ABOUT US
Champions running association
Champions Running Association (CRA) is a local area running group made up of runners in the Spring-Klein-Champions-Tomball-Cypress area here to get in better shape, make new friends, and maybe, just maybe, run a 5k, 10k, half marathon or full marathon.
CRA was started in 2017 as an organization built on community to provide helpful advice, training schedules to meet your goals and the opportunity to run with others. Above all, the most important goal is to have fun out there while we're racking up the miles for the next race. The first step is getting out there and being as CRAzy as the rest of us who love running!
If you're a first time runner or an experienced one, CRA provides a great running environment to help you achieve your goals. No matter your pace, no matter your race, the Champions Running Association is a family not made up of winners or losers, just CHAMPIONS!"
Coaches
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Champions Running Association is led by these amazing coaches below. Please reach out to them with any questions you have!
Full Marathon Coach
(RRCA Certified Coach)
James Wyatt
How long have you been running? Since 1995
Why do you run? I started running purely for competitive reasons, but have come to enjoy just going for a run. Running is good for your heart, your weight, and your sanity. My passion for running has led me to be a RRCA, ACE, ASFA, and HYROX certified run and strength coach. As the owner and operator of BC Fitness (@mybcfit), I embrace the benefits of functional training and believe that running and exercise should be FUN and challenging.
Tell us a bit about yourself! I serve my community through my local church, my YouTube
channel and podcast, Running with James , and by volunteering as a kids PE coach. With over
20 years of coaching and racing experience, including marathons, obstacle course racing, fitness competitions and getting my start on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, I strive to inspire athletes and the community to make positive lifestyle changes in unique and innovative ways. The pride and love of my life is my wife Leah and daughter Olivia.
Full Marathon Assistant Coach | President (RRCA Certified Coach)
Daniel Dannug
How long have you been running? My run journey started in 2009 and my love for running led to creating CRA and co-founding the group in 2017.
Why do you run? After ten years of half marathons, I finally switched to the full and completed my 3rd Chevron Marathon in January 2023.
Tell us a bit about yourself! By day, I'm a sports chiropractor & acupuncturist and owner of HealthPro Chiropractic and Acupuncture @myhealthpro.chiro.htx. I seek to grow the running community in the area and hope to bring together runners of all levels to push & motivate each other and achieve goals they once thought were unattainable. I'm a three-time Chevron Marathon race ambassador and currently the run Ambassador for Lululemon Willowbrook. When I'm not running, I enjoy family time with my wife, Leanne, and our kids.
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Half Marathon Coach
Heather Blue
How long have you been running? Since 2015
Why do you run? My ‘why’ has evolved over time. Most of my life my attitude towards running was that it was only something I would do ‘if my life depended on it’ or ‘if I was being chased by a bear’. When I started running, my ‘why’ was because I needed an activity/outlet that was versatile & affordable: something I could do that I could do alone, do anywhere, didn’t require special equipment, & would be a physical challenge. Today, I run as a way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
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How did you get involved in a running group? When I mentioned to my friend, Renee Alfaro, that I was struggling to find an outlet that would check the affordable/local/can do it solo but would be a way to meet new people boxes, she suggested a run club. I was initially hesitant (remember, I hated even the idea of running), but with Renee’s suggestion & the encouragement of another friend, I decided to give it a try. The run club gave me a program to follow, coaching support and a social group where I was able to work my way from off the couch to completing a half marathon. What I most love about CRA is the supportive familial vibe. The club meets each member where he/she is at, with coaches genuinely supporting runners and walkers of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds, with different starting points and different goals.
Tell us a bit about yourself! I’m regularly asked where I’m from and/or asked to repeat certain words as I have a drawl some folks aren’t accustomed to hearing (I’m proud to come from a long line of native Texans 😊). I enjoy meeting new people, making new friends and occasionally organizing ‘day/field trip’ runs outside of our typically CRA run routes. When not working or running, you can typically find me enjoying time with my husband and our two dogs at a park or on a dog friendly restaurant patio.
Half Marathon Assistant Coach
(RRCA Certified Coach)
Robert Jones
How long have you been running? Since 2019
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Why do you run? I started running as a way to help me improve my health. Initially I viewed running as just a tool I used to burn calories and help me drop some pounds. Thanks to CRA I learned to love running and enjoy the process of improving my abilities. Running provides me with a time to clear my mind and relieve some stress in the process.
How did you get involved in a running group? I was recruited to join Champions Running Association in September 2020 by my brother in law. I had never run with other people before, but I am glad I gave it a chance. Everyone I met was welcoming and supportive. CRA introduced me to the social aspects of running and the awesome running community in Houston. CRA is more than just a group of people who run together. What makes CRA great are the other members, people who really support each other with running knowledge, encouragement, and companionship. Everyone is welcome in CRA no matter their experience or skill level. I’ve found some amazing friends in the Champions run family!
