Bay Area FIT – Chapter Coaches

I love running! I have run 35 Full Marathons and Ultras, including Houston Marathons (23 consecutive), Boston Marathons (3), plus the White Rock Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Marine Corp Marathon (2), 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 began training with USA Fit Bay Area in the summer of 2013. A year later, I was selected as a yellow coach. Early on, I learned that successful training takes both commitment to the program and a good pair of running shoes. That first year was a major accomplishment and marked the beginning of an incredible journey.The following year, I was chosen as one of the co-organizers, and I knew I had my work cut out for me. Although the role kept me busy, I still found time to train. I served as co-organizer for four years overall. Since my beginning with Bay Area Fit, I have participated in 17 marathons, about 25 half marathons, and countless 10Ks and 5Ks.

When I was growing up, I avoided all things athletic.  Then fitness took a back seat to balancing family and career.  When my youngest child graduated from high school, I was able to focus on fitness again.  On a whim I ran the Turkey Day 5K in 2009, and I was hooked on running.

I started training for progressively longer distances. Finally, my trainer suggested that I run a marathon.  My initial response was a resounding “No!”  But in 2011 I joined Bay Area Fit, and it’s changed my life.  I have completed 13 full marathons, including 2 Boston Marathons.  The experience, encouragement and camaraderie of other Bay Area Fit runners and coaches have helped me get through the ups and downs, challenges and successes along the way.

Welcome to Bay Area Fit!  It’s changed my life and it can change yours too if you are ready to Commit…Train…Succeed.

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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 2027 Chevron Houston Marathon will mark my 21st 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 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 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.

Fifteen years ago, I started running to lose weight and improve my health. Running gave me confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment that carried into every part of my life. Over the years, I learned that every mile was about more than fitness – it was about proving to myself that I keep moving forward, even when things got difficult.

In 2018, life pulled me away from the sport and I struggled to find my way back. Like many runners who step away for a period, returning wasn’t easy. Motivation faded, consistency was nonexistent and the passion I once had for running felt distant. For years, I battled with trying to rebuild the routine and mindset that had once come naturally.

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 13 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 Blue, I’m excited to be able to help support our BAF members achieve their Half Marathon goals.

We joined Bay Area Fit’s Blue Group in 2015 with the very ambitious goal of running the End of the World Half Marathon in Placencia, Belize. Thanks to the support, encouragement, and training from Bay Area Fit, we not only crossed the finish line, but Elena even placed in her very first half marathon! Since then, we’ve continued running together, proving that “date night” can absolutely include early alarms, race bibs, and sore legs. Over the years, we’ve completed numerous 10Ks and half marathons — many of them Aramco Houston Half Marathons — and we continue chasing finish lines for the same reason we started: to stay healthy, active, and strong as we grow older. One of our favorite traditions is running the Blue Bell Fun Run in Brenham every March, where the post-race ice cream treats are just as rewarding as the finish medal!

My name is Holly Vinson. I’ve been a BAF member for 7 years. This is my forth 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 6 years. This will be my second year as a head coach and third year working with the Purple coach group. I have learned 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 the group to join. We are striving to keep all the walkers/runners engaged throughout the season.

We have a great group runners, walkers and walkers/runners. I would not have participated 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 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 13 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 also taking on the role of Head Coach once again for the Blue 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.