Coaching Staff :: Bios
Additional Coaching Staff Bios
- John "The Penguin" Bingham (running)
- Matt Barbosa (running)
- Joe Christophe (running)
- Sean Conroy (running/cycling)
- Fred Grejda (running)
- Madeline "Maddie" Grejda (running/yoga)
- Pati Heniff (running/cycling)
- Brian Herro (running)
- Holly Jamison (run-walk)
- Ally Lofgren (running)
- Lori McGee (running)
- Mike Rusin (running)
- Angela Bartsch (triathlon/CORE performance)
- Tricia Bracik (triathlon/multisport)
- Mike Gregor (triathlon)
- Kevin Meek (triathlon/multisport)
- Erica Rose (open water swimming)
- Andrea Rusin (triathlon/multisport/sports nutrition)
- Hale Deniz-Venturi (sports nutrition)
- Jordan Grauer (cycling)
John "The Penguin" Bingham
Celebrity Running Coach
He's been called the Pied Piper of the second running boom—and for good reason. Since his column, "The Chronicles", started in Runner's World magazine in May of 1996, John "The Penguin" Bingham has become one of the running community's most popular and recognized personalities.
Through his books and his Runner's World column, now published in every English edition of Runner's World, Bingham has inspired a generation of new runners to find joy in walking, running, and racing. His transformation from a life of "sedentary confinement" to marathoner has become a model for people of all ages and abilities. Once an overweight couch potato, he looked mid-life in the face—and got moving. Since then, he has participated in over 40 marathons and hundreds of 5K and 10K races.
His first book, The Courage to Start: A Guide to Running for Your Life, has been among the top 10 running books since its publication (Simon & Schuster, April 1999.) In April 2002, Bingham's book No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running was published by Rodale Press.
In May 2003, Bingham's book Marathoning for Mortals: A Regular Person's Guide to the Joy of Running or Walking a Full or Half Marathon, co-authored by Coach Jenny Hadfield, was published by Rodale Press. In June 2003, Breakaway Books published the second edition of The Penguin Brigade Training Log — co-authored by Coach Jenny Hadfield.
His recent adventure includes starting three new Half Marathons and 5Ks. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic, The LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic, and the Arizona Distance Classic are Penguin friendly celebratory half marathon and 5K races. Their claim to fame is the Balloon Cuties who are hired at every race to officially finish last so nobody else has to! For more information on John's Races visit www.johnbinghamracing.com.
John has been leading and entertaining run-walk groups for CES for several years. You can almost always find him in a group of run-walkers who are smiling and having fun on the trail.
Matt Barbosa
Running Coach
Matt joined the CES coaching staff in January of 2009 after moving to Chicago from Dallas. He has been a competitive runner for eleven years and ran track and cross country through grade school and into college.
He credits his father for getting him interested in running at an early age. His favorite race is the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, which he has participated in every Thanksgiving Day for the past 16 years.
Matt graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Kinesiology and currently teaches and coaches in Chicago Public Schools. He is very excited to be a part of Chicago Endurance Sports and looks forward to helping others reach their running goals.
Joe Christophe
Running Coach
Joe has coached runners for the past 2 seasons with the Arthritis Foundation and Team Salute, Inc. He has also been an active pacer for CES for several years. Joe recently completed the Goofy Race and Half Challenge in Orlando, Florida which is a half and a full marathon in 2 consecutive days. Joe has trained for and finished 8 marathons and is currently training for his 9th. In addition to running, Joe is a triathlete and mountaineer. As a triathlete he has trained for and completed 2 Half Ironmen. As a mountaineer he has trained for two major climbs and reached the summit of Mt. Shasta (elevation 14,179 feet) and Mt. Whitney (elevation 14,505 feet).
His favorite race is Oregon's Hood to Coast Relay. His favorite run is the Washington D.C. Mall. And his favorite mantra is "Be happy while you are alive". He is okay with wired runs and technology, but thinks we all should set one day aside to "run free" and listen to the rhythm of our run.
Joe looks forward to working with the Run/Walk groups and Coaching them to the finish line of their goal race. "With the help of your CES Teammates, Coaches, Director and a positive attitude you will reach your goals and cross the finish line with your hands raised high."
Joe holds a B.S. in Behavioral Science and a minor in Emergency Health Science from the University of Louisiana - Lafayette.
Sean Conroy
Running / Cycling Coach
Sean Conroy has been coaching runners, cyclists and triathletes for several years. He competed for Loyola University and DePaul University for Track and Cross Country from 2002-2006. He is currently training for the European (Budapest) & World Duathlon Championships (North Carolina) in 2009. Sean holds the course record for "fastest Elvis" at the Elvis is Alive 5K!!
