Wisconsin

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Coaches/Mentors > Mentor Information

Mentor Information

MEET OUR WISCONSIN CHAPTER COACHES, TEAM CAPTAINS AND MENTORS:

COACHES:

Jackie Arendt-Run Coach (MADISON)

Jackie began running competitively 10 years ago as a mile runner in high school. Since then, she has grown to love long runs and has competed in 7 marathons, including Boston Marathon in 2007. Jackie also enjoys running shorter races and competing in triathlons ranging from sprint to Ironman distances. As a coach for TNT, she hopes to share her love for running as well as help new athletes learn all aspects of what it takes to be successful as a runner.

Christopher Clausen-Tri Coach (MADISON)
Christopher Clausen began coaching for Team In Training back in 2005. Chris has competed in many triathlons ranging from sprint to Ironman distances. In 2005 he competed in the National Half Ironman Championships. He is also an accomplished ultra marathoner holding age group records twice at the Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Endurance Run. As a TNT coach he loves coaching and mentoring fellow triathletes and instilling a passion for the sport and for training. "It is amazing what you can accomplish when you put your heart into something. I love training and triathlons, and being able to do what I love and help support such a great cause makes it all the more meaningful to me."

Grant Coisman-Cycle Coach (MADISON)
Grant has enjoyed bicycling since he was 6 but got more serious about it in 1994 and has been biking ever since. His first Century (100 mile) bike ride was in 1998 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has since done several more around the nation including the 2003 Wisconsin Ironman Triathlon. He has coached many cyclists and triathletes. His first event with Team In Training was as a Coach with the Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter in California for the Cool Breeze Century in Ventura California. He enjoys introducing his passion of cycling to others.

Bob Glass-Cycle Coach (MADISON)

Bob started cycling earnestly in 1994 as a riding partner for a friend. He rode his first century in 1997 and, as he puts it, "wished the ride had ended 20 miles sooner." He became involved with Team in Training in 1998 because they offered a training program for finishing a century ride and feeling good at the end. He completed his first TNT event that year, the Lake Tahoe Century, and it was such a moving experience he did the El Tour de Tucson with TNT in November of '98 as well. He was hooked and has been with the program ever since, from participant, to mentor, to coach from 2002 though 2009 and "until the reason we do this no longers exists."

Paul Lucey-Cycle Coach (MADISON)

Coach Paul Lucey resumed his cycling hobby in 2004 when he rode his first century with TNT at America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe. Paul has ridden many regional and national climbing events and competed in the Wisport Cycling series. "I love cycling, but I love coaching the truly selfless and courageous riders for Team in Training even more. Nothing is more satisfying to me than sharing the joys and the tears of TNT cyclists as they cross the finish line at Lake Tahoe, having contributed so significantly to the future victory over these cancers."

Karen Gonzalez-Walk Coach (MILWAUKEE)

Karen began as a walk participant in 1998, and as a coach in 1999. She has now completed 11 marathons from Bermuda to San Francisco. Karen originally wanted to do a marathon just because she wanted the challenge. She stayed committed, because a number of family and friends have been struck with Leukemia and Lymphoma since her first event. Karen has enjoyed the Team spirit and motivating others so much she went back to school so she can become a Registered Dietitian.

Tammy Kapp-Run Coach (MILWAUKEE)

Tammy traveled to Bermuda with Team in Training in 2000 as a fundraising participant. Since then she has run many more half and full marathons and served as a TNT mentor from 2001-2005. In 2005 she became a coach in the Milwaukee region. She runs many local 5k's and stays connected with many past participants... always willing to motivate alumni to do another event! Coaching for TNT is a rewarding experience for her. She knows the realities of fundraising and training and believes her participants can accomplish any fitness goal they set and she's willing to go the extra mile to support them. Since becoming a part of Team in Training, Tammy has been even more passionate about finding ways to fund research and patient care as cancer has found its way into her family. She believes that the work TNT does on behalf of LLS is making a difference!

Dan Kasun-Cycle Coach (MILWAUKEE)

Dan started his bicycling lifestyle in 1999 with the Scenic Shore 150. Participating in the Lake Tahoe Team In Training event in 2000, he mentored riders in the Lake Tahoe event in 2001, and has been coaching from 2002 through 2009 at successive Lake Tahoe Events.

