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In this section:
Coaches and Professional Staff
Staff Overview
Dr. Steven T. Devor Ph.D., FACSM
Dr. Steven T. Devor received his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of California, Berkeley. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Devor was a National Institute on Aging Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School in the Institute of Gerontology and Department of Physiology. Dr. Devor teaches Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology undergraduate courses, and at the graduate level he teaches a doctoral seminar focused on skeletal muscle structure, function, and plasticity. In 2004, Dr. Devor was awarded the Distinguished Teaching Award from the College of Education, and in 2006 Devor was a recipient of the university wide Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Dr. Darrin Bright, MD
Dr. Bright is the Director of the Running & Endurance Athlete Center for Excellence at MAX Sports Center. He practices Sports Medicine and Family Medicine at the MAX Sports Medicine Institute at 3705 Olentangy River Road. Prior to joining MAX, Dr. Bright served as a full time faculty member at Ohio State University practicing and teaching both family and sports medicine (2001-2004). He also served as a Team Physician for the Ohio State University Department of Athletics (2001-2004). Dr. Bright is currently the Head Team Physician for Worthington Kilbourne High School and Otterbein College. Jeff Glaze - Owner of Premier Sports
Tim Flahaven - Owner of Fleet Feet Sports
2010 MIT Winter CoachesGroup Coaches
email - HannahDasgupta@gmail.com
email - lsmith57@columbus.rr.com
email - rich@rphughesarchitects.com
email - jimread@neo.rr.com
email - pruhudson@earthlink.net
email - Fosterbowe@aol.com
email - Randy.Olson@motoristsgroup.com
email - jelswick@wowway.com
Tim Flahaven – Experienced Half Group Coach - Group goal is to help everyone to accomplish whatever goal they set for themselves. To do it in a safe and enjoyable manner. And to give coaching advice that not only encompasses the technical - but the spiritual and, the existential too - should the MIT participant deem that a safe province to travel. I'm not that into racing but I love running, traveling, risk and reward. And children and puppies too. email - tim@fleetfeetcolumbus.com Tim Dasgupta – Experienced Full Group Coach – I started running six years ago to quit smoking and lose weight. Once I could run a block around my house, I simply kept on going. Since then I have run a dozen or more marathons and similar number of half marathons. I joined MIT four years ago and I honestly can say it changed my life and continues to. To give back to the program I love so much, I have been coaching MITers for three years. My goal for this highly charged, motivated and consistent group of athletes is to encourage everyone to follow a “smart training” philosophy. The idea is to step out of the comfort- zone without getting side-tracked with burnout or injury. email - TimD@premierraces.com Jeff Henderson – Advanced Half Group Coach – I am very passionate about bolstering the running and walking community in Central Ohio. I began coaching Cross Country and Track at Thomas Worthington High School in 2004, and began working with MIT in 2009. I enjoy the pure satisfaction that comes with complete a hard workout or race, and love helping others work towards their very diverse goals. email - henderson@premierraces.com
email - DBRIGHT2@ohiohealth.com
Pace Coaches
Claire Williams – 8:30 Full Pace Coach – I ran my first marathon in 2004 by myself and have run the subsequent six (and counting) with MIT--in the process I have improved my marathon time by over two hours! Each marathon and its training has had its highs and lows, but nothing beats a long run on Saturday morning with tons of similarly motivated people. My goal for this winter is to figure out how to use my new Garmin and keep our pace group healthy and happy!
Kristen Shepard – 11:30 Full Pace Coach - I started running the fall of 2006, on the cajoling of a friend. She said “Run a marathon, it’s so much fun.” Three marathons and four half marathons later, the verdict remains unchanged. It is fun! This winter I’m training for the Kentucky Derby full marathon and my goal for the 11:30 full pace group is to remain injury free.
Jennifer Wilkinson – 12:00 Full Pace Coach – see above
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Hannah Dasgupta - No Boundaries 5k Coach - Running did not come naturally to me so I consider it a miracle (and comical) that it has become such a large part of my life. Finding joy in unexpected places is worth sharing and this is why I love coaching the No Boundaries Team. In addition to the 5k program, I also enjoy the half-marathon distance and use it as an excuse to travel as often as possible. 
