Bay Area FIT – Chapter Coaches

I love running! I have run 33 Full Marathons and Ultras, including Houston Marathons (22 consecutive), Boston Marathons (3), plus the White Rock Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Marine Corp Marathon, London Marathon, 50K (3) races a 50 miler and numerous half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks. When I graduated college, I weighed 140 lbs. When I turned 44, I was pushing 200 lbs and had knee surgery. Because of this physical slackitude, I had developed high blood pressure and hypercholesterol, and had to double my medication twice in two years.  I joined a fitness program at NASA and 23 months after my surgery I ran my very first marathon in 2004.  I tried training by myself the first three years.  It was a lonely experience.

I joined BAF in 2016. Since then, I have run 12 marathons, 8 of them Chevron Houston, and signed up for the 2025 Marine Corp Marathon. My countless miles of training and multiple races haven taken place in Texas, Colorado, Florida, Washington, D.C. to name a few as well as other countries including England, El Salvador and Greece.

The relationships among BAF runners have contributed to a family atmosphere and lifetime friendships. I started out as a runner, coached for a couple of years and am retuning as co-organizer for the a 3rd season. This enables me to talk to and encourage many of you and help wherever needed. I look forward to continuing training and having another great season with all of you!

When I was growing up, I avoided all things athletic.  I ran a few 5K’s in my 20’s, but then fitness took a back seat to balancing family and career.  At age 50, with my youngest child graduating from high school, I was able to focus on fitness again.  After losing 50 pounds, I started running to maintain my weight loss.  On a whim I ran the Turkey Day 5K in 2009, and I was hooked on running.  I trained for and ran progressively longer distances. Read More

I began running in 2013 to work through a difficult time in my life. Running was relatively inexpensive, I could fit it in around my daughters’ schedules, and I rather liked how I was able to make up the rules and progress at my own pace. I poured over training books, used a running app on my phone to chart my progress, and took to my neighborhood streets. My initial goal was to run a 5k without stopping. With the 5k goal accomplished, I set my sights on the 10k distance. With the 10k in the rear-view mirror, it was time to run a half marathon. I completed several half marathons and truly felt the full marathon distance was unattainable. I believe I got tired of the question, “have you ever run a full marathon?” because, ultimately, I ran my first full marathon at the 2015 Chevron Houston Marathon. The 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon will mark my 20th marathon … now that is hard to believe!

I trained for my first Houston Marathon in 2005 on my own and struggled through both the training and during the marathon. After that first experience, I realized that I needed help to achieve my goals and to stay focused. I learned of BAF from some local runners and joined in 2006, since then I have completed over 20 marathons and many other races.

I give credit to BAF for the knowledge and experience that I have gained over the years as well as the many friendships I have made. Also, as a member of the Texas Air National Guard, I worked as the squadron fitness monitor for over ten years. In this roll I helped many Airmen to stay in shape and pass their annual fitness test. As a coach my goal is to try and pass down to others what I have learned over the years and give encouragement to everyone that I can.

I had always been sporty as a kid.  I played softball and tennis, I never thought running would be in my future. As I grew older and fatter, people said I needed cardio to lose the belly so I reluctantly started running a few miles on the “dreadmill”.  I worked up to 4 miles and decided to run a 5K, The Astros Race for the Pennant in May 2004,  I finished in 37 minutes. I went on to run some 10Ks and it about killed me because I didn’t know anything about hydration, clothes, shoes, or training.  I ran the EP 5K in January 2005 at the Houston Marathon and was so proud of my little medal!  But I was amazed at all the runners finishing the marathon and half marathon.  I loved the medals, the crowds, and all the emotions. I decided right then and there that that’s what I wanted to accomplish.

I joined BAF in 2013 with no running experience other than having to run laps around the football field when we got in trouble in marching band. My husband wanted to run a half marathon and I wanted to be a supportive wife so I told him I would do it with him. We found BAF to help us train. At the time we were both teachers and once the school year began, we got so busy and stopped coming. We never signed up for a half-marathon, so we put running on the back burner. In 2014 we joined again, and this time signed up for Aramco Half Marathon at the same time. January 2015 I ran my first half-marathon!

In the 11 years since we joined with BAF I’ve been a coach for both blue and red groups, run at least a dozen half marathons, multiple triathlons (including 70.3 and Ironman distance), and one marathon. This year, I'm back coaching Red, I’m excited to be able to help support our BAF members achieve their Full Marathon goals.

I've run most of my life. My dad and a few uncles are runners and got me interested as a very, young child. I ran cross country in high school, but back then, running was to help stay in shape for other sports and to clear my head.

Over the years, running is something that has become part of who I am.

My running journey has had highs and lows. Starts and stops, and begining again more than once. Here is my BAF story:

In 2014, my friend in BAF, convinced me to run the Galveston toughest 10k with her. I’d never run a 10k, but I felt well trained enough to give it a try. The next year, I trained by myself and completed the bridge series and my first half marathon.

In 2016, I joined BAF, because I didn't want to train alone and wanted a support network. Since joining, I've completed numerous half marathons and many other races.

