Your BOISE RunWalk coaches

 

Read here what others are saying.

Coach 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.

 

---

Coach Pam

"Don't Stop....Keep Moving"  

I want to thank all of you for welcoming me into the BOISE RunWalk group. I've been very blessed to be healthy and I always try to stay active, especially with dancing and running as my two favorite activities. As a Certified Group Fitness Instructor for over 12 years, I get to motivate people to reach their fitness and weight loss goals and help keep them motivated!

Running has been a part of my life for over 18 years and I still remember running my first Race for a Cure and the St Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration, but five years ago I truly became a runner when I ran several half marathons and a bunch of 10k and 5k races. I have ran Race to Robie Creek twice and this year will be my third. Finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in my age group is always lots of fun! Not too bad for an old lady!  I have certifications in CPR, First Aid, AED, Kickboxing, Group Fitness, Pilate's and Turbo Kick. Being on the BOISE RunWalk coaching team will be lots of fun, and I look forward to helping and sharing my knowledge of cross-training, and helping you become a better runner!

 

---

Coach 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

 

 

---

Coach Leigh

A little about Leigh: Many moons ago, I had run on my high school's Cross Country team, but 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 shed 75 pounds and have maintained the weight loss for several months. I also doubled my pace! It's thrilling to see that I am now capable of completing that same two miles in under 20 minutes.
 
I look forward to what 2013 will bring as I reclaim lifestyle of wellness and reach for even bigger goals. 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
• 2012 Famous Potato Half Marathon
• 2012 Melba Quick Response Unit 10K
• 2012 Run for the Hills Half Marathon
• 2012 Farm Man Challenge "6.66" Miles
   

---

Coach 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 Blake, Head Coach

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 offers personal coaching services for people needing extra support outside the scope of the large group training program. Steve is active helping adults into recovery from addictive substances. For more information on personal coaching that can be integrated into your membership click here.  Steve is a web developer and IT project manager with Meridian Project Management here.

• 2012 Race to Robie Creek Half Marathon
• 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 Half Marathon (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)