Larry Smith – Walkers Group Coach - I have been racing walking for four years, and have done two marathons and 10 half marathons. Foremost, I want walkers to understand that we ARE athletes! We train to meet performance goals just like our running buddies. I know because I am in a mixed marriage; I am a walker and my wife is a runner. 
Rich Pontius - Run/Walk Group Coach - Rich is President of RP Hughes Architects, Inc., a Columbus architectural/planning firm focusing on township and municipal projects with a specialization in the design of fire stations. Rich has finished numerous half marathons and 5 full marathons with a PR of 4:22 at the 2008 Flying Pig Marathon. When not running or working, Rich enjoys playing golf, playing drums and spending time with his 2 daughters.
Renee Schnug – Run/Walk Group Coach - Running history: 3 marathons, 2 Half Ironman Triathlons, 25 Half Marathons, and lots of shorter races and duathlons. I am a nurse practitioner and like to practice what I preach to my patients. I love the camaraderie of a running group and enjoy introducing the sport to others!
Pru Hudson – Beginner Half Group Coach - I started running to improve my overall fitness 8 years ago! Running and the friends I have met through MIT soon became an integral part of my life. I have run numerous short distance races, 11 half marathons , 4 marathons and survived ONE ultra marathon.
Julie Bowen-Miller – Beginner Half Group Coach- I started running about 6 or so years ago after I quit smoking. I started with a 1/4 mile and worked my way up from there. My first race was the Columbus Commit to be Fit 5k. I am constantly amazed at the ability to put one foot in front of the other and cover any distance. The first couple of years I ran numerous half marathons and 4 full marathons. Over the last few years I have fallen in love with trail running. I have successfully completed 4 50K's and have plans to increase the distance in the spring. I am currently training for the Pemberton 50k in February, Unstead 50 miler in March, Mohican Forget the PR 50k in April and Buckeye Trail 50k in July.
Randy Olson – Beginner Full Group Coach - I have been distance running for nine years. I am currently preparing for my 21st marathon this spring, and in my fifth year of coaching with MIT. I did my first marathon for the challenge, but now run for the love of the sport and being among my friends. My biggest enjoyment in running comes from helping others to experience the thrill of completing a marathon.
Jennifer Wilkinson – Beginner Full Group Coach – Info coming soon!
Darrin Bright, MD – Advanced Full Group Coach - Darrin is avid marathon runner and triathlete, having completed more than 20 marathons with a PR of 3:02:59. He has been a participant and coach in MIT for 8 years. In addition to serving as the Advanced Marathon coach, Darrin also serves as the medical consultant to the group. He is a board-certified in family medicine and sports medicine physician, with a special focus on sports medicine, comprehensive care for runners, tri-athletes and cyclists, overuse injuries, stress fractures and Active Release Technique (ART).
Mike Patton – 7:30 Half Pace Coach - I love the simplicity of running; you get out what you put in. I’ve completed 12 marathons/ultras: fastest 2:58, longest 100 miles.
Roger Honan – 7:30 Full Pace Coach - I'm a marathoner turned triathlete with a marathon PR 2:51:26 and ironman PR of 11:03:15. My goals for the year are to run the Boston and New York Marathons and complete Ironman Wisconsin.
Greg Haskett – 8:00 Half Pace Coach - I have been running for about 7years and have done 10 marathons and many other races of many other distances. I was with the original Fleet Feet running group from back before Tim opened his store and have been with Fleet Feet and MIT ever since. I keep coming back because of the people; for the camaraderie and motivation.
Dan Huston – 8:00 Full Pace Coach – info coming soon!
Vince DaPaoli – 8:30 Full Pace Coach – I was born in New Mexico in 196......Due to being an Air Force Brat, I also lived in Germany, Michigan, Italy, and New York. I came to
Ohio in 1979 and moved to California in 1983 for my first "real" job at Rockwell International.
I ran track in high school. Mostly competed in the 800 and 2 mile relay, with an occasional 400.
There was no cross country program at Moriah Central in the late 70's. My "long distance" running
began in June of 2004. I planned on running the 2004 Columbus Marathon but poor training kept
that from happening and instead I ran the second leg of the relay. I could not walk for a week!
I met Tim and Julie Flahaven, from Fleet Feet, at the 2004 Expo and it's been running/racing history.
