The Iowa Chapter's Team in Training (TNT) coaches are experienced and dedicated. As you train for your endurance event, they will guide and encourage you, helping you acheive your goals!

Team in Training gives you MORE, and our coaches are certainly no exception! Read below to learn about your TNT Coach!

Marathon and Half Marathon

Kevin Otte, Des Moines Area Run and Walk Coach

My name is Kevin Otte, and I have been with Team in Training since May of 1995. I have been a coach for much of my adult life, coaching collegiate cross country runners, marathon runners and walkers, little leauge, junior football, and youth basketball. Most people just know me as "coach."

I became involved with Team in Training because of my love of running. I have been a runner for close to 35 years, and have always enjoyed the sport. I was given an opportunity to work with individuals who wanted to complete a marathon and support a great cause, fighting blood cancer. Little did I know at the time how wonderful these athletes would be! I have established life long friendships with many of the runners and walkers that I have coached over the years. I've always told people that it really takes a special person to dedicate months of their life to train and raise funds for blood cancer research.

Several years ago, my sister in law was diagnosed with Hodgkin's diesase, so the people that I have helped train also helped see her to a complete recovery!

I keep coming back to coaching the TEAM because I know that we are making a difference, and it also is cool to see these people reach goals they thought were impossible.

Amy Johnson, Eastern Iowa Run and Walk Coach

I started my association with Team in Training as a participant. I fundraised for and completed the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon in 2001. Shortly thereafter, my coach moved out of the area and I was asked to take over the position. Over the years,  I have performed different coaching duties including run, walk and cycle. I have also continued to participate in events and fundrase. I was the first Triple Crown coach in the state of Iowa! This means that I fundraised for and completed in run, cycle and triathlon events for TNT. These included America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe, NV and the Hy-Vee Triathlon in Des Moines, IA.

What I love most about what I do as a coach is seeing people go from nervous beginner to confident endurace athlete. Coaching these runners and walkers (most of whom are first-timers) is extremely rewarding itself. The connection to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society deepens the meaning of the experience by knowing these participants are affecting change in the world in a very real way. Being personally connected to such medical breakthroughs as the creation of Gleevek is powerful stuff, and keeps me motivated to continue coaching these great volunteers to success at the finish line.

Triathlon

Ken Kenworthy, Des Moines Area Triathlon Coach

My first event with Team in Training was with the first ever TNT triathlon team in 2005! I competed in the St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg, Florida. Since that time, I have participated in two more events with Team in Training, the Hy-Vee Triathlon and the Nations Triathlon. Along with participating in the events, I have also helped coach the triathlon teams. This is something that I have come to enjoy very much. It is an amazing feeling to help people achieve something that 16 weeks prior, they thought was impossible.

While training for my first triathlon with TNT I became very good friends with the coach. During the 16 weeks of training, I learned alot about triathlons. Along with that, I also learned that the marathons, century rides, and triathlons are just a small part of the biger picture. While yes, it's very rewarding to finish one of these events, the real reward is knowing that the money you raised is helping to find a cure and also helping to improve the quality of life for the poeple with blood cancers.

I look at coaching as my contribution to helping find a cure for blood cancers as well as helping others do the same thing.

Chris Siguenza, Eastern Iowa Triathlon Coach

Picture and bio coming soon!

Are you interested in becoming a Team in Training coach?

Team in Training Iowa Chapter is currently recruiting athletes for all coaching positions. If you are interested in impacting the lives of others and helping participants achieve their athletic goals while finding cures for blood cancers, please fax your athletic resume and cover letter to 515-270-5392. Please feel free to contact the office with any questions at 515-270-6169!