Coaches

Tyrona Heath

I had just finished a workout at Stanford track when I literally "ran" into the Running for a Reason club. After they told me about their mission to promote awareness and raise money for hospice and childhood cancer, I knew that meeting this amazing group of people was meant to be. My sister Shari Heath passed away years ago from childhood cancer. She inspires me to run and is my guardian angel. I remember the wonderful people that helped my family during that difficult time and I would like to give back in a way that promotes health and pulls people together. Running is my outlet and has always been a major part of my life. I am an three time All-American NCAA athlete for Georgetown University and recently competed at the 2004 Olympic Trials as a member of the Nike Farm Team. I look forward to more running and coaching this inspirational group of kids!

Katie Hotchkiss

Coaching for R4R allows me to share my love for running and for living healthfully with an amazing group of young women. Also, every time I come to R4R practice, I'm reminded of what is most important to me: enjoying the company of great people, taking advantage of every day, and striving to help others.

I want each of the R4R members continue to develop confidence and a passion for being fit and healthy. I like seeing the team empowered after a workout; knowing that each member is capable of running 3 miles, or repeatedly running up and down the Stanford stadium steps. My hope is that for the R4R members, participating in this club is the start of a lifetime love for being active. Also, I want the girls to come away from each practice knowing they are capable of great things!

What else you like to do:

Dancing to 80's music, camping, hanging out with my golden retriever Lolly, working for Google (the best company, ever), running on new trails, training for the 1500 meters with the Nike Farm Team, watching romantic comedies (The Notebook), catching up with friends over a strong cup of coffee.

Shaluinn Fullove

Hi, I'm Shaluinn from Los Angeles, California. I went to Stanford where I recieved a B.A. in American Studies with an emphasis on Public Policy and Political Science. I ran Stanford Track & Field and Cross Country. We were national champions in 1996; Pac-10 Conference Champions between 1996-2000. I was a Pac-10 Conference Academic All-American in 1999. Now I run with the Impala Racing Team a nationally ranked non-profit women's running team supporting breast cancer research and women's health. Recently, I raced the California State 10K championship and finished in the top 10.

My favorite workout is running lots of fast 400s. I've been running nearly 23 years! I started running when I was 5 years old because my mom ran - she used to push me and my brother in the stroller to the track and we'd play in the "sand box", aka the long jump pit. I started running half a lap at a time until I could do a full lap with her. Then one day they were having track sign-ups at the local track and they asked if I wanted to. Yes! Sign me up! We're both still running. I run because it keeps me balanced. After a long day in the classroom or at work, running is the perfect release. I turn my brain off and just run. I focus on Product Marketing at Google, Inc. I love helping with R4R!!

Adam Tenforde

I enjoy sharing my passion for sport with others and like to apply my knowledge in sports science to helping others achieve their personal bests. I also am a firm believer in community outreach and appreciate the opportunity to give back through the sport I love. To continue to progress as an student, athlete, and person through science and athletics. I enjoy art, reading, and movies. My favorite foods are Italian dishes (lasagna, chicken parmesan and spaghetti) in addition to desserts (especially ones with chocolate.)

Megan Daly

Hi! I'm Megan and this is my first season with Running for a Reason. I'm a medical student at Stanford and have been a runner for (off and on) the past 8 years. I've done 7 marathons, lots of road races and cross country. For the first time this spring, I've also started to dabble with the track. I've run with the Impala Racing Team in San Francisco for the past year and a half. My favorite races are Bridge to Bridge, Bay to Breakers, the Jamba Juice 5k, the Golden Gate Park cross country race, and any track meet at Stanford. My favorite workouts are 10x800 with a 400 meter jog recovery on the track and long runs at the Sawyer camp trail. My goals for the upcoming year are a PR in the marathon at the Twin Cities Marathon in October and an Impala team win at cross-country nationals. I love running with Running for a Reason because the people are so great!

Marcia Blanchette (Advisor)

I teach Physical Education, Health and Wellness at Castilleja School. When Katie and Julia first told me their idea for a club I was excited and impressed. The runners and coaches are dedicated, fun, compassionate people. I feel honored to be a part of Running for a Reason. Hospice of the Valley does amazing work. I have so much admiration for their employees and volunteers.

I had the privilege of being a collegiate athlete in the 70's.  I lettered in 3 sports and was one of the first women to be given an athletic scholarship under Title IX. I have been a teacher and a coach for 27 years (whew!). I've been a runner for 34 years. I love running because anyone can participate.

I love to spend time with my two college age sons, John and Mike. I am passionate about building relationships with my students and supporting and motivating them to be healthy young women. My favorite movie is “Chariots of Fire”. My favorite food is salad with tons of vegetables, and I love a STRONG cup of coffee!

Chocolate is high on my list, and I am famous in my family for being able to name every piece of See's candy in the box! (how embarrassing)

I am excited to see Running for a Reason continue to do great work and grow as a successful club.


Kyle Barriger (Advisor)

I teach math at Castilleja School. Teaching is a second career for me, having spent twenty years in the computer industry. I have only been running for ten years. I got interested in running as a great way to exercise and be outdoors. Running for a Reason has been a great experience. The girls in the club are committed to both their running and raising money for the selected causes. It has been especially rewarding for me to participate since my niece, Christina, started to run with the girls last year.

Joshua Zucker (Advisor)

As a kid, I loved running because it was a solitary sport.  I eventually gave it up for the same reason, in favor of ultimate frisbee.  But then my knees started being bad enough that I couldn't run or play ultimate, so I took up bicycling.  Finally I learned that
keeping my body in proper shape -- not just running or playing ultimate, but developing strength in the right places to support my knees -- meant that I could participate in any sport I wanted.

I enjoy coming out for R4R because it reminds me that running can be a team sport too. It also gives me the discipline I need to keep up the core strength that I need to stay healthy, and keep my leg muscles strong enough to support my knees.

R4R is such a perfect combination: the spirit of aiming at a tough goal to support and strengthen yourself, while being part of a team with others doing the same, and at the same time giving back to the community through a great cause like the hospice.  I've enjoyed training and raising money for events like the California AIDS ride and the Avon breast cancer walk for the same reasons: this gives me one closer to home.

There's one extra benefit, too: my seven-year-old son Julian is also an R4R member.  He learns from the great role models of the coaches and students involved in the program; he learns what his body will be capable of as he grows into it; and he sees how to have fun while working hard toward a challenging goal.  What great life lessons for him, and for me!