Read what past participants say about Fleet Feet Running Club Training programs!

I have been training with Fleet Feet for over 8 years. The knowledge and encouragement from the coaches and the camaraderie of the other members of the group keep me coming back for more. To cross your first finish line is the best feeling…. And the fleet feet coaches and your running peers will be there to cheer you on. Nothing is out of your reach. Join us! I promise you’ll have fun.

--- Julie Small

I started training with Fleet Feet because I didn’t really know what I was doing and I wanted to learn.  I had never been a runner in my youth and having only started running because I was recovering from shoulder surgery and wanted a way to stay active. I didn’t know anything about proper form, recovery, or pacing.  I had run a few races on my own but struggled and I was in pain after each run.  At each race there was a table with happy, energetic people who were excited to hear about my journey and had ideas on how to help me.  I was encouraged to check out the training groups.  I’m so glad that I did!  The groups are the perfect size and offer the feedback, knowledge, encouragement and confidence I need and want.   With each group run I learn from my coach and the others. Gone is the pain after each run because I’ve learned proper form and recovery methods.  I have signed up and competed in races since I started training that I wouldn’t have had the confidence to run  before, and I’ve done well! I continue to train with Fleet Feet as I look forward bigger races and better times.  I am so glad to have the new running buddies and friends from training.  It all started with a conversation and now I’m running! 

--- Jamie Snowden 

I did not start running until my 30s and even then, I hesitated to call myself a runner.  I joined Fleet Feet’s training program six years ago and haven’t stopped.  With the support of the coaches and friends I have made along the way, they have made the impossible mile, possible.  Fleet Feet made me a runner.

--- Andria Cota

Since joining the Fleet Feet running group I've found the motivation and consistency to run again. By surrounding myself with others that have the same goals, I'm pushing myself and have seen massive improvement with my mile time. As scary and uncomfortable as your first session might be, just starting is going to help you accomplish your goals. The coaches are going to push and support you more than you thought which is going to help you reach your goals even faster. I'm sure headed in that direction and I can't wait to accomplish even more running goals.

 --- Justin Outland

You got me running again! I loved this running experience.  After almost 6 years of not running and thinking I would never do this again, I have found a new excitement for the sport, thanks to all of our coaches and the new friends I made in the group. Especially Kathy and Nadine who always made running fun!  I don’t think I ever left a training run without laughing and everyone could use a good heathy dose of laughter as much as the exercise! 

 ---Angel Trevino

This was an amazing experience and I will join again!!!  Thank you for your support and introducing me to such a great team and sport!!! I’m looking forward to the next session and I’m inviting my teacher friends too. I already see the difference in my waist and fitness level. Love it!!! 

---Sally Cavitt

I Just wanna say thank you again to all the coaches!! Before joining this group I was scared and honestly did not know what I got myself into! But you all truly made this experience way less scary!! The support and encouragement throughout training and during the marathon truly means everything!! I could not have done it without you guys! I will forever be grateful for you all and your dedication to helping us!! Hopefully I’ll see you all soon for another training season!! Also…Way to go everyone!! We did it

--- Alisha Pavone

Words cannot describe the love and appreciation I have for our amazing coaches and running group! Today was an amazing experience! I did something I only ever dreamt of doing. Although it wasn’t the perfect run, it was a memorable one! Being out there and getting to see members of our group crushing it brought so much joy to me! It was the joy of getting to see this family accomplish so many goals today! YOU ARE ALL AMAZING! I promise to share some more in the very near future.                   WAY TO GO TEAM!

---Eric Vasquez

My experience with running was something that made me uncomfortable because I had struggled with my weight and self esteem issues when younger. My lack of confidence and self consciousness kept me from exercising in public over the years. Over the last 1 1/2 years I began to I prioritize self-care, I became physically active by walking around and around….and around my backyard pool, then got a fit-bit and started keeping track of my steps per day,  then increasing the distance around my pool as well as focusing on a healthier eating style. As I began feeling better physically I gained more confidence and motivation to join the Beginner fitness group at Fleet Feet after my husband joined his own group. I loved the encouragement of the coaches Carla, Nadine and Ann and felt such an authentic acceptance and camaraderie of my peers (shout out Beginner Beasts group!). They kept me accountable my checking in via texts weekly, through friendship and motivated me with their own personal stories of fitness. My fitness goals at the beginning were really just to move my body, have fun and not die out in the heat. I’ve seen motivation both mentally and physically increase in myself as I began with the goals of doing intervals of walking 1 minute and running 1 minute. At first I couldn’t talk while running the 1 minute. I then challenged myself, along with the running group, to run/walk in between sessions during the week doing so around my neighborhood outside of my backyard. As I did these things I started feeling more comfortable with my body, confidence and ability. I’m “slow and steady” as Coach Nadine always says but I’m doing it! I’m excited to keep learning about myself, what my body is capable of, building friendships and having fun while doing it.

---Shahna Duerksen

As a female you are consistently told to be aware of your surroundings at all times. As a result, I have had a general fear of running outdoors and running alone. In 2019, I decided to change that. I got on Facebook, searched “Fresno Run Teams”, came across the Fleet Feet Fresno page, and joined [the Fleet Feet Running Club training group]. I did not know what to expect but during the Bridge the Gap Session, I learned various run tips, run routes, proper stretches, and developed a run schedule. I then continued on to the Two Cities session, where I trained with a larger group. I had zero intention of signing up for any of the races, my goal was just to continue running with the group. Fast forward to today and I have now completed two halfs and have also set new run goals for 2020! Thanks to the amazing people at Fleet Feet for helping me embark on this wonderful journey.

---Jasmin Rangel