USA Fit Cypress Coaches
| ATP | SAN ANTON FULL | WINTER FULL | SPEED COACHES | SAN ANTON HALF | WINTER HALFERS | PURPLE WALKERS | ANNUAL |
| Click on a color group above to see the list of coaches for that group. | |||||||
| About the Organizer | ||
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Rick Aukstilalnis Richard aukstikalnis |
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| BLACK ATP | ||
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Patrick Timmons Head Coach WINTER ADVANCED TRAINING PROGRAM HEAD COACH I grew up playing a variety of sports, but by the time I got to high school, I began focusing on basketball and running sprints/hurdles in track. I have always enjoyed running; however, I preferred not to run more than one lap at a time :)! After graduating from college, I began searching for a way to stay active, as well as a way to satisfy my competitive tendencies. I quickly stumbled into the world of triathlons, and was able to train for and complete my first tri last year. I truly enjoyed the whole experience, but I realized that I needed to find a way to train smarter, NOT HARDER! I began looking around for a group that could help me with this, specifically the running aspect. One day, when I least expected it, I discovered that there was a great group here in Cypress that could help me! I immediately decided to put tris on hold, signed up for the USA Fit program and began training for the 2010 Houston Marathon. It turned out to be an absolutely amazing experience both the training and the marathon. Cypress Fit undoubtedly helped me to achieve my goals, thanks to a great program, and a great group environment! Hope to see you soon! | |
 | Eric Underwood Assistant Coach ATP ASSISTANT COACH Like most people, I did a little [very little] running when I was younger, but up until 3-4 years ago, I was mainly focused on cycling - road bikes, mountain bikes, and even indoor cycling classes. I got more into running to cross-train, and to build up to multi-sport events - duathlons, and maybe soon triathlons. Once I got more into the run training, I decided to do some 5K and 10K races in which I placed in my age group, and then I was in for good. Next came my first marathon - the 2010 Chevron Houston marathon, where I did fairly well, but I wanted to be better. Up until that point, ALL of my training had been on my own, so after that race I decided to join a training group to get more focused on my training. USAFit Cypress has really helped me accomplish more gains in my running training - the benefits you gain from the coaches, your fellow members of the group and the training schedule really work! Whether you are training for your first half or full, or you are looking at improving your run with the new ATP group this year, USAFit Cypress will help get you to where you want to be. | |
| SAN ANTONIO MARATHON COACHES | ||
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DAVID ROBINSON Head Coach SAN ANTONIO MARATHON HEAD COACH I started running as part of the Track and Cross Country teams back in high school. I ran my first half marathon while in high school. It hurt so bad I promised I would never run that far again. I have since reneged on that promise to myself to complete 9 marathons and 3 100 milers. I have run a marathon personal best of 2 hours 38 minutes and twice run 100 miles in under 24 hours. As life goes while trying to balance a career and family I found myself running solo. I'm excited to be involved in the USA Fit program. The structured workouts are an integral part to marathon success. The comradery of the Saturday runs helps us to commit and push one another to reach one's personal marathon goal. Go Green! | |
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JULIE SWOBODA Head Coach ANNUAL HEAD COACH & SAN ANTONIO NEW MEMBER 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. | |
 | JULIE BONNER Assistant Coach SAN ANTONIO NEW MEMBER ASSISTANT COACH I can still remember the first time I thought about running a marathon. It was almost 20 years ago when I was in the Army. Our dental unit set up a water stop for the beautiful Big Sur Marathon. It was that day that I said, I am going to run a marathon some day. The only problem was, at the time I hated to run. In the military most of my runs were in formation and sometimes in combat boots and that caused a lot of shins splints. So, when I got out of the Army I said I would never run again unless I was being chased. In 2006 I was chased chased by that dream to run a marathon, so I started running. I did a 5k or two a year until 2009 when I joined USA Fit-Cypress. I decided it was time to run a marathon. Joining the group was the best thing I could do to foster a love for running. The Saturday long runs were a great way for me to stay motivated and show that I had worked hard on my running throughout the week. I have now run 3 full marathons and 17 half marathons since my first one in October 2009. I have run in 8 states and I do not plan to stop anytime soon. Some people ask me why I run and my answer is simple because I like it and I like the way it makes me feel. Sometimes I run to try and beat my times and sometimes I just run to interact with the people on the course. This is my second year as an assistant coach with USA Fit-Cypress and I cannot imagine running with a greater group of people. Whatever your goals are I am here to help you work towards them. Happy Running! | |
