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Dana Greene
IRONMAN:
Florida Ironman 2007 - 13:28:26
MARATHON:
Completed 13,
PB - 3:28:05
CERTIFICATIONS:
USAT Level I Coaching Certification (2007)
USAT&F Level I Coaching Certification #L1-06-2605 (2006)
CPR (2003-2009), First Aid (2003-2009)
AAFA Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor (2007)
ACSM Personal Trainer Certification (2008)
Spinning ™ Indoor Cycling Instructor (2008)
USA Cycling Level III Coach (2008)
USAT Member 2007 - 2010 |
Dana’s vision for Get Fit Atlanta is to share the life changing camaraderie, growth &
satisfaction of making the personal commitment to train for a full or half marathon &/or
triathlon & accomplishing that goal – one step at a time! Dana assures that Get Fit Atlanta will be an inspiring, fun, non-intimidating and welcoming group - with no fund raising
requirements – open to walkers & runners of all different fitness levels - who want to
challenge themselves & change their lives! Dana believes that she is a facilitator; a
facilitator of personal growth & achievement, & a facilitator of relationships with other
athletes. “The human spirit is amazing – We all have power within ourselves to do amazing
things. Sometimes we need someone else to believe that for us until we discover it for
ourselves. I want to be that person for the people I train. |
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David Jordan
Head Coach
MARATHON:
10 Completed,
PB - 3:14:48 (2007)
CERTIFICATIONS:
CPR & First Aid |
David is a sixth year coach with Get Fit Atlanta. Before
joining Get Fit, his experience was primarily in shorter distance races
– 5k, 10k and the ‘occasional’ half marathon. The idea of completing
a marathon had not occurred or appealed to David until 1999 when he was spurred on by
the death of a close friend at a young age to cancer. He joined a marathon-training group
in Houston and completed the Houston Marathon at the start of 2000. After moving to
Atlanta in 2000, David worked closely with Dana in the organization of the inaugural 2003
season. David leads our interval / speed workouts Monday evenings on the track and is a
great asset to Get Fit Atlanta in the on-going development of our web site. He also conducts
a number of our seminars during the summer months. David is highly respected for his vast
his knowledge of the sport, safe and effective training programs and his wit is greatly
entertaining. |
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Chad
Assistant Coach
IRONMAN:
Florida Ironman 2007 - 11:29:01
HALF IRONMAN:
2 Completed,
PB - 5:12:59
MARATHON:
5 Completed,
PB - 3:27:00 (1997)
CERTIFICATIONS: CPR & First Aid |
Chad initially started running as a way to get t-shirts. Later, he would
discover that it was easier to just buy t-shirts…but he kept running anyway. Chad
concentrated on long distance running throughout the mid-1990’s, during which time he
completed four full marathons and numerous half marathons. Following a brief respite from
running, during which he concentrated on martial arts and mountaineering, Chad was
inspired in 2005 to give triathlons a go. After training for a couple of years on his own, he
realized that it was easier and more fun to train with others. In 2007, he sought out a
triathlon training group, and found Get Fit. He trained with Get Fit throughout 2007 for his
first Ironman distance triathlon. Chad actively competes in Sprint, Olympic, Half Ironman,
and Ironman distance triathlons, with the occasional 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon
tossed in to mix things up. |
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Meghan Nicolini
Head Coach
MARATHON:
8 Completed,
PB - 3:48:30
CERTIFICATIONS:
CPR & First Aid |
Meghan didn’t begin running until she
started graduate school in 1997. For 10 years prior to that she was a gymnast who
competed at the national level as well as collegiately. Once her gymnastics career was over
she needed to find something else to occupy her time and keep active. That’s when she
turned to running. She trained with her roommate for her first marathon. In 2002, Meghan
moved to Topeka, KS where she joined her first official running group. Being part of a
group greatly improved her running and resulted in taking more than an hour off of her
marathon time. This is when she learned the benefits of training with a group. Meghan
moved to Atlanta in 2004 and joined Get-Fit in 2006. Her ultimate running goal is to qualify
for Boston. This is Meghan’s second year as Head Coach of the Blue Group. She is very
active coordinating runs for Get Fit Atlanta during the winter season – providing scenic
routes around town for variety and hills! |
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Erica Gillespie Cochran
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
4 Completed,
PB - 4:09 (2007)
|
Erica is a returning fourth year member of Get Fit, with
this being her second year as an assistant coach. She ran track in high
school and was a consistent fifth and six place finisher in meets. In
2004, Erica decided she wanted to run a 10-K race. (Never mind the
