NE Ohio FIT – Chapter Coaches

I can’t tell you how happy I was to find a group like NEO FIT! I have run with the group since 2005 when I decided I wanted to find people to run with on the weekends. Running with the group has made me a better runner and coach. I am constantly inspired by others pushing themselves, creating new boundaries and achieving the ultimate goal of running a half or full marathon.

All I wanted to do was run. I really had no interest in finishing a marathon or even a half marathon, but I joined NEO FIT so that I could have some people to run with. Week after week, we would all run together, increasing distance bit by bit. And before I knew it, we were running 10, 15, and over 20 miles on our long runs.

I never imagined I’d be able to run that distance, but my group members made it fun. Everyone encouraged each other, and because of that support, I did run the a marathon that year. Since then, I’ve run many marathons. I have run the Boston Marathon a few times, as well as an ultramarathon. This great group of running friends at NEO FIT have encouraged me and helped me to accomplish goals I never even thought were possible.

During my first years of running, I ran a couple 5Ks. And one summer, I thought I was up for a bit more of a challenge, so I signed up for NEO FIT’s half marathon program. I fell in love with the program from the beginning and quickly switched over to the full marathon group. That first year with NEO FIT, I ran my first 10K, my first 10-miler, my first half marathon, and finally, my first marathon!

It is amazing what you can accomplish with comraderie, shared goals, and wonderful support. And it was so much fun! I found that each week I was really looking forward to the long run with the group. I learned that anyone can truly run a marathon with a supportive group like NEO FIT.  I can’t wait to help others realize their potential. You’ll be amazed by what you are able to accomplish!

“I’m going to run a marathon someday.”  I told myself the same thing for several years, but it felt like a daunting endeavor to take on alone. Sure, I ran a few 5ks and even a half marathon long ago, but I hadn’t trained properly on my own, struggled with motivation and injuries, and ended up abandoning running for five years.  In 2009, I decided to reintroduce running into my life and start from scratch by properly training for a 5k. The positive experience of following a solid plan led me to search for a marathon training group that met my needs as a recreational runner. I found NEO Fit online and knew it was the perfect FIT! With multiple pace groups and so many other runners like me in the group, I knew I could succeed! I trained for my first marathon with NEO Fit in 2010 and have run the Akron Marathon every year since then!