San Jose Fit Coaches
The Coaches
Head Coaches
Your head coaches are the people you should talk to when you have a problem. We’re here for you! When your current pace group isn’t working out, you can talk to us. We’ve run many marathons and have been with San Jose Fit for many years, so we know the ropes.
| Georgiana Boewer | Organizer |
| Ted Tasch | Walking Half & Full Marathon Head Coach |
| Todd Morimoto | Runner Marathon Head Coach |
| Sarah Lisha | Runner Half Marathon Head Coach |
Program Coaches
| Jacquie Callahan | Webmaster/Social Media |
| Georgiana Boewer | Fit News |
| Eric Lacher | Rancho Announcements |
| Georgiana Boewer | Rancho Announcements |
| Sommer Wood | Track |
| Fernanda Perdomo-Arciniegas | Core |
| Arnon Amir | ATP |
| Shannon Thibert | ATP |
| Lalitha Padubidri | Yoga |
Marathon Coaches
We love to talk and have fun while running. You can move between pace groups depending on how you are progressing and feeling. Some pace groups will run/walk when the distances get long.
| Pace | Pace Coach |
| 7:30 – 9:00 | Babu Gopaladhine |
| 9:00 – 10:00 | Trevor Vaz Manjunatha Rajappa |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Terry Ridgway Gordon Yamate |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | Darlene Shimamoto Todd Morimoto |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Nat Nataraj Carmen Lee |
| 13:00 – 14:00 (90 sec run/30 sec walk) | Georgiana Boewer George Clarke Tom Freitas |
| Rancho | Bill Dumonthier |
| Rancho | Satpal Dalal |
| Rancho | Tarini Pattanaik |
Walking Coaches
The Purple group is for those who love to walk. We are out there longer than most of the other groups so we have more time together for lots of fun on the trail. We have people walking to exercise, as well as those looking to finish the half marathon and marathon distances. Come and join the fun!
| Pace | Pace Coach |
| <15 Half Marathon | Ronit Katz Heather McBeath Janet Farabaugh |
| 18 – 20 Half Marathon | Kriba Narasimhan |
| 15 – 18 Full Marathon | Ted Tasch VV (Thirumalai) Thathachary |
Half Marathon Coaches
The Half Marathon is the perfect way to up your running game. It will challenge you more than a 10k but is not as intimidating as running a full marathon. Check out our great Half Marathon coaches and find out where the fun of running happens!
| Pace | Pace Coach |
| < 10:00 | Sudhir Koka |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Sarah Lisha Teri Pierce (floater) Denise Wax |
| 11:00 – 12:30 (6/1) | Sheila Schmitz |
| 12:30 – 13:30 (3/1) | Don Watson Shanti Thirumalai |
| 13:30-14:30 (2/1) | Surekha Pol Kim Payne Suzie Padwal Tejas Shah |
| 14:30 – 15:00 (5/1) | Ileen Dranchak Fareen Khaja |
Meet the Coaches
Coach Georgiana - Organizer
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 13:00 – 14:00 & Organizer
I started running with San Jose Fit in 2002. Since then I’ve run many marathons, half marathons, trail runs and fun-runs. I’m also a yearly walker and supporter for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. A firm believer in the philosophy ‘no runner/walker left behind’, I ensure every runner crosses the finish line. I attribute my long association with running and San Jose Fit to the incredible bonds I’ve forged with my co runners/walkers over the years.
Coach Arnon – ATP
ATP Coach
I joined San Jose Fit in 2002 and soon ran my first half at the San Francisco Marathon. I was thrilled! Since then I have run the San Francisco marathon every year, half or full. I started coaching in 2005, was head coach (2007-12) and organizer (2013-14). In 2011 I started coaching the Advanced Training Program (ATP) – Light, which is a funny name for training really hard to run “effortless”. My most special marathon was the 2010 Athens Classic Marathon, following Pheidippides’s original course (the 2500th Anniversary!) from Marathonas to Athens, finishing at the Panathinaikon Olympic stadium. But what really changed my life is all the friends I made in SJF, who support me along this journey. See you on the trails.
Coach Sommer - Track
Track Coach
Pronouns: She/Her
Hello my fellow running team! I am excited to have you join me at the track as we all work together to reach our goals. If you are track curious, come check it out, I will try to design a program that has something for everyone. As for my background, I have been an overall athlete my entire life, name a sport and I have probably done it, but I finally became focused on running since moving to the Bay in 2018. In that time, I have competed in a range of distances up to 100 miles, and supported a number of friends in various marathons up to 200 mile events. Over the last couple of years I have been welcomed in by the San Jose Fit family, and you will often find me out at Rancho with Coaches Bill, Satpal, and Siya. But while I mostly race on trails these days, I have always had an appreciation for the training benefits of track/speedwork. I want to share that with you, so I hope to see you this summer ready to join in the fun!