fact she hadn’t raced in fifteen years). She placed third in her age
group in the Alpharetta Mayor’s Challenge 10-K! With this result, Erica
set a new goal of finishing a marathon. She joined Get-Fit. She reached her goal in her home
state of Maryland in 2005, with over twenty family members and friends cheering her to the
finish. |
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Alice Cobb
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
2 Completed
|
Alice has been a recreational runner for 25 years. She never had any exercise
background before joining the US Navy and was forced to run for physical fitness tests. She
decided to adopt a lifestyle change, and started becoming healthier by quitting smoking,
and watching her diet. She soon became avid runner and progressed to becoming the
Physical Fitness Officer for her Medical/Dental unit. She also became interested in weight
lifting where she won many titles in power lifting. Although running was frowned against in
power lifting she needed it to keep her weight down to a minimum. While attending college
she made extra money being a personal trainer at the hospital health center. When she
moved back to the Atlanta area, a friend encouraged her to run the Peachtree road race and
is now coming up on her 18th year running it. |
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Richard "Rivi" Rivera
Head Coach
MARATHON: 8 Completed
CERTIFICATIONS: USAT&F Level I Coach,
USA Triathlon
Level I Coach,
USA Cycling Level III Coach,
AFAA Indoor Cycling
Instructor,
Spinning™ Instructor,
CPR & First Aid |
Rivi has been athletic & involved in
several different organized sports throughout his life. He started
running while serving with the United States Marine Corp in 1983 until 1996. After his time
in the Marine Corp, he continued to run to maintain his physical fitness. After moving to
Atlanta in 2003, Rivi joined Get Fit Atlanta in 2004 with an initial goal of completing a
marathon. He was side lined after only 8 weeks with an injury. He
returned to Get Fit Atlanta in 2006 with a new mission. Due to his love of running and
motivation for all his peers, Richard was assigned the Head Coach position for the Orange
Group in 2006. Richard helps to coordinate the Tuesday Night Runs and assists the
Triathlon Group as a Spin Class Instructor. His number one goal in 2008 is to complete his
first Ironman on August 31, 2008 (Louisville, Kentucky). |
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Anica Rivera
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
5 Completed
TRIATHLON:
3 Completed
|
A native New Yorker, Anica has always been athletic
and involved in several different individual and group sports such as
gymnastics, softball, and college cheerleading. Anica joined Get Fit in
2006 as a walker, yet, never fathomed walking (let alone running) a full marathon. After
completing a full season of training and ready to do the unbelievable, she was hit with an
ankle injury just four weeks before her first full marathon (Chicago). Just four days off her
cast, she went to Chicago solely intending on cheering on her husband Richard, yet was
quietly fighting the voice of resiliency. The night before the race, she decided to walk and
completed her first full Marathon over a long 7hrs 49 mins. The very next day, she came
home, searched out her next marathon, and became a runner from that point forward.
Seven months later, Anica experienced her next turning point when she completed her first
triathlon (Iron Girl). She became so hooked on the triathlon experience, that she completed her
second triathlon race less than one week later. |
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Yvette Webb
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
2 Completed,
PB - 4:52:22 (2006)
|
Yvette returns for a 4th year with Get Fit Atlanta. The group has been very
motivational for her to start her Saturday mornings off right. Yvette started running in High
School for the Seaside High track team. She ran the 100, 200, and 400 yard sprint without
any desire to run distances. After years of being inactive she decided, with a little coaxing
from friends, to train for the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Once she crossed the finish line that
year it changed her life. She decided to continue training and participating in marathons
(2006, 2007 Chicago Marathon and 2008 Disney World Marathon). Her goal is to improve
her time in the next event she runs. |
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Brain Fox
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
2 Completed
|
Brian has been a part of Get Fit Atlanta since 2004. His
membership began as the participating Sports/Neuromuscular
Therapist. Exposure to a wide variety of athletes inspired him to
begin his own training in the fall of 2005. After training solo and
finishing PF Chang’s Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon, he set his sights on his first full marathon.
To achieve his goal he knew he would need the benefits of group training and support to
make it through the miles above 13.1 so he joined Get Fit as a member for Spring of 2006.