He is an avid commuter, supporter of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, and enjoys sharing bicycle knowledge especially with new riders to Team In Training.

Jen Kwasny-Walk and Run/Walk Coach (MILWAUKEE)

Jen became involved with Team In Training in 2006 after a very close friend passed away of CML in 2005. While she?d heard of the Team In Training program before and thought it sounded cool, it was just never the right time to join. Having not been an athlete in her youth, she never thought she?d really do an endurance event. In May 2006, that time became reality. With that day, she signed up for the Nike Women?s Marathon for 2006 and has never really looked back. Staying on with Team as a Captain and then Mentor and Coach, Jen has now completed one full and one half marathon with hopes to complete one or two more in 2010. Outside of Team, Jen is a busy professional and mom with two very active kids and a wonderfully supportive husband of her ?many? habits. She also plays ice hockey and holds an annual charity hockey tournament, ?Light the Lamp Against Leukemia?.

Mary Ann Miller-Run Coach (MILWAUKEE)

Mary Ann began her running career with Team in Training in January of 1999, completing her first marathon in Anchorage in June of the same year. Since then she has completed several more TNT events as a participant, mentor and coach. Mary Ann?s greatest satisfaction from working with TNT comes from the opportunity to share her experience, encouragement and inspiration with new team members.

Chris Rask-Run Coach (NE REGION)

Chris started running with Team in Training in 2004. He decided to run the Chicago Marathon since it was exactly 5 years and 4 days from his last radiation treatment. Chris had follicular mixed cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It was his goal, and a celebration of beating Cancer, to run that marathon and to help a great cause. Chris has been coaching runners since 2005. He has run 6 marathons with one being the Boston Marathon in 2007. He has helped out coaching at several events from Anchorage to Dublin, Ireland. Chris runs all year long and enjoys coaching and helping others achieve their goal. Chris is a welder by trade in a small town outside of Green Bay.

Art Saffran-Run Coach (MADISON)
Art started running marathons with Team in Training in 2004 to honor a close friend who died from Leukemia. Since then he has run nine marathons from Anchorage to Dublin and Duluth to Boston. An avid short distance runner since 1983, Art was hooked on long distance running after his first Team in Training event and served as a mentor for three years. In 2008 he took on the role of run/walk coach. Art is a computer consultant in his real life. He is a year-round runner and an avid biker in the warm weather months.

TEAM CAPTAINS:

Kevin Fons-Cycle Team Captain (MADISON) Kevin has been biking all his life. Kevin raced BMX and rode in the skate parks back in the late 70?s and early 80?s in the Milwaukee area. In college, he purchased his first road bike and was immediately drawn to long distance riding. His bike was one of his main forms of transportation in the summer, putting anywhere from 30 to 150 miles a day on his bike. He was introduced to Team In Training by his wife when he supported her and went to cheer her on in Tahoe in 2007. Kevin has rode Tahoe in 2008 and 2009 to raise money and ride in honor of numerous friends with Leukemia and Lymphoma.

Ana Valdez-Walk Team Captain (NE REGION)
Ana started walking marathons with Team in Training in 2007 to honor her mom who died from Leukemia. Since then he has walked three half marathons and is looking forward to two more in the next two months. Ana had never walked long distances before but after her mother?s death, she found information on TNT and decided that she could make a difference in other people?s lives by walking a marathon and raising money to find a cure. Ana is originally from Colombia, South America and has lived in Appleton for the last 17 years. She is the Information Technology manager for a local company in the Fox Cities.

MENTORS:

Whitney Burkey-Run Mentor (MILWAUKEE)

Whitney never considered herself a runner. However, when she attended a Team in Training info meeting in January '08 she decided to take on the challenge of the marathon...and has been hooked ever since! Whitney has completed two full marathons with TNT and has mentored several seasons. As a pediatric nurse, Whitney has seen blood cancers affect too many families. Knowing she's making a difference in the lives of those battling blood cancers keeps her coming back for more. Go Team!