Coach Fernanda – Core Training
Core Training Coach
Coach Fernanda, San Jose Fit’s Core Class Fernanda Perdomo-Arciniegas started running in 2017 after the death of her mother in August as a way to cope with the grief of her absence. Running gave her peace, solace, and the time to remember her mother but also contributed to increased pain on her knees, lower back, and hips. So after suffering through two really painful 10K, she followed the advice of her friends, and looked online for a running club to help her out. That is how in April of 2018, she learned about San Jose Fit and immediately joined. During the 7-months plus of San Jose Fit training, Fernanda learned running techniques from her coaches and team mates. She also started reading more about conditioning, strengthening, and proper nutrition. Thanks to all these efforts, Fernanda’s knee/hip/back pain is gone and only the soreness of a good run stays with her. As San Jose Fit’s Core Class Coach, she will be sharing all she has learned with you so you can enjoy running as much as she does. Fernanda is a proud single mother who has two strong, smart and beautiful daughters, ages 18 and 9.
Coach Lalitha
Yoga
I have been teaching Yoga to San Jose Fit runners and to my friends/family. I am now offering Zoom classes due to Covid which I will continue. I have helped a lot of first timers get into Yoga. Hope to continue this as a way of giving back to the community. I taught yoga at Milpitas library to the general public for more than 2 years. It was one of the popular classes there. As a yoga instructor, I strive to help beginner yogis feel comfortable in their practice, learn essential postures, and ensure a safe practice for everyone.
Coach Ted
Walking Head Coach and Marathon Walking Pace Coach 15:00 – 18:00
I used to be a self-avowed “coach potato”. In February 2007 I started walking with a work-place wellness program and walked my first half marathon. I joined San Jose fit a few months later and ran my first marathon that year. I have since run many half & full marathons, including two ultramarathons. I became a coach for San Jose Fit in 2009. I am forever grateful for the gifts of fitness and comradery that I have received from these experiences, and it keeps me coming back again and again! I love walking and walk-running.
Coach Ronit
Walking Pace Coach <15:00
I did my first full marathon, the Maui Marathon, in 2002. I have been with San Jose Fit since 2009 and completed both full and half marathons with them. I have been an assistant coach since 2010. My walking pace 12.45 to 14 minutes per mile depending on the distance. I am looking forward to coaching this year and helping people accomplish their goals.
Coach Heather
Walking Pace Coach <15:00
I have been race-walking, hiking, and running since college. After a few “dormant” years, I joined San Jose Fit in 2006 with the goal of regaining the healthy mind/body/spirit connection that comes with consistent exercise; and I wanted to push myself further and with others. I found my tribe with SJFit! I have completed several half marathons, and I may have a marathon in me. I consistently return because it is great…. Terrific coaches, terrific comradery, and I am stronger for it! I love the holistic approach of SJFit with walking, running, yoga for stretching, and core for strengthening. I have so enjoyed participating with the walker group that I am starting as assistant coach to head coach Ted this year! My walking pace is 13 to 15 minutes per mile. I am truly looking forward to coaching and helping new members accomplish their fitness goals and welcome them to this amazing tribe.
Coach Kriba
Walking Pace Coach 18:00 – 20:00
I didn’t think about Changing my Life but San Jose Fit did! Came to know about it through my friends and joined in 2015. I started discovering myself with just simple walking, the potential within me, which gave me the confidence to try out far-reaching things in life. I completed my first marathon in 2017! This will be my fifth year and I enjoy the walk with other Fitters. I walk at a pace that is comfortable for me and I encourage everyone to do so. Find your pace and enjoy it! 19-20 mins. Looking forward to meeting new Fitters this year and making new friends!
Coach Terry
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 10:00 – 11:00
I’ve been running with San Jose fit since the first season in 1998. Along the way I’ve taken some time out to do other things, but I’m back again to have fun with everyone again, this year. Back in 1998, I thought this would be a one time event. That I’d run my one marathon and that would be it. Cross it off my bucket list and be done. How wrong I was. Since then I’ve completed 48 marathons (I’ll complete numbers 49 and 50 this season) along with sixteen 50k runs, three 50 mile runs, and 40 half marathons.