 | MARIO CALVO Assistant Coach SAN ANTONIO - SUB 9 MPM ASSISTANT COACH | |
 | STEPHEN KINNISON Assistant Coach SAN ANTONIO MARATHON NEW MEMBER ASSISTANT COACH My background did not include running. Matter of fact, I disliked running. You could even argue that I hated running. Being a bigger guy, I stayed away from running and focused on weightlifting. It was a more natural fit. Even being a member of the track team in high school, I found ways to stay out of races and focused on the strength events. A couple of years ago, after having achieved my iron pumping goals, I found my self staring at 270 pounds. I needed a new goal and a new challenge. So, I decided I would tackle the hardest thing I could think of...running. I only had plans to get to the point of running a 5K, but then I met Robynne and USA Fit Cypress. One thing led to another and the next thing I knew, I was training for a marathon. I struggled, I almost gave up, but Robynne and the rest of the coaches kept encouraging me. And November of 2010, I finished the San Antonio Marathon. I went from barely able to run 2 miles to running 26.2. After the challenges I went through, I knew I had to come back to help others. So, here I am...enjoying running and hoping to help someone else enjoy running. | |
| WINTER MARATHON COACHES | ||
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RICK AUKSTIKALNIS Head Coach WINTER MARATHON - SUB 9 MPM HEAD COACH Well, what got me into running? It was my older brother Tony. He got me started into running in high school and that led to a scholarship at the University of Houston for cross country and track. If you would have asked me in college if I would ever race a marathon. I would have said "No way! Those guys are crazy!" And after my college days were over, I stopped running. I figured I was active enough to stay in shape. I worked a lot of hours on my feet and didn't have time to run. I was healthy and ate well. I had a lot of excuses too. So what generated my interest in running again? It was my brother Tony. We started out running a mile each day (it felt like a lot more). When we finally ran 3 miles, we thought we were going to die. Then Tony asked about running marathons when we were able to run 5 miles. Our new goal was set. I searched the internet to find running groups in Cypress and happened luckily on USA Fit Cypress. With the structured training program and fellowship of the group, I was able build up the base and endurance needed to run a marathon. The feeling of accomplishment is incredible when you run your first marathon. The USA Fit training program is a great system for the beginning runner to the more experienced. By following the program, I have completed four marathons and my fifth will be Boston 2010. Now I'm one of those "crazy guys" who runs marathons. | |
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STACIE NEU Head Coach WINTER MARATHON NEW MEMBER HEAD COACH I have always been very active and I love doing just about anything. For most of my life I trained in several forms of martial arts such as Kenpo, Bok Fu and Muay Thai. I started running about 11 years ago when we lived by a large lake in California. I loved getting out there and running on those trails. It was like a mini-getaway for me that I could take any time I wanted. I was hooked! I am so thrilled to be coaching the marathon team and witnessing all of the personal gains of team members. For those of you who have yet to cross the finish line -you are in for an amazing experience that you will never forget! I can't wait to celebrate that victory with you! | |
 | BETTY GU Assistant Coach WINTER MARATHON RETURNING MEMBER ASSISTANT COACH I start running about four years ago when a friend of mine finally talked me into joining a gym. For the first few weeks, I felt a bit overwhelmed. I had not been doing any exercise for as long as I can remember so all the group exercises seemed challenging to me, let alone those intimidating weight machines. One day, I found a 30-day couch to 5k program on a magazine, which looked like a perfect plan for me. It starts with running 1 minute, walking 2 minutes and repeats for 10 times. By the end of the 30 day, you should be able to run 5k without stopping. So I gave it a try. It turned out it wasn't as easy as I thought. But I did not give up. It took me almost two months before I finally finished that program. I still remember how proud I was when I told my friends that I ran 5k for the first time in my life. Even since then, running has become part of my life. I trained with HoustonFit in both 2008 and 2009, and really loved being part of a running group. The detailed and diversified weekly schedule not only improved my running but also made it more fun and challenging. And there are so much more, the support and encouragement from the coaches, the seminars after the run, the water stations along the routes, the conversations with my running friends. Without all these, I don't think I can finish my first marathon in January this year. I had such a good time during the race that I look forward to running more marathons in the future. So come out and join us for a run. Who knows, you may fall in love with running too. | |