Great training sessions lead to his successful completion of the Chicago Marathon in the fall
of 2006. 2007 saw a short term hiatus with a minor knee problem, which caused Brian to
redirect his efforts to swimming. A few months later he inadvertently found himself
“volunteering” to be the 1.2 mile half ironman swim leg of a relay team at the Greenwood
Half Ironman. Later, with knee recovered, Brian completed the 2007 Marine Corp Marathon. |
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Cherie Eason
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
3 Completed,
PB - 4:46 (2006)
|
Cherie is a third year Get Fit Atlanta member. She
began running in 2001 to get fit and lose weight. Prior to 2001,
Cherie had never participated in any type of athletics and would have
never dreamed she could accomplish what only “elite” athletes do—run a marathon! Since
she started running Cherie has run numerous 10K’s, 5K’s and a 15K, the 2006 Ekiden Relay,
several half-marathons and most notably the 2006 Chicago Marathon 2007 Inaugural ING
Georgia Marathon and Detroit International Marathon. Her love of running and physical
fitness has increased as has her weekly mileage. When she is not running she is working
out or spinning as her local gym. What Cherie lacks in speed she makes up for in
enthusiasm and determination. She is always ready to offer encouragement and a helping
hand so that others can achieve their running goals |
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Jennifer Beamer
Head Coach
MARATHON:
3 Completed
GREATEST RUNNING ACHIEVEMENT:
2008 Disney Goofy Race and a Half Challenge
CERTIFICATIONS: USAT&F Level I Coach,
CPR & First Aid |
Jennifer is a third year member of Get Fit Atlanta. She was
an assistant coach of the Half Marathon Group during 2007 and she jumped at the chance
to become Head Coach of the Yellow Group when the position opened in late 2007! Jennifer
started running a few years ago to get in shape and lose the weight she had gained in grad
school. She was able to complete several 5ks but could never really make running an
everyday part of her life. She joined Get Fit Atlanta in 2006 hoping that by being part of the
group it would give her the support and guidance she needed to improve her running and
complete longer distances. She couldn’t run much more than a mile without walking when
she joined. |
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Donna L. Waddell
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
7 Completed
|
Donna discovered the joy of running at 55 years old. In high school “running
laps” was dished out as a punishment; so running only became appealing when Donna
decided to improve her efficiency & calories burned per hour during her walking workouts.
Initially, she only wanted to train for & run the 2002 Peachtree Road Race, but she soon
realized that she had been bitten by ‘the running bug!’ She began training for her first half
in 2002, then a full marathon in 2003. In 2007 she ran three Half Marathons with her
daughter who lives in AZ. In addition to training for distance and endurance events, Donna
likes to run 5k’s (she has won 10 age group awards) and 10k’s; such as the Peachtree Road
Race, US 10K Classic, Possum Trot and the Buckhead Sizzler. She has also run the Helen
Hogpen Hill Climb (17K) and the Brasstown Bald 5K (the little ol’ 5k race with only one hill –
otherwise known as the toughest race in Georgia!). |
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Teesha Riley
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
1 Completed
|
Teesha began long distance running one year ago
when she decided to train for her first Half Marathon. Prior to her
training, Teesha had never run more than four miles. She was living
in Savannah, Georgia at the time and chose the ING Atlanta as THE
race. After finishing the ING half marathon in 2:30, she knew she
had found a life-long passion. Teesha runs because it makes her
feel strong and capable. Nothing beats the sense of
accomplishment after completing a new distance or beating an old
time. Soon after moving to Atlanta in late October 2007, Teesha
joined Get Fit Atlanta. It has been the perfect way to reinforce this commitment to an active
lifestyle. |
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Karen Kaye
Head Coach
MARATHON:
5 Completed
CERTIFICATIONS:
USAT&F Level I Coach
CPR & First Aid |
Karen is very excited to return to Get
Fit Atlanta after joining last year as a mid-season replacement coach.
Prior to joining Get Fit, Karen served as head coach for the Train To End Stroke marathon
program. Karen’s coaching career began many years earlier as a hobby, and way to help
friends who wanted to bring fitness into their lives. Karen is experienced in coaching
walkers and runners of all fitness levels. “I bring humor and fun to all the trainees I work
with. My goal is to have new athletes complete their races healthy and injury free. Nothing
gives me greater pleasure as a coach than watching my marathoners sport a big smile as
they cross the finish line!” |
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Michael Eames
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
3 Completed
|
This is Mike’s third season with Get Fit, his second as
an assistant coach. During the 70’s and 80’s Mike was an avid two to
three mile jogger for physical fitness. During this period he thought,
“If I trained for it I could do a marathon.” These thoughts became a
life goal (a ‘bucket list’ item) that resided in the back of his brain, but that he never did
anything about. With his life goal and a desire to be more physically active, and more in
control of his health Mike joined Get Fit in April 2006.
