Bios

Steve Sisson

Steve Sisson is the Founder & Head Coach of Rogue Training Systems. Steve is currently the Assistant Track & Field coach with the University of Texas' Women team, where he coaches the 800 - 10k.

Coach Sisson was a 3-time all-American in track & cross country at the University of Texas at Austin and a 4-time Southwest conference champion at the 3000 meter steeplechase and 5000 meter distances. He represented the United States internationally at the 1993 IAAF World Half-Marathon Championships in Brussels, Belgium and the Niagata (Japan) Ekiden Relay.

Steve currently coaches the Olympic Development athletes for Rogue Athletic Club. He has been the head coach and one of the founders since 2009.

Ruth England

I began my athletic career as a swimmer at the age of 6 and have been in love with sports ever since. I swam in school, and on club teams through junior high and high school and eventually in college. Although, swimming was my beginning I quickly became a runner while sharing a college dorm room with a college cross country team member.

I was introduced to the competitive side of running in 1997 & completed the Motorola Marathon in 3:39:28.

In 2004 Steve Sisson,Carolyn Mangold & I created Rogue Running. I became full time coach & curriculum director for Rogue Running. I have run 5 marathons my fasted time was 3:09 at the Houston Marathon. My 5ks, PR is 19:41 but I enjoy the marathon and the Half Marathon distances the best. My PR for the half marathon on the 3M course is 1:25:46.

Carmen Ayala-Troncoso

Carmen Ayala-Troncoso has participated in every National and XC World trials race since 1986, having numerous top 10 finishes. Carmen has also raced XC extensively in Europe, having just won the Masters World title in the 8k, contested in Spain. Carmen has represented the United States at the World XC Championships 4 times, the last two at age 39 and 40 years old.

John Schrup

John began running in 1979, and soon after was found skipping school to hang out in the local running specialty shop. He is still there, albeit in a different location. In the past few years, John has coached from the high school level on up--from one of the top cross country teams in the nation to Boston Marathon qualifiers. In his spare time, John likes to daydream, read, and spend time with his wife, Ivy, and son, Isaac.

Allison Macsas

Allison has been a runner and mileage junkie since being introduced to cross country in high school.

Allison was introduced to Rogue and began running under Carmen Troncoso in 2006; after a year-long travel hiatus in SE Asia, she returned to Austin and became fully involved with the incredibly positive, motivated and healthy community known as Rogue.

Today she works in the Rogue "office" and deals with all aspects of training programs and marketing, coaches a variety of groups throughout the year and is also an elite athlete, having run a PR of 2:40:47 at the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials.

Allison believes that there is nothing more important than consistency and communication when it comes to training. Fully commit to what you’re doing from day one, then learn to communicate with yourself and really listen to what your body is telling you. There is no one-size-fits-all plan, and she encourages her runners to give feedback, ask questions and learn to adapt. Most of all, enjoy it! The ability to run is a gift.

Bobby Garcia

Bobby coaches the Rogue Team Sole Survivors. He has run many marathons including New York, Chicago, Big Sur, San Diego, Marine Corps, and the Boston Marathon. He is passionate about coaching because it allows him to share, with genuine and authentic enthusiasm, his knowledge and experience with those individuals who want to be a part of something special. That something special is training for and running a marathon. He believes that training for and running a marathon takes commitment...real commitment on the part of an athlete. Bobby also believes that a coach has to be equally committed to the athlete and put the needs of the athlete first and foremost. Athletes do not follow uncommitted coaches so Bobby makes it his priority to make the experience about the athlete and not his own. Bobby believes that athletes have good running days and you will have your bad running days. Happens to us all because “life” happens. The more focused, disciplined and committed an athlete is to the long term goal of running a marathon the easier it is to overcome and work through the inevitable valleys that are on the other side of the peaks. He believes that there is a direct correlation between the time, effort, and work an athlete puts into training and what she or he experiences through the journey of training for and running a marathon.

Those who know Bobby and have been coached by him will tell you that he cares about the athletes on his team. He supports and gives the same attention to the athletes on his team regardless of the number of marathons they have run. He believes all athletes deserve to be treated with the same level of respect and attention. Bobby works tirelessly to build a Rogue Running community and especially with the Rogue Team Sole Survivors.

Amy Anderson

Amy Anderson was voted 2010 Rogue Coach of the Year! She's been running for over 20 years and continues to get stronger and faster. She's raced all sorts of distances, including many marathons -- Boston, NYC, Big Sur, Marine Corps, St. George and others. She completed several Ironman triathlons before hanging up her goggles and selling her bike to the highest bidder (but kept the cleated shoes, you know, just in case).