Tell us a bit about yourself! I grew up in the Houston area and graduated Baylor University (Sic’Em Bears!). I work as an attorney at a local law firm. When I’m not working or running with CRA I enjoy spending time with my wife Sandy and my two daughters Grace and Reagan.
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10K Coach (RRCA Certified Coach)
Jesse Green
How long have you been running? Since 2018, thanks to CRA
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Why do you run? I started running as way to lose weight. I was able to lose 100 pounds by running and dieting in little over a year. Once I realized I could do it and not keep making excuses, running actually became fun. Now, thanks to CRA I look forward to running with a great group of friends.
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How did you get involved with a run club? My great friend Heather Blue told me about the run group. I was hesitant at first since I was not running regularly and not in very good shape. But Heather was persistent and convinced me to join. I remember one of the first team runs with Coach Lorraine. I told her I was not much of a talker when running and even sprinted a mile or so in order to get away from her and having to talk. Now it is probably harder to get me to stop talking!
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Tell us a bit about yourself! I grew up playing baseball, football and basketball all through high school. Went into the US Army in 1987 and worked most of my military time in the Washington Military District. I played softball for the US Army Military District for 3 years and won several military titles. I am married to a wonderful and understanding wife (of my addiction to running), Caren. I have 2 children, Kathryn 27 and Coleman 22. I have worked for HP Inc for 16 years.
10K Assistant Coach
Lezlie Walla
How long have you been running? I started running in 2019. I ran a mile without stopping for the first time in my life that year.
Why do you run? Battling weight since a kid, I had tried every form of exercise but eventually would always quit. Whenever I attempted running again, my “eye of the tiger” vision was run a 5k. After having bariatric surgery, I knew I had to make a total lifestyle change. Running was one of the big changes I made and I’ve stuck with it. The runner’s high is real.
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How did you get involved with a run club? I became a runner on the treadmill. The gyms closing during Covid forced me to become an outside runner. As restrictions lifted, I wanted to keep it up and wanted to join a running group. An old friend of mine from high school ran with CRA and encouraged me to join. There's not a word I can think of that could adequately sum up what CRA is to me. It’s family, it’s encouragement, it’s inclusion, it’s pushing each other, it’s showing up when one of us needs the accountability, and it’s getting great content for the ‘gram with lots of group run selfies. Now, my partner and two middle kids show up to run 5ks and 1ks with many other CRA kids. And the CRA adults are on the sidelines cheering the loudest for them.
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Tell us a bit about yourself! Outside of work/family/working out, you'll find me at the barn with my horse. I’ve ridden Hunter/Jumper since I was 6 years old and am just as obsessed now as I was then.
5K Coach (RRCA Certified Coach)
Renee Alfaro
How long have you been running? Technically, since 2004. Consistently, since 2012.
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Why do you run? I began running after I happened to be at Walt Disney World during their marathon weekend in 2003. After seeing “normal people” that looked like me running and FINISHING the marathon, I wanted to do it. So, I began training in 2004 and ran my one (and only) marathon in 2005 to celebrate a milestone birthday. After a long break from running, where I gained a ton of weight, I started running again in 2012. Since then, I have run 5 half-marathons, 2 10K’s, a ten miler, and numerous 5K’s. Although I previously used running as an excuse to travel and earn cool medals, I now run to improve my health.
How did you get involved in a running group? I could not have finished my marathon without joining a running group. They taught me form, gave me a program I could follow, and best of all, encouragement. After years of being sedentary, I rejoined the running club to hold me accountable for exercising. I knew that if I missed a Saturday or two, the coach would be calling. Now I run to see my friends (or, should I say, my Run Family).
Tell us a bit about yourself! I love traveling, especially to Disney or the Netherlands, and Saturdays in the fall find me cheering on my Huskers! When at home, I’m entertained by my two terrier mixes Phoebe and Penny.
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5K Assistant Coach
Natalie Foster
How long have you been running? Since 2014
Why do you run? I started running as a way to prove to myself I can do whatever I set my mind to. One day, I had the crazy idea to run the Houston Half Marathon and step out of my comfort zone. I signed up, panicked, researched programs, and ran my heart out every week. I crushed it and ran 3 more half marathons after the first and learned that I can do hard things when I put the hard work and effort in.
How did you get involved in a running group? After moving to the area in 2019, I reached out to CRA and inquired about 5k and 10k plans. CRA hosted a few social runs before the season started and I made some very fast friends that motivated me to come back out every Saturday. Once the season started, I was hooked! We are all RRCA certified coaches that care about the development of ALL runners, not just those in our specific group. I felt that not only my coach, Renee, but also the entire club wanted to see me succeed. At the end of my first season I won “Newcomer of the Year” for the 5k group and was asked to come back to help coach the 5k runners for 2020 with Coach Renee. When I first joined, I felt “slow”, “out of place”, and intimidated by all the athleticism. Now, after four seasons, I feel proud of my accomplishments, motivated, and ready to help others succeed!