In his early 50’s and after many years away from running/jogging/walking (anything
physically active) his first season with Get Fit proved to be highly successful, both mentally
and physically. In the fall he reached his life goal and completed a full marathon -- and two
half’s. During the Get Fit training leading up to his first marathon he lost 46 pounds, and
progressed from walking to jogging. Now in his third season he is looking forward to
completing his fourth full marathon. |
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Lynette M. Foster
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
2 Completed
CERTIFICATIONS:
USAT&F Track and Field Official,
CPR & First Aid |
2008 marks Lynette's third year with Get Fit Atlanta
and her first year as an Assistant Coach. Lynette found Get Fit
Atlanta from reading Sports and Fitness Magazine. She was looking
for another group to run with and to meet new people. Lynette was
in the Yellow Group her first year and moved to the Purple Group
her second year after Karen Kaye became Coach of the Purple Group. Most of Lynette's
running was in College at the University of Cincinnati and Clark Atlanta University. She also
was an active runner while serving in the United States Naval Reserve. "I am very excited
about being an Assistant Coach with Get Fit..."
Lynette is a member of the Walking Club of Georgia and is an avid Racewalker. She is also a
member of the Atlanta Track Club, Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association and the United States
Tennis Association. |
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Ruthie Jensen
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
3 Completed
|
2008 is Ruthie’s fifth year with Get Fit Atlanta and her
fourth year as an Assistant Coach. Ruthie came across the Get Fit
Atlanta program almost by accident when she was looking for
information on the Silver Comet 10K race on the internet in 2004.
She decided to show up at the kick off not knowing exactly what to
expect. Ruthie grew up in a very athletic family with 3 very
competitive sisters, playing fast-pitch softball, volleyball and basketball, but never thought
she could complete a distance track race. Originally Ruthie wanted to only train for a half
marathon but with encouragement from Dana, she trained and completed her first full
marathon in Portland six months later. She’s very proud of finishing the Chicago marathon
in 2006 with a personal record. |
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Elaine Danvers-DeJesus
Head Coach (Half Marathon Run & Walk, 5K & 10K)
MARATHON:
1 Completed
HALF-MARATHON:
11 Completed
SPRINT TRI:
2 Completed
CERTIFICATIONS:
USAT&F Level I Coach, AFAA Indoor Cycling Instructor, USA Cycling Level III Coach, CPR & First Aid |
Elaine is one of the original
members & returns as a fifth year Coach with Get Fit Atlanta. Elaine was inspired to join Get
Fit in 2003 to achieve her goal of running a marathon. Elaine has been a runner since her
high school years, but slacked off after an injury twelve years ago while training for the
Disney Marathon. Since completing three Peachtree Road Races and her first marathon in
Chicago, Elaine joined the coaching staff - making a commitment to inspire, motivate and
encourage others that they too can complete a half or full marathon.
After completing several races, Elaine’s next challenge was to complete a triathlon. So, in
2007, with only less than 2 months of training, she completed her first triathlon and has
since completed a few other sprint triathlons. This year she will be competing in other
sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman distance races. And, her goal will be to compete in the
Ironman in 2009. |
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Adam Lipman
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
2 Completed,
PB - 5:11 (2006)
|
Adam is a third year returning member of Get Fit,
with this being his second year as an assistant coach. Adam began
his running career in 2005 after a life-changing event prompted
him to lose 45 pounds and ‘change his life.’ A friend asked him to
join Get Fit Atlanta & without really thinking about the commitment
he was making, he said “Sure!” After many days wondering why he
joined, he is very glad he did. Adam completed his first marathon in Chicago 2005 & looks
forward to another successful and fun season. |
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Caroline Odomirok
Assistant Coach
MARATHON:
3 Completed,
PB - 3:52 (2002)
|
Caroline took tap and jazz growing up in Gwinnett
County and was the typical ‘girly-girl’ until high school when she began playing soccer and
started swimming. A ‘natural’ athlete, she was good at most sports. She ran for fun,
exercise and to relieve stress while attending UGA (Go DAWGS!). In college she ran her first
race and immediately “learned that negative splits are the only way to go when racing.” She
regularly ran local 5k & 10k races & realized she was a decent competitive runner. At a
party in 2001 she was convinced (partly by Dana) to get up the next morning, join Team
Spirit and to train for her first Marathon. She went home early and joined the early morning
Saturday run the next day! While training for the ensuing marathons, she was convinced to
begin triathlons. She competed in the Gulf Coast Triathlon in 2002 and really enjoyed it
more than marathons. “I can tell you that a 1/2 Ironman is A LOT easier than a marathon.”
