Steve Sisson

Steve Sisson is the Founder & Head Coach of Rogue Training Systems. Steve this the is Assistant Track & Field coach with the University of Texas' Womens team, concentrating on the distances.

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.

As a senior at Churchill High School in San Antonio, Sisson was the 1988 Texas state 5A 3200 meter (2 mile) champion with a 9:13 posting. He later went on to hold the UT school record in the 5000 meters for 10 years with an impressive 13:50.4 indoor clocking and won the 1993 Capitol 10,000. Blog:El Sendero

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.

Carolyn Mangold

Carolyn didn’t start running until her mid thirties. And discovered then that if you set intimidating goals for yourself, the sense of accomplishment is tremendous and life-changing! And with that philosophy started coaching for RunTex in 2000. The next year she developed the Half marathon program for RunTex, as well as coaching in a variety of other programs. She started fulltime coaching and program coordination with RunTex University and then Rogue in 2004.

She has run a total of 10 marathons, including Chicago, Portland and Boston, but considers Austin to be the best as all her fastest times were run there. But one of her favorites is ATT 2007, where she got to be in the finishers shoot, and hug / congratulate the Rogue runners as they finished. That was the best!

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.

Darren Brown

DB was a late-comer to track&field despite coming from a lineage of professional and Olympic mid-distance/distance runners. However, at the age of 11, after 3 wks and 2 races with a Youth Track Club, he ran 5:12 (1600m) before turning to soccer. In High School, injury turned DB to Track&Field for rehab purposes. He was NOT an instant success! That summer, DB decided he couldn’t do something and not succeed. After dedicating himself that summer, he emerged in Cross Country season one of the team’s top two runners alongside Erik Stanley. In his final year of h.s., DB finished 3rd at the State XC Meet, ran 1:52 (800m) & 4:13 (1600m). After running 2yrs at Providence College, DB found himself at the University of Texas, where the improvement continued. DB was a 3-time All-American, all-south central XC member, and on Texas’ winning 4X800 & 4XMile relays that won the 2008 Penn Relays Triple Crown. DB also became 1/2 the first father-son sub-4 duo in 08 when he ran 3:59.99 at Texas Relays. Soon after, to begin his post-collegiate career, DB ran a 3:58.35 (pr) Mile in Dublin, Ire 36 hrs after receiving stitches in his left ankle; the result of a spiking he received in a race in Belgium. He has since also won the Inaugural B.A.A. Road Mile over 5+ Olympians/USA Champions, finish 4th/9th at the 2009/2010 USA Road Mile National Champs, and set multiple PR’s for the 1500m (one of which was en route to making the Finals at the 2009 USA Track&Field Champs). DB’s career is most notably distinguished by his continuous improvement from year to year. He has yet to go a year without setting a new PR for himself and hopes to continue this pattern as he begins a fresh period of training under Coach Steve Sisson. He’s set lofty goals for himself in the coming year; including a 3:55 Mile, 3:36 1500, 7:49 3k and 8:30 3k Steeple, as well as setting his eyes on the USA World Championship team. These are all stepping stones to DB’s larger goal of making the 2012 Olympic Team.

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.

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.

Karen Smith

A self-proclaimed long distance running junkie, Karen has completed 27 marathons, including Chicago, New York, The Marine Corps, Boston and of course Austin several times. Most recently Karen ran a series of 2 marathons in 2 months another PR shaving a min and a half off her Dec CIM time. As a coach for Rogue Training System and a running biomechanics instructor, Karen helps to prepare others for the marathon journey and finds great joy in her runners’ accomplishments. While she has dabbled in triathlon and enjoys cycling and swimming, for Karen it always comes back to the marathon. Each marathon and training season is like a new adventure in self-discovery, learning how to improve efficiency, eliminate problems, and how to have even more fun along the way. Having the chance to share this passion with other people as a running coach has been a blessing and wonderful opportunity to make many new friends.

Kara June

Kara June's Bio: Kara began running at the age of 7 where she fell in love with competing. Kara was a 4-time Western Athletic Champion in the 3,000m steeplechase. She still holds her college record of 10:15 in the steeple at California State University Fresno. After graduating from college, where she achieved her California teaching credential, she started working full-time at a local running store and training under Joe Rubio. She joined the Asics Aggies in the fall of 2005 to continue pursuing her goal of making an Olympic team. In June of 2008 she competed at the US Olympic Trails where she finished 6th with a PR of 9:49:56. Kara is now a member of Team Rogue elite.