Fred Grejda
Running Coach
Fred has been running for over 20 years. He is a CES adventure racing and running program alum and has been coaching for CES and the Nike One Hit Wonder training programs for the last several years and was the 1:30 Race Pacer for the 2005 Chicago Distance Classic.
He is a Boston qualified runner and a former 2nd place finisher in the Ohio Road Runners Marathon Champion. Fred has completed 8 marathons and numerous half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks. Fred's athletic resume also includes half Ironman triathlons, adventure racing, mountain bike racing, road bike time trailing and Vinyasa Yoga.
Madeline "Maddie" Grejda
Running Coach / Yoga Coach
Maddie has coached with CES for 3 years; coaching Learn to Run, half marathon and marathon training programs. Madeline is also an accomplished runner having run 7 marathons, numerous half marathons and other racing distances, as well as the 2 hour pacer for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon. She also shares her passion for coaching and running by coaching the Girls on the Run Program in Chicago.
Maddie is a yoga instructor and has completed her teacher training certification from Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago, IL and finishing her 500-hour requirement for Yoga Alliance Certification. She has studied with master teachers Andrey Lappa, Tias Little, as well as several local teachers.
She believes "The starting point of all achievement is desire." [Napoleon Hill]
Pati Heniff
Running Coach / Cycling Coach
Pati started her running career in school, where she was a Illinois State University middle distance track runner. She has completed 3 marathons, one Ironman triathlon and three 24-hour adventure races. She is also an ITU world long course triathlon Team USA finisher.
Pati coached High School Track and Field and marathon, interval and triathlon training at the East bank Club for 6 years. She is the running program director at Equinox Fitness and a private coach for beginning marathon runners.
Pati has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Ed with a specialization in Physical Education. She also has a Masters degree in Kinesiology, American College of Sports Medicine certification in Fitness, an exercise testing certification and CPR/First Aid certified.
She is currently teaching for an elementary school in Chicago. She is a CES long distance running coach as well as the coach and instructor for the Cycling Performance and CORE Performance Classes.
Brian Herro
Running Coach
Brian has ran 24 marathons including 4 ultra marathons, and has been an official Nike Pacer for the Chicago Marathon for the past 5 years. The past Chicago Marathon Brian paced within 6 second of his time. Brian is also a pacer for the Chicago Rock and Roll half marathon and finished within 1 second this past summer. Some of Brian's most memorable marathons include Zurich, Switzerland, Rome, New York City and The Disney World Marathon. You can catch Brian training along the lakefront with his new companion, a 1 year old Golden/Lab Mix puppy named Cedar.
Holly Jamison
Run-Walk Coach
Holly's first running shoes were the smallest men's she could get because women's running shoes had not yet been created! That was over 35 years ago. She has completed 5 marathons and plans to complete her 6th this fall. The half marathons and other races are too numerous to mention. Her family's passion for running actually inspired the National Restaurant Association to create The Main Course Race. "One of the many advantages of a long running career is less competition and more opportunities for hardware as one gets older!"
Professionally, Holly has a masters in Exercise Physiology, a masters in Psychology and Counseling and is certified as a Fitness Director by the Cooper Institute. She owned her own fitness company, has been fitness director for several health clubs, directed a medically supervised weight loss program for morbidly obese women and was Director of Community Health Education for MacNeal Hospital. Her community running program "RUN 1" was recognized by the President's Council on Physical Fitness. For the past 12 years Holly has been Social Activities director for 20 rental properties in Chicago, St. Louis, and Detroit.
Two years ago Holly found herself suffering from "ICGM" disease (I can't get motivated) and turned to CES because of its reputation for the professional coaching staff, programs for all levels of fitness and goals and most importantly training not for one race but a life long journey of running. Because of CES, both Holly and her husband enjoy running again. She went from participant to Pacer and now coach. "I loved being a CES pacer because I was able to give back to something that has been given me so much, share my passion and experience and most importantly watch the progress and successes of my group.
"Coaching for CES allows me even more opportunities to do something I truly enjoy as much as running and that is coaching people to grow and achieve their goals.
"You will frequently hear me say 'Every run is a good run' because no matter how hard or easy the run, you will take something from that run that will enrich your life physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually."
Ally Lofgren
Running Coach
Education: NASM Certified Personal Trainer
PiYO Certified
Madd Dog Certified Spinning Instructor
Exercise and nutrition literally changed Ally's life. In 2005, she was obese with a BMI of 32. Over the next year with proper nutrition and exercise she lost two thirds of the weight. She credits Chicago Endurance Sports and the Winter Warriors program for the last weight coming off and a completely new lifestyle and career. She began pacing after her first half marathon and hasn't looked back. She has now trained with CES for and completed 7 half marathons, 2 marathons and an international distance triathlon.