Amy went to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to earn her USA Triathlon coaching certification, but now spends her time working with runners. She enjoys helping athletes of all levels and believes that through group workouts, many people are motivated to run farther and faster than they can on their own. She especially loves sharing the magic of negative splits, and so she encourages her athletes to "Start Easy, Finish Strong".

What do her athletes say?

I can't say enough good things about Amy. I am a better, smarter and more dedicated runner because of her.

Amy is tough and will push you. She's not outwardly warm and fuzzy. But, if you work hard, she'll love you and you'll know it.

I love Amy Anderson. She is a great teacher and I appreciate that she genuinely cares about her athletes and their development.

If you are consistent and work hard, Amy will be your biggest fan.

Amy has been my best Rogue coach so far!

Jennifer Howard-Brown

I always wanted to be a runner, but I didn't take up the sport until my late-20s. Since then, I've completed 14 marathons -- London, New York, Chicago, Austin, California International, San Francisco, San Jose, Dallas, Eugene and Marathon 2 Marathon; more than 3 dozen half-marathon's; 2 triathlons; and countless 5k's and 10k's. Not a natural athlete, I continue to work hard at my training to improve my form, speed and overall performance. I am an eternal optimist and believe I have a lot of improving to do and that my best races are still ahead of me. The same holds true with my athletes. I love to see people accomplish goals they didn't think possible. Whether that's a beginner doing their first half marathon, or an experienced runner pushing themselves to a new personal best. My coaching style is nurturing with a dash of drill sergeant. My goal is to push my runners to new & improved fitness levels; establish a solid running foundation; achieve goals; and have fun. I am continually inspired by my athletes and what they accomplish. Come run with us. You'll leave smiling. : )

Peri Kowal

Gotta run! I didn’t think I’d say that a decade ago, but then – only because running was a required leg of a triathlon - I was unexpectedly bitten by the running bug. I coach because I love to see others surprise themselves at their ability to do something they never thought possible; to get to the point that they look forward to getting out for a run, whether short or long, because they’ll enjoy that awesome feeling of accomplishment at the end of a run or race. I find it very gratifying to share tips and tools learned both through experience & education that can quickly & positively impact your running. I have been coaching marathon & triathlon for almost 10 years. I am an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer and CPR/AED trained. You can do it! Gotta run!

Larry Bright

As far as a running career goes, I ran cross country in Junior High and the 880 and mile on my high school track team. Nothing too serious but I continued to run for fitness throughout my college years, Expatriate work, and back here in Austin.

Before joining Rogue in 2006, I was running 20 miles a week consistently for years, but my longest run was only 5 miles. My 1st half-marathon was 3M 2006 where I ran a 1:39:09 and with the help of Rogue, I would run the same race in 1:19:57 the next year. I completed my first marathon in Dallas that same year (2006) qualifying me for my first Boston. I would go on to complete my 1st Boston marathon in 3:01:13, which would be my best until CIM 2008 where Team Rogue training helped me achieve 2:49:16.

I have now completed 15 marathons, all Boston qualifiers, in 3 countries and 4 states, including running Boston 3 times.

My running/training philosophy is to keep things as simple as possible. Plan your run, run your plan. Strive to be consistent in everything you do; run the easy runs easy, run the hard runs hard, and be sure you don’t over look the recovery work; stretching, rolling, trigger point, icing, proper nutrition, rest, hydration, and a good massage frequently.

James Dodds

I first started running three years ago. I decided I wanted to finish a marathon just to prove something to myself. Along the way, I got addicted. I fell in love with challenging myself and wanted to make running an everyday part of my life. I have run 8 marathons and a slew of shorter races. My love of community is what drew me to Rogue. My obsessive and analytical side led me to read running books, watch running dvds, and pick the brain of many Rogue coaches. That obsession eventually yielded my own coaching gig. In these short few years, I have had the opportunity to coach beginners to their first 5k, 5th - 8th grade runners in the mile - 5k, advanced runners to their Boston and New York qualifying standards, & Aussie Scott to his 3M and Austin Distance Challenge wins. I love coaching. I love running. I think we all want to be on some path of improvement in life. Running is a tangible outlet for that. I always tell my athletes, "I may not be able to fully maximize your potential, but I promise I can help you improve upon your current state." If that is good enough for you, then come join me for your next PR.

Mark Enstone

Mark has always run. In school, he ran sprints and middle distances. As an adult, he has run 5k and 10k races regularly, and has the collection of t-shirts to show for it. While interest and participation in other sports came and went, running was a constant. He believes that everyone should be fit enough to get up off the couch and run a 5k. In 2005, Mark decided to train for the Austin Marathon with Rogue and hasn't stopped. He is a perennial Boston qualifier, an Ironman triathlete, tries to run a destination marathon each year in addition to enjoying the local Austin running events.