Joe Thorne

Joe was a 2 time all- America at the University of Texas and is a recorder holder in e 4 x 1 mile relay where he ran a 3:59 mile. His current PRs for the 5k are 13:52 and for the 10k 29:58. More recently Joe has just won the Congress Avenue Mile 2007, Round–Up 10k in 2008, and the Daisy 5k in 2008. Joe graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Kinesiology: his emphasis was on Health & Fitness promotion. Last year he spent the year traveling around the US working for Nike in their mobile marketing and promotions team. Joe believes that consistency is a critical part of being a successful athlete. As a coach he believes that you must be flexible and mold the training to his athletes needs.

Amy Anderson

Amy Anderson has been running for over 20 years and continues to get stronger and faster. She has raced all sorts of distances, including many marathons -- Boston, 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 retains her USA Triathlon coaching certification, but spends most of 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 it wasn't until my late-20s that I actually took up the sport. Since then, I've completed 10 marathons in Austin, New York, San Francisco, San Jose, Dallas and Eugene; more than a 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. I especially love helping beginners jump-start their training. The Basic Training group is an excellent program to improve overall fitness while establishing a solid running habit and conquering a 5k (3.1 mi. race). The 10k and Half-Marathon groups help people tackle new challenges. I am continually inspired by watching beginners grow into athletes and accomplish running or fitness goals for the first time. My goal is to help new athletes meet their goals and find the joy in running. Come run with us. You'll leave smiling. : ) (Blog: www.jennhb.wordpress.com)

Peri Kowal

Gotta run! I didn’t think I’d say that a decade ago, but then – only because I HAD to run to meet my goal of finishing 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 & training that can quickly & positively impact your running and minimize discomfort. I have been coaching, advising, & studying runners & triathletes for 5 years and am an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer and CPR/AED trained. I love to run with my groups when possible, and plan to attend many Saturday morning long runs. So join in! You can do it! Gotta run!

Russ Secker

Russ has coached Rogue marathon and 10K groups of all levels and abilities. His coaching philosophy: be consistent and build up very slowly; avoid injury and burnout; set goals, but be flexible; “relax / float / cadence” (those are the only three Zen-like words you need to remember to run well); we’re not going to make money at this, so we might as well enjoy it; and don’t quit – ever!!!

Russ likes to run with his groups, especially on Saturday long runs, to get to know them, to watch them run “up close”, and to share their pain! He believes in setting realistic goals and working hard to achieve them. Goals can take different forms – it doesn’t always just have to be about running faster times.

Russ grew up in England, and has lived in Austin since 2001. In recent years, he has switched from marathon to ultra distances. He finished 6th in the 2003 Tahoe Triple marathon. In 2005, he completed the Transe Gaule stage race (coast-to-coast France in 18 days, 40+ miles per day) in 137 hours. In 2007, he competed in the Deutschlandlauf - a similar (slightly tougher!) stage race across Germany, and finished 14th overall. His most recent achievement was finishing 30th in the 2009 Trans Europe Footrace - 3,000 miles from Italy to Norway. More at secker.blogspot.com.

Russ is a former President of Austin Runners Club and Decker Challenge race director.

Geezer Collins

Why do I run? It’s cheaper than Prozac. Well, maybe not cheaper but a whole lot more fun! I don’t think there are many one-size-fits-all answers to running the marathon. I believe marathon success comes from a long term commitment

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. In 2008, he requalified for Boston at the Austin Marathon, completed his first Ironman triathlon, and ran the Vancouver and St. George marathons.

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 ...

Ken Fries

Ran my first marathon at Austin 06, 5:22 (yes that is 5 hours and 22 minutes). October of 06, Durango Double (25K Trail run on Sat, Road marathon on Sun), 3:49, a little better. December 06, White Rock marathon 3:18 (Boston Qualifing time). Ran Boston 07, slow fun run, 4 hour marathon also, got engaged to Kate (no it was not the endorphins). I trained with Rouge for the first time beginning in the summer of 07. I then ran Dallas White Rock 07, 3:04. Next stop Boston 08 - this time to race, 2:58. I went on to train for a fall marathon with the newly formed Team Rogue and ran California International Marathon in 2:58. Continuing to train with the Team I ran a 2:51 in Boston 09. I kept my base of fitness up and in Aug of 09 I ran my first 100 mile trail race in Leadville, CO, in 29 hours and 5 minutes.

