San Jose Fit Coaches
The Coaches
Head Coaches
At San Jose Fit, our head coaches are more than just mentors—they’re your partners in achieving greatness. Whether you’re facing challenges or seeking advice, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If your current pace group isn’t quite right, don’t hesitate to reach out. With countless marathons under our belts and years of experience with San Jose Fit, we know the ropes and are dedicated to helping you reach your full potential. Let’s conquer those miles together!
| Coach Georgiana | Organizer |
| Coach Kriba | Walking Half & Full Marathon Head Coach |
| Coach Trevor | Runner Marathon Head Coach |
| Coach Sarah | Runner Half Marathon Head Coach |
Program Coaches
San Jose Fit offers various programs.
If you’re looking for a coach for one of these areas, you can find us below:
| Coach Babu | Webmaster/Social Media |
| Coach Georgiana | Fit News |
| Rancho Announcements | |
| Coach Georgiana | Rancho Announcements |
| Coach Sommer | Track |
| Coach Fernanda | Core |
| Coach Arnon | ATP |
| Coach Shannon | ATP |
| Coach Lalitha | Yoga |
Marathon Coaches
At San Jose Fit, we believe that running should be enjoyable and social. Our marathon coaches love to chat and have fun while hitting the pavement. Feel free to move between pace groups as you progress and based on how you’re feeling. Some groups incorporate a run/walk strategy for those longer distances, ensuring everyone can find their perfect rhythm. Let’s make every mile memorable together!
| Pace | Pace Coach |
| 7:30 – 9:00 | |
| 9:00 – 10:00 | |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Coach Nat Coach Carmen |
| 13:00 – 14:00 (90 sec run/30 sec walk) | |
| Rancho | Coach Bill |
| Rancho | Coach Satpal |
| Rancho |
Walking Coaches
The Purple group is perfect for those who love to walk. We spend more time on the trail than most other groups, giving us plenty of opportunities for fun and camaraderie. Whether you’re walking for exercise or aiming to complete half marathon and marathon distances, you’ll find a supportive and enjoyable community here. Come and join the fun!
| Pace | Pace Coach |
| 15-18 Half Marathon | Coach Becky |
| 18 – 20 Half Marathon | |
| 12:30 – 14 Full Marathon | Coach Susan |
Half Marathon Coaches
The Half Marathon is the perfect way to take your running to the next level. It offers a greater challenge than a 10k without the intimidation of a full marathon. Our fantastic Half Marathon coaches are here to guide you through this exciting journey. Discover where the fun of running truly happens and push your limits with us!
| Pace | Pace Coach |
| < 10:00 | |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | |
| 11:00 – 12:30 (6/1) | Coach Sunita |
| 12:30 – 13:30 (3/1) | Coach Shanti |
| 13:30-14:30 (2/1) | |
| 14:30 – 15:30 (90s/30s) | Coach Ileen Coach Fareen |
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 Eric – Rancho
Rancho Coach
My first marathon was Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN with Tom Kaisersatt in 1999. I ran a marathon every other year until 2005, when I ran three, including Green Bay, Twin Cities and New York. That was the year I also ran a 24 hour race, FANS, in Minneapolis, MN. I started running more and more ultras, with the highlight being the Western States 100 mile race in CA in 2011. I don’t run very many races nowadays, usually trail runs for fun. I enjoy supporting other runners on their journey through volunteer coaching and aid station captain duties. I remain as fast as ever by not wearing a watch and having racing thoughts. See you on the trails!
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 Shannon - ATP
ATP Coach
I started long distance running and marathon training with San Jose Fit in 2010. My husband learned about this organization from Tom Kaisersatt, the founder, and so I hesitantly decided to check it out. Prior to San Jose Fit, I could not fathom running even 7 miles. However, the orientation inspired me to commit and 7 miles soon became a walk in the park as I was training for 26.2. Through this organization I have made many friends and run enough half marathons, marathons, and 50-60ks that I have no more space to display the medals on my large medal hanger. As a coach, it is so rewarding to watch others discover the joy of running, meet the challenges to achieve their running goals, and become a part of this community.
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 began running in 2017 after the passing of her mother in August, using it as a way to cope with her grief. Running provided her with peace and solace, a time to reflect on her mother’s memory. However, it also led to increased pain in her body. After enduring two particularly painful 10K races, Fernanda followed the advice of friends and searched online for a running club to help her improve. In April 2018, she found San Jose Fit and immediately joined.
