Fit to Run Instructors

Yoga Instructors

Rowena de Jesus

• Associate Forrest Yoga Teacher
• RYT® (Registered Yoga Teacher) 200 hour level
• Experienced marathon runner (Team in Training Alumni)
• yogaHOPE teacher: Dedicated to establishing rehabilitative yoga programs in residential facilities for underserved women in substance abuse recovery, poor and homeless women, and victims of domestic violence
• Experienced in Yin, Shadow, Ashtanga, PranaVayu, Baptiste and Bikram Yoga
• Graduate of UCLA (B.S. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics)
• Candidate in Master of Public Health Program, Tufts University
• Teaches fun and dynamic classes with emphasis on connecting to the core and the breath, leaving you invigorated and relaxed
• Through Forrest Yoga, Ro healed her injuries from running and will run her next marathon injury free! She is an international chameleon and lab rat who loves to chillax (chill and relax) by the beach or snowboard the Rocky Mountains all while basking in the contentment of life

Sumner Fletcher

• AFPA Certified Yoga Instructor 200 level
• AFPA Certified Personal Trainer
• Competitive marathoner: 2:57 in Boston 09, 4th place in Cape Cod Marathon 08
• Taft Elementary School Yoga Instructor for children 1st-4th grade
• Experience in Ashtanga, Power, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Restorative, and Iyengar Yoga.
• Graduate of University of Vermont (B.A. in Arts and Environmental Studies)
• The style of Yoga Sumner teaches focuses on helping your body (both physically and mentaly) to become stronger and more able to handle the demands of running and physical activity.
• With yoga Sumner has been able to compete regularly at the marathon distance and recover faster with less injuries during her training. She has become more in tune with her body and gained a calmness of mind, overall happiness and well-being.

FTR Instructors

Joseph McConkey

Joseph McConkey is one of the leading running coaches in the New England area.   With a MS in Exercise Science, a certified USA Track and Field level 2 Coach (endurance), and with over 10 years experience as a competitive athlete and running coach, his athletes have enjoyed routine PR performances in distances ranging from the 800 to ultra-marathons.  His top athletes include ISL and NEPSTA champions, NXN and Footlocker qualifiers, USA Junior National Champions in the 1500 and 3000, and Olympic trial qualifiers for the marathon.  His recent accolodes of the 2009 NECC Cross Country Coach of the Year and being voted as one of Best of Boston's 2009 Top Running Coaches (as voted by Boston Magazine) are a product of his dedication and belief in each of his runners, no matter what level he or she may be. (see client testimonials)

Over the past eight years Joseph has dedicated his efforts to designing more efficient and comprehensive programs aimed at improving the health and fitness of individual runners.  With a masters degree focused on injury prevention, his approach combines carefully crafted individualized running programs with clinically-supported techniques to help prepare the body for the act of high intensity running.  His methodologies, client stories, and contributions to the running community have been featured in Running Times, Runners World, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Metro Sports, and numerous local media outlets throughout New England.  

Marathon Training 

Many of the runners Joe works with are marathoners, with most training for or trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  His balanced programs (regarding speed, strength and endurance), emphasis on improved neuromuscular fascilitation, and assistance with developing mental strength and strategies, help guide the athlete over pre-existing barriers and on a path towards new achievements. Joseph's marathoners have also completed marathons throughout the world, including:

Arizona Rock'n'Roll Marathon, Austin Marathon, Bay State Marathon, Baltimore Marathon, Breakers Marathon, California International Marathon, Cape Cod Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Columbus Marathon, Detroit Marathon, Disney Marathon, Dublin Marathon, Eugene Marathon, Frankfurt Marathon, Hamburg Marathon, Hartford Marathon, Honolulu Marathon, Las Vegas Marathon, Long Beach Marathon, Maine Marathon, Marine Core Marathon, New Jersey Marathon, New York Marathon, Nike Women's Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, Portland Marathon, San Francisco Marathon
San Diego Rock'n'Roll Marathon, and many more.

Developing Sport-Specific Speed 

Explosive sport athletes also seek out Joe's expertise to help develop the lower body speed, agility, and quickness required of their respective sports. Athletes from soccer, lacrosse, rugby, basketball, and football have utilized BRC's DSSS program, and Joe's expertise in this area (certs including NASE, NASM PES). Note, this service is only available April-November.

schedule a free consultation with Joe

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Running Coach: Sarah Anderson

• B.S. in Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation from Ithaca College
• M.S. in Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Psychology from Ithaca College
• American College of Sports Medicine Certified Health Fitness Specialist
• USATF Level 1 Coach
• Experienced personal trainer with a focus on exercise intensity and improving body awareness levels.
• Clinical experience with special populations including pulmonary, cardiac and diabetic patients
• Competitive runner

Coaching Philosophy

Distance running requires both physical and mental training. First, it is important to establish short and long-term goals. Generally, goals that are motivated by intrinsic factors and realistic outcomes lead to the greatest probability of achievement. Second, acknowledging mental and physical barriers and ways to overcome them will aid in preparation for potential set-backs and allow for running longevity. Last, one must be aware of pace. What pace is appropriate for shorter versus longer distances? How hard is too hard? What pace are you at now versus where you will be and when, with the correct program. Establishing pace awareness will improve running performance and allow for cardiovascular adaptations to occur.


Identifying physical limitations, capabilities and mental barriers is imperative to a successful running experience. Understanding and acknowledging these components allow for running growth and overall enjoyment.


Testimonials


"Sarah helped me find muscles I never knew I had! Her energy and flexibility made my goals a reality in less time than I imagined. Sarah's passion for fitness (and running, especially) is infectious! She gives you that extra boost to keep working hard even when you're fighting for air. I'm always impressed by Sarah's new routines and creative exercises - she keeps my workout exciting and injury-free!"

"Before I started working with Sarah, I committed to five sessions with a trainer I had never met. I figured I could get a few tips and add some new moves to my fitness routine. But once Sarah Anderson became a part of my workout, I couldn't let her go. From push ups with a tricep kick-back to frog jumps on a padded mat, I felt challenged, always sweaty, and yet thrilled with my results. Sarah gives you more than just a workout - she's a reservoir of motivation, an amazing listener, and a problem solver. When I had trouble with my knee, she showed me how to maneuver around the tender muscle and still get a rigorous sweat session. Her knowledge of the science and how to best use your body offer an invaluable element to each workout. Sarah's iconic in her field because she has it all - the brains, the biceps and the best attitude ever!"

schedule a free consultation with Sarah

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Running Coach: Dan Flynn

In just five years, Coach Dan Flynn went from graduate school to one of the most successful head coaching starts in NCAA Division III cross country. Beyond college running, Coach Flynn has solidified himself as the most effective running coach in Boston. He has coached over 50 people to complete races from 5k to the marathon. He has worked with charity programs such as the Pine Street Inn, the American Cancer Society, and Team in Training. He is also the director of a summer running camp in Stowe, VT.

He has been certified as an endurance running coach by Team in Training, Road Runner Club of America, and the USATF (Level 1 & 2).

In 2009, Coach Flynn was named the New England Collegiate Conference "Coach of the Year". This would be the first conference championship for a mens sport in Lesley University history. In just two years, Flynn has coached 3 NECC Runners of the Year, 2 NECC Rookies of the Year, and 15 NECC All-Conference runner.