Mark encourages his athletes to train safely and effectively, to enjoy the training process and the racing experience. A runner's goals can be complex and diverse, or straightforward and simple, and Mark strives to enable you to meet yours. While childishly simple at its core, running has many facets. From his long-distance and multi-sport background, Mark brings a belief that well prepared, well balanced athletes who learn as much as they can about those different facets -- hydration/nutrition, running posture, pacing, balanced musculature, for example -- are best prepared to achieve their goals and, most importantly, enjoy their running. Mark enthusiastically shares what he has learned.

Oh yeah, and he likes long moonlit walks along a sandy beach ...

Carolyn Mangold

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Erik Stanley

A member of The Adidas/Rogue Athletic Club. I am training for the 1500 meters. I am a University of Texas four-year letterman and All-American in the 1500 in 3:41. Graduated with a degree in communication studies. Previous experience as an in-home personal trainer. Focused on developing healthy and balanced diets with clients as well as providing them with unique and challenging workouts multiple times per week. I have been running the mountain trails and since I was 16. I am a passionate trail runner and look forward to assisting runners to develop and achieve their goals on the trail. My classes have been known for their up-lifting pre-run laughing circles. We like to work hard, but always keep a laugh in the back pocket.

Nedra Bray

My coaching philosophy is that it doesn't matter how fast you go, just that you go. As long as you're going, the sky is the limit. My coaching goal is to create an environment that encourages and at the same time challenges participants. I believe training with a group is the best way to accomplish this because we can be inspired and motivated by others while simultaneously be inspiring and motivating to others. It becomes a self-perpetuating cycle that leads to extraordinary accomplishments.

Cynthia Henges

Cindy began running distance events in jr high after failing miserably at the hurdles. Since then she has run competitively with no success. She ran collegiately for Baylor where she lettered in Cross Country and Track all 4 (or 5 yrs). She competed in the Div I NCAA National Cross Country Events in '97 & '98 & her teams were ranked 18th and 8th in the nation respectively. After college she moved up to the marathon & dabbled in triathlon. Over the years she has completed 3 IM Triathlons including Canada, AZ & Coeur D’Alene & a number of marathons. She has also competed in numerous sprint,olympic and half IM distance triathlons. Her 1st love continues to be running & she has completed too many 5k,10k,1/2 marathon, marathon and trail running events to list. She has coached for Rogue since 2000 and has worked with high school & college runners. When she’s not running you can find her at Barton Springs.

Panther Carmical

A successful age group athlete in running and duathlon, Coach Panther has coached running, cycling, triathlon, and duathlon, and his athletes have ranged from regional champions to first-time marathoners, top 3 marathon finishers to beginning runners. What Panther brings to any coach/athlete relationship is the passion to make that athlete better, enrich her life, and take that goal on as a personal challenge. Team Riff Raff, Panther's group, has taken on a life of its own. Panther's personal coaching philosophy is "Cycled Adaptive Running," a philosophy built on the principles of periodization, with the idea that all workouts are written in pencil, based on the athletes' needs on that particular day, for that particular workout, and how it fits into the overall plan. Riff Raff's philosophy is "run hard and have fun." Picture a 2:50 Boston qualifier having a beer with a 5:50 first-time marathoner, and everyone is having a great time, after a hard workout. That's Riff Raff. There's no other group like it in Austin, TX.

Scott Carden

After gaining some weight I began running during grad school back in North Carolina. I had a football and baseball background, so had no idea what I was doing, and no real 'running' goal – I just ran every run as fast as possible. Fortunately, after a brief stint in D.C., I moved to Austin and found folks who knew what they were doing. I trained and eventually coached for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society before making my way over to Rogue as an athlete and a coach. 6 years later, I've reached goals I never thought attainable and have had the pleasure of working with 100s of athletes who have done the same. I believe there are many small victories in running - and they're all unique to each individual – and often times, applicable to daily life. My main focus is to help my athletes set a goal, learn the tools needed, attain those small victories along the way, and ultimately succeed on race day. My approach is to provide a broad level of instruction to the group, then work individually with each athlete to define their goal, accommodate schedule conflicts, and tailor the program to fit their needs. I encourage my athletes to get to know one another and run together outside of the organized runs, recognizing peer pressure and accountability are important to achieving success, and for that matter, just having fun! I consider myself lucky each and every time I lace my shoes up or see my last athlete off after a group workout. I look forward to sharing my passion, my knowledge, and my experience with you soon!

