Coaches
Get to Know Our Coaches!
One of our best assets is our all-star coaching staff. They have decades of experience running, competing at top levels and they have years of experience coaching every skill level from beginning walkers to seasoned runners. They will get you prepared physically and will also get you believing in yourselves mentally as well!
Dave Volk
Dave has been running for over 10 years and currently competes for the Movin’ Shoes Adidas running team. In total, he has completed 15 marathons with a personal best of 2:28:20.
He started running his junior year of college in San Jose, CA when he decided to run a local marathon. He trained on his own for three subsequent marathons over the next six months! Over the five years that followed, he became well versed in his long distance based training methodology, and began coaching teams in 2002.
Since moving to San Diego, he has continued to participate extensively in the local running scene. He recently participated in the Team In Training marathon program at the recommendation of the program’s head coach who thought he should experience a charitable marathon program firsthand. Dave gained an understanding of their training methodology as well as the fundraising process. (In other words, you can ask Dave for fundraising tips while your out on the course!!)
This will be his 5th season with Team Challenge, he is looking forward to training and supporting the team as they go the extra mile for Crohn’s & Colitis, a cause near and dear to his heart!
Sean Albert
Some call him Gumby. Some call him Fat Albert. And until we come up with something better, we’ll call him coach. The most soft spoken of the three amigos, Sean’s coaching prowess is best exhibited through his one -on-one talks. Kind and patient, but also stern and motivating, Sean has the unique ability to ease your running qualms while still kicking your butt back into gear.
Sean has experienced much success and pleasure from his running and race walking career and is dedicated to sharing this passion. In his junior career he won five national titles in race walking and as an adult he trained full time at the ARCO Olympic Training Center; making six national teams, competing around the world and winning two national race walking titles. He has also competed in several marathons and is currently gearing up for Boston next spring.
Continuing with Team Challenge for his 5th season, Sean is excited to share his knowledge and excitement for endurance training with runners and walkers of all levels and abilities. He believes that there is an athlete somewhere inside us all and is determined to see everyone reach their personal goals!
Philip Dunn
This is Coach Philip's 3rd season with Team Challenge as our esteemed walk coach. He's is dedicated and passionate, and if you REALLY want to see what a rockstar he is please click here!