 | JACKIE CONNELLY Assistant Coach WINTER MARATHON - SUB 9 MPM ASSISTANT COACH I have been a runner all my life, starting with the 50 yard dash in 1st grade to the 800 and mile in Middle School to the mile and 2 mile in High School to the 5K and 10K in College. Collegiate running is what brought me from Kansas City to Houston to run for U of H (go Coogs!). After 4 years of running 70-90 miles a week, I took an extended break from running! After about 15 years off, I took it up again, relishing in the joy of running that I missed. I trained very slowly with low mileage for a couple of years before I got up the nerve to start racing, and then got talked into training and running a marathon in 2003. Since then I've been hooked! I have run 11 marathons - 5 Houstons, 2 Bostons, 2 Austins, 1 New York, and 1 San Diego - with my husband of 24 years always out there cheering me on! Of my 3 kids, ages 14, 16, and 19, none have the passion (yet!) for running that I have, but they are my biggest fans! I look forward to sharing any running knowledge I have with Cypress Fit and building camaraderie as runners always do. Rock on! | |
 | KIM NUNEZ Assistant Coach WINTER PROGRAM NEW MEMBER ASSISTANT COACH I haven't always been a runner but I have always taken an active role in being healthy. I have participated in and even taught classes for kickboxing, aerobics and dance. However, a little over 2 years ago I started this journey of running. It was a true test of ability as although active, I could actually only run 2 miles before needing to stop. By joining the group I have learned the right way to run and breathe, which dramatically increased my ability to go longer distances in less time. I completed my first half marathon in January 2010 and like most in the group became hooked. I love the many races and challenges set forth and the social aspect of the group makes it FUN! The encouragement by everyone in the group is amazing and I am so happy to be a part of it! I am really excited and honored to coach this year. I am so looking forward to a great season with many new faces! | |
| SPEED COACHES | ||
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Jaye Cremer Head Coach HEAD SPEED COACH FALL & WINTER I started running in Jr. High. I was a "distance runner" - cross country and track all 2 miles (3 when I went to High School.) I was a middle of the pack runner - never really winning my events, but I stuck with it because I loved running and I loved the bus rides to the track meets!! After High School, I stopped running and started cycling with some of the members of the SWT mountain bike team. I rode a few collegiate races - but was really slow. After college, I ran, mountain biked and rode my road bike off and on but never competitively again until 3 years ago. After my youngest turned 4, I turned to exercise to get rid of the 40 pounds I had slowly packed on during two pregnancies and 10 years. I started back on the treadmill, very quickly got bored with that and tried adventure racing - two Muddy Buddy races and one Big Chill adventure race later - I am hooked. I'll hit a pretty significant birthday in 2011 and can't wait to turn 40 knowing I've come into my stride! | |
| Mario Calvo Assistant Coach SPEED ASSISTANT COACH I have always enjoyed running since I could remember. However, I only ran the 1 mile and 2 miles events in track during my junior year. After my junior year, I only ran about 3-4 miles at most just for fitness until in 2003 were I did my first biathlon. Since then, I did not participate in any other race event until 2007 were I did my first 5K in The Woodlands and placed for my age group. Then, my wife asked if I would like to do a marathon with her and I thought, why not. I have never done one and I thought it would be fun. So, me and my wife joined Houston Fit in 2007 and trained for the 2008 Houston marathon. We completed the marathon together and decided to do another in 2009. Then 2010 was a busy time for me and I did not do the Houston marathons and thought I would focus on the 5K and 10K running events. In these events, I continued to place in my age group. In the Spring, I saw that USA Fit Cypress was doing their off season run on the weekends and thought I would go to see who would show up. There I met some great runners. So, I signed up with USA Fit Cypress and trained with the green machines for my 1st two full marathon in San Antonio and Houston. I like the way we help push each other through the training and during the marathon events. There is nothing like having others around you to help you through your journey to achieve your personal goals. | |