Caroline continues to train for half marathons, 10ks and triathlons – given her demanding
job. |
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Sharon Blok
Assistant Coach, Official Get Fit Atlanta Photographer
HALF-MARATHON:
3 Completed
TRIATHLON
5 Completed
CENTURY+ RIDES
4 Completed
|
Sharon, more commonly known as "RED", is learning to answer to both. Born in
Massachusetts, Sharon grew up and graduated high school in Florida. Immediately out of
high school, Sharon entered the US Army and spent 10 wonderful years traveling the world
before deciding to leave the Army 14 years ago to settle down.
This is Sharon’s 1st year as an assistant coach and her 3rd year with Get Fit Atlanta. The 1st
year was spent strictly running and the 2nd year focused on triathlon as she completed 5
sprint triathlons, 1 century bike ride (100 miles) 2 ms150 bike rides, and 1 half marathon. “I
am a thick girl, from a non athletic family. Very little comes naturally so we have to rely on
other strengths to play these games. I don't consider myself a racer or competition. I am my
own competition and with every goal I set an accomplish I am a winner!!!!! You miss 100%
of the chances you don't take. I will be assisting Coach Elaine with the green running group,
the half marathoners as well as the triathlon runners. I will also be assisting the weekly bike
rides, as well as continuing to be the official photographer for 2008 Get Fit season.”
Sharon's goals for 2008 are to run 5 half marathons, complete 5 century rides & 2 MS150
bike rides and to participate in 5 sprint triathlons while placing more emphasis on her diet
and nutrition.
Sharon’s biggest contribution to the coaching staff will be her teamwork, motivation and
positive attitude attributes. |
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Heather K. McElroy
Assistant Coach
Tuesday Night Run (TNR) Run Coordinator
MARATHON:
1 Completed
|
This is Heather’s first year with Get Fit Atlanta, and she
has started full force into marathon and triathlon training. Although
she has only been with the group for less than a year, her energy and
enthusiasm made it clear that she would be an asset as an assistant
coach. Heather ran sprints and played soccer in high school, but she became less active
throughout college and gained approximately 50 pounds before deciding that it was time to
get active again. Heather started running and experienced difficulty running even 1 mile!
She kept it up and finally completed a 10k in an hour and 6 minutes!! Heather had never
considered running a marathon and had no idea how to swim or bike when her friend asked
her to complete a triathlon. She joined Get Fit Atlanta, and she is running, biking, and
swimming every week with the group. In fact, she will be assistant coaching with the
triathlon group as well, and she is working toward her certification with the cycling
association. She had no idea how much she would love swimming and biking or how much
she could improve her running! Her enthusiasm and bubbly personality has encouraged her
coworkers to train with her as well, and they are all completing St. Anthony’s together. |
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Doug Shiano
Head Coach
MARATHON:
1 Completed,
PB - 3:52:31 (2008)
|
This is Doug’s second year & returns
as a first year Coach with Get Fit Atlanta. Doug was inspired to join
Get Fit in 2007 to achieve his goal of running a marathon. Doug ran
two ½ marathons on his own before deciding to run a full. Deciding
training for a full alone would be too difficult he looked for a casual
running group that would offer training advice and long group runs and found that in Get
Fit Atlanta. After completing Disney, Doug wanted to work with others to help them achieve
goal of running their first marathon. Doug is also looking to work on speed work to improve
his time in 5Ks and 10Ks. “Running changed my life, I hated running. I could not imagine
running a mile, let alone 26.2. My idea of a workout was walking to the drug store from the
bar to buy cigarettes. Chugging a beer was considered speed work. Believe me I know what
you are going through.” |
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Damon Grimes
Triathlon Coach – Swim, Cycling, Run
IRONMAN
2 Completed
HALF-IRONMAN
4 Completed
OLYMPIC TRI
5 Completed
SPRINT TRI
20 Completed
|
Damon has been involved with athletics since high school
(many moons ago) As a competitive soccer player that lost a scholarship because of a knee
injury he began casually running to rehab his legs. After school he was commissioned as an
Army officer and became more of a competitive runner to maintain fitness and to keep up
with the younger folks in his command. He kept in shape by running 5k and 10k races and
when he was not deployed. After several years of racing he decided that running alone was
not fun anymore so he tricked a co-worker, now his lovely wife, into running competitively
with him. She is now a competitive triathlete as well. He has run just about every road race
in Atlanta and has 8 consecutive Peachtree road races under his belt. He caught the
Triathlon bug in 2002 and has raced multiple sprints, Olympics, and half Ironman races ever
since. He consistently finishes in the top third of his age group. His philosophy for training
and preparing for triathlon (sprint to Ironman) races is that aerobic preparation (not
expensive equipment) will lead a triathlete of any level to a successful race. |
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Angie Comer
Triathlon Coach – Strength Training, Cycling, Run
OLYMPIC TRI
2 Completed
SPRINT TRI
5 Completed
MARATHON
1 Completed
CERTIFICATIONS: NPTI Advanced Personal Training Diploma,
ASCM Personal Training
Certification,
USA Cycling Level III Coach,
CPR & First Aid |
Angie was a very athletic youth; she was in gymnastics, karate
and track. In high school she got sidetracked and stayed atrophied for the next 20 years.