Over the past seven years with San Jose Fit, Fernanda has not only gained valuable running techniques from her coaches and teammates but also found a supportive community of friends and mentors. Since joining, Fernanda has completed numerous ultramarathons, marathons, and half marathons across the USA, South America, and Europe. As the Core Class Coach, she is committed to helping you develop a strong core that supports your running, prevents injuries, and builds stamina and strength.
Fernanda is also a proud mother of two strong, smart, and beautiful daughters, who are the light of her world.
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 Ronit
Walking Pace Coach <15:00
I believe in “walking is a medicine”. I have been with San Jose Fit for about eight years now and completed my first half marathon with San Jose Rock’nRoll in 2018. I have been an assistant coach with San Jose Fit for three years and my walking pace is 13:30 min a mile. I am looking forward to meeting the athletes and coaching this season.
Coach VV
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 started as a pace coach last year! My walking pace is 13 to 15 minutes per mile. I am truly looking forward to coaching this year and helping new members accomplish their fitness goals and welcome them to this amazing tribe.
Coach Kriba
Walking Pace Coach 18:00 – 20:00
Joining San Jose Fit in 2015 changed my life in ways I never expected. A friend introduced me to the group, and what started with something as simple as walking helped me discover a strength and potential I didn’t know I had — and with it, the confidence to take on bigger challenges. By 2017, I had crossed the finish line of my first marathon!
Now in my eleventh year, I still cherish every walk alongside my fellow Fitters. I move at a pace that feels right for me — around 19–20 minutes — and that’s my advice to everyone: find your pace and own it. Here’s to making new friendships and new memories!
Coach Shanthi
Walking Pace Coach 18:00 – 20:00
SJFit is the reason I get out of bed every Saturday morning. Since joining several years ago, I have become more motivated and disciplined. This is my second year as a coach, and I am very happy to give back and share what I have learned. I walked my first half marathon and many other races after training with SJFit. Excited for the upcoming season 2026!
Coach Ted
Walking Pace Coach 18:00 – 20:00
I have been walking and running with San Jose fit since 2006. I started as a complete novice at the age of 42 and discovered an activity that taught me how to live the rest of my life in presentness and joy. I also made lifetime friends. I have run or walked many races of distances from 5k, 10K, 1/2 marathon, full marathon, and even ultramarathon. I love introducing new people to this sport, and I look forward to taking you across the finish line of whatever distance you may choose.
Coach Susan
Walking Pace Coach 12:30 – 14:00
Running was something I did on and off for years—mainly because I loved that I could do it anywhere. Everything changed when my dear friend Marianne invited me to join San Jose Fit. I was excited (and a little nervous) since I had never run with a group before. Once I got started, I was hooked. The people, the organization, and the inspiring speakers were more than I ever expected. I ran my first marathon in 2017, the same year I joined.
These days, I’m a proud speed walker and still loving every step just as much as I loved running. Every year, you can find me at half marathons alongside my fellow Fitters, soaking up the energy, community, and sense of accomplishment that comes with every race.
Coach Gordon
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 11:00 – 12:00
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 Nagamani
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach RANCHO
I was inspired to start running after volunteering at the San Jose fit aid station at the Morgan Hill marathon — I was blown away by the camaraderie that San Jose fit offered. I have since completed several full and half marathons. Recently, I have started running trails at Rancho and I look forward to sharing this experience with my fellow runners.
Coach Tarini
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach RANCHO
I am a passionate running coach at SJFit, dedicated to helping athletes of all levels reach their personal best. With a focus on safety, consistency, technique, and motivation, I bring energy and expertise to every training session
Coach Manjunatha
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 7:30 – 9:00
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 10:00-11:00
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. Because of that, I volunteered to coach for the last few years. Running to 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 myself. 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 Prasad
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 9:00 – 10:00
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 9:00 – 10:00
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 the next few years to reach 100 marathons. 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 Nat
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 12:00 – 13:00
As a longtime runner, I joined San Jose Fit in 2012 with the goal of training for a marathon. The structured training program and my wonderful coaches enabled me to complete many races and introduced me to ultrarunning. Encouraged by the support of the San Jose Fit team, I signed up for a 50-mile race before running my first marathon, I trained and completed both the Marathon and the American River 50-mile.
I signed up as a volunteer pace coach in 2013 with the goal of giving back to the running community. I am a strong believer in the five-point training program (hills, core, yoga, track, and endurance) for running.
Coach Sue
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 13:00 – 14:00
My love for running began in the late 1970’s with 10ks & halfs and a full marathon in the late 80’s.
In 2005 I joined SJ Fit, became a pace coach in 2007 and then a head coach for several years.
