Alexander Lesher - Coach
I am Alexander, and I am wildly excited for this season of training. The days are getting longer and warmer, which means we are heading straight into spring and summer running season. This is the perfect time to enjoy long miles and take full advantage of the beautiful Pacific Northwest trails.
Back in 2012, I could not even run a mile. Everything changed when I joined Fleet Feet’s seasonal training programs in Fall 2014. I started in the half marathon group, and by Spring 2015 I had completed my first marathon. Three weeks later, I ran my first ultramarathon.
I began mentoring for the program in Spring 2016, and it has been an incredible journey. I love racing, especially on trails, and my philosophy is simple. Training and racing should never feel overwhelming. If I finish a race and feel excited to sign up for another one, I know it was a success. I believe people train their best when they feel a sense of community. We are here not only for friendly competition but to lift each other up from practice to practice. This program can be a place for you to reach your running goals whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner looking to break through a plateau or simply enjoy running with others.
Although I spend many of my race days in the mountains, I truly believe Seattle is one of the most beautiful cities in the world to run. This program is an amazing way to explore it.
I am drawing on the wisdom and encouragement of many coaches and mentors who have inspired me throughout the years. Our team has grown this season, and we are approaching the work as a true team effort with a strong focus on community, connection, and joy as we build toward our goals.
Ava Obenaus - Coach
Hi runners, I’m Ava! I’m thrilled to be coaching alongside Alexander this season.
I didn’t choose running; running found me. During my freshman year of college, I watched the Chicago Marathon pass right outside my dorm window. At the time, I had never run two miles consecutively, let alone 26.2. Ready or not, I knew this was something I needed to be part of, and in October 2015, I toed the start line.
To this day, completing my first marathon—something I never thought I could do—remains one of the best moments of my life. What I once thought would be a one-and-done bucket list experience has grown into so much more. Now, I’m chasing a lifelong goal of running all the World Marathon Majors alongside some truly incredible people.
I joined the Fleet Feet community in Spring 2022 and have found abundant friendship, mentorship, and camaraderie. Watching someone set a goal and achieve it is one of the most special and rewarding experiences, and I’m honored to be part of that journey. This season, we’re going to work together to turn big goals and wild dreams into real accomplishments—celebrating every mile, milestone, and finish line along the way!
Brianne Burnett - Mentor
Hi my name is Brianne, I’m based in Fremont and have been doing FF training programs since Spring 2023 when I trained for my first marathon. Since then I’ve done three marathons (including the famous Istanbul marathon running across two continents - my mom still thinks I ran across the whole country) and six half marathons. I was a mentor for Fleet Feet in both Spring and Fall 2025. My favorite thing about the program is combining running with social time and exploring new routes/destinations. I like that the program is wildly accessible, even for newbie runners like myself. Admittedly, I also train better with friends! I’m working my way into more trail running and cross training at the pool and gym to ward off injuries and keep it fun.
Xiaoshan Zhang - Mentor
Hi! I’m Xiaoshan. I’m originally from China, but Seattle has been my home for the last 8 years. I have been casually running for over a decade, but only really found my stride in running since enrolling in the Fleet Feet training program in spring of 2025. Since then, I’ve set personal records in mile time, 5k, 10k, and half marathon. I have also completed my first marathon in Seattle, which I had thought was pretty much impossible and “only for fit people” up until the Fleet Feet programs. The program makes the daunting task of training for a distance race approachable and fun, turning running into a team sport. I have received so much support and encouragement from mentors and others, and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to pay it forward. I’m beyond pumped to welcome all of you to the community. This spring, my main goal is to support others while building my own base back up for a fall marathon. I hope you, like me, will also realize that you are more capable than you think.
John Dore - Mentor
Hello there. Pleasure to meet you, I’m John and I like to run. I have been running with Fleet Feet since the spring of 2023 and did my first training program in fall of 2023 in preparation for the Seattle Marathon. That was my first marathon and since then I have run the North Olympic Discovery Marathon, Tunnel Light Marathon, and Boston Marathon. I am also an experienced trail runner and have run a handful of trail races, including the Devil’s Gulch 50 Miler.
I have been running for about 15 years but largely credit the Fleet Feet program for helping me reach my full running potential and creating an incredible training community that has made the prospect of waking up at 7 AM for a 20 mile run in cold rain an exciting (or maybe just tolerable) idea.
I’m excited to now serve again as a mentor for the fall training program. My favorite part of the program, season after season and year after year, is meeting new people and sharing with them the wonderful sport / hobby / lifestyle of running.
Outside of work I like to – wait. This is it. Outside of work I like to run with people!