She started getting back into shape in the Spring of 2006 by joining a boot camp group and
continued training with them throughout the summer. During that summer she completed
several 5ks and two 10k races. These things eventually lead to a challenge by her partner
Sharon to ride in a MS150 bike ride for charity in Savannah. After training for months on a
trainer during the winter she managed to put together a team of eight called “Froggers for a
Cure” who raised over $7000.00 for Multiple Sclerosis. With that goal completed Sharon
again pushed her to broaden her new found healthy lifestyle by challenging her to join a
club called “Get-Fit Atlanta” and pursue a new goal, Triathlons. She dove in full force and
has achieved many fitness goals since. She says that Get-Fit has made a HUGE impact in her
life. She has completed 5 Sprint Triathlons, 2 Olympic Triathlons, her first Full Marathon and
numerous miscellaneous races. She graduated from the National Personal Training Institute,
in Alpharetta Georgia in April 2008. She has the heart and desire to help others achieve
total body fitness as a lifestyle. |
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Michael DeLang (Mike)
Triathlon Coach - Swim
IRONMAN:
2 Completed,
PB - 13:15:00 (2005)
HALF-IRONMAN:
5 Completed,
PB - 5:56:18 (2007)
MARATHON
10 Completed,
PB - 3:09:02 (1995)
|
Mike’s endurance sports career began in 1983 fueled by four years of High
School Cross Country and Track and competitive swimming since he was four years old. His
1st triathlon was an Olympic Distance, the Wycoff Triathlon in Wycoff, NJ. That was the spark
that fueled the flame. From 1983 to present Mike has completed almost a hundred
triathlons of every distance from sprint to full Ironman. Mike is currently striving to
complete all six North America Ironman Triathlons before his 50th birthday, with Ironman
Florida and Ironman Coeur d’ Alene completed and Ironman Wisconsin on the calendar for
Sept. 2008. In 1984 Mike completed his 1st marathon the Philadelphia Marathon. This
rekindled his passion for running and began his road racing addiction. There is no way to
keep track of the many races Mike has completed in the past 25+ years, but his t-shirt
drawers are overflowing. With the endurance sports passion in his blood, Mike ventured into
Adventure racing in 2003 and Ultra Marathons in 2007, but still has a love and passion for
triathlons and running. |
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Brenda Gammie
Triathlon Assistant Coach - Cycling
IRONMAN:
Ford Arizona Ironman 2007
MARATHON:
5 Completed
|
Brenda had run / raced 5 marathons when she decided
running was just not enough; so, she decided to make her goals
tougher by running after swimming and biking. Always the over-achiever, Brenda kicked off
her triathlon career by jumping straight into one of the toughest Olympic distance events
around: the Wildflower Olympic Triathlon. Elated upon finishing this race unscathed, Brenda
eagerly attacked bigger triathlons, including two half Ironman events, 2 Muddy Buddy
events, an Xterra off-road triathlon, and then the ultimate endurance event - Ironman
Arizona in April 2007. That's right, after just over 14 straight hours of swim, bike, run,
Brenda became an Ironwoman. |
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Aldrin Torres
Triathlon Assistant Coach – Cycling, Run
OLYMPIC TRI
5 Completed
MARATHON:
2 Completed
|
Aldrin’s endurance sport career began when joining the Get Fit Atlanta Club in
May 2006. It wasn’t easy to decide adding a very time-consuming activity that requires
discipline and a lot of commitment plus my professional career. The excellent coaching
staff and camaraderie provide the best environment to reach my goals of racing and
completing an Ironman in 2007.
