Phoenix Fit Coaches
| Organizer | Green | Yellow | Red |
| Click on a color group above to see the list of coaches for that group. | |||
| About The Organizer | ||
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Mercedes Cimino mercimino@hotmail.com Head Coach It is hard to believe that this will be my seventh year as organizer with Phoenix Fit and my eighth year associated with the program. The time has flown by and it seems like just yesterday that I showed up for my first meeting a little nervous that I was going to be intimidated by hard core runners. That preconception could not have been farther from the truth. Everyone I have met in association with Phoenix Fit has been friendly and supportive. The coaches are approachable and the members are eager to share their running experience and learn from one another. I have been a runner for the past 30 years and, until I joined Phoenix Fit I had spent most of my running time solo. I have since come to appreciate the benefits of running with a group. Not only have I learned many running tips from coaches and fellow runners, I have also benefited from the sense of camaraderie, and the commitment that comes from others expecting to see me each week. I look forward to seeing new and returning members each week for our seminars and organized runs and I cherish the opportunity to share my passion for the sport of running. I’ve run 10 marathons and a handful of half marathons. I look forward to training with a new batch of members in 2011! | |
| Green Group | ||
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Sean Balog seanthetyrant@hotmail.com Head Coach This is my seventh season with Phoenix Fit. I trained for and ran my first race ever (the P.F. Chang’s marathon) that first year with zero running experience prior to that season. If I can do that, so can you! For the past three years, I have also participated in the Advanced Training Program (ATP) with Phoenix Fit and improved my previous marathon time by over forty-five minutes this year. I have probably made half of the possible running mistakes and my goal is to help new runners learn those lessons without having to actually experience the downside of those mistakes! | |
 | Hank Gries hank@griescompanies.com Assistant Coach 33/male/Capricorn/Favorite Race=Boston Marathon/Favorite Runner= Forest Gump/been running for 6 years now/Likes: running, motorcycles, anything w/ my wife, pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. | |
| Yellow Group | ||
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Daniel Garza eratiempo@live.com Head Coach I have always been a runner, a casual runner. To this day I am not in love with the sport. Since joining Phoenix Fit eight years ago, I have learned to enjoy (not love) running. I have run in numerous 5Ks, 10Ks and fun runs. I have completed 8 marathons and many half marathons as a Phoenix Fit member. My times have and will continue to improve. I am 50 years old and I run better now than when I was younger. | |
 | Valeriya Nedeva vali_nedeva@hotmail.com Assistant Coach \'It all started in November, 2007 when I experienced my first 5K race. I stood up there on the start line wondering what it feels like to complete a race. “Would I be able to finish?”, “Am I going to finish last”, “Do I need a strategy?” When I crossed that finish line, the only thing I knew was that I wanted to do this again. So there I was, with the experience of one 5K run and a couple of much shorter attempts in the past. I found myself researching how to get better, faster and bring consistency to my running, which always felt incredibly fulfilling. While gathering more essential knowledge, experience and confidence, I completed a couple more 5Ks, 10Ks, and finally 2 half marathons, which I found as a great accomplishment. I jokingly mentioned to my friends that my next goal would be a full marathon. That was it! It was out there in the open and with no further excuses, I looked for a training program and support group. Phoenix Fit has given me not only the knowledge to be a smart runner, but also the opportunity to extend my network of friends with similar interests. It taught me to enjoy running and make it a part of my life. Now, three full marathons later and a number of great new friends, it is my goal to pass my knowledge and show others “it’s never too late to make your dreams a reality, especially when you have the resources!” | |
| Red Group (A) | ||
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Jennifer Zonneveld janp1125@msn.com Head Coach I joined Phoenix Fit to train for my first marathon and I’ve been in love with the program, the coaches and the runners ever since. I’ve been a runner for the past 10 years – running local 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and 2 full marathons. This will be my fifth year as a Phoenix Fit coach. I started running to lose weight and get healthy, but I keep running because I love the camaraderie and helping new runners accomplish their goals. | |
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Sue Squires suzanne_squires@msn.com Head Coach In 1999, I became a member of Phoenix Fit Because I wanted to gain knowledge about running and meet others interested in this sport. Through the wisdom and knowledge of the coaches, I learned about running and marathoning, found discipline and an appreciation for the early morning hours, and formed wonderful friendships with the participants. Running became my passion, my challenge, and my lifestyle. As a coach for Phoenix Fit from 2000 to 2003, I was able to share my experiences with those new to the sport and delight in the participants’ personal victories. In my years away from Phoenix Fit, I have challenged myself with numerous marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks. I have continued to gain knowledge about the sport through reading and my association with runners, who in my opinion, are quite accomplished. I am excited and look forward to another season with Phoenix Fit. | |
 | Danielle Rice boilerinaz@gmail.com Assistant Coach After training for my first half and full marathon on my own, I felt I needed some coaching that could help me improve my running. I found Phoenix Fit and got so much more than just fantastic advice and coaching. I found friends, motivation, the answers to my questions, and I saw improvement in my running. My weight has always been a challenge in my life but a few years ago I took control and became active by running. I am not fast, but I enjoy running, it allows me to stay active. I am continually am amazed at the distances my body can run and how great I feel overall. In just the last 3 years, I have completed 2 full marathons and 7 half marathons along with dozens of other races. I became a coach with Phoenix Fit last year and love how much the other runners inspire me. It is so rewarding to see someone achieve their goal of running a half or full marathon. I look forward sharing my learning experiences and running alongside my fellow runners each week. | |
 | Dauna Williams dwilliams234@cox.net Assistant Coach I joined Phoenix Fit last year as a WALKER and completed my very first half marathon! I have never been much of a runner, walking is my preferred choice of exercise. However, to my amazement after the extensive training with Phoenix fit, I was able to walk and run throughout the race. Before I joined Phoenix Fit, I was not very active. The group support encouraged me each week to keep coming back so that I could achieve my goal of participating in the marathon. I am healthier now than I have been in many years. Luckily for me, I was led to join the right team that welcomes and accepts members of all fitness levels. I look forward to meeting, and walking with some of you this season. | |