| SAN ANTONIO HALF MARATHON COACHES | ||
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CHRISTYNA BEATY Head Coach SAN ANTONIO HEAD COACH My long distance running addiction began in 2007 when a neighbor asked if I was interested in running the Marine Core Marathon and I agreed to the challenge. The most I ever ran was 3 miles and always considered myself to have zero athletic ability. Needlesstosay, my desire to run a marathon was quite a shock to my family and friends. Since I had no experience in long-distance running, I joined Houston Fit's fall marathon program. It was difficult to get up early Saturday mornings and drive 30 minutes to downtown, but I gained the best experience learning from guest speakers and other runners in the group. The planned routes, water stations, and friends who held me accountable and encourage me was the motivation I needed. In 2008, I was thrilled to hear that Cypress was going to have its own USA Fit program and I quickly registered. To my surprise I found out I was pregnant only a few weeks into the program and had to delay my training with Cypress Fit until July 2009. Since January 2010, I have ran 3 half-marathons and will run my 2nd full marathon in April 2010. I look forward to meeting new people and to help motivate/encourage everyone to finish! Most importantly, let's have fun! | |
 | JOHN BONNER Assistant Coach SAN ANTONIO ASSISTANT COACH Running used to be something I did on the soccer field as a kid. Then as an adult the only time I ran was when I needed to chase one of my kids or get to out of the rain. About 3 years ago I began to follow my lovely wife to races and carry her bags for her. She tried hard to get me to run with her and my heart never was in it. Early in 2010 things changed and I began to run and ENJOY it. I joined USA Fit Cypress and watched my mileage increase as I began to evolve as a runner. About 2 months into training I found out I had cancer which sidelined me and one of the things that kept me going was this group of runners. I wanted to get back with them so badly that I would come out and walk when I could. I slowly regained strength and I have now run several 5k and 10k races as well as 4 half marathons. This season as one of your assistant coaches I plan to be right beside you as you reach your running goals. Believe in yourself and make running fun! If I can do and enjoy it, anyone can! | |
 | Mary Jones mamckjones@yahoo.com Assistant Coach FALL PROGRAM ASSISTANT HALF MARATHON COACH I have been running/training for marathons and half marathons since 1997. That was the first year I trained with Houston Fit. The only race that was offered was the Houston Marathon. Seems like a long time ago. I have run 5 Houston Marathons and 1 Austin Marathons. After knee surgery in 2003, I decided to run Half marathons and started coaching in 2005 with the Houston Fit Half marathon group then switched to the Fall Half Marathon group. Our motto was half the distance, twice the fun. I have run many half marathons my last being the Hippity Rock in Bridgelands. I am married and have 2 children and 2 step children. 2 are in college and 2 will start in August. They have all been very supportive over the years. With all that said, I love to run. I have been doing it since high school and that was not for track. I did it for exercise. I ran on and off for years for recreation and exercise until I decided to tackle marathon training in 1997. That was my turning point and running became a part of my life. I hope I can help others make it a part of their life. | |
 | Michelle Jefferson Assistant Coach SAN ANTONIO HALF MARATHON ASSISTANT COACH I started running Track and Cross Country in High School. I had no speed, but running the one mile and two mile events was something I could do well. The smell of a track does something to me; I can't explain it. I ran 5K's throughout college, and even medaled in my age division in a few races. However, I became so focused on medaling, that I lost my love and joy for running. It was more of a chore than a desire so I stopped for a while. I remember watching the marathons and track events on t.v., simply in awe of those athletes, pushing themselves to a point beyond pain and exhaustion, over and over again, because they simply loved the sport. After I had my first son, I started running again, joining races, not to win them, but to enjoy them. I joined Cypress Fit because I wanted a running group close by, and to run and hang out with others who shared the same passion I did. My goal is a marathon. My focus right now is the Half, to push myself and dare to add tempo and speed work to a comfortable pace. I realize training your mental state is just as important as training your muscles. My husband once told me courage gets you to the starting line; it's your resolve that maps out your personal journey to the finish. | |
| WINTER HALF MARATHON COACHES | ||