Before joining Get Fit Atlanta, Adrin have lived in Mexico City. For 16 years he played
different positions (full-back, cornerback, wide receiver and quarterback) on American
football teams. In 1997, Aldrin got a sport scholarship and joined Tecnologico de
Monterrey University/High School where he played for the football team called Borregos
Salvajes. |
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Ashton Greene
Triathlon Assistant Coach - Cycling
SPRINT TRI
10 Completed
OFF-ROAD TRI
2 Completed
CENTURY RIDES
4 Completed
|
As a life-long cyclist (racing Juniors at age 13) Ashton used running as a
fitness-builder in the off seasons. 10Ks naturally followed. Restricted by chronic knee pain,
the marathon bug never really bit, but distance cycling always played a big role in his
fitness. As a goalkeeper in High School soccer, and later as a rower in college, the
importance of multi-sport training became more evident. Triathlon was a budding event in
the Dark Ages of 1990, but it presented itself as a new way to get cool t-shirts while riding
the bike. The purple-and-green charity org. got Ashton to do organized Centuries in the new
century, and he continued to participate in the local (short) triathlons.
A regular fixture in the Atlanta cycling community, he can be found most Thursday nights
trying to bridge up to the hammerheads. |
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Chris Dyche
Triathlon Assistant Coach - Cycling
CENTURY RIDES:
6 Completed
|
Chris has been a lifelong athlete with starting at the
young age of 8, played soccer for 6 years. Once in middle school Chris got the running bug
and started running track, 1 mile and 2 mile events. When Chris entered high school he
started running cross country all 4 years, 2 years as team captain. Chris also wrestled thru
high school. After high school Chris fell out of athletics and began partying and smoking,
which lasted 12 years. But in 2003 Chris regained control of his life and quit smoking and
cut back on the drinking. He began training for a marathon but took his training to far and
too fast for his body and developed it band injuries in the right, that is when Chris
discovered the joys of cycling that was 2004 and has been on a bike ever since. Chris has
been a member of NARC (North Atlanta Riding Club) and continues to be a member of
Atlanta Cycling Club, participating in group rides 3-4 days a week. |
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Stephen Lawlor
Triathlon Assistant Coach – Cycling, Swim
TRIATHLON:
6 Completed
MARATHON:
3 Completed
|
Stephen hails from Newcastle, England and has been involved in different
organized sports as long as he can remember. He started running seriously in high school,
the mile being his main event. Even though soccer and rugby were his main sports in college, he continued with his running. After moving to Arizona in 1992, Stephen and his
wife Therese joined ‘The Race Lab’, a running club that trains athletes in local races,
including half marathon and marathon events. After suffering a knee injury while training
for the Tucson marathon; Stephen began cycling and swimming to maintain his fitness level.
He eventually joined the Phoenix Tri Club and began training seriously for triathlons. The
shorter Sprint and Olympic distance races were / are his specialty. Steve and his family
moved to Georgia and discovered a new local Tri club - Get Fit Atlanta. He looks forward to
sharing his triathlon experience with interested members. |
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Tim Storsteen
Triathlon Consulting Swim Coach
CERTIFICATIONS:
USMS Coach, USS Coach, ASCA Level 2 Coach; CPR & First Aid & Lifeguard Training
|
Tim has 25 years of competitive swimming experience. He was a High School All American who went on to swim at Clemson University on a full athletic scholarship as a 4 year varsity letter winner. A member of ASCA (American Swim Coaches Association), Tim has 14 years coaching experience for USS, USMS and YMCA. Tim is the Marist High School Varsity Swim Coach & is Head Coach of the Brookwood Hills Swim Team, Carl Sanders YMCA Swim Team, & The Galloway School swim program. He was the Head Swim Coach at the Woodward Academy 1998-2001. Tim also coaches the Georgia Masters Killer Whales Swim Team / Masters Program 6 days a week. In doing so he has developed specialized training for triathletes, which make up a large number of his master swimmers. Tim has personalized training programs for sprint to Ironman distance events for all swimmers – beginners to advanced. He offers GFA members discounted rates on Swim Lessons & leads our professional swim clinics. Tim resides in Smyrna with his wife & daughter. |
|
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Alexis Bender
Social Coordinator
MARATHON:
5 Completed
|
Alexis came to know her love of running only through
her experiences as a casual runner and a member of the hash house
harriers. Alexis admired those who could dedicate so much to the
training necessary to complete a marathon. Now in her third season
with Get Fit she realizes the dedication to such a goal is about more
