Matt Young, Head Coach of Genesis Running. I’ve raced on roads and trails in events from 5ks to 100 miles, century bike rides and triathlons but I don’t win a lot of races. I’m not a superstar runner but I’ve learned some things along the way that have helped me improve over the past 25 years and I love to share those lessons with others. I’m a Road Runner Club of America certified coach and have been certified to teach natural running, running the way the body is made to do it. The Genesis 5k training program started in 2007 after I watched my dad, who at the age of 64, went from barely running ¼ mile to running a 4 mile race in just 9 weeks. So I thought, if it works for him it can work for anyone. Over the years we've helped more than 3500 people learn to run through Genesis Running here in West Virginia. Running is the easiest, most affordable, most portable and most efficient exercise you can do but so many people don’t know where to start and that’s why I’m here to help.
Jason Francis, Assistant Head Coach- My personal running journey started later in life in 2010 at 35 years old. After training on my own for 2 years with various setbacks and injuries I joined Genesis Running and was coached by Matt Young. After realizing personal running and race successes and more importantly running injury free and actually enjoying it, I decided to pursue coaching as a way to enhance our running community and learn more about the sport. I was mentored by and assisted Coach Matt for a year as his assistant coach and then became a certified run coach through RRCA, I am also a NASM certified personal trainer. As a coach I stress efficient natural running form and the importance of aerobic development, when you take care of these, speed is a natural byproduct. Its counter intuitive to believe that to get faster you need to run slower, but it works. I also believe in the value of strength training and proper recovery to remain injury free. I believe that aside from shoes a heart rate monitor is a runner’s best training tool.
Ann Marie Young, Teays Valley- I am blessed to be a full time mom to 2 beautiful children and wife of one really awesome dude (Coach Matt). I have been an Assistant Coach for Genesis Running since 2007. I am a RRCA Certified Running Coach as well as a Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer. I have a heart and passion for helping and encouraging others as they seek to make healthy changes in their lives. My personal health and fitness journey began about 20 years ago. I have trained for and participated in many different types of events over the years. My favorite things are running longer distance races and strength training. I am thankful for the ability to be physically active every day. I am also thankful for the life lessons and experiences I have had – both good and not so good- that have brought me to where I am today and can share those with others as they start on their own journey. I believe modeling a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important things we can do for our families. I am very grateful to be a part of the Genesis family and love seeing time and time again the changes that it makes in the lives of so many.
Josh Sowards- I've always thought running was fun! Growing up ... I was a wiry guy who was pretty fast. And I couldn't sit still! I even liked getting from one end of the house to the other as fast as I could for fun. (I still do that when I'm home alone :) I've been blessed with two girls between 3 and 5 and a beautiful wife. We both work full-time. We're worship leaders in our church, the girls are in school, we grow some of our food, cook most of our meals at home; laundry, dishes, etc. ... Where's the room for running? Well, two years ago, me and my wife were diagnosed with auto-immune diseases. We were food and activity conscious already; now we are acutely aware of what we eat and our level of activity. We have to move! Running balances my blood sugar. It eases her aches and increases our energy and awareness. Running let's us spend time with our girls (whether we are pushing the stroller or playing tag). Running is accessible! It's good for all of us! I want to help people see running as play more than exercise. It's one of the most natural ways to play, spend time with your loved ones, clear your mind, and care for the temple Christ lives within. It's the easiest way to have a healthier body and spirit for your whole family!
Tracey Suppa-Todd, Charleston- At first, I hated running. Too embarrassing! Too bouncy! Too uncomfortable! My husband, meanwhile, was running ultramarathons and dropping pounds like crazy. So after I had babies, I figured there was no harm in parking them near the treadmill and running in private to try to lose some weight. One day I saw an ad for the Disney Princess Half Marathon and knew that was to be my run debut! I trained (mostly on the treadmill) for over a year. During July of that year, I decided it was crazy to have the half marathon be my first race ever and signed up to run the Firecracker 5k. That's where I met the force that is Genesis. They were there in all their glory and I was wowed by their camaraderie and support. I went on to do my half marathon (best.day.ever!) and joined Genesis shortly thereafter. Since then, with the support of Team Genesis, I've done a full marathon (!!), the CDR several times, and countless other halves and other races. I decided to commit to the sport by becoming a certified coach in 2015. Now our whole family (including the best furry running partner ever) runs races together. We even plan vacations to run races. I've been only slightly disappointed to discover that continued distance running doesn't always drop pounds like crazy. :) However, I've never been healthier and happier to exercise- and to be part of this amazing team!
Jim Moore, Lewisburg- Jim Moore is an engineer, family man and running enthusiast. He has enjoyed many 5k and other races, including some half marathons, one marathon and one ultra marathon. In 2016 he and a friend ran the 77 mile Greenbrier River Trail in under 19 hours. Jim maintains that the best part has been the people and support system he has encountered on this journey. He is excited at the opportunity of coaching runners in Greenbrier County.
