Albuquerque Fit – Chapter Coaches

I had running buddies!  The training programs that Albuquerque Fit provides really works.  They get you to the finish line with a smile on your face. I ran my 1^st marathon (Long Beach) in October 2014.  I thought I was one and done, but I ran my 2^nd in February 2015 (Phoenix Rock & Roll).  Same year I ran another marathon, a 45K & 50K ultramarathon and my running journey continues.  With diligent training through our programs, my running continues to improve as I have accomplished recent PR’s in the half and full marathons. Running is not just about races.  It’s about relationships.  Running with other people will make your running fun!  We have pace groups, run-walk philosophy and knowledgeable and very friendly coaches that will be there for you every step of the way!  I look forward to seeing you this season!

I gave it a year in the group and still did not love running, so I gave it up. This past year I decided to give it another try. I joined USA FIT Albuquerque to get my 50+ self back into shape. While I don't really have the desire to run races, I do want to keep fit and love spending time with my husband, who is an avid runner. I have made friends in the group and somehow became co-organizer this year and am learning so much about what it takes to make an amazing group such as this run (pun intended). My role as co-organizer is to handle mainly the behind the scenes tasks; bookkeeping, graphic design, scheduling, organizing, newsletters and more. Bob and I each have different strengths that work well together to continue to make USA FIT Albuquerque a success! I also look forward to helping other beginning runners participate in their first races. I may even race again one day. I'm thinking Disney!!

I have been running with Albuquerque Fit for eight years.  Before joining the group, I ran to stay in shape but never had any real fitness goals; I was running without a plan.  Albuquerque Fit provided me with coaching and a structured environment to help achieve my fitness goals.  Since joining Albuquerque Fit I have completed 3 full marathons (PR 3:31) and countless half marathons (PR 1:30 downhill; 1:35 flat road).  The individual / customized training plans helped me to achieve age group podium finishes in multiple events.

My goal as a coach with Albuquerque Fit is to help you achieve your fitness goals while staying injury free and to make your experience truly enjoyable.  I will help you on your path to living a healthier, happier life.

But that was years ago, and the guy in the mirror was not that guy. So, with visions of old Glory I went out for a run. How hard could it be to run a 5k. Boy was I shocked on how far out of shape I had become. The pain in my legs and back was too much for me to handle and I stopped, walked back and gave up. I canceled my “fun run” and went out for Beer and Pizza. At least I was still good at that. A month or so went by I was so upset at myself for quitting, I decided it was time for a change.

I saw a flyer on the Board at work “ABQ FIT” Run a Marathon, “Change your life”. What a joke, I couldn’t even run block, how could I ever Change my life by running. I did take a copy of the flyer and placed it on my desk. A few days passed, I had read every word, many times…you didn’t have to run a Marathon, you could run a 5k. I liked the idea of being on a team, having a coach and maybe make some new friends, it was perfect, just what I needed. But I was so far out of shape I did not think they would let me join. Well they did, I was even encouraged to give them a chance, little did I know that the day I signed up would be the day that “Changed my Life!” Now I was committed. All I had to do was show up.

Since becoming a part of the group, I have learned that you don’t have to be the fastest, you don’t even have to be good it. All it takes is to believe in yourself and follow the program, everything else will take care of itself. In my short time with my new friends here at USA Fit Albuquerque, I have been able to finish many 5k “fun runs” and two half-marathons. I am really looking forward to this season to give back and show you that If I can do it, you can do it too, I will be the first one there to encourage you along the way.