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.
Read MoreNortheast Ohio FIT Coaches
Brenda Runion
Head Coach - Half Marathon Group - All paces
NE Ohio 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!
Terri Schoenholz
Head Coach - Marathon Group - Green Group (under 9:00 minute/mile)
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.
Jody Tyrpak
Head Coach - Marathon Group - Yellow Group (9:00-10:30 minute/mile)
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!
Lee Anne Sabol
Head Coach - Marathon Group - Red Group (10:30 minutes/mile and greater)
“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!
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