Our Coaches

Over the years, Impala coaches have worked hand-in-hand with the Board of Directors and have helped guide, motivate, and promote the success and cohesion of the team. Their vision has contributed to Impala dominance in the Pacific Association Grand Prix race series, to a record-breaking number of qualifiers in every Olympic Trials marathon, and to widening the team’s presence in USATF national competitions. The team is grateful for their reliability and leadership and have trusted their knowledge to keep the team healthy and successful.

**Chris Lundy**
Coach Chris is a former Impala, now in the 50+ group, and excited to be back in a new role as an Impala coach! She hopes to keep everyone motivated, healthy and running to the best of their abilities throughout the age groups. Chris has been running and racing for the past 39 years (time flies) with success including 3x All-American distance runner at Penn, 3x Olympic Trials Qualifier, 2x World Mountain Running Championships team gold, and competing for Team USA in the Pan American Games marathon. She has been coaching private clients for the past 6 years for marathon, trail racing, and return-from-injury. Chris is currently living in Sonoma county, works part time as a veterinarian and trains with Coach Clara on a regular basis on the Marin trails and roads.

**Clara Peterson**
Coach Clara is a former all-American college runner (Duke University) who has 15 years of coaching experience from the mile to the marathon. She began her career coaching in High School, but moved on to private coaching when she was in her late 20’s after placing 16th at the 2012 Olympic Trials. Coach Clara currently lives in Marin county with her husband and 4 kids where she is a stay-at-home mom and XC/ Track coach at her children’s school for 3-8th graders. Coach Clara’s favorite race is the Dipsea, where you will be sure to find her training every year in the late spring with Coach Chris. She is both honored and excited to start coaching the Impalas and will bring her energy, knowledge and experience to lead this amazing group of women with Coach Chris and Coach Luisa!

Training Philosophy

The benefit of group training with athletes of comparable talent is that athletes at all ability levels can achieve results that might not be attainable while training alone. The group imposes a form of discipline while at the same time fostering a strong sense of team spirit.