Jordan Kurtz- FVRC Director
I found my passion for running while in middle school here at Jepson when Carol put on the Shamrock'n half marathon training group (where I also originally met my now-wife - feel free to put that in there or not, totally up to you). I continued to run at Vacaville High School, and then at Saint Mary's College of California (D-I school in Moraga, CA - again feel free to include or not, doesn't matter to me). My personal bests are 1500: 3:59, 5k: 15:!2, 3k Steeple: 9:30, 10k: 31:51. 1/2 marathon 1:12. Marathon 2:37. (Again only include if you want, I'm not here to flaunt that but the SID at Jessup wanted them). I have been a Distance/Endurance Coach from the high school level (Vaca High) up to the NCAA DII level and currently coach XC/T&F at Jessup University in Rocklin. I have run 8 (I think) marathons, including Boston twice and finished 3rd in the 2017 Boston 2 BIg Sur Challenge. My running goal is to run a sub-3 marathon in every state.
- What I hope for FVRC
I hope FVRC can become for everyone else what Fleet Feet programs gave me all those years ago: an opportunity to participate in an activity even if someone has no prior experience with running, and to be continuously supported through their growth in fitness all the way through high-level performance if they so choose.
- Message to those interested in FVRC
We want to create a space where everyone in our community can comfortably come together through fitness. Whether your goal for 2023 is to be more active and meet some new friends, or set new personal bests, FVRC would love to have you as part of our family!
Katherine Voepel Ward- Competitive Coach
Kat has been running since her mom signed her up for cross country when she was 13. While not initially a fan of “the running part” she loved the comradarie of the team, and the vibe of invitationals. Once she realized that running helped get rid of her asthma, she was hooked!
Her goals for the 2023 season include getting back in shape after having her first child last fall, hopefully running a sub-6 minute mile, and BQing again.
When not out running you will find her at her PT clinic - SportsRehab here in town. As a Physical Therapist and Clinic Owner Kat is passionate about ensuring health and longevity for all runners, and brings her exercise physiology background and rehab knowledge to all her workouts and training plans.
Our racing team is perfect for those with competitive drive seeking a team atmosphere as we work towards our goals together! We will target local PAUSATF road races throughout the year (of all distances!) and are excited to field a cross country team this fall!
Brendan Ward- Competitive Coach
Brendan Ward: Coach Brendan is an experienced RRCA certified running coach. He has coached individuals and groups of all levels and experiences, including new runners, former collegiate athletes, and Boston Marathon qualifiers. Brendan has coached men and women from ages 18-83 (yup, 83!). Previously, he coached the Advanced training Group at Fleet Feet for the full marathon and half marathon. He was also the coach of the Golden Valley Harriers running club in Davis for many years. Additionally, he brings 20 years of personal running experience including high school and collegiate track, USATF cross country racing, and a brief foray into the world of triathlons. Brendan still trains and competes and hopes to continue running PRs well into his 40s. Brendan has run 5 Boston Marathon qualifying times at the California International Marathon with a PR in 2019 of 2:43.
Brendan spends free time reading or writing about running, with a particular focus on the exercise science of training. His favorite training books are The Science of Running by Steve Magness, Run Faster by Brad Hudson, Brain Training for Runners by Matt Fitzgerald, Running to the Top by Arthur Lydiard, and The Science of Winning by Jan Olbrecht.
- Personal Bests
- 200-meters: 23 seconds (2006)
- 400-meters: 50 seconds (2007)
- 800-meters: 1:59 (2006)
- 1500-meters: 4:08 (2016)
- Road Mile 4:29 (2015)
- 5k: 16:40 (2016)
- 10k: 34:32 (2014)
- 10-Miles: 56:46 (2014)
- ½ Marathon: 1:16 (2019)
- Marathon: 2:43 (2019)
Jeff Camp- FVRC Lead Coach
I am the Bay Area New Balance Account manager and have worked in the running industry for 11 years.
I was an 8 time state qualifier in both Illinois high school State cross country and track championships and then went on to run all 4 years for NCAA Division III program at Elmhurst College, where I was elected team captain my senior year. Since college, I have run multiple marathons, including a Boston Qualifier. Most recently, just running for fun and health/fitness!
Goals for 2023: get back to racing and run Avenue of the Giants half marathon and Portland full marathon.
To anyone interested in run club- just come out and see what it’s like! My wife and I have met our closest friends in Vacaville at run club since moving here in 2020 and would recommend it to literally anyone with a desire to move.
Melissa Huff- FVRC Lead Coach
I’m a full time engineer and mom.
I grew up in the water. I swam, played water polo, and lifeguarded. During college, I started attending cycling classes to stay fit. Since I was doing 2/3 of a triathlon, I decided to give running a try and did several sprint and Olympic triathlons. I did a couple half marathons with minimal training and realized if I wanted them to be fun, I should probably put together a schedule.
After training for races, I realized that I enjoyed running and kept doing it for fun and to meet new friends!
My goals are to keep running for fun. And run another ultra (or two!).
I would encourage all runners to come out and give Run Club a try!
We welcome everyone!
Scott Ramos- FVRC Head Training Groups Coach
I started running to help my body fight asthma that I’d been battling for almost 2 decades.
Starting in 2016, I lead with a goal of completing one half marathon per month of the calendar year and since completing that goal, I’ve found a love for running trail ultra marathons with my favorite distance being a 50k!
In the future, my personal goals are to run an ultra marathon in destination locations like Colorado, Arizona and Hawaii with one day getting the opportunity to run Leadville and Western States.
I am incredibly passionate about sharing my love for running! I believe it is a gateway to overall physical fitness and mental well-being.
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