Your BOISE RunWalk Coaches

Read here what others are saying.

Erik

Erik Coach Erik was running before he was walking according to those in the know. Running has been part of Erik’s lifestyle and his participation in BOISE RunWalk as a Lifetime member has helped him encourage and support those returning to the sport following a long layoff.

A brief bio on Erik:

first organized track meet in 6th grade – 1969
Junior High, High School, and College cross-country and track
Countless marathons and half marathons
lost his hair by age 30

A long time ago, Erik ran about 1:54 for 800 meters, 4:17 for the mile, 29:59 for 6 miles, and 2:50 for the marathon, but he also had a blond ponytail, too! He has more than 24,000 miles in his log book, which he began compiling after his competitive days were long over, so he figures he has about 35,000 formal racing and training miles under his belt, which isn't all that much if you divide it by a career of 40 years or more. He runs because it makes him feel good, helps other because it makes him feel good, and runs to prevent getting too fat and manage his cholesterol. Erik works for the US Department of the Interior managing wildfires.

As a coach, Erik encourages all runners and walkers in BOISE RunWalk to keep moving, and understand the benefits of regular exercise and good nutrition. His long distance goal for 2011… the City of Trees Marathon in 4 hours or less.

Maran

Maran Elementary teacher, and Title I tutor
I am so excited to be a member of our team of coaches with BOISE RunWalk. I joined as a member several years ago when I made a decision to try something I'd always hated -- running. As a child, I'd always been slow, uncoordinated, and out-of-shape. There was nothing I hated more than running. Now, I love running. I run to challenge myself, to meet and exceed personal goals, and to improve my health. Over the past few months, I've lost over 50 pounds. It's been a lot of hard work, but I've been surprised at how well it's gone. Through a combination of nutrition, exercise, and support of all the people in BOISE RunWalk, I'm lighter, leaner, faster, and healthier. As a new coach, I look forward to helping beginning runners and walkers get off the couch and change their lives. My goals are to share knowledge I've gained, to encourage others, and to make new friends. I hope that we can help each other get to the starting line injury-free (and get to the finish line nausea-free!).

2011 Race to Robie Creek
2010 Barber to Boise 10K
2010 Fit for Life 10K
2009 Prison Break 10K
2008 Prison Break Half Marathon

Lisa

Lisa I have been a runner for over 20 years. I guess that is why my license plate reads "HAF2RUN" because I just don't feel myself if I'm not running for a purpose. I love to coach because it gives me great fulfillment to be able to encourage others to love the sport as much as I do. One of my most memorable events is when I ran the Boston Marathon in 2003. During the race I met another Boisean and we ran the whole event together. She is now one of my bestest friends. The friendships I have made through running have been amazing. I have always said "I have never met a runner I didn't like". So my coaching advice to all of you is "keep on keeping on" and just "get er done". You'll never be disappointed doing a run...just when you don't!

Russ

Russ Professor, Boise State University
My first long distance event was in 2006. My marathon-running friend from Texas was coming for a visit, and I did my first half-marathon with him. Since then, I have been running for health and fitness. I joined Boise RunWalk in 2009 and completed my first marathon. I am proof that if you don't quit, you'll make it to the end of the race. Boise RunWalk provides a community of people who can help you prepare for a race and help you reach your goals.

2006 Pacific Crest Half-Marathon 2:09
2008 Prison Break Half-Marathon 2:07
2009 City of Trees Marathon 4:42
2010 Race to Robie Creek 2:29

Leigh

A little about Leigh: I had been on my high school's Cross Country team, but over 20 years later found myself obese, out-of-shape, and starting to experience weight-related health issues. In January 2011 I joined BOISE RunWalk ready to take back my life. The first day, it took me 45 minutes to walk two miles ... a far cry from my "glory days"!

However, I was determined. I showed up on Saturday mornings, listened to the coaching, and did my "homework" during the week. Slowly but surely, things started to change. I changed. Now one year later, I have shed 60 pounds and doubled my pace! It's thrilling to see that I am now capable of completing that same two miles in 24 minutes. I am very excited to see what the next year brings. I'm even more excited to be a Coach for BOISE RunWalk and share this journey with you. Strap on some shoes, and let's go!

