Woodlands FIT – Chapter Coaches

Woodlands FIT Coaches

Woodlands FIT coaches are ready and here for you to being your training! For any program or season, these coaches will help prepare you for any race!

Mike Smith

Full Marathon Head Coach

Welcome to the Woodlands Fit Full Marathon Group.  The full group has the most fun … since we do spend the most time together… sharing the miles, our lives and our story with each other.

My running story started in 2009, running 5K races for some weekend recreation. After getting hurt (because I did not run during the week), my wife signed me up for “a couch to five-mile” training program. The “training program” became my new daily routine and the “group” my new friends. As my friends decided to run longer distances, I joined Woodlands Fit with them in 2011 and I have been the head coach since 2013. Through the support of the Woodlands Fit running community, I have been able to make and achieve new personal goals and to complete 50 marathons in all 50 US states.  In March 2020, I had the honor of completing my 67th full marathon with my daughter who completed her first full marathon (pictured near mile 26 – both smiling!).

The Woodlands Fit program is designed to get you across the finish line whether it is your first or fiftieth marathon.  We are looking forward to a new season, to all the fun times on the way to the finish line, on hearing your running stories and in helping you achieve your goals! Run Happy!

Vicky Gillmor

Half Marathon Head Coach & RRCA Certified Coach

Welcome to Woodlands Fit! I’m thrilled to be starting my 10th year with Woodlands Fit, 9th year as Half Marathon Head Coach.  I love Woodlands Fit for so many reasons but mainly because of the people and the accountability it provides!

I began my running in career 2008 when I found a local running program that would train me to run 5 miles!! At that time I remember thinking “Wow, to be able to run 5 miles would be amazing!” Well…I ran my first 5 mile race on Thanksgiving Day 2008 and it was awesome…and I was hooked!

To date I have completed many more races including 18 Half Marathons and 5 Full Marathons. I became an RRCA certified running coach in 2011.   I now coach all levels of runners from beginners to intermediates with an emphasis on cross training!  I love coaching and hope to pass along my love of running while helping you get to the finish line!

Ram Rajagopalan

Co-Organizer

Welcome to Woodlands Fit. I started running seriously in 2010 upon returning from the Middle East. To begin this journey I joined a 5 Mile running group organized by Coach Vicky and continued on to the 10 Mile group the following year. I joined Woodlands Fit Half Marathon group in 2012 and in 2014 moved to the Marathon group. Over the years I have slowly added various marathons to my portfolio; in total I have completed around 22 marathons. Being part of Woodlands Fit allowed me to expand into other endurance events such as biking and triathlon. I have completed several long distance bike rides and a couple of ultra marathons and  finished 2 Ironman Triathlons in the last two years. I enjoy combining vacation plans and marathons at the same time where possible. My longer term goal is to complete all 50 states if time permits. Looking forward to meeting everyone and joining you in your endurance journey.

Melissa Holloway

Organizer

Woodlands Fit is an amazing group of people who come together each Saturday morning during the season to share time and training as we prepare for marathons, half marathons, and races of other distances. I'm excited to lead the 2023-24 season to help create a solid season of training and to celebrate all the miles we'll cover in this 20th season of Woodlands Fit! No matter your training goal this season, you’ll find Woodlands Fit coaches and members who will help you succeed. Through the miles, you’ll learn new things about yourself, develop friendships that can last a lifetime, and enjoy the support of the Woodlands Fit family. It’s going to be another great season with miles of smiles!

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