Dolly Day

I skipped the experience of a 5K and My first organized race was the Austin Half Marathon. I enjoyed the training and couldn't see myself not continuing. I've completed numerous Half and Full Marathons along with 5,10 and 30k's. My passion is running. My goal is to get you excited about training. To help you meet your goals and to become part of the Austin running scene. Welcome to Rogue.

David Hilsenteger

I have been coaching distance runners since 2004. I started running in my mid-20s and really love the challenge of setting personal goals and achieving them. As a coach, it's my objective to help you achieve your goals. I have been blessed to have trained all levels of athletes, from the beginner to the All-American.

Jimmie Vaughan

I was involved in the first Marathon Training program for the Cedar Park location, and it didn’t take long to have total buy-in for Rogue. Training with Rogue allowed me to complete my first Marathon one day before turning 40 (Rock ‘n Roll San Antonio 2011). I started Coaching in December of 2011, and enjoy working with all levels of runners. My Ultimate goal for working with runners is to help them achieve a "win". No matter what that might be.

Brent Stein

I started running in junior high, where I ran the mile. I continued running for exercise throughout HS and college. In 2003 I entered the Austin marathon on a dare. I trained, lost weight, got in shape and completed my first marathon in just under 4 hours. Fast forward a few years later, I've completed four more marathons, lowering my PR by almost an hour. Then after completing Boston I heard about the Rogue community. Rogue has taught me the power of structured training programs and the value of fantastic coaches and peer groups. With the help of John and Team Rogue I am looking to shave another 15-20 minutes of my marathon PR this Fall. I was also fortunate enough to join the ranks of coaches recently, just finishing up my first program. While my own running success has been satisfying, it pales in comparison to watching a whole team that you've coached and mentored for a season cross the finish line and achieve their goals. My coaching philosophy is simple, work hard, have fun and love your running.

Liz Freeman

Being a coach allows me to share my experience and passion for triathlon/running, and to help others realize their own potential and work toward achieving their goals. It's not about winning the race - it's about taking the first step, committing to yourself, developing lifelong healthy habits, and enjoying a good sweat! My coaching philosophy is that anyone can become a runner or triathlete! By fostering an inclusive, supportive, and fun yet challenging environment, I've had the chance to see beginning and experienced athletes thrive. I'm constantly inspired and impressed by the tenacity and successes of Rogues of all speeds, shapes and sizes!

Devon Kiernan

I enjoy running, swimming and biking. Although I'm competitive with myself, I'm not results driven. I haven't looked at my race results in years. I won't let a watch or an age group ranking decide if I had a good race. I already know before the finish line how I did. Be thankful you have been blessed with health and are just able to get out there and go. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4-7

Gene Ledet

Gene has been coaching runners for about 10 years. He believes in the spirit of running; the high, the motivation, the pursuit of achievement. He has coached high school state champions, college burn-outs, US Air Force tactical teams, elite marathoners, weight watchers, Wine-O's in California, City of Austin Employees, and AISD children. His experience is backed with a Kinesiology degree from the University of Texas coupled with a USATF Coaching Certification. He focuses heavy on form and technique and the concept of having "heart" in workouts and races. One of Gene's goals is to make a difference in his athlete's running career. Whether it be a diet change, or a technical form adjustment, or just a different way of looking at things. He is proud to be at Rogue and would like to thank all the Rogues for inspiring him!

Scott Brown

I enjoyed learning from my coaches and people that I have trained with so much that it motivated me to coach. I get a lot of satisfaction from witnessing someone else's personal growth and playing a part in it. I believe that everyone gains from Rogue's programs what they put into it. I want to help beginners build confidence to address uncertainty, doubt, or create a new habit and help half-marathoners build upon this to experience the thrill of an amazing accomplishment. I learn as much from the groups I coach as I give back in coaching. Although running is simple, running healthy and being consistent over time is more challenging. I can help you navigate all of the training phases to max out the fun!

Mae Coffman

Mae Coffman began running with Rogue in 2004 as part of a marathon training group. To date she has competed in 11 marathons and countless half marathons. With the birth of her son, Asher, in 2009 she added the challenge of pushing a jog stroller to her training. When Rogue Cedar Park began training programs in May of 2011, she happily joined in with this Rogue community closer to home. In October of 2011 she began coaching the first Rogue Mom’s Mid-Morning Run group. The mom’s group trains for race distances from 5K to marathon and welcomes moms of all abilities and life stages. When she’s not out running, Mae enjoys playing soccer, biking, spending time with her husband and son, and preparing for the birth of baby Coffman #2 this summer.