My first marathon was in 2005. I have completed 11 marathons now but 2009 was not my best year
due to injuries. I hope to share many of my training and racing experiences with all who are wiling to listen.
The Fleet Feet, MIT and Kestner Programs have really propelled my success.
Kathy Frye – 9:00 Half Pace Coach - I've been a runner for almost 17 years now, including middle school, high school, and college running as well as 6 marathons and at least that many half marathons. I've run through every major transition in my life and am convinced it's the reason I made it through them. MiT lets me train more seriously than I would if I were training alone, and yet most Saturdays I feel as though I'm just meeting up with friends rather than rising at dawn for a long run (though I feel that too). I am excited to be a pacer this season and continue making new running friends.
Ben Henney – 9:00 Full Pace Coach - This is my 4th season with MIT, which has enabled me to run 3 marathons, a few half marathons, and several 5k's. I run to stay fit and because I enjoy the accomplishment at the end of the training cycle. I hope to see everyone with MIT accomplish their own goal. That's the biggest joy at the end of every season!
Erin Walshkirkman – 9:00 Full Pace Coach - I joined MIT 3.5 years ago after running the Dash for Donation with a couple of chatty MITers who got me into the group! I have been running for about 20 years. I look forward to helping each Team 9 runner run smartly and stay injury-free this season!
Maggie Grandominico – 9:30 Half Pace Coach - I have been running since 2006 and have completed 2 marathons and 7 half-marathons. I started running mostly to stay in shape after college, and it has quickly become part of my lifestyle and something I look forward to. My goal for everyone would be, to enjoy the experience they have this season with MIT and complete the race they have set out to finish. But most importantly, for everyone to have fun!
Shannon Howski – 9:30 Half Pace Coach – I have been training with MIT since the Summer of 2006. Through MIT I have been able to reach my marathon goals and develop a passion for running. I am looking forward to the challenge of training for another race and witnessing my MIT peers meet their goals as well.
Teri Myers – 9:30 Full Pace Coach – I started running 5 years ago to get into shape before my 30th birthday, and I have since completed 7 full marathons and countless half marathons. I joined MIT for fitness reasons and became addicted to the camaraderie of the group and the incredible people I met. I hope to help each person in my group realize the joy of meeting their goals with the support of an amazing group of fellow MITers.
Dale Hollandsworth – 9:30 Full Pace Coach – I started with MIT about 4 years ago and have been hooked since the first speed workout! I'm a multiple marathoner with several half-marathons under my belt and look forward to running the Flying Pig marathon in May. I enjoy running because of all the aches and pains that come along with the training. By the way, I also like being very sarcastic! `
Cindy Fenstermaker – 10:00 Half Pace Coach - I've been running with Fleet Feet/MIT for the past 5 years. I've run two full marathons and several half marathons. I run because I enjoy it (it's my release from the stresses of life) and it comes with great health benefits! I'm training for the capitol city 1/2. My goal for the group is to help them successfully complete the 1/2 they are training for, whether it's their 1st or 15th!
Brenda Heimberger – 10:00 Half Pace Coach - I am married and have 2 sons. I just retired from Kroger Market Place in Pickerington Ohio. Now I think I will be a full time runner! I have been with MIT for 5 years and I have helped coach for most of these years. I have completed 9 marathons including the Boston Marathon in 2006. I have run numerous half marathons and many 5k races. I love running for fitness, but the best part is the friendships I have made through MIT.
Jeanne Bauer – 10:00 Full Pace Coach - This is my 6th year in MIT and my 4th as a coach. I love the camaraderie of Saturday mornings and having those all-important long-run discussions. I enjoy watching the runners in "my" group complete their first long-distance races or attain a PR in a goal race. My personal goals for 2010 are to test my physical limits through cycling, trail-running, and multi-sport events...with hopes of getting fit enough to do a half or full Ironman in 2011.
Kristin Huener – 10:00 Full Pace Coach – I have been running with MIT since 2007. This will be my 3rd season as a pace leader. My goal for this season as with all seasons is to help others achieve PRs or complete their first marathons by providing experiences and camaraderie during the Saturday morning long runs. I am not training for anything in particular so I am open to run as little or as much as members of the 10:00 group needs. Off the trail, I work as a quality engineer for Honda.
