I enjoy spending time with my husband and two young children.
Favorite running memory: Having the start time delayed and the sudden but incredible urge to”Go”, five of us girls popped a squat next to a low hedge outside an office building. If this is not what team bonding is all about I am not sure what is.
Something to know: I ran one season of track in high school to get out of taking gym. If you ask my father what I ran he would honestly respond, “last.” When I told my best friend from college I was running a half marathon she simply asked, “Do you even know how to run?” What a great feeling to do the unbelievable!
Favorite quote:
“Few of us know what we are capable of doing… we have never pushed ourselves hard enough to find out.” - Alfred A. Montapert
“Daddy working, Mommy running…I run with you today, mommy.” – my 2 year old daughter the morning after “running” her first 1K (.62 mile) fun run.
Jim Gunderson
DOB: Wednesday, long ago
Years running: 12
Why do you coach/mentor: For that feeling one gets from helping others and to help others avoid the mistakes I have made.
Best place you've ever run and why? Many 'bests' on the list, but the old Quivering Quads long races were such a good time in the woods.
PR's (time/distance): Marathon: 3:21 (at 46 years old!), 1/2M: 1:34, 5K: 19:32
What you do in your spare time: Eat, sleep, tinker, golf, guitar, & chores.
Favorite running memory: As with Marathons, it's difficult to select a favorite, when there are so many good ones.
Something to know: I've been known to be competitive. Watch out for low branches.
Favorite quote: An oldie, "Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Leslie Miller
DOB: 7-21-76
Years running: 5 years (half and full marathons), 10 years (for fun)
Why do you coach/mentor: I know how wonderful it is to run with a group and I want to be the motivator for others. Getting to know other people during a long run helps take your mind off what your body is going through.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: Chicago Marathon 2005. My parents came to watch and I saw them 4 times, and my now fiancé was following me on-line. Knowing I had that much support was awesome, let alone seeing the crowds in Chicago. I wasn’t running for speed, but for fun. I never ran out of energy. I actually was kind of disappointed the race was over.
PR’s (time/distance): Chicago Marathon 2005—4:05
What you do in your spare time: Spend time with my fiancé Dave, run, and hike.
Favorite running memory: Slowing down to finish the St. Patty’s Day run with my friend Mike Burke (he has a different side of the story), and Mike and Rene and I’s routine after the St. Patty’s Day run (sorry I won’t be there this year guys—gotta get married!)
Something to know: Don’t go into a race with only one time goal in mind. If you don’t make it, you will be so disappointed. Go into a race to have a great time and pay attention to your surroundings—enjoy the moments. In the end, the time you finished in is not what matters, but the good time you had while doing so, does.
Favorite quote: “Just put one foot in front of the other…” (not necessarily my favorite, but I sing/chant it while I’m running when I’m having a difficult time)
Beth Flint
DOB: January 14, 1971
Years running: 6
Why do you coach/mentor: I enjoyed going through the training program so much that it felt “right” to continue running with the group.
Best place you’ve ever run and why: The Chesterfield Turkey Trot…It’s something I do with my daughter to teach her that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a day we stuff ourselves…instead it is a day for giving thanks and enjoying life and family.
PR’s (time/distance): 60 min/10K, 27min/5K, 2:14/half-marathon
What you do in your spare time: Shop, act in Community Theater, volunteer, sew, travel with my daughter’s gymnastics team, hang out with my hubby and finally, play with my 2 year old son!
Favorite running memory: Crossing the finish line with my coach (Mike Burke) at the 07 Lewis & Clark Half-Marathon. He was such an inspiring coach!
Something to know: I have a couple of commercials on TV right now, and am filming another this month (December)…In my “other life” I’m an actress!
Favorite quote: "My candle burns at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - it gives a lovely light." Edna St. Vincent Millay, "A Few Figs from Thistles", 1920
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