USA Fit Cypress Coaches
| Green | Yellow | Red | Half-Marathon |
| Click on a color group above to see the list of coaches for that group. | |||
| About the Organizer | ||
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Jessica Clark info@usafitcypress.comTen years ago my motto was, why run if no one is chasing me? Many of you might feel the same way. I heard that running was a great and fast way to keep the weight off. I did the math and thought, well, I can go for a 30-minute run and burn twice as many calories as I would if I were walking for 30-minutes, so I gave it a shot. I never stuck to a schedule, and I had a rule: If I were going to eat Mexican food on Friday night, I had to run at least 3 days that week. A few years, a few pounds and a few encouraging friends later, I decided to run my first marathon. I learned of USA Fit and trained with Houston Fit in preparation for the 2004 Houston Marathon and then again in 2006 with Katy Fit. It's been a positive addiction in my life, and whether you're a pro, a novice, or some where in between, I hope that you'll find it as rewarding as I have. Bring on the chips and queso! | |
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Robynne Parry info@usafitcypress.comI began running in high school, but at the time, the runs were always "the punishment" to prepare us for the endurance of crew. After high school, I would run as part of a well balanced fitness routine, but never on a regular basis. My husband re-introduced me to running, teaching me that running in and of itself can be an enjoyable way to spend time with friends and test the limits of our bodies. I began running shorter distances before moving to triathlons and then onto half marathons and marathons. I began coaching several years ago and found that was the best way to "pay it forward" to all the people that have helped motivate and inspire me. As USAFIT Cypress organizers, we are dedicated to helping you accomplish your goal. Whether your goal is to improve your time, to walk a half marathon or run a full marathon for the very first time, we are dedicated to helping you improve. | |
| Green Group | ||
| Rick Aukstikalnis rickauk@sbcglobal.net Head Coach | ||
| Yellow Group | ||
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Ava Veselis a_veselis@yahoo.com Head Coach | |
| Red Group | ||
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Julie Swoboda swoboda.julie@gmail.com Head Coach I started running consistently in 2003 to try to shed a few pounds I packed on in college. By no intention of my own, I ended up training for a marathon! My running partner was training for Paris 2004 and said if I was running all the miles, I should just sign up and go along. So with Paris in sight, I got serious. I joined Houston Fit and made the long drive on Saturday mornings to Memorial Park. It was totally worth it! I discovered the joy and support of running with an organized group. In 2004 I ran Paris and Chicago. My next goal was to run one at home… Houston. Fast forward through getting married and having 2 babies close together and this is where you find me. I still love to run with others even though I faltered in hitting the road consistently as life got a little busier than expected. I was so excited last year to find out about Cypress Fit! I cannot wait for this training season to begin! I am an encourager and celebrate small victories along the road. This year for me is about putting on another “finisher” medal and loving every mile of the journey. | |
 | Marc Matyas mmatyas@sbcglobal.net Assistant Coach My first thought was, it is time to find a personal goal. I started running to get in shape and to maybe run a marathon. I was nervous, but the more I ran, the stronger I felt about finishing an actual marathon. My goal soon moved from getting in shape to completing the 2009 Houston Marathon. USAFIT Cypress really gave me the confidence I needed and more importantly the training I needed to achieve a finish. By following the USAFIT Cypress training program, I found that I could do what I had thought was impossible! I became a runner! I was addicted. USAFIT Cypress can provide everyone with the tools they need to successfully complete any marathon, I know because I finished my first marathon and am now working on my next! I know you will find your stride in this training program, and can't wait to run with you. | |
 | Mary Lee Mims mlmims@comcast.net Assistant Coach I started long distance running at 39 years old, so I blame it all on a mid-life crisis! I haven't stopped since then, and, 11 years later I have completed 6 Houston Marathons and too many half marathons to count. All it takes is a "can-do" attitude, Cypress Fit and acclimation to Houston heat! | |
| Half-Marathon Group | ||
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Terri Garza terri@terrigarza.com Head Coach I began running about 2 years ago as a way to spend more time with my husband. With four children, we looked forward to the time with just the two of us. We would run in the early hours of the morning and we had some great conversations. Before long we were running further and further. I wanted a challenge, though, and decided I would train for a half marathon. I had just turned 40 and thought what a way to celebrate! Well, I not only ran one half marathon, but ran 2 in 2 months! I had a great support system through Cypress Fit and amazed myself at being able to increase my distance like I did. Now it is my turn to help others. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a beginner, I look forward to running with you! | |