Kelli Cameron-Run Mentor (MADISON) Being active always came naturally to Kelli since she grew up on a Wisconsin farm caring for animals and the land, however athletics were not always her passion. When Kelli joined Weight Watchers she wanted to combine diet and exercise, but couldn't find the time to commit to exercise. Setting a goal of walking a half marathon for a lifesaving cause was ideal - and Team in Training provided that opportunity. Kelli has been touched by numerous people in her life who have battled with Leukemia and Lymphoma - some who won, some who lost, and some who continue the great fight. After four walking and running events and keeping off the 90 pounds lost, Kelli finds the greatest rewards are not her personal accomplishments, but what she can help others achieve through Team in Training.

Luke Gulbrand-Run Mentor (MADISON)
Luke's running career started with track in 6th grade and was strengthened through high school cross-country and track. He ran for fun and exercise during college and participated in many 10Ks and road races. His first marathon was as a new TNT member at the San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon in June '07. His goal in this marathon was to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which he did with 85 seconds to spare! Luke had a great time at the Boston Marathon in April 2008. Luke values how Einstein said, "In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity." Luke is excited to be a part of TNT again and to assist as a run mentor. He loves running and using it as a tool to push and strengthen himself, physically and mentally. Luke is looking forward to meeting new TNT members and working with them to help inspire and motivate in the battle against cancer. He is also excited to discuss the difficulties and struggles he went through, how this led to success with TNT and running, and how important it is to keep in mind that "If it is to be, it is up to me."

Amanda Hanson-Run Mentor (MILWAUKEE)

Amanda joined Team In Training in 2005. She was never a runner, and even dreaded it in high school gym class. She originally went to an information meeting with an interest in a century ride, but left signed up for the Chicago Marathon. That April at the sign up she really didn't know what she was getting herself into, but 4 years later and with 2 (almost 3) marathons under her belt, she just can't stop. Team In Training gave her the motivation to become a runner and now a mentor. The challenge, the people, and most of all, the mission is what keeps her running.

Amanda Hegg-Run Mentor (MILWAUKEE)

I started with Team in Training in January of 2009 on a mission to cross off 3 things from my "bucket list". After being an on again/off again runner, I wanted to push myself to the limit and see if I could do a marathon. In addition, I have always wanted to travel to Seattle and found that the inaugural marathon was in June. To top off the list, a lifelong goal was to dedicate some time and energy to raising money for a great cause-mine just happened to be for the fight against Leukemia. In 2004, my dad lost his battle to Leukemia after his 18 month fight. I thought 2009 would be a wonderful year to dedicate to my father. I went out with a goal to raise $5,000 on the 5 year anniversary of losing my dad. In June, I ran my very first marathon and raised nearly $5400 for the society. The amount of comradery, focus, and sense of accomplishment I felt during the process and after finishing the marathon was indescribable and I wanted to continue to contribute toward a such a wonderful organization-which is why I have decided to become a run mentor.

Gena Larson-Cycle/Tri Mentor (MADISON)
Gena signed up for the her first TNT event (Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, AK in 2001) because she wanted to get back in shape. Having a goal on the calendar and a coach to guide and motivate her seemed like a set-up for success. Doing something good for others and having the opportunity to go to Alaska were just added perks. Four years later and numerous TNT events later, Gena is still involved not necessarily because of the positive changes in her life (which were big) but because of the change she felt she was making in the lives of others (which was much bigger). Now she states that watching and helping people achieve something they might have never thought possible is a daily reminder of the power of the human spirit! And, who wouldn't want to be involved in something like that?!

Patrick McGuire-Cycle Mentor (MADISON)

Patrick did not jump into Team in Training impulsively. In fact he went to 3 seasonal recruitment meetings and waited until the night of the Tahoe Kickoff to actually commit. Having worked for Schwinn, who partners with Team in Training, Patrick was able to learn more about the work done by LLS and the Team in Training Program. Patrick participated in his first Team in Training event at America?s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe in June of 2009. This experience let him realize that at the end of any ride, no matter how long, how cold, or how painful, your ride is done. Leukemia and Lymphoma patients have to keep riding or the disease wins. Patrick also wants to mention that being a part of the TNT Bike Team means you can eat Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and no one looks at you funny for doing it.