Jo Bernal - Mentor
My name is Jo, and I’m excited to be a mentor for this year’s Fleet Feet training program. I’m not the fastest runner, but I’m always determined to finish—and that’s what keeps me coming back. I’ve been running half marathons for years, and when I moved to Seattle in 2024, I discovered the Fleet Feet training program while buying shoes. Joining the program opened my eyes to how fun and motivating group running can be, and it quickly became one of my favorite parts of training.
Since then, I’ve completed two races and even joined a training cycle just for the joy of it. Running with others keeps me accountable, helps me improve, and has introduced me to an incredible community of people. And honestly—running in the rain is always better with friends.
As a mentor, I want to share that experience with you. I believe you don’t have to be the fastest or the best—as long as you keep moving forward, you’re a runner. My goal is to encourage you, celebrate your progress, and remind you that determination and consistency matter most. Whether it’s your very first race or your 50th, I’ll be here to support you along the way!
Since then, I’ve completed two races and even joined a training cycle just for the joy of it. Running with others keeps me accountable, helps me improve, and has introduced me to an incredible community of people. And honestly—running in the rain is always better with friends.
As a mentor, I want to share that experience with you. I believe you don’t have to be the fastest or the best—as long as you keep moving forward, you’re a runner. My goal is to encourage you, celebrate your progress, and remind you that determination and consistency matter most. Whether it’s your very first race or your 50th, I’ll be here to support you along the way!
Emerson Ankenbauer - Mentor
Hi, I’m Emerson and I’m so excited to be one of your mentors this season! I found this community when I worked at Fleet Feet as an outfitter in 2022, along with helping coach the 2023 summer and fall seasons (shoutout speed school!). Since then, I have participated in every program and it’s one of my favorite things I stumbled upon in Seattle. I’ve been running for about 10 years and have experience with everything from the 5K to the marathon, with a mix of road and trail races.
Having fun within running is the number one priority for me and this crew largely contributes to that. On any given long run I can be found yapping nonstop, whether or not the person next to me was prepared for that. If anything about this program feels scary, confusing, or if you’re not having fun, come find me and we’ll change that!
Having fun within running is the number one priority for me and this crew largely contributes to that. On any given long run I can be found yapping nonstop, whether or not the person next to me was prepared for that. If anything about this program feels scary, confusing, or if you’re not having fun, come find me and we’ll change that!
Dave Carpenter - Mentor
Hey! I’m Dave and I’m stoked to be one of the mentors this season. I first did the training program in 2018 when I moved to Seattle and have enjoyed getting to meet so many amazing people through it since then. I started running in 2017 as a way to spend more time with my friends who were runners already and was hooked immediately. Since then I’ve run a handful of trail races and half and full marathons.
My favorite thing about running is getting to spend time with friends outside and the training program is the perfect way to do that (and meet more people to do it with!). I believe running should be playful and silly, and hope to bring some of that energy to the program this spring.
Arjun Rawal - Mentor
Hey, I'm Arjun! I trained with the Fleet Feet group in Spring 2022, and have done the training program 7 times since then! I started running more seriously around 2021 and since then I've done a handful of marathons and trail races. Some of my highlights are the Athens Marathon in Greece, the Honolulu Marathon, and White River 50 mile. My current project is running every street and trail in Seattle -- I'm about 85% done and hopefully will finish it in 2026!
The Fleet Feet community is an incredibly welcoming and fun group and a great place to learn a lot about all things running and make cool friends! There's a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and paces, so you'll always be able to learn something new. Running races is also a great excuse for a trip! I've helped mentor this program in the past and I'm excited to meet everyone and get out and run!
David Miller - Mentor
Hi, I’m Davd, one of your mentors for the Spring training program. You’ll see me mainly running with the Capitol Hill crew. This will be my third time mentoring with Ballard Fleet Feet; it was awesome to be a part of the Spring and Fall 2025 programs, watching runners improve week after week, so I was happy to be invited back for this season. As I’ve gotten older I do less road running, preferring trails for the excitement, beautiful nature and technical challenge on softer surfaces. I’ve been helping athletes and regular folks be stronger and healthier humans as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and running coach for 12 years. I look forward to running with you!
Quinn Wass - Mentor
Hi everyone, my name is Quinn. I am so excited to be a mentor for Fleet Fleet this season. I have completed 3 programs so far and the community holds a special place in my heart. I have been running for around 7 years. Recently I have been focusing on the half marathon distance especially after coming back from a hamstring injury. Previously I was a middle distance runner focusing on racing the 800m, 1600m, and 5k but I have been enjoying longer distances recently. Outside of running I love hiking, backpacking, and cooking. Feel free to ask me anything about fueling, long runs, racing strategy, or anything else that calls! I look forward to running with you!
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