Tell us a bit about yourself! I’m an International Sales Director at a software company that services the aviation industry, a fantasy and murder mystery book lover, and Dog Mom to three rambunctious boys (Remi, Ruger, and Tucker), and have an amazing support team in my partner, Scott, and all of my friends and family. This season, I will be training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon in 2024, but my favorite part of the year is being on the cheer squad, in my blue tutu, sign in hand, cheering not only the CRA group, but every person who showed up to race that day.
Walkers Coach
Lisa Lau
How long have you been walking? Since 2021
How did you get involved in a run club? I have been on a personal journey now for almost 2 yrs. Becoming a widow at the early age of 55 woke me up! I joined CRA in 2022 to continue my journey and have loved almost every minute of it! 8 miles at 7:30am made me wonder…”What was I thinking,” but all in preparation for pushing myself towards the 1/2 one day! With a 65lb weight loss, I knew I needed to keep moving to keep it off and maybe lose some more.
I am so excited and honored to be the new head coach for the Walkers group. We are here for physical fitness, health improvements and some of us are here to push ourselves to improve our walking (power walking) times. We welcome all levels of walkers and if you want to compete, we also step up to 5K’s, 10k’s and some even the half marathon distance. Join us for some great health walking, awesome conversations,new and renewed friendships and the opportunity to challenge yourself! Your distance and pace is up to you. We will have 2 groups as we move along the season..1 group working towards 3 miles and the other group moving to race distances. We have a group for everyone!
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Tell us a bit about yourself! A fun fact about me: I hate to run but love to walk really fast! I enjoy cooking/baking, traveling, shopping and recently acquired hobby of wood working! I am a diehard Astros fan. I have 1 daughter that is an ER Trauma Nurse in Hawaii and 3 pups (2 mini dachshunds and 1 rescue).
Walkers Assistant Coach
Kimberly White
How long have you been walking? In 2018 I joined my 1st walking group.
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How did you get involved in a run club? I began running for exercise at home. I found it difficult to stay motivated and I really didn’t know what I was doing. Then in 2018 my co-worker suggested I join her walking group. I’m so thankful I listened. The wisdom of veteran walkers/runners is invaluable. The motivation to get up on Saturday morning has kept me going and encouraged this journey. Because of this group I have finished the Disney Princess ½ marathon and Aramco ½ marathon. Being part of a group has brought my walking/running experience to a new level.
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Tell us something about yourself! I’m a mother of three adult children and a grandmother. I enjoy vacations, Disney has been our go to locations for several years. Recently my husband and I took our first trip out of the country.
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Leadership Team
MAKING THINGS HAPPEN
President and Co-founder | Assistant Marathon Coach (RRCA Certified Coach)
Daniel Dannug
How long have you been running? My run journey started in 2009 and my love for running led to creating CRA and co-founding the group in 2017.
Why do you run? After ten years of half marathons, I finally switched to the full and completed my 3rd Chevron Marathon in January 2023.
Tell us a bit about yourself! By day, I'm a sports chiropractor & acupuncturist and owner of HealthPro Chiropractic and Acupuncture @myhealthpro.chiro.htx. I seek to grow the running community in the area and hope to bring together runners of all levels to push & motivate each other and achieve goals they once thought were unattainable. I'm a three-time Chevron Marathon race ambassador and currently the run Ambassador for Lululemon Willowbrook. When I'm not running, I enjoy family time with my wife, Leanne, and our kids.
Vice President/Treasurer | 5K Coach (RRCA Certified Coach)
Renee Alfaro
How long have you been running? Technically, since 2004. Consistently, since 2012.
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Why do you run? I began running after I happened to be at Walt Disney World during their marathon weekend in 2003. After seeing “normal people” that looked like me running and FINISHING the marathon, I wanted to do it. So, I began training in 2004 and ran my one (and only) marathon in 2005 to celebrate a milestone birthday. After a long break from running, where I gained a ton of weight, I started running again in 2012. Since then, I have run 5 half-marathons, 2 10K’s, a ten miler, and numerous 5K’s. Although I previously used running as an excuse to travel and earn cool medals, I now run to improve my health.
How did you get involved in a running group? I could not have finished my marathon without joining a running group. They taught me form, gave me a program I could follow, and best of all, encouragement. After years of being sedentary, I rejoined the running club to hold me accountable for exercising. I knew that if I missed a Saturday or two, the coach would be calling. Now I run to see my friends (or, should I say, my Run Family).