2011 Melba Quick Response Unit 10K
2011 Sun Valley Trail Creek 12K
2011 Treasure Valley YMCA Christmas Run 2.5 mi

Michael

The most vivid picture that I can remember of me running was in high school doing sprints during basketball practice. The objective was to sprint a number of repetitions back and forth from one end of the court to the other. And after you finish a set of sprints, guess what, you get to do another. After high school, I never really gave much thought about running until recently. Last July 2010, I started running with my wife to increase my aerobic fitness and lose weight for cycling. After months of training, I did achieve both of my goals and got addicted to running. Running is part of my life now and will be for the rest of it. To those who are interested in improving their fitness and at the same time meet new friends, join BOISE RunWalk. I guarantee you that with the team of coaches, support and camaraderie in the group, you will achieve your goals and at the same time have fun.

2011 Race to Robie Creek 2:15
2011 City of Trees Marathon 4:29
2011 YMCA Spring Sprint Team (bike) 3rd place
2011 Bob Lebow 62mi bike ride

Sahar

Accountant: JR Simplot
I have been running for 2.5 years. I certainly was not a runner when I started, but one of my goals in life was to run a marathon before the age of 30 (no I am not 30 yet). In order to reach my goal I had to get in to running. Now running is my favorite thing to do. I have to run at least 3 miles a day or otherwise I would be lost. Running makes me happy and keeps me in shape. I’ve been with BOISE RunWalk for about 6 months and they certainly help me finish my 1st marathon injury free. I can’t wait to help others and meet new people.

Countless 5k
3 10k
3 half marathons
1 marathon

Rich

Rich As a former athlete wrestler in High School who also ran to stay in shape I found myself in later years as an adult completely out of shape and overweight. An auto accident years ago also contributed to my poor health by giving me a excuse not to focus on improving my health. In addition, life behind a desk as a business software consultant added to the weight I carried. Looking in the mirror at my unhealthy body was painful. With the encouragement of my sister who’s an established long-distance runner, I decided to take back my life. That’s when I found BOISE RunWalk structured training program for adults like me. The new group of friends and coaches helped me learn how to run, and how to go the distance, and they helped me lose 50lbs on my way to the 2010 City of Trees Half Marathon. It was amazing to be feeling good again, and soon after, I ran a much tougher Zeitgeist Half Marathon with a personal best time. Now with BOISE RunWalk on the team of coaches I want to help others achieve their goals while I continue to learn more and more about this incredible sport of running.

2011 Race to Robie Creek
2010 City of Trees Half Marathon (2:03)
2010 Zeitgeist Half Marathon (2:02)

Steve

Steve Steve enjoys coaching adults to the starting line of their first long distance event. As founder of BOISE RunWalk, Steve is part of your team of coaches who enjoy helping people new to the sport of running and walking or returning to the sport following a long layoff. An important ingredient to the success of your training is found in the power of group support where people of all shapes and sizes come together to support one another. Coach Steve also offers personal coaching services for people needing extra support outside the scope of the large group training program. For more information on personal coaching that can be integrated into your membership click here. Steve is also a professional web developer and IT project manager with Meridian Project Management here.

2011 YMCA Off-Road Xterra Triathlon (1st Place)
2008 IRONMAN 70.3 Boise Triathlon
2008 Emmett's Most Excellent Triathlon
2008 YMCA Spring Sprint Triathlon (3rd Place)
2006 Barber-to-Boise 2006
2006 Fit for Life 5K (2nd)
2005 Race to Robie Creek (2:35)
2005 Fit for Life Half Marathon (2:08)
2005 City of Trees Marathon (5:03)
2005 Payette Lake Run 18.6 miles
2001 Portland Marathon
1999 Oregon 5 Mile Championship (1st Place)
1998 Oregon State Beavers 5K (25:31)