Pam Mays, Eleanor- I am a 43 year old wife and mother of three beautiful girls . I was a stay at home mom for 12 precious years . Although I count those years as a wonderful blessing from God, it was a time when I, like so many moms, put all of my time and energy into taking care of everyone but myself. A sedentary lifestyle coupled with bad diet choices left me over weight and and out of breath after climbing the stairs in my home. With a goal in mind of running a 5k before I was 40 years old I found Genesis that offered the instruction, accountability, and encouragement that I desperately needed. Fast forward 4 years and I am 30 pounds lighter, and have met my newest goal of completing my first half marathon. I don’t run to win races. What I tell people who ask why I run is that running is like taking my medicine. It not only makes me feel better physically but also mentally. As for the spiritual, I find no better way of connecting with God than lacing up those sneakers and praising my savior as I take in the beauty of His creation while on a run. I count being a coach as an exciting opportunity and privilege to come along side others encouraging them on their way to meeting their own personal running goals.
Mac McMillian, Nitro- In 2015 Mac McMillian, a 64 year old diabetic heart surgery survivor decided to go with his wife, Deb, to a Genesis workshop. His first Genesis class ended with his graduation 5k race in September 2015. Running has changed his life... forever. After two years of coaching as an assistant, Mac became certified by Road Runners Club of America as a distance running coach. Helping others find the motivation to improve their lives through running has become his passion.
Beth Miller, Huntington- I am a 47 year old wife, and mother of four children. In 2000, I left my job as an RN to stay at home, and homeschool our kids. My last “student” Caleb, is a freshman this year, and so much in my life has changed the last couple years. I took my first Genesis class in the fall of 2017. For a few years prior, I had been having a lot of joint pain, especially in my knees. After, several appointments, and labs, I was told I had “bad” arthritis, especially in my knees. My weight was at an all time high, and I knew if I wanted to feel better, I needed to make some changes. My daughter had participated the spring Genesis class that year, and watching her at the race made me want to give it a try. I joined the fall class, and I can honestly say it was hard for me to run one minute. I often struggled with doubts, but my coach Josh Sowards, my classmates, and head coach Matt kept me going. Their belief in me, and their words of encouragement kept me showing up each week. The week of the Hope run (your first twenty minute run), I could barely run eight minutes. I called Josh, and said, “ I don’t think I can do it”, and that I wasn’t going to come. In his usual super encouraging way, he convinced me to come and try. That day my daughter surprised me by showing up, and running with me. I remember when Matt blew the whistle that the twenty minutes were over, I literally could not believe it. I kept thinking later that day, “Did you really do that?”. At that point, I finally started to believe that I might actually be able to finish the race in a few weeks. I did run that race, I came back the next Spring for the Graduate class, then the summer advanced class, and crazy as it seems, I signed up for the fall 2018 Half Marathon class. I would have NEVER believed I could run that far, that first week of class the year before. Genesis Running gave me a new start. I’ve subsequently lost over 50 pounds. I feel so much better. Most of all, Genesis gave me the most AMAZING group of friends. I love the care and support that they show each other, and every runner that comes out for a class. That’s why I wanted to lead a class. I am hoping that I might be able to help someone else believe that things can be different; to help them see, that they can do more than they ever believed possible. Soli Deo Gloria (to God Alone Be the Glory).
Carmella Crawford, Sissonville - Who would have ever thought that I would be running. Running was something I never dreamed I could do. My biggest obstacle was my mindset. I couldn’t run because I told myself I couldn’t. Finally, one day I asked the right question, “What can I do?” I ran half a lap around the football track. That’s where I began and I continued to build until I could run the entire lap. Soon it was a mile and I realized if I put my mind to it, I could run a 5K. I joined the Genesis Running Class at age 63 and completed my first 5K. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Joining this group taught me so much about the proper way to run and the right mindset to be able to do it. After taking several classes, I knew this was for me. I assisted a few classes and finally was able to coach a couple of classes in Sissonville. It’s my pleasure to help others to dream dreams and to reach their potential. My educational degrees are in Mathematics, Physical Education, and Health. I have coached Girls’ Basketball, Volleyball, Track, and Softball. I am currently a WW Coach (formally Weight Watchers). I look forward to working with new and seasoned runners.
Paula McCoy, Lewisburg- I am excited to coach those wanting to complete the Genesis Running Program. Why am I excited? Because Genesis Running Program made a difference for me and I am eager to share the techniques, the inspirational messages, and provide support and encouragement like I was provided. At the time I first did the program, fall of 2018, Genesis had helped over 3,000 people become runners and complete a 5K. I approached it like a successful recipe, I thought, “If this program has turned 3,000 people into runners it could work for me too”. I did everything that the program asked, i.e. the journal, the scripture readings, the nutrition advice, the weekly running assignments, and it worked for me too! At the age of 55 I ran my first 5 K ! My goal was to finish without walking and in under 40 minutes, I was able to meet both goals. Another thing I learned, I really like runners! The camaraderie at race time is addictive and I love to cheer on those who are doing their best at race time. 2 Corinthians 10:5 “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” NIV
Tim McCoy, Lewisburg- I was 56 years old when I first started running in the fall of 2018. I had never been interested in running, but in the spring of that year my wife convinced me that we should run the Bridge Day 5K in October. Six months seems like plenty of time to prepare, however, after a few attempts at running that resulted in sore knees and back pain, I gave up that dream. Just as I gave up on ever becoming a runner, I learned about the Genesis Running program from Jim Moore in Lewisburg. I signed up with the thought that this would be my last attempt at running and in 9 weeks I ran my first 5 K! Running is a stress reliever and great therapy for me. As I run I am able to clear my mind of the stresses of the world and focus on the beauty of God’s creation. I look forward to sharing this program with a new group of runners. Psalm 94:19 “Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.” TLB