After a catastrophic injury I wasn’t able to run any longer, but I remained with SJ Fit as a walker.
I truly believe it was all of their support, enthusiasm and encouragement that helped me to finally work my way back to running in 2021. My commitment as a coach is to make sure you receive that same support and encouragement.
Whatever your reason for joining, you will definitely find the right people you need to help you fulfill your goal, right here.
Coach Raj
MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 13:00 – 14:00
I joined SJ Fit in 2018 looking for a running group who can help me complete a marathon and in the process, found my running family.
Love running outside, it brings inner peace, improves health and lets me enjoy the world around me. SJ Fit training helps me learn from each other, keep my focus and achieve my goals.
I believe in the old adage “It takes a village …” and always ready to lend a hand.
Coach Sarah
Half MARATHON Runner Pace Coach 12:00 – 13:00 run/walk (3/1)
I started with San Jose Fit in 2015 and keep coming back for the friends that I have made over the years. My first half marathon was in San Francisco in 2005 and my first marathon was a year later in Chicago. I’ve made a lot of training and race pacing mistakes over the years, and I’m happy to share my experience so you don’t have to!
Coach Sunita
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 11:00 – 12:30 run/walk (6/1)
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 – 15:30 run/walk (90s/30s)
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 Fareen
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 14:30 – 15:30 run/walk (90s/30s)
Hi! My name is Fareen. I’m a nature lover who enjoys hiking and finds balance and stress relief through swimming. I started running several years ago, with my first road race being the Boston 5K in 2009. My longest race so far has been the challenging Around the Cape 25K, which included 16 hills! Since joining SJFit in 2015, I’ve continued to train and grow with the group. I’ve also taken on the ZombieRunner Quarry Lakes half marathon in wild weather and the San Jose Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathons on scorching hot days! Running has taught me many valuable lessons, thanks to my SJFit coaches and fellow runners: the importance of pace training, embracing your own race, and how the journey and camaraderie make crossing the finish line so rewarding.
Coach Kim
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 13:30 – 14:30 (2/1)
First, welcome to the San Jose Fit family. It takes courage for you to register. I was once like you about 30 years ago. I run because it makes me feel free and happy. Going down memory lane, I can recall when I first started. Not being an athlete, a friend of mine asked me several years back to go for a run with her and the San Jose Fit running group. My response was, “Say what?! Are you crazy?! I don’t run.”
Well, the rest is history. I joined Team In Training shortly after that. They coached me to complete my first marathon and two more after that. Since then, thanks to this program, I’ve finished a number of half marathons, 10ks and 5ks. Exercising by yourself isn’t as fun as doing it with a group & community that inspires you. Life happens and sometimes you need people to help keep you motivated!
Coach Kim’s Advice:
Everyone is motivated to exercise in many different ways. Mine is to just cross the finish line. Here’s a saying I like, “Run Often. Run Long. But Never Outrun Your Joy of Running.” by Julie Isphording.
Coach Surekha
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 13:30 – 14:30 (2/1)
My love for running, being outdoors, and connecting with people got me into San Jose Fit. Since joining San Jose Fit in 2017, I’ve completed around 15 half marathons and recently achieved a major milestone by finishing my first full marathon in November 2025.
I’ve been coaching half marathon runners since 2018 and truly value the way our organization focuses on safe, structured, and injury-free training. Helping runners build confidence and reach goals they once thought were out of reach is what motivates me the most.
Join our fun and supportive pace group, where you’ll receive the guidance, encouragement, and training you need to confidently cross that finish line.
Hope to see you there!
Coach Sue
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 13:30 – 14:30 (2/1)
Coach Anjuli
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach < 10:00
I am so excited and honored to be a new half marathon coach with San Jose Fit!
I have met many SJ Fit runners over the last 9 years when I moved to the Bay Area, and finally signed up as a member for the first time in 2022 — thanks to encouragement from Coach Georgiana and many half marathon coaches.
There are so many wonderful, welcoming people in this program, who all want you to succeed in your goals and experience the joy of running with others.
Here’s to a season of many miles and smiles together!
Coach Monica
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach < 10:00
Coach Melisa
HALF MARATHON Pace Coach 10:00-11:00
Although I am new to SJ Fit (started in 2024), I always liked running. However, I really got into running in 2022 when I joined a few local run clubs and also ran my first 5k race. Since then, I’ve participated in multiple 5k and 10k races and even ran my first half marathon at the beginning of 2025. Through SJ Fit, I plan to continue to achieve new running goals and look forward to meeting others looking to do the same!
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!