than just getting up and running. She has made some great friends, new and old, in the
group and thinks the desire to train comes from the great conversations that can be had on
a Saturday long run. Alexis has known Bobby, Co-Social Coordinator, for many years and
their friendship has been one of odd coincidences. Their social networks overlap in
fascinating ways including partying, running, studying, and softball. They are excited about
how this opportunity will bring these neighbors even more adventures. |
|
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Rolando Pedraza
Blue ‘Group Gwinnett’ Coach (8:30 - 10:00 min/mile)
MARATHON:
6 Completed
HALF MARATHON:
5 Completed
CERTIFICATIONS:
CPR |
Rolando always had a secret goal of running a marathon. That day came in October 2005 when he completed the Chicago Marathon. Rolando’s successful journey began in an emergency room where his attending physician told him about the running group, Get Fit Atlanta, that she was a member of. Note that Rolando was in the emergency room because of his knees – running to much and too hard in the beginning ?. Two weeks after his ER visit, he Joined GFA and began learning how to train properly. Only intending to run one marathon, Rolando has now run several marathons and intends to run many more. Even during injury last year he stayed involved with GFA by manning water stops at our Tuesday Night Runs and on Saturdays. Rolando continues to run and looks forward to helping others this year as a GFA Coach in Gwinnett. “Yes, running has health benefits, but running down the road in training or in a race, having others yell your name and cheer you on – that’s a GREAT feeling on the inside!!!” Rolando resides in Duluth with his dog Nicole. |
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Stephanie Schaknowski
Gwinnett Coordinator,
Yellow Group ‘Gwinnett’ Coach (over 11:30 min/mile)
MARATHON:
1 Completed
CERTIFICATIONS:
CPR & First Aid |
This is Stephanie’s second year with
Get Fit Atlanta & her first year as Head Coach of the ‘NEW” Gwinnett
Get Fit Atlanta Yellow Group! Stephanie has always been athletic;
involved in soccer, track and skiing in high school. After taking
several years off and wanting to get back into shape, her brother BJ (an Assistant Coach of
the Get Fit Atlanta Red Group), talked her into joining Get Fit for the 2007 season.
Stephanie came kicking and screaming, telling herself and truly believing that she could
never really complete a FULL Marathon. One week and one step at a time, she showed up
and did the recommended training through the summer and into the fall. Much to her
surprise and complete excitement, she completed her first Marathon in Chicago 2007. She
never would have expected that she would grow to love running. Her accomplishment also
rewarded her by a total weight loss of 80 pounds (MAINTAINED!!) due to her newly
acclaimed active lifestyle and diet change. Stephanie now wants to continue to encourage,
inspire and motivate others who ‘don’t believe they can do it’ to get in shape! If she can do
it, anyone can. |
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Erik Curns
Orange Group ‘Gwinnett’ Coach (10:00– 11:30 min/mile)
MARATHON:
1 Completed
CERTIFICATIONS:
CPR & First Aid |
Erik ran cross-country and played
soccer in high school and college. He graduated with an Accounting
degree from Georgia State University in 1996. He started training
with Get Fit Atlanta in 2004 with the goal of completing a marathon.
In the fall 2004, he completed the Chicago Marathon. Afterwards, he
took a year off to recover from a knee injury. During his recovery he
continued to run and participate in Get Fit. Erik returned to marathon
training in earnest in the spring and fall of 2007. |
 |
Marti Goldring
Purple ‘Group Gwinnett’ Coach (Walkers)
MARATHON:
2 Completed
CERTIFICATIONS:
CPR & First Aid |
Marti has been a fitness enthusiast since the 1980s.
Her interest began with a studio aerobics class in Charlotte, NC. In
1987, she became an AFAA certified instructor (Aerobics and Fitness
Association of America). Marti taught a wide range of fitness classes
for nearly 10 years.
After almost two years of inactivity, in early 2005, Marti agreed to train for a marathon to
benefit the American Stroke Association. Marti’s first reaction to running a marathon was
extreme reluctance! Here are just a few of her fears (with the responses of her coach): “I
have been almost completely inactive for the past 12 months.” (The training starts at a
beginner’s level of fitness and progresses over a period of months) “I don’t like running.”
(You don’t have to run! You can train to walk a marathon. We’ll even teach you how to
Racewalk). I don’t like being out in the sun.” (We’ll teach you what to do to stay safe
even in the full sun) I’m too old. (Hah! You’ll be training with people who started at your
age and are still going strong years later.) With the help of her coaches (Our own Ms.
Karen Kaye being one of the best) and her teammates, Marti successfully trained for and
completed a marathon in five short months. Her enthusiasm is contagious. Let her show
you how you can surprise yourself. |