Melissa Grubbe – 10:30 Half Pace Coach –I started running over four years ago when a friend asked if I wanted to run Sharon Woods. I barely made in around the loop of 3.8 miles. After that run, I was officially hooked on running. I completed my first half eight months after having back surgery and eight months later completed the Columbus half with a PR. I have done over a dozen races and two half marathons. I love the incredible bond that runners form in MIT. They are lifelong friendships!
Ann Kurtenbach – 10:30 Full Pace Coach – info coming soon!
Chris Neihoff – 10:30 Full Pace Coach - Chris returned to running to improve his physical health. In joining MIT he found camaraderie, friendship, and a network of support and knowledge. As he trains for his next marathon, Chris hopes to help others realize their goals, just as the MIT team (coaches and participants alike) have helped him realize his goals.
Christine Losh – 11:00 Half Pace Coach - I have completed 6 half marathons and 1 full marathon. I run for the fun of it and to keep in shape. I am training for the Country Music half marathon.
Mikaila Hamble – 11:00 Full Pace Coach - I've run for 16 years, completing 9 marathons, 7 half marathons, countless other races. I run because I love it, and I'm not coordinated enough for other sports. I'm training for both the Cleveland and Cincinnati marathons, as well as my first 50 mile race at Mohican in June!
Dave Arthur – 11:30 Half Pace Coach - Running has been in my life since college days so very long ago (would you believe the late 60’s!) Most notably my pace gets slower with age. Two years ago I decided to fulfill a life goal of completing a Marathon which I did with the guidance of MIT (just under 5 hours and a fantastic experience). Due principally to time constraints the half marathon distance has become my race/event of choice and I have completed 3 in the past 2 years. I would hope that all participants in the 11:30 half marathon pace group have fun, laugh a lot, train well, and then totally enjoy their race event of choice!
Amy Avery – 11:30 Full Pace Coach – Long distance running was never something I ever thought would be such a huge part of my life. Growing up, I was the "slow kid" in P.E. and in high school/college I played a lot of basketball but never gave much thought to endurance running. While training for my first half marathon, I nearly quit and gave up, believing I didn't have what it took to be a runner. Something somehow kept me going and I ran my first half marathon in the spring of 2007 and have been hooked ever since. I've run 6 marathons and numerous half marathons, 5k's and 10k's. This season I'm training for my 7th marathon and am hoping for a P.R. of 4:45 or faster....I'm thrilled and honored to be a part of MIT and truly believe that running is for anyone and everyone, no matter your pace or distance.
Marilyn Payne – 12:00 Half Pace Coach – I started running in my early 30's and have been at it for 34 years. I've completed 10 marathons an numerous half-marathons, triathlons, and duathlons. I run because I enjoy challenging my body and being outdoors. It seems at this point in my life I am able to see some improvement in performance even though I don't run the times I did 20 years ago. I get a kick out of accomplishing things that others regard as difficult. I enjoy the MIT experience because I enjoy helping others achieve their goals and the relationships that are formed. Right now, I am training for the Cap City Half Marathon. 
Melinda Girscht – 12:30 Half Pace Coach – I am married with one daughter and work helping women re-entry the community from prison. I started running 5Ks about 4 years ago. I started MIT after my daughter was born to get back into shape and am now addicted.
Duane Smith – 13:00 Half Pace Coach - My running experience started almost three years ago at the ripe age of 63. I volunteered to be a pace coach because I felt that there are other runners, like myself, that would be encouraged by having a 13 min/mi pace group.
Joyce Smith – 14:00 Walk Pace Coach – info coming soon!
Pamela Mortimer – 15:00 Walk Pace Coach - I have been walking since I was about 14 months old (or so my mom tells me).... But seriously I have been walking with a fitness goal in mind for about 3 years. I started walking as a way to clear my thoughts. Somehow a year or so after a few 10K's under my belt, I thought... hey this 1/2 marathon thing sounds fun, let's try to train for one of those "things". I think that is when I officially "caught the bug". In the last year and a half, I have completed 2 - 1/2 marathons and more 10K, 5K and fun walks than I recall. My best personal record is 14:35 (Buffalo New York Turkey race). However, my coolest moment was finishing the Columbus 1/2 marathon with a 15:03 pace.