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Run Coaches

Gillian Goerzen

Gill Vic half Oct 2015 finishI started running (for the first time) 18 years ago. I was inspired by a group of work colleagues and thought, hey, why not me?! So I started my very first walk to run program. I was hooked almost immediately. There was something so freeing about running. Just me, my thoughts and my foot striking in rhythm. There was a moving meditation to it and it was so good for me (body & mind). When I started running it was the first time in my life I saw that a sport could be for personal achievement and growth. I’ve been running pretty much ever since (with a couple of hiatus to have my kiddos).  In 2001 I had the opportunity to work as a volunteer leader with the Vancouver Sun Run and it was there that I realized my passion for sharing this sport for others. Especially others like me who had perhaps previously thought they couldn’t do it! I’ve been teaching run clinics in corporate environments and to the public ever since. I continue to challenge myself with running. This past year has been especially exciting for me. I’ve really begun connecting the power of the mind to the ability of the body – and by breaking down the mental barriers (and putting in a lot of work) I was able to achieve personal bests in both the 10k and 1/2 Marathon distance.  I’m officially faster than I was at 20 – and that feels pretty amazing. To me running is about so much more than physical activity – the pursuit and achievement of goals you thought were “impossible” helps you realize you’re stronger and more capable than you thought. And THAT translates to you being completely unstoppable in your life!

Personal Running Achievements:

  • 40+ road and trail races including The Vancouver Sun Run, Victoria Goddess 10K, TC10k, 5 Peaks Trail Series & Warrior Dash
  • 18+ Half Marathons between 1999 and June 2018
  • RLAG Be Fearless Trail 1/2 Marathon, June 2018
  • Half Ironman (Victoria) | 2000, 2001, 2006
  • Ironman Canada 2001
  • MOMAR Sport Course, 2018
  • XTerra Off Road Triathlon, 2003, 2005

Book stuff:

  • BSc (kinesiology)
  • BCRPA Personal Trainer/ Group Fitness Instructor, Trainer of Fitness Leaders (Fitness Theory, Weight Training & Group Fitness)
  • Fit to Deliver Pre & Post Natal Certification
  • Tabata Bootcamp Certification

Kate Fisher

Kate marathon smilesI’ve been a long distance runner for over twenty years, competing at both the university and national level, but my true passion is sharing my love of fitness with others. During my time as Head Junior Development Coach for an island track and field team, I witnessed the profound sense of community, strong work ethic and great pride these young athletes had for their sport. I felt so inspired and empowered to be a part of their journey that I began taking coaching courses in an effort to continue to support them. After graduating from Simon Fraser University with a degree in Psychology & Kinesiology, I started my own health and fitness company in the small town of Merritt, BC. I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, from high-level athletes to those brand new to exercise. After moving to Burnaby, I started my career path in Corporate Fitness where I continue to work today. I later moved to Salt Spring Island where I started a family and developed a keen interest in pre/post natal health and fitness. I am now a mum to two young boys (Eli & Miles) and feel very fortunate to call Nanaimo home. My boys have given me yet another reason to love running, be it on my own, with a friend or a group as it provides me an opportunity to take time away from being a parent (and wife and employee) and just be me. I feel no greater sense of freedom than being outside in the trails or on the road while out on a run. The fact that running also enables me to stay fit, boost my energy levels and keep up to my active kids is a bonus!

 

Personal Running Achievements:

  • Represented Canada four times – 1999, 2000, 2001 (including the Pan American Junior Championships in Santa Fe, Argentina)
  • NAIA Women’s Cross Country National Team Champions – SFU – 2003 (Kentucky, USA)
  • NAIA National Champion – 2004 (Tennessee, USA)
  • Goodlife Marathon (Victoria) 2010 – sub 3:30
  • New Balance Fall Classic Half Marathon (Vancouver) 2013 – sub 1:35

Book Stuff:

  • BA in Psychology and Kinesiology
  • BCRPA Personal Trainer/ Group Fitness Instructor, Supervisor of Fitness Leaders (Group Fitness & Personal Training), Trainer of Fitness Leaders (Fitness Theory & Weight Training)
  • NCCP Level 2 Distance Coach
  • Pre & Post Natal Fitness Consultant

Danielle Brazeau

I grew up in a household where finding a team sport was a must. As I grew up, I streamlined my interests into pursuing both softball and basketball. When I graduated high school, my focus shifted to discovering new athletic pursuits. I had always run to stay in shape for sports, but I began to extend my distances, grab my MP3 player (aging myself!) and genuinely enjoy running as a stress-reliever and as a fun way to maintain my fitness. I also began challenging myself to compete in running based events, such as fun runs and Tough Mudder’s. I was able to share my love of fitness as a preschool teacher and manager of an out of school care facility, while pursuing a BA in English literature. When I experienced my first pregnancy, I was able to keep my running and workout fitness right until my daughter Lily’s birthday. I set a goal for myself that I would run my first marathon before completing my maternity leave… and I did it! Also, on the advice of one of my amazing spin instructors, I got my BCRPA certifications and began sharing my love of fitness with other adults teaching a variety of different classes. When I had my son, Finn, I set a bigger goal of completing a half Ironman before he turned one—and I did that, too! I love that fitness and running are normal habits for my children, and they have inspired me to be a positive role model with regards to healthy mind and body. This was also this year I had the opportunity to work with a run community coaching my first trail run clinic. I became hooked! Being able to help others attain their goals and find a genuine love of running makes my heart full. Seeing their successes and their amazing commitment, achievements, and joy makes me so proud. I have loved seeing and becoming a part of Nanaimo’s amazing, welcoming and supportive run community!

Personal Running Achievements:

  • 7 Tough Mudder Races
  • Edge to Edge Full Marathon 2016
  • Good life Half Marathon 2016
  • Victoria Subaru Half-Ironman 70.3 2018

Book Stuff:

  • BCRPA Fitness Theory, Weight Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
  • BCRPA Personal Trainer (pending exam)
  • Diploma in Recreation and Sports Management