Carolina

Melissa, Texas

GRIT is an attribute that can’t be measured on a fitness tracker or app, but you know someone has it when you see it. Carolina is an experienced marathon runner who has grit running through her veins. She leads a busy life as a recent empty nester, a career in the construction industry, a thriving social calendar and has consistently been able to integrate marathon training into her daily life. In her first year with TZC she’s learned how to run faster with less effort by training smart- she’s stuck to her program and has set new personal records in the 5k, half marathon and marathon. In between training blocks for her marathons we are building her aerobic base so that when it’s time to kick off the next training block she’s stronger than ever! If you’re having a rough day, a quick check in with Carolina will make it better!

Jerry

McKinney, Texas

Jerry came to TZC with a background in adventure racing, cycling & triathlons. His ability to ADAPT and prepare for any type of event is unparalleled. Never backing away from a challenge we’ve worked with Jerry to reach new personal records in the 10k and Half Marathon. Jerry’s work requires frequent travel and we’re continuously being creative to find ways to ensure he gets the appropriate training load to continue to build fitness. We’re so proud of Jerry for trusting the program and experimenting with his nutrition & hydration to find the combination of products that allow him to continue to elevate his performance! A straight shooter- Jerry can always be counted on when you need an honest opinion on something!

Liz

Houston, Texas

We first met Liz early in 2024 while in Houston where we were pacing one of our athletes at the Houston Half Marathon. When she walked into the pre race dinner with fresh fruit tart for the group, we knew she was meant to be part of TZC! Her POSITIVE outlook is contagious and her smile is infectious! A few months later we began working with Liz and preparing her for an overseas journey that will make unforgettable memories! Living in Houston, she’s faced unique weather conditions this year, we’ve frequently adjusted the training plan and Liz hammers down to get it done! Her inner strength is second to none and we can’t wait for her to achieve her goal at her next “A” race.

Van

McKinney, Texas

A trail ultra marathon runner with an engine that won’t stop paired with an unmatched ability to ENDURE. Van has many ultramarathons under her belt and always has her eyes set on identifying her next 100 mile race. She balances being a mom, managing a busy career, keeping an active social calendar and training. Since working with TZC Van has transformed from a runner who used every ounce of determination to finish a race to a runner who knows how to fuel & hydrate properly allowing her to run more efficiently for longer and faster than she ever has before. If you’re local, chances are you’ve seen Van running the trails, racing local races or volunteering at race aid stations. Be sure to say “Hi” if you see her! 

Mary

McKinney, Texas

As eager as they come, Mary came to us after a major injury determined to return to marathon running. What she doesn’t have in patience she makes up for in DETERMINATION. Mary has learned to trust the program, she’s safely training better than ever with a focus on base building and strength conditioning. Her commitment to fueling & hydrating properly has enabled her to integrate running back into her daily routine and avoid injury while balancing life as a grandmother, wife, mother and health care professional. With her next marathon coming up in a couple of months, we can’t wait to see her run with joy for 26.2 miles! Get to know Mary and go for a long run with her- you are guaranteed to laugh as she shares some hilarious stories!

Ines

Peoria, Arizona

Although she’s far from the McKinney, Texas TZC team members- Ines stays connected by being a consistent CONTRIBUTOR to our group messages and sharing pictures of her travels around the world. Wherever she goes, Ines continues to train and uses her location to add variability to her training enabling her to make tremendous fitness gains. Ines stays incredibly busy traveling and racing. Although we always have her next “A” race identified, Ines frequently tosses us a curveball with a last minute 5k or 10k that we need to work into her training plan. Ines is also an amazing contributor to the running community and can often be found on race courses volunteering at aid stations, crewing racers or pacing racers to the finish line. 

Chris

McKinney, Texas

A true STUDENT of running, Chris uses his hunger to learn to elevate his running performance. Whether he’s focusing on his breathing, mobility, running mechanics, strength or nutrition- he’s always dialed in and building muscle memory. Chris has a lot to juggle: He is an active member of the local running community, a husband and father and a digital production guru. With careful planning he is able to maintain balance and continuously improve his running. Chris and I recently had a conversation about how much faster his easy pace has become as a result of his training which has helped him achieve new personal records in the 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon, we can’t wait to show you what he does next! Chris picks his races wisely and when he toes the starting line, he’s always ready to give it 100%. When you see Chris out running, give him a fist bump and he’ll try to recruit you for a group run! 

Monica

McKinney, Texas

Always in pursuit of a new challenge, Monica continuously trains to maintain fitness so that she’s ready when she finds her next race. Monica’s experiences are as DIVERSE as anyone we’ve worked with. She does it all: 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, marathons, ultramarathons and triathlons. Determined to balance her desire to push herself physically while balancing her career and mom duties is no easy task and we love being able to help her reach her goals! If her friends are running a race there’s a good chance I’ll get a call telling me that we need to update her training plan so that she can run too! Never without a smile- say “Hi” to Monica if you see her out and about, no doubt you’ll get a friendly response and fun story to go along with it!

Chan

Riverside, Missouri

Chan joined TZC in March 2024 with big goals and has been COMMITTED to her training plan despite spending a couple of weeks in Japan and then moving from Frisco, Texas to Riverside, Missouri! Chan gets it done, no matter how busy she is managing her career, family obligations or travel schedule. A short distance runner in her early life Chan has transitioned to running marathons and makes it look easy! She’s learned how to expand her aerobic endurance while holding onto the speed that she’s built up and we’re so excited to see her upcoming race results. Chan recently completed her target marathon and met the qualification standards to run the Boston Marathon in 2025! 

James

McKinney, Texas

Founder and Head Running & Endurance Sports Nutrition Coach at TrueZone Coaching. James has an unrivaled PASSION for running and coaches runners full time. When not training or working with the TZC athletes he is busy spending time collecting unforgettable life experiences with his family. James prides himself on being approachable, available, responsive and agile and is proud of the TZC brand. He is confident that TZC offers more than any other coaching program in North Texas and eager to work with runners at all levels.