Coaches
Get to Know Our Coaches!
"When we started, I did not think that I would ever be able to complete 3 miles, let alone an entire half marathon. Coaches Dave and Sean not only had us prepared physically, but they also had us believing in ourselvesmentally as well. They did an outstanding job!"
~John Majocha, age 30, TC Season 2, San Antonio Rock N Roll Alumni
One of our best assets is our all-star coaching staff. They did an amazing job getting the team prepared for the San Antonio Rock n Roll, Kona and Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathons.
Now they are ready to rock Vegas and take the strip by storm!
Dave Volk
aka "Ninja Dave"
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!!)
After two successfuls seasons 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
aka "Fat Albert"
We are excited to have Sean on board with Team Challenge as he is “kind of a big deal!”
After a successful Junior career winning five national titles in race walking, Sean attended St. Peters college, competing in both cross-country and race walking. Upon graduation from St. Peter's in 1996, he worked for L'Oreal for 2.5 years and twice ran the NYC marathon while taking a race walking hiatus. Sean then decided to leave his job and begin training full time at the ARCO Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., ending 1999 with a 6th place finish at Nationals at 20k. After an injury ridden 2000 season, Sean came on strong in 2001 with a 3rd place finish at the US Outdoor National 20km race and set PRs at every distance he walked that year.
Continuing with Team Challenge for his 3rd season, Sean is excited to share his knowledge and passion 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
nickname TBD...
This is Coach Philip's debut season with Team Challenge as our esteemed walk coach. Hes is dedicated passionat, and if you REALLY want to see what a rockstar he is please click here (hint: he is still jet-lagged from his trip to China)