RUN FAR COACHES

Joe Schlereth
grdpuma@yahoo.com

Many years ago, a good friend gave Joe a running shirt with the saying on the front: “Joe lives for running”.  While that may be stretching it a bit, there is no question Joe loves running! He loves running itself, talking about running, and most of all helping others catch the passion for running – that passion that provided him with so many benefits over the past 40 years.

His adult running career started innocently enough with a United Way Corporate Cup 5K here in Charlotte in 1982.  Like many beginner runners, that first 5K was hard and was not the best of runs.  Yet, the spirit, camaraderie, and competition of that race triggered a passion that would drive Joe to cover over 240,000 logged miles of training and racing since that first 5K.  He has raced just about every distance from 1 mile to 5Ks to marathons to ultramarathons (50Ks, 50 miles, 100 miles, 24 hour, and multiday races).  The longer the distance, the better! Yes, Joe loves running.

Over the years, Joe has informally coached many runners. Fifteen years ago, Joe was asked to coach distance running at Piper Glen, an opportunity that was just what he was looking for. Joe is an RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) Certified Distance Running Coach.  The joy of seeing runners achieve their running dreams is what now keeps Joe’s passion for running alive and burning.  This year, Joe is a driving force behind the Run For You running programs.  He certainly knows how to Run Far, but more importantly to pass on that knowledge and passion to others.  Joe loves running…just ask him!

9:46 – 10:15
Kitt Murphy
authentikitt@gmail.comm

I joined the RFYL group in 2018 when I decided to train for my first full marathon.  Until then, running had mainly served as a stress reliever over the years between playing other sports, having kids, and navigating life.  I was the typical soccer-mom training for the fundraiser 5k.  I pushed myself to run a half marathon because I needed a goal that depended mostly on me, to do for myself- we all know no one else can run the race for you!  Hardly believing I would be able to complete it, I surprised myself with my time and decided to try it again knowing that it wouldn’t actually kill me.  Once I had a few half’s under my belt, a loved one encouraged me to try a full.  I said, “Oh, my joints won’t hold up to that.  And even if they did, I’d never have the time to train.”  When I decided to run Marine Corps in memory of that loved one, I knew I’d need the support of a group.  Having trained alone prior to that, I had no idea how powerful a group could be!  Sometimes I still can’t believe I’m “a marathoner.”  In the Speed Demons, I have had the privilege of running with each of the coaches and they are truly remarkable people.  I have made life-long friends, learned a ton about racing, training, and nutrition, and learned the roads of Piper Glen like the back of my hand!  Nothing inspires me more than watching someone realize their potential, so please let me know how I can support you.  You can count on me to geek out on some tedious detail to help you pass the miles!

12:01 – 13:00
Jackie Persinski
jaxlukich@gmail.com

I started my running journey in my mid thirties around 2012 with Run Fit training for a 5k.  Quickly the Run For Your Life crew became a family, and I greatly enjoyed running with friends on a weekly basis.  After a year of training, I decided I wanted to try further distances and quickly moved on to half-marathons.  A few years later, I decided I would try a marathon and went on to complete the Kiawah marathon.  Through consistent training with RFYL I have been able to create numerous half-marathons and 5 marathons.   I love my RFYL training family, and I greatly enjoy coaching others to complete their running goals!

Under 8:30
Mike Burgan 
burganmj@yahoo.com

A life-long runner managing the familiar dilemma to balance life and a passion to run. There were seasons of opportunity to set a goal, train, and to enjoy an occasional race with family in tow. Children grown, a new season started, and Mike started running regularly with the Piper Glen “Run For You” group in 2016. There have been many highlights over more than 30 years of running and racing around the world. The first Boston qualification stands out as the most memorable. Since joining the Piper Glen running family, highlights occur weekly. The privilege of supporting runners in setting and achieving goals is as big a highlight for Mike as is reaching his own. Since joining the Piper Glen Speed Demon Team, Mike has set his own marathon PR, 22 years after completing his first marathon (never too late to learn and improve). RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) Level 1 coaching certified

9:01 – 9:45
Margaret Finke
margaret.finke@yahoo.com

I was an on again, off again, runner for most of my adult life.   In 2012 I decided I needed help with my training, and I found the Piper Glen Speed Demons.  What a change that has made!  I found ‘my tribe’.  I have run 10 marathons, 1 50k, and multiple shorter races since that first season.  But what has really made my time with the PGSDs special are the people.  I have learned so much and created so many lifelong friendships within this group.

This season will be my first as a coach and I am looking forward to working with Brett Miller to bring together our group of Niners.  I cannot wait to help people set and achieve goals, while having fun and enjoying our miles on the road!

10:16 – 11:00
Tara Daley
dcorekid@yahoo.com

My family and I moved to Charlotte from Syracuse, NY in July of 2010. Although I was not a “runner” then, I was enticed by the “Real Life Forrest Gump” aka Joe Schlereth to join the best running group in the south – Run For You, Piper Glen. My goal was to be able to run through the Disney parks, “just once” (I normally skip through.) I signed up for my goal race – the Disney Half Marathon to be run in January, 2011. Somehow, I ended up running a full marathon prior to that signature race. It may have something to do with the power of the group, the magic of the speed demons of Piper Glen, or the family of cheerleaders I have for support. That was over six years ago. Since that time, I have run 12 full marathons and 24 half marathons. I am so excited to coach again this year and share my passion with others. I am hoping you will find “Run for You” to be not only the best way to train for a marathon, but the only way!!!

11:01 – 12:00
Tracey Anglin
tanglin654@yahoo.com

My running journey started in 2012 when I started to do 5ks and 10ks to get in shape and enjoy the outdoors. In 2017, I progressed to running half marathons and joined the Run Far program in 2018 to improve my pace. Not only did the program help shave off 30 minutes from my half marathon time, but I became immersed in a community that motivates, supports, and uplifts each other. The amazing coaches helped me train and complete my first marathon in 2019. In addition, the training and new friendships was an outlet and got me through the 2020 pandemic cabin fever and I was able to complete my second marathon on Daufuskie Island with my Piper Glen Titans in January 2021. When I am not running, you can find me cross-training on my Peloton, at the soccer fields watching my two teenage boy’s soccer games, or eating Coach Christy’s delicious cookies and treats after a run! I am excited about becoming a coach and hope I can inspire others to achieve their running goals, while having fun and building lasting friendships.