Coach Gordon
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 10:00 – 11:00
I’ve been running off and on since high school when I ran cross country (but not
very well in those days). My distance running improved as I got older (more
discipline), and now I attribute my good health to running and realize it’s a priority
rather than an extracurricular activity when I have time. I’ve run eight
marathons—San Francisco Mayor’s Cup, Big Sur, Chicago, NYC (2), Boston and
Sacramento (2). Years ago, Christine Kennedy at Athletic Performance
recommended that I join SJFit for marathon training. That was great advice—it’s
a lot easier putting in the long miles when others were counting on you to be
there. In my pre-Covid six years with SJFit, I’ve met a lot of great runners.
Rejoining SJFit, I look forward to catching up with old friends and making new
ones. When I was younger, I did experience the beta endorphins kicking in.
Today, I tell people that the best part of running is when you’re done.
Coach Bill
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach RANCHO
I joined San Jose Fit in 2003 and started as an assistant coach in 2004. I have run 21 marathons and 44 ultra marathons. In 2015, I completed my longest race (101.2 miles) at age 63. San Jose Fit has made me a more consistent runner. I am looking forward to another great season!
Coach Satpal
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach RANCHO
I joined USA Fit – San Jose in 2009 and started as an assistant coach in 2021. I have run many marathons and ultramarathons including 1×125 miles race, 8×100 miles races, 20×100 Kilo-Meters races, 11×50 Kilo-Meters races, 36 marathons, and 22 Half Marathons. Many of these races were completed in rugged mountain terrains in severe heat or cold conditions. My most favorite race was the 2021 Western States 100 miles endurance race – which was the ultimate goal of my life, so henceforth I live and run with the pure joy of living in the current moments without any expectations of any kind, I have also lead pace groups in several famous marathons including the San Francisco Marathon and the California International Marathon (CIM). I love running and playing with my beloved Coach Bill Dumothier at San Jose Fit and look forward to another great season and many more, so let’s run and have fun 🙂
Coach Manjunatha
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 10:00 – 11:00
I joined San Jose fit in 2018 with a goal to complete a marathon and I did complete my first marathon in the same year with the help of structured training and encouragement I got from San Jose Fit. Running has become my lifestyle and it helps me stay healthy and Fit. I have completed many races and trail runs after Joining San Jose Fit. Structured training plan, In-person training, encouragement, precious tips and company I got from the experienced coaches and fellow runners is amazing and trust me I don’t think you can get this from an “online search engine results”.
I have got so many friends through San Jose Fit and now I never have to worry about running alone, I always find somebody interested to run the same race/trail with me, making my runs memorable. Running long distances helps me find my inner peace and boost my confidence. Find out what running can offer you by training and running a race with the San Jose Fit family.
Coach Trevor
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 9:00 – 10:00
I joined San Jose Fit in 2013. My goal was to check off a bucket list item – to complete a full marathon before I turned 50. After completing my first marathon, I was hooked and I continued with San Jose Fit and participated in many other races. Through the years with San Jose Fit, I received a lot of help, encouragement and training for which I am very grateful. This year I volunteered to coach for the first time. Running for me is like meditation. My mind is serene and calm while my body is outdoors getting its exercise. I view running as a competition with oneself. There will always be runners faster than you and who can run longer than you. What matters is how well you are doing relative to where you were. San Jose Fit provides an excellent structure and coaching to help you improve your running capabilities.
Coach Babu
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 7:30 – 9:00
I have been with SJFit since 2015, running with the Blue/Green group. SJFit community has helped make running a lifestyle choice, not just for physical and mental fitness. I have learnt a great deal from my coaches and other experienced runners in group. I completed the six marathon majors when I ran Tokyo Marathon in 2018. I am truly blessed to have family and friends who helped me raise more than $20K for various charities. It has been a fulfilling and satisfying achievement. I am happy to share my experiences, to help fellow runners reach their goals.
Coach Todd
MARATHON HEAD COACH & MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 11:00 – 12:00
I joined SJ Fit about six years ago, and discovered a herd (family of runners with a shared vision). SJ Fit has inspired me in life & running. I have run Boston Marathon six times. My best marathon in 3:08 in CIM. My goal is to run 70 marathons by end of this year, then continue on to run 100 marathons by the time I am 60. I would like to run under 3 hours for the marathon. I want to share my running wisdom gained over my 20 years of wisdom – literally earned by blood, sweat, and tears.