I never imagined running would become such a meaningful part of my life. In high school and college, I played competitive volleyball my only experience with running was sprinting to the net during practice drills. After college, life moved quickly. I became a teacher, a mom, and like many, I struggled to prioritize my own health and wellness.

In 2018, my world changed when my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He passed away just eight months later. During his treatment, we organized a run to raise awareness and bring our community together. The support we received was unforgettable, and the following year, even more people came out to walk beside my children and me in our grief. It was during those moments that I realized how powerful it is to run—both literally and metaphorically alongside others.

I started my running journey in 2020 with a 5K and it totally changed my life. I had signed up for that race on a whim and was very nervous because I never ran a mile much less 3.1 miles. As I crossed that finish line and I was hooked. Not just to the feeling of completing a race but to the entire mental and emotional fulfillment it gave me. I began wanting to duplicate that feeling and started looking and singing up for as many 5Ks I could find and slowly progressed to 10Ks and then Half Marathons. When I signed up for my first Chevron /Aramco Half Marathon I was overwhelmed with excitement going to the Expo and then the after-party events. However, the year I finished my first major Half Marathon was the beginning of several losses in my personal life that lead me into a really dark place. Running was what I used to escape but I knew continuing to do it alone was too hard. I have a family member that told me to look up running groups in my area and try them out. Bay Area Fit was the first group that stood out to me and fit my schedule perfectly.

I grew up in Clear Lake and have been physically active most of my life; with some exceptions from time to time. Prior to joining Bay Area Fit last year I had never really been into running although I had done some 10ks here and there over the years. Prior to last year, for me, running had been something to be endured for brief periods and then happily abandoned. My experience with Bay Area Fit last year has changed my attitude towards running and it has now become a regular activity that I look forward to doing although I still enjoy resting afterwards as much as I ever did.

In 7^th grade I lasted about one week on the track team or long enough to make it to the first blue northern which did me in. Then slightly overweight, I started jogging in my 30’s. The Runner’s High came at a half mile. Then a few weeks later, it came after a mile and so on till I got to three miles and my knees started to hurt. That was my limit until I retired at 71. At 72, I joined Bay Area Fit and made it through a blue northern at the Houston Half in 3 hours even, finishing with my friend Ric Walton. Running with Bay Aera Fit made that possible and enjoyable. The support, interest, correction of my running stride, core workouts and friendships made the difference. Just before Christmas, I completed the Galveston Santa Hustle Half in 2:37 and look forward to this new running season as one of the Blue Coaches.

My name is Holly Vinson. I’ve been a BAF member for 6 years. This is my third year as Head Coach and Co-Head Coach for the Purple walking group. If you are looking to getting started on your walking or walk/run journey the purple group is the place for you! We train for the Houston Aramco Half Marathon but definitely can provide a schedule for a 5k or 10k. I love the community and comradery that Bay Area Fit provides. I absolutely would not be committed or disciplined enough to complete the training without the purple group team members. Looking forward to the upcoming season and meeting many new Walkers!

My name is Kenneth Brown. I’ve been a BAF member for 5years. This will be my first year as a head coach and second year working with the Purple coach group. I have learn how to improve my walking times and pace from previous coaches and hope to help others and pass
along that knowledge. I walk at a quick pace so I can help you get to that pace also if you are looking for that. If you are looking to train for a half marathon, 10 K or 5K we are a group to join. We are wanting to keep all the walkers/runners engaged throughout the season.
We have a great group runners, walkers and walkers/runners. I would not have participate in races without being part of BAF and the Purple group. The Purple group is very social group if you are looking for at also. I am looking forward to starting a this year season with our group and the new walkers.

With BAF I have run or walked 20 marathons and countless other “races”. As you can see, I didn’t just add this to my bucket list at age 40 and move on.  I got hooked on the sport. I know that I could not have done this without the support of the group and all the friends I have made. I believe in this group and have made it a big part of my life. During my time with the group I have been an Organizer, head coach, assistant coach and now Core Coach.

In the 10 years since we joined with BAF I’ve been a coach for both Blue and Red groups, Core Coordinator, and Co-Organizer. As you can see further up on this page, this year I am taking on the role of Head Coach once again but this time for the Red Group. But I am also continuing my role with Marty as Core Coordinator. I’m excited to be able to help support our BAF members with strength training and yoga that is fundamental to endurance running and walking.

I am not a lifelong runner. Six years ago, I made the decision to start running. After doing CrossFit for several years, I wanted to change my workout.  I felt that I needed something in my life that would give me joy, get in shape, and release some stress. I stepped out of the house and ran 2 miles.  When I finished, I felt pride and happiness.  Before too long, I was running up to 9 miles.  After running on my own for a year, I joined BAF in 2021. Since, I ran the Chevron Marathon in 2023 and several half marathons, 10k, and 5k’s.  I am thankful for the friendships and support that I have received. Last season, I was Blue Co-Head Coach. This year, along with many other Bay Area Fit Members, I am training to run the 50^th Marine Corp Marathon.  What I am focusing on this year is finding ways to bring all the color groups together through social media. I look forward to another great season!

“Set a goal, make plan, and be consistent”