CES gave Ally the confidence and experience to leave her "office career" behind and became a NASM certified personal trainer. She is on the coaching staff for the Soldier Field 10-Mile Training Program and is the Pace Director for the Winter Warriors Training Program. She is passionate about making running fun and accessible for everyone. Everyone has a place on the path and Ally is looking for you there!
Lori McGee
Running Coach
In 1998, Lori weighed over 200 pounds. After building up the will power to start running, she lost 70 pounds in one year and landed a spot on her college Cross Country team. Since then she has completed 9 marathons and several half marathons, 10-milers, 10Ks & 5Ks.
While working on her degree in Occupational Therapy, Lori gained experience coaching with high school and college cross country teams in Nebraska. After graduation she worked with the University of Chicago's Track and field team. In May of 2006, she joined the CES coaching staff. She is a USATF level I certified coach. Currently, Lori is a PhD candidate in Neuroscience and Human Movement Rehabilitation Science at Northwestern University.
Lori's endurance passion continues to grow. She recently completed her first Olympic triathlon and will next conquer the half ironman triathlon. Lori knows what it is like to start from scratch and is honored to be a part of the journey the CES athletes will seize this season.
Mike Rusin
Running Coach
Mike has been coaching runners and endurance athletes for 10 years. Mike is an avid runner, having completed over 20 marathons as well as numerous half-marathons and shorter races. Mike qualified for and ran Boston Marathon in 2006 and 2007. In addition to road races, Mike loves to branch out into adventure races and triathlons. He has competed in the last five Chicago Muddy Buddy races earning gold, two silver and bronze medals. In October 2007 Mike ran for the "Southside" Nike Marathon team in the Chicago Marathon. In November 2007, he traveled to the island of Bonaire to compete in an open water swim winning second place in a 3K swim.
He competed in the 2008 Ironman Coeur D'Alene triathlon. Next year he will travel down under to compete in the 2009 Ironman New Zealand race and travel up to compete in the 2009 Ironman Wisconsin race.
In addition to running, Mike is a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. He teaches spinning, muscle definition, and core classes at World Gym and at Fitness Formula Clubs in downtown Chicago.
Mike believes that runners should train their whole bodies, not just their legs. The best runners have not only leg speed and endurance but also solid core strength and upper body strength. Total body fitness leads to better marathon times and fewer injuries.
Angela Bartsch
Triathlon / CORE Performance Coach
Angela began her competitive running career as a Division I Cross Country and Track and Field athlete at Illinois State University. Her experiences as distance runner led her to begin competing in triathlons. This year marks her 6th season as a Sprint and Olympic distance triathlete. She is currently training for her first 70.3 series triathlon.
Angela is currently pursing a Master's degree from Northeastern Illinois University studying Human Performance. She is specifically focusing her research on gait retraining in runners. She hopes to continue her education as a Doctor of Physical Therapy student. When not at school or in training, she works at AthletiCo as a personal trainer. She wants to help inspire people to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle while most importantly having fun in the process!
Tricia Bracik
Triathlon / Multisport Coach
This is Tricia Bracik's debut in the coaching arena—and she's very excited to be working with CES.
Never having been much of an athlete growing up, she started running four years ago at Fleet Feet Chick's nights. Her first race was the Shamrock Shuffle in 2002. After running more races, she did the Danskin triathlon that summer and got hooked! Since then, Trish has completed 3 marathons, several half marathons, 12 triathlons, including 2 half Ironmans and completing the Florida Ironman this past November.
"It sounds kind of cheesy, but running and triathlons have really made a difference for me. It's amazing to find you can accomplish things you never thought you could do. I'm really excited to work with the athletes at CES when they discover what they are capable of accomplishing!"
Mike Gregor
Triathlon Coach
Mike has been running and cycling in some form or another for most of his life. It started with the annual two-mile fun runs and mountain bike races in his hometown of Ashland, WI (way up there) and has progressed into two Chequamegon Fat Tire races, four marathons, two Half Ironman races and numerous other events. Although you'll probably see Mike training for an occasional marathon here and there, triathlon and cycling are tops on his list. Mike's ultimate goal is to eventually train for and compete in Ironman Wisconsin.
A three year veteran of CES programs, this will be Mike's first season wearing a coaching singlet. Throughout the past year, he has been seeking out coaching specific training and anticipates being USAT and USA Cycling Certified by July.
"My main goal as a coach is to get everyone to the starting line happy and healthy. I hope to put my on-going training to good use by helping the Half IM team get stronger and achieve their goals this season!"
Kevin Meek
Triathlon / Multisport Coach
Kevin has been coaching triathlon with CES since 2003. He competed in age group swimming for 15 years, life guarded and coached swimmers for over 8 years. He has competed in triathlons for 7 years (including two Ironman Canada finishes), 2 additional marathons, and numerous running races of other distances. After an injury plagued 2005, he is currently training for a return to the Ironman distance in 2007.