Coach Surekha
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 13:30 – 14:30 run/walk
Hello everyone! I joined sjfit in 2017 and ran my first Half Marathon in October 2017. I have always enjoyed running since my childhood. I was a 100 and 200 meters sprinter in highschool then turned into more of an endurance runner in college. Running stopped for a while after I entered the profession of Physical Therapy where many other forms of exercise took over. One of them is Yoga and now I am certified and use it in my practice. Overall, exercise has been my passion which is why I enjoy Physical Therapy where I can combine my experience and knowledge to help myself and others. San Jose fit has great coaching and I would love to contribute in whatever way I can while learning from each one of you. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful platform and opportunity!
Coach Tejas
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 13:30 – 14:30 run/walk
PRONOUNS: He/His/Him
Running never really called to me, but that all changed in 2018. My amazing wife, ever the champion of my well-being, signed me up for SJFIT. It was a leap – my first ever running season, with no prior experience. But let me tell you, SJFIT wasn’t just about putting one foot in front of the other. It was about family. The camaraderie with the coaches and fellow runners was instant. We cheered each other on, shared triumphs and sweat (lots of sweat!), and learned from each other. SJFIT became my training ground, not just for running, but for a holistic as well as structured approach to fitness….turning a complete newbie into a half-marathon finisher. Now, I’m thrilled to embark on a new chapter with SJFIT – my first coaching season! It’s an honor to give back to this amazing community : It’s a journey of learning for me as a coach and for my fellow runners.
SJFIT isn’t just a fitness program; it’s a cohesive community, a supportive family, and a place where you can find your inner runner (and maybe a few lifelong friends along the way). See you on the trail with the rubber side down 🙂
Coach Don W.
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 12:30 – 13:30 run/walk (3/1)
Pace: 12:00 – 12:30 min / mile I started running with San Jose Fit in 2000 because I saw this group of people running by my house in their underwear each Saturday morning and thought “WOW! What a bunch of loonies! My kind of people!”. Seriously, my goal is always to get every runner through the training program and to the start line healthy and ready to run. Once they “toe it up” at the start line, they will KNOW that they can “Git er Done!”. Each year I see people cross the finish line in their first half or full marathon and I know that this group of coaches and their fellow runners combined to make a very memorable “first” in that person’s life. That’s why I enjoy this group every year.
Coach Ileen
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 14:30 – 15:00 (5/1)
I’ve been running/coaching with San Jose Fit since 2011. Years ago, I remember driving home from work on the Stanford Campus and seeing runners everywhere – they looked fit, happy and above all, carefree. That’s when I decided I wanted the same for my life and began running with the Stevens Creek Striders. We ran 3 times a week for many years. I came to realize that running in groups, with new friends, people with essentially the same goals was the key. Being a part of the San Jose Fit coaching team, I want to impart that same value running in groups has given to me by supporting you and your fitness goals. One of my favorite quotes: “A good laugh and a long run are the two best cures for anything”
Coach Teri
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 10:00-11:00
I joined SJFit in 1998. I showed up at LGHS by myself not knowing what to expect. That October, I became a marathoner. And, the journey was just as rewarding as the event. In 2008, SJFit expanded to include the half marathon program. It’s an excellent fitness program and our target race is San Jose Rock n Roll.
The best part about SJFit is the mix of new runners with veteran runners. We support and encourage each other. So lace up your shoes and join us. Everyone is welcome.
The half marathon……..half the distance, twice the fun!
Coach Sheila
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 11:00 – 12:30
PRONOUNS: (SHE/HER)
I joined San Jose Fit in 2015 to get in better shape and burn off the stress of work and commuting. Then I learned that huffing and puffing along a trail with others can be FUN. I met some characters. I learned about pacing myself. I made friends for life. Fit’s walk-run method allowed me to push myself while staying safe and feeling good. Thanks to the coaches and other runners, I have done seven half marathons since that first year. But the bigger prize has been the simpler joys: exploring the city and countryside on foot, watching the seasons, spending time with nature, being part of a community, and growing from the challenges we set for ourselves. I’m excited to help you with your own goals for this season. See you on the trail!
Coach Sarah
Orange 10:00 – 11:00 Pace Coach
PRONOUNS: SHE/HER
I joined SJ FIT in 2017, this will be my first season as a coach. I have been running since the early 2000s, and I specialize in 5ks & 10ks, but Coach Teri made me love Half Marathons and negative splits. I decided to join SJ Fit to up my running game, but I keep coming back because of the amazing people. My favorite things to chat about on a run are food, new restaurants, baking, books, the Bachelor or any reality TV, and if you bring up cats, we will be friends forever. I am looking forward to a great season!