Laura Mount-Tri Mentor (MADISON)
Laura's journey with Team In Training started in 1998 as a new comer to Seattle, WA. She was interested in meeting new people with active lifestyles and in completing her first marathon. She ran the Anchorage Midnight Sun Marathon in June of 1999 and met some of her very best friends through the experience. Hooked as most seem to get she continued to mentor for Dublin, Maui and Mardi Gras through 2002. After a relocation to Madison, WI and a need to again meet new people and find some grounding in a good cause along with taking on the new challenge of triathlon she looked to Team In Training to provide her with the camaraderie she remembered from before. She completed the Chicago Accenture Triathlon in August of 2007 and 2008. She's back this year to mentor a group to success through this amazing process of training and fundraising. Team in Training has molded, changed and shaped her life in ways she couldn't have imagined.

Jason Pristelski-Run Mentor (NE REGION)

Jason started running in 2005 when his sister challenged him to run a marathon with her. Although it would be another two years before they crossed a finish line together, it was the spark that lit a fire fueled by a future of running. Jason has completed ten marathons, six half-marathons, Walt Disney World Marathon's Goofy Challenge, one triathlon, numerous dualthons and countless 10k and 5k races. He was compelled to join Team in Training's efforts to find a cure for blood cancers after losing his dad to AML in 2008. Jason has been involved in four TNT events, the first of which was the Maui Marathon, in honor of his dad. Jason's day job as a social worker provides him the experience and compassion to motivate Team members to reach their goals. In his spare time, Jason enjoys

working out, running (of course) and biking. Jason also enjoys relaxing with friends and family, watching the Atlanta Braves, attending Green Bay Packer games, and traveling for marathons, to name a few passions.

Mike Runnells-Cycle Mentor (MILWAUKEE)

Looking for the next great life adventure I signed up for TNT's Lake Tahoe Bike Ride in 2004 . Little did I realize at the time that all the great people involved with Team In Training would become a second family to me . After crossing the finish line in 2004 I new immediately that I would return , and I have again and again. Prior to joining Team in Training I was a middle of pack weekday/weekend runner/biker. By becoming part of the TNT family I quickly found that 'The Mission' of Team In Training added extra purpose to all those cold, windy, snowy mid March training rides . The Team In Training program truly has added passion to my life. I can not think of a better recommendation for YOU to join us.

Rachel Simon-Run Mentor (MADISON)

Rachel is a case of adult onset athleticism. After 40 she thought it would be a good time to learn to swim so she could do a sprint triathlon. Then, with some coaxing from a friend, the Anchorage marathon with Team in Training was next. Having never participated in sports in high school, being a member of Team in Training was an unforgettable experience! Knowing that you're making a difference in the lives of people with blood cancers makes the effort even more rewarding. Now it?s just a matter of time before she does another event!

Dan Tyler-Tri/Cycle/Run Mentor (MADISON)

When it comes to endurance activities, Dano has always preferred cause-oriented events. So in 2007 when a friend recommended Team in Training as a great way to get back into running, he gave it a try. Dano was so excited about his first TNT experience- P.F. Chang's half-marathon in Phoenix- that he rode America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride the same year, and has stayed on as a mentor ever since. In this role, he hopes to make everyone else excited about TNT, too! Go Team! This year, Dano is honored to hold the Society's Wisconsin title of "Man of the Year", and is training with Madison's inaugural TNT Ironman triathlon team. Dano is fortunate to have found a place where he can be tough to go the distance, but be sensitive about why. In his spare time, he enjoys practicing hot yoga, designing roads, gardening, and playing the guitar, drums, and mandolin.

Pam Van Brocklin-Run Mentor (MADISON)
When Pam turned 40, she decided it was time to get serious about improving her health and fitness. She also wanted to finally make a commitment to do something to help others. Pam saw a brochure about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team In Training. It has changed her life! She has challenged herself beyond any limits imaginable, while raising money to help others in their fight against blood related cancers. Pam has also made wonderful life long friends who share the same ideals. She wants everyone out there to know that like herself, just a regular person, they can do this too!