"I look forward to having a lot of fun and helping another great group of athletes in exceeding their goals this year. Always remember to finish with a smile on your face!"
Erica Rose
Open Water Swim Coach
Erica Rose developed a passion for swimming as a young child when her parents enrolled her in learn-to-swim lessons. By the age of 6, she was competing for her local summer club. At age 7, she began swimming year round for one of the most prominent age group swim teams in the country. Erica progressed through the various levels of competition, starting at the Zone Championships and working her way to the Senior National level. She represented Hawken School in the Ohio High School State Championships, winning several individual and team state titles over the course of her four years. In 1997, she qualified for the USA National Junior Team and was ranked 3rd in the world in the 1500-meter freestyle.
About the same time, Erica entered her first open water race in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Erica placed second and instantly loved the freedom of the sport, the lack of lane lines and the challenge of ever changing conditions. One year later, at age 15, Erica became the first ever World Champion in the Open Water 5K!
Erica continued to race in both the pool and open water venues, focusing on pool swimming in the fall and winter seasons and open water swimming in the spring and summer. Erica competed at Northwestern University for four years in the distance and individual medley events and became a Big Ten Conference finalist and an NCAA Championship qualifier. After her final collegiate season, Erica retired from pool swimming in order to focus on her true passion — open water swimming.
Erica has represented the USA on six World Championship teams. She has been on the USA National team for the past eleven years. She has ten national titles and has been voted USA Open Water Swimmer of the Year four times throughout her career. She competed in the Grand Prix and World Cup series of races throughout the past few years, finishing as high as third in the world rankings during the 2006 season. This year, Erica was chosen as one of six women throughout the world to participate in the Great Channel Swim, a prestigious race across the English Channel that was supposed to take place in August of 2009. Unfortunately, the French Coastguard decided that there were not enough safety precautions in place and withdrew their support of the event. Without their support, the organizing committee was forced to cancel the race.
Andrea Rusin, ATC, RD, LD
Triathlon / Multisport Coach / Sports Nutritionist
Andrea has been with CES coaching nutrition since 2004 and joined the triathlon coaching team two years later. She looks forward to adding swim coaching to her role in CES.
Andrea was a competitive swimmer in college, splitting her time between the University of Minnesota and The University of North Dakota. While at UND she was NCAA champion in the 100 and 200 yard butterfly and was awarded All-American status at both Universities in various other events.
Andrea is currently training for 5K & 10K, 25K open water swimming events and Ironman & 1/2 Ironman distance triathlons. She recently broke 12 hours in the Ford Ironman Wisconsin event and placed 1st in her division on the swim and 69th overall.
Andrea has Bachelor's degrees in Athletic Training and Dietetics from the University of North Dakota. She recently completed a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Minnesota. Her nutrition expertise include sports nutrition, weight management, and bariatrics. Her sports medicine skills are maintained and put to good use with ongoing work for the United States Swimming national team and traveling with other USOC sponsored teams (women's bobsled, rowing, canoe/kayak, Lacrosse) and competitions (Pan Am Games, Pan Pac Games, World Championships, World Cup racing).
Words to live, train, and race by: "The pain of not trying your hardest lasts a lot longer than the pain it takes to push yourself to the limits."
Hale Deniz-Venturi, MS, ATC, LAT, CSSD, LDN
Triathlon / Multisport Coach / Sports Nutritionist
Hale is the founder of FitHealth Consulting — AthlEATS and has been working in the nutrition and sports medicine / fitness field for over 22 years. Her expertise includes Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Athletic Trainer. Hale's specialty areas of practice are weight management, bariatrics, sports nutrition, cardiovascular fitness, wellness-complementary nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, eating disorders and addictions. Hale and CES have teamed up to create nutritional clinics and programs for active adults. Hale is also available for personal nutrition coaching.
Jordan Grauer
Cycling Coach
Jordan Grauer has been an avid cyclist for almost 30 years and still fondly remembers his first racing bike. He's been a competitive cyclist since college, attended the Olympic training center in Colorado Springs, and in 1995, qualified for and successfully completed the 1,200 kilometer Paris-Brest-Paris ultramarathon cycling race. As co-owner and operator of Higher Gear bicycles for 13 years (1993-2005), Jordan was a key sponsor of Club Bicicletta, an amateur cycling club affliliated with the Higher Gear/Vox team. He has also led bicycle tours through Canada, France, Scotland, England, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. Last year Jordan held a series of bike seminars for CES addressing bike fit, maintenance, technique and component selection. He's excited to continue working with CES and is looking forward to coaching for them this year.