Coaches
Coach Lauren Watson
Lauren never thought she would have become a long distance runner, she could make it through a 5k. It wasn't until she started a 10k running program after college where she was inspired by an amazing and dedicated coach, that she became addicted to the sport! In the past 5 years Lauren has run 7 full marathons, 6 half marathons and many other races of all distances. Her most recent accomplishment was qualifying for and completing the Boston Marathon. With a passion to excel in the sport, she has completed the RRCA Running coaching certification and have gotten the chance to coach with Houston Fit and working with individuals on their training programs. There is so much to be said for someone that is up to challenge and has the dedication to train and complete a race of any distance, and Lauren strives to share her learnings and offer the most support to help them achieve their goals. She hopes that she can follow in the footsteps of her first coach and share the joy of running with others.
Coach Tom Woltz
Tom's running adventure began in high school. It was the only activity in which hercould excel. Tom added the cross-country team to his activity list and found himself running year round. Tom's first “long run” was with a crazy running friend of mine when we chose to run 18 miles. He stopped at gas stations for refreshment and drank soft drinks. (No, PowerAid or Gatorade were not invented yet, gus, blocks, beans, Ha!) Fast forward to 1978 I went up to Dallas to run a 5k and ended up watching the Dallas White Rock Marathon competition. It fascinated me and I convinced myself that with the right training plan, I, too, could run the 1979 version. I did run a much disciplined race and finished quicker than anticipated. I fell in love with the distance, but did not go overboard. My life from then to now has had many ups and downs both from a career standpoint and a physical standpoint. For various reasons I chose to run a lot of more marathons between 1980 and 1988. By this time my career was well underway, but I had a son in Louisiana moved back to Texas, and had a daughter with my second wife at age 4. Through all these changes (only two wives, total!) and one career change, so far, the only real constant has been running. It helps keep my weight down and eases my mental state. I often proclaim running has “become my personal physiatrist”. I cannot imagine not running. So, I have finished some 13 marathons, about 10 or so ½ marathons, and hundreds of 5 and 10k’s. I am slower as I grow older; but I like my competition within my age group. So, from a runner’s perspective, I know how to set goals, realistic one’s and achieve them.When the opportunity to coach a Team Challenger event materialized, I jumped at the chance. What I know is that I will be blessed by the experiences. Being able to contribute and help form this “Vegas” team will just be icing on my cake. I am so looking forward to encouraging, training, and learning from each and every one who joins Team Challenge / Las Vegas!