Josh Hare

Life's a garden...dig it!! Running is the simplest way to get from point A to point B. It's environmentally efficient, it's metabolically efficient and it's "cranially" efficient. Never mind the fact that you can run just about anywhere and it's a fantastic way to balance out a hefty beer drinking hobby! I've always loved running for it's simplicity. Running keeps my head in check, satisfies my competitive spirit and provides me with the perfect way to begin my day...or end it! Running is a passion, a hobby, a desire and an addiction and if you have some patience it can be extremely rewarding. My assistant coach, Suzy, can be found most mornings dragging me around the greenbelt. Motto:If you're not smiling then you're dying!

Erik Stanley

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 for Citiflex.com. 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 trails since 16 and currently I am competing in the Rogue Trail Series. I am a passionate trail runner and look forward to assisting runners to develop and achieve their goals on the trail.

Stephanie Woodruff

Stephanie starting running in the fall of 2003. She started out training for a 5k and worked her way up to a marathon. She ran her 1st marathon in February of 2006. She has ran 4 marathons and numerous shorter distance races. Currently she is training with Team Rogue for the Nashville marathon in April. Stephanie didn't know how to ride a bike until she was 25, but that didn't stop her from achieving one of her lifetime goals of doing a triathlon. She trained with Iron Chicks in 2005 and completed her 1st of many triathlons that year. She has done countess triathlons of a variety of distances. In July 2006 she completed her 1st Half-Ironman, which is same year she did her 1st marathon. What a busy year that was for her. Stephanie coaches the Texas Round Up 10K at Clear Channel on Wednesdays nights. She also helps Lorrie coach the Iron Chicks on Tuesdays. On Thursdays she is the pace leader for the Nike Run Club.

Nedra Bray

I got a later start on this whole active thing than some people, but thanks to Rogue I have done things I'd never have thought possible. It started with a 5K in 2002 and got progressively longer and more challenging from there. Since then I've completed several 1/2 marathons, triathlons of varying distances including a 1/2 Ironman and 4 marathons. Last fall Rogue even helped me reach my goal of qualifying for Boston. I'm always looking for something new to do and usually in a new place. I think a marathon is the best excuse to plan a vacation!
I've coached the Motive 1/2 marathon program, a 10K program and Iron Chicks. This year will be my first year coaching the AT&T Half Marathon training.

Cindy 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.

josh baker

I like to run. I like taking pictures. I like meat. I like beer. I am good at all of these things. www.azulox.com for more

Scott Carden

My running career began in 2000 while finishing graduate school at North Carolina State University. I began coaching for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team ‘N Training program in 2003. In 2006, I accepted an opportunity to join Rogue as a coach, and have since completed several programs as a coach and participant.
My approach to coaching is to help each athlete determine their goals and support them in doing so. Success is defined differently for everyone. Regardless the goal, the challenge is always the same: to push yourself to YOUR limit. I am passionate about the sport and the benefits you gain from pushing those limits, the connection you gain with a community of runners, and the tenacity that comes with the miles. It amazes me that a sport that only requires you to put one foot in front of the other offers such a challenge with immense rewards!
I hope to see you out on the trail! Until then, run strong and persevere!

Lorrie Council

In the spring/summer I coach the women's triathlon classes and fall/winter I coach for Rogue’s Austin half marathon program. I enjoy coaching beginners. My groups often include people with a range of abilities/goals so I usually provide a range of workouts. I try to know the athletes in my classes and how running fits into their lives to help them achieve their goals. In the 5+ years that I’ve been coaching with Rogue, I’ve been blessed to meet many interesting and diverse people – all united by running! For me, running is a multi-dimensional passion – it is both difficult yet rewarding – it allows me to be introspective, make improvements and push, but also to respect who I am and where I’m at. As a side benefit, running has enabled me to know Austin at the street level – I rarely get lost and I’m really good with maps! In addition to running, I also practice yoga on a daily basis – it's a good complement to running, work, and life in general. Breathe deeply, run well.