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ROSE JACKSON Head Coach WINTER HALF MARATHON HEAD COACH Running has always been a part of my life. I ran cross country and track in high school and used running to beat the stress of university and being a wife and mom. My family also likes me more when I'm running! I was a member of Champions FIT a few years back but my training was always interrupted by pregnancy, injuries or illness. I was determined to complete a marathon though and at some point I got a crazy idea that I had to complete 3 marathons before I turned 30. It's a great plan when you're 25 or even 27 but I started training seriously when I was 29. My first marathon was Disney in January 2008. Less then three months later I did my second full in Dallas. My last one was in July in Calgary. I got all three done with days to spare! I am now on a quest to complete 40 half-marathons before I turn 40. I like having a fun goal to work towards and enjoy traveling to different places for races. Even more than that, I love meeting new people and watching brand new runners achieve their dreams. As a first-time coach for Cypress FIT, I am excited to be able to encourage and celebrate everyone's success! | |
 | CATHY SONSEL Assistant Coach WINTER HALF MARATHON ASSISTANT COACH Unlike most of my counterparts, I have not been a lifelong runner. After quitting smoking, I decided that one of the best ways to prevent relapse would be to find an enjoyable sport to do. I picked running because it was something I always felt was the pinnacle of athletics believing that if you can run, you can do anything! In 2010 I joined the USA Fit Houston spring 5k/10k program and switched to Cypress as soon as the fall registration opened. Running with the Cypress group, I now have four half-marathons under my belt and have made many great friends and running buddies. This is a fantastic group and their support is one of the primary reasons for my success. My goal for the next running season is to improve my times a little, encourage new runners, and most importantly to have a lot of FUN! | |
 | SUSIE COE Assistant Coach WINTER HALF MARATHON ASSISTANT COACH Like many people, I have run off and on for as long as I can remember. Sometimes it was for fun, sometimes for personal fitness, but I was never consistent. Something always got in the way and I always found some reason or another to stop, but found it hard to start again. After starting a family, and many years down the road, I decided to do something for me and I decided to start running again. I even added running a half marathon to my bucket list. I wasn't convinced that I could do it, and like many, I asked myself in the midst of the long runs, why did I get into this? However, after every week and mile marker, I found that with each step I gained confidence and friendships I could have never imagined. And I finished my first half marathon 6 months after I started training. That was one of the proudest moments I have had. I have met a wonderful group of people to run with and have shared personal milestones with each mile that we've conquered together. I look forward to many more miles and many more goals reached. | |
| PURPLE WALKERS | ||
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Karen Davis Head Coach Bio Coming Soon........ | |
 | Jewel-Lynn Kusek Assistant Coach WALKING ASSISTANT COACH I was not an athlete growing up, but a dancer through my sophomore year in high school. Never being able to run any distance and always admiring those that could run, I set a life goal to run one half marathon before turning 40 in April 2011. To help fulfill my goal, I joined USA Fit Cypress in 2010. Through the program, I went from struggling through my first run/walk of a mile to running 13.1 miles with a smile. I surpassed my life goal and have run three half marathons and a couple 5K's to date. I did not have any plans to continue running after my first half marathon, but this group is so awesome and the feeling of being able to run has kept me going. Running to me is part of being healthy, as well as a social outlet. I look forward to running many more miles and races, as well as being there to celebrate with everyone as they accomplish their goals. Now let's get moving! | |
 | Tracy Davis Assistant Coach PURPLE WALKING ASSISTANT COACH For a number of years I have wanted to commit to running a half marathon, even attempted training on my own. But could never stay commited. But in 2010 someone mentioned I should join a running club. Another friend told me they were joining USAFIT Cypress, and I decied to try it. Witth the coaches and the people supporting me and encouraging me, it helped me complete 3 half marathons, and each marathon I improved my time. Now I love the challange of improving performance wise, and also encouraging other people that if I can do it, they can as well. Never give up :) Tracy | |
| ANNUAL COACHES | ||
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JULIE SWOBODA Head Coach ANNUAL HEAD COACH | |
| Jaye Cremer Assistant Coach ANNUAL MARATHON ASSISTANT COACH | |
| JOHN BONNER Assistant Coach ANNUAL HALF MARATHON ASSISTANT COACH | |
| JULIE BONNER Assistant Coach ANNUAL MARATHON ASSISTANT COACH | |