Chris McClung

A retired (and recovering) soccer player at age 19, Chris began running to stay in shape and quickly became addicted to the sport. Since then, he has run 9 marathons, struggled through 2 Half-Ironman events (w/o drowning!), and completed over 75 other road races and triathlons. He believes in the power of running to change lives and brings a coaching philosophy that can be summed up in 3 words: commitment, consistency, and community. Achieve your goals AND have fun by committing to it, staying consistent, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community and coach. When not running or coaching, Chris can be found trying to keep up with his two sons!

Holly McKee

I started coaching for Rogue in 2006, after deciding that a real job wasn't for me. I've had lots of fun helping others reach their goals of running a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon. I believe we're out there to have fun. Most of have jobs and families. Running is something that compliments our lives. My philosophy is that when running stops being fun and feels like a chore it's time a brake. Maybe just a day or two is takes. I'm also a swim coach for Rogue and a non-competitive kids team. Every once in awhile during drills I'll slip up and say "swimmer on you mark."

Stacey Shapiro

I have always been active and grew up swimming and playing tennis, however I didn't begin running until my 30's. My cousin encouraged me to train for a triathlon in 2007. I was a walk/runner and hadn't been on a bike for 20 years but am always up for a challenge. I joined Rogue and became an Iron Chick and was hooked. Since my weakest area at the time was running, I signed up for half marathon training. The rest is history! After a few years of training for half marathons, I did my first half iron man and then decided to try a full marathon. I ran 5 fulls my first year! I love training with others and have loved coaching, especially first timers training for half marathons. I love supporting my runners and helping them reach their goals! With a little hard work and dedication, anything is possible!

Kim Wrinkle

Kim has been running most all of his life. He has run over 50 marathons to date. His Pr’s include 2:23:15 in the marathon, a Master’s Age PR in the marathon of 2:37:28, and a 10K PR of 31:27. In addition to personal experience in running, Kim has had a unique opportunity to learn from the best. From 1978 – 1986 Kim was coached by the legendary Bill Squires, coach of the Greater Boston Track Club and coach of athletes such as, Dick Beardsley, Greg Meyer, and the young Alberto Salazar. Kim spent the next three years of his running career un Johan Kaggestad, coach of Ingrid Kristiansen & Grete Waitz – Olympic medalist and 9 time winner of the New York City Marathon. To say the least, Kim has had the chance to stand on the shoulders of giants. Kim has also had the privilege of coaching top athletes himself. In the 90s, Kim coached Bryan Bronson, 400 meter hurdler who made the ’96 Olympic team and was ranked #1 in the world from ’97-’98 and Eric Thomas, 400 meter hurdler who made the 2000 Olympic team and was ranked #7 in the world. Kim’s interesting occupations include retail management at Nike in the early 80s and marketing and promotions for Runners World. Though Kim has much to be proud of, he considers the last 24 years spent teaching to be the most rewarding.

Marilyn Faulkner

I began regular running in 2004, when searching for a way to get in shape and get outside at the same time. After seeing how dedicating to your own health and goals can change your life for the best, I've committed to always staying healthy and having fun while doing it. I find that the best way to get through the hard moments of a workout is to recall the challenging goal you've set for yourself and prove to yourself that you're strong enough to meet it by working hard. I expect my runners to be dedicated to giving a hard effort to themselves, the workout, and their goals. I train for and race in triathlons and running races year around in and around Austin. For the beginner, you'll be amazed how fun and exhilarating running can be, and I am thrilled and honored to help you get there. For the more experienced, I help you to sharpen your skills and will push you to perform and be dedicated to your highest level of performance. For both levels, I give personal attention to goals and push each athlete to meet what they've set out to accomplish. I commit to furthering physical, emotional, and running psychology education within my runners.

Jeff Knight

Jeff took a round-about path to get into coaching. After spending time working as a scientist and attaining master’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Texas, Jeff decided to combine his love of science and teaching with his favorite hobby, running. While pursuing a master’s degree in exercise physiology and kinesiology at UT, Jeff began working with adidas/TeamROGUE Elite. Now done with school, Jeff focuses his energy into blending the latest science with sound training principles to bring his athletes to the next level. Outside of organizing and overseeing workouts day-to-day, Jeff develops supplemental training programs and carbohydrate-based drinks used by his athletes during the marathon, his favorite event.

Michelle Sears

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To Be Announced

To Be, or "Toby", as he's affectionately known, has been coaching with Rogue since its inception. Toby's experience spans not only sport, but entertainment as well, as he's headlined for some of the greatest rock and roll acts of all time, from Jimi Hendrix to Justin Timberlake. Unfortunately, Toby has never actually coached a class, since he is usually replaced by a coach that actually exists.