Bobby Garcia

Bobby Coaches, Rogue Team Sole Survivors for 4 years – it is an all levels of marathon training

What is your coaching philosophy?
Being authentic. . being genuine in my strong commitment to help and support an athlete through a journey of physical, mental and emotional discovery. Training for and running a marathon takes commitment – real commitment – on the part of an athlete. 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 I make it my priority to make the experience about the athlete and not my own. What do you think is the most important thing about learning how to run/train?
You will have your 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. 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.

What would you tell a newcomer if they asked you about yourself as a coach?
I’m passionate about coaching because I care about people…period. I am very passionate about building a community of Rogue athletes. I love the Sole Survivors and feel we are creating a special community of athletes who enjoy being together, hanging out, running, and living in THE best city in America. Have a very strong desire to help athletes reach their potential as marathon runners. I think athletes who have been part of the Sole Survivors would tell you that I communicate often, am very approachable, and that my personality style is one that others find easy to connect with.

Liz Freeman

I've been coaching cycling for the Iron Chicks and Rogue Women's Tri training for 5 years. I've also coached swimming. This is my 7th year of doing triathlons & road racing, with a little trail running too. I've run 2 marathons, 7 half-marathons, done 4 half-Ironman triathlons, and a bunch of 10k's, sprint & olympic tri's. I love sharing my experience and knowledge with others! While not an expert, I'm especially interested in nutrition and the mental side of training & racing.

Mark Killingbeck

I have been coaching marathoners since '08 and I certified as a personal trainer through the NASM in '09. My coaching philosophy is that smart, dedicated and consistent work pays off. As a coach, it's my goal to help your training pay off! I started running in 2001 in order to lose weight and get fit, I successfully achieved both and I'm still running! Although I am currently focused on the half-marathon (San Antonio, 3M, then Austin), I have also run several marathons in Austin and San Antonio. I AM EXCITED to share what I have learned on my journey with you so that you can also be successful.

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 7 marathons, struggled through 2 Half-Ironman events (w/o drowning!), and completed over 50 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-year-old son!

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."

Rich Myers

Rich’s running career began in college just for fun and fitness. After running numerous short distance races, Rich developed the desire to run further and faster. Upon moving to Austin he quickly jumped into endurance training for multi-sport races, but his main motivator remains running. Through Rich’s own involvement with Rogue Coaching, Rich’s active lifestyle has taken to new heights and he has surpassed several personal training and fitness goals. Rich looks forward to the opportunity to train with other Rogues and to share his knowledge on achieving your own fitness and training goals. When not running or training, Rich spends a lot of time outdoors, camping, backpacking, golfing, dabbling in the garden, fly fishing, and checking out live music.

Ramon Ornelas

I am free spirit that loves the road. I've lived in L.A., San Fran, Chicago and NYC and decided to come back to Austin for a few years to finish my masters. I enjoy exercising, competition and a GREAT time.

Sydney Pitt

I'm Sydney. I'm a life time student, currently attending Texas State studying nutrition and Spanish. This is my third year coaching Iron Chicks, and it is my favorite group ever! We have fun and work hard. You will be in good hands in Rogue Training!

Ginny Rohlich

I coach running for the Ironchicks triathlon class and half-marathon training for beginners. As a person who didnt get into running or triathlon until my mid 40's, I strongly believe that it's never too late to begin a great exercise program that will improve both your mental and physical health. My philosophy is that running should be fun, otherwise you probably aren't going to continue doing it. I strongly encourage people in my groups to find good running buddies. These are the folks who will get you up and out of bed for your long runs! I have been involved with Ironchicks since its beginning and have coached a couple of half-marathon classes for Rogue. I consider myself a person who is not necessarily competitive but always ready to try hard. And that is what I would expect from others. I want people I coach to know that I sincerely believe that if they follow the program, they will be successful. I would like to give them that confidence, too.

Allison Macsas

Allison has been a runner and mileage junkie since being introduced to cross country in high school. She went on to run at the University of Tampa, graduating with three All-American titles and a handful of school records.

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 a member of Team Rogue Elite, currently aiming for the 2012 marathon Olympic 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.

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.