Fit to Run Instructors

Yoga Instructors

Rowena de Jesus

• Associate Forrest Yoga Teacher
• RYT® (Registered Yoga Teacher) 200 hour level
• Experienced marathon runner (Team in Training Alumni)
• yogaHOPE teacher: Dedicated to establishing rehabilitative yoga programs in residential facilities for underserved women in substance abuse recovery, poor and homeless women, and victims of domestic violence
• Experienced in Yin, Shadow, Ashtanga, PranaVayu, Baptiste and Bikram Yoga
• Graduate of UCLA (B.S. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics)
• Candidate in Master of Public Health Program, Tufts University
• Teaches fun and dynamic classes with emphasis on connecting to the core and the breath, leaving you invigorated and relaxed
• Through Forrest Yoga, Ro healed her injuries from running and will run her next marathon injury free! She is an international chameleon and lab rat who loves to chillax (chill and relax) by the beach or snowboard the Rocky Mountains all while basking in the contentment of life

Sumner Fletcher

• AFPA Certified Yoga Instructor 200 level
• AFPA Certified Personal Trainer
• Competitive marathoner: 2:57 in Boston 09, 4th place in Cape Cod Marathon 08
• Taft Elementary School Yoga Instructor for children 1st-4th grade
• Experience in Ashtanga, Power, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Restorative, and Iyengar Yoga.
• Graduate of University of Vermont (B.A. in Arts and Environmental Studies)
• The style of Yoga Sumner teaches focuses on helping your body (both physically and mentaly) to become stronger and more able to handle the demands of running and physical activity.
• With yoga Sumner has been able to compete regularly at the marathon distance and recover faster with less injuries during her training. She has become more in tune with her body and gained a calmness of mind, overall happiness and well-being.

FTR Instructors

Joseph McConkey

Joseph McConkey is a certified USA Track and Field level 2 Coach (endurance) with over 10 years experience as a competitive athlete and running coach. He has coached a wide range of runners, including those wanting to run a 5k for the first time, runners looking to improve their marathon time, and athletes striving for elite performances.  Over the past eight years Joseph has dedicated his efforts to designing more efficient and comprehensive programs aimed at improving the health and fitness of individual runners. His methodologies, client stories, and contributions to the running community have been featured in Running Times, Runners World, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Metro Sports, and numerous local media outlets throughout New England.  

Joseph's marathoners have completed marathons throughout the world, including:

Arizona Rock'n'Roll Marathon, Austin Marathon, Bay State Marathon, Boston Marathon, Baltimore Marathon, Breakers Marathon, Cape Cod Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Columbus Marathon, Detroit Marathon, Disney Marathon, Dublin Marathon, Eugene Marathon, Frankfurt Marathon, Hamburg Marathon, Hartford Marathon, Honolulu Marathon, Las Vegas Marathon, Long Beach Marathon, Maine Marathon, Marine Core Marathon, New Jersey Marathon, New York Marathon, Nike Women's Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, Portland Marathon, San Francisco Marathon
San Diego Rock'n'Roll Marathon, and more.

Joseph competed as a front runner at the NCAA Division 1 Ball State University. There he was coached under Chris Buehler, a close friend and running partner of American distance superstar Bob Kennedy. In conjunction with coaching and training, Joseph has continually performed as a top finisher in road races throughout the mid-west and the east coast.  Joseph McConkey is also the Mens and Womens Cross County Head Coach at Newbury College and was named 'Coach of the Year' in the NECC conference in 2009 - his first year.

Educations/Certifications: MS - Injury Preventions and Sports Performance, USATF level II (endurance), NASM PES, ACE PT, NASE

schedule a free consultation with Joe
testimonials

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Running Coach: Sarah Anderson

• B.S. in Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation from Ithaca College
• M.S. in Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Psychology from Ithaca College
• American College of Sports Medicine Certified Health Fitness Specialist
• USATF Level 1 Coach
• Experienced personal trainer with a focus on exercise intensity and improving body awareness levels.
• Clinical experience with special populations including pulmonary, cardiac and diabetic patients
• Competitive runner

Coaching Philosophy

Distance running requires both physical and mental training. First, it is important to establish short and long-term goals. Generally, goals that are motivated by intrinsic factors and realistic outcomes lead to the greatest probability of achievement. Second, acknowledging mental and physical barriers and ways to overcome them will aid in preparation for potential set-backs and allow for running longevity. Last, one must be aware of pace. What pace is appropriate for shorter versus longer distances? How hard is too hard? What pace are you at now versus where you will be and when, with the correct program. Establishing pace awareness will improve running performance and allow for cardiovascular adaptations to occur.


Identifying physical limitations, capabilities and mental barriers is imperative to a successful running experience. Understanding and acknowledging these components allow for running growth and overall enjoyment.


Testimonials


"Sarah helped me find muscles I never knew I had! Her energy and flexibility made my goals a reality in less time than I imagined. Sarah's passion for fitness (and running, especially) is infectious! She gives you that extra boost to keep working hard even when you're fighting for air. I'm always impressed by Sarah's new routines and creative exercises - she keeps my workout exciting and injury-free!"

"Before I started working with Sarah, I committed to five sessions with a trainer I had never met. I figured I could get a few tips and add some new moves to my fitness routine. But once Sarah Anderson became a part of my workout, I couldn't let her go. From push ups with a tricep kick-back to frog jumps on a padded mat, I felt challenged, always sweaty, and yet thrilled with my results. Sarah gives you more than just a workout - she's a reservoir of motivation, an amazing listener, and a problem solver. When I had trouble with my knee, she showed me how to maneuver around the tender muscle and still get a rigorous sweat session. Her knowledge of the science and how to best use your body offer an invaluable element to each workout. Sarah's iconic in her field because she has it all - the brains, the biceps and the best attitude ever!"

schedule a free consultation with Sarah