Tell us a bit about yourself! I love traveling, especially to Disney or the Netherlands, and Saturdays in the fall find me cheering on my Huskers! When at home, I’m entertained by my two terrier mixes Phoebe and Penny.
Membership/Communications (RRCA Certified Coach)
Sarah Nguyen
How long have you been running? Since 2003
Why do you run? The reasoning behind “why I run” has changed through the years. My first half marathon in college was to “check it off the list”. I quickly got addicted and signed up for every race that I could. I loved the training and the runners high crossing that finish line. At one point in my life I had lost my dad to a car accident and my sister to breast cancer. Running was and continues to be my outlet to clear my mind. These days, running is my quick “get it done” workout to stay in shape for the next race or triathlon. The best way to start the day is with "me time" aka running time.
How did you get involved in a running group? I remember training for my first half with Hal Higdon’s training guide by myself. It got me to the finish line, but training was pretty lonely. For me, any distance over 3 miles can get pretty boring and my motivation tanks thinking about all the things I need to do or turning around to head home and eat! Joining a running group has challenged me to work harder and become more accountable in training the right way instead of winging it. I am thrilled to be part of a running group on the North side of Houston and love all the new friendships I've gained with people who love to run too!
Tell us a bit about yourself! My day job is in marketing communications and customer experience for a Tech company. My full-time job includes managing a family of five that loves it when I bring home donuts after a long run. My husband knows that I need to run to stay sane. My kids are 11, 10 and 6 years old.
Community Committee
Turning members into family
Social | CKC Spring Coach (RRCA Certified Coach)
Hector Ornleas
How long have you been running? I’ve ran off and on my entire life, but everything changed in January of 2019. In January, I set a goal to run another full marathon by May of 2020. I never expected to fall in love with running and just thought I would cross a marathon off my list and be done, but that was far from the case. Once I found out my “WHY”, running became a part of me
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Why do you run? I run for my family, I run to set a good example for my kids, I run because it gives me an outlet to release all of my stresses, I run because its fun, I run because I love my running community, but most importantly, I run because I CAN.
How did you get involved in a running group? When I decided to run another marathon, I knew I needed to do it the right way this time and in my head, right was joining a running club. I wanted to be surrounded by like minded people who had the same goals as me. Joining a running club has meant everything to me! I’ve meet some amazing people and get inspired daily by all of their accomplishments.
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Tell us something about yourself! One thing you should know about me is that I’m a die hard longhorn fan and college football fan, so be ready to discuss this on our fall morning runs! I’m the proud father of four amazing kids, Santiago, Gabriel, Sophia, and Lilianna.
Social | All things Creative
Angela Leong
When did you start running? 2017
Why do you run? I run for me, myself and I. When I first started running, it was for cardio & therapy-a way to run away from it all! That mindset has changed. I still run to get away, but I run to move, to challenge myself and build my fitness. I run to be with friends, to build community.
How did you get involved in running group? Friends! I wanted to support our dear friend Daniel. Before CRA I would run 1-3 miles for cardio. I knew nothing about running except to move my two feet. Back then, running was free #IYKYK! The friendships I’ve made are priceless. The shoes collecting in my foyer…that’s another story! NEVER DID I THINK joining CRA would take me through multiple 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathon’s, and running my first full marathon (getting ready for my second). I have met amazing people, made new friends, accomplished all kinds of running goals and HAVING A BLAST!! Run club is a community! You know how they say making friends as adults is hard….go make FRAMILY in run club! Believe me, it’s the best thing ever. Running has allowed me to challenge myself physically and mentally. The best part of run club is the camaraderie. As a seasoned runner, I have joy in encouraging, motivating, supporting, teaching, and just being present with our new and current members. With all communities, what you get out of it, is all about what you put into it. It’s a friendship! I love my CRA peeps. I am honored be part of this committee; to build a community of runners/walkers that take pride and joy in challenging themselves to keep moving, sharing their highs and lows, wins and losses, and being amazing humans. My favorite quote “if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” What are you waiting for???
Tell us a bit about yourself! Born and raised in HTX. I’m a mom to Maia & Mike’s wife. I am a Registered Nurse but not your typical RN. I work as a Project Manager with Clinical Activation, Clinical Design & Planning (Facilities and Construction). I LOVE sweets and all baked goods. When I’m not working or running, its family time or creative time. I love love love to make stuff!! I am a photographer at Angela Leong Photograph, make jewelry and dabble in learning any skillset that uses your hands at Halo Halo Studio.
Communications | Email Extraordinaire
Emily Mcmillen
When did you start running? I joined Cross Country in high school, so my running career and passion for running started at an early-ish age. When I went to college, I continued to run for a couple of years, but when Covid hit, I fell out of my running routine for a while. My renewed love for running began again when I joined CRA in 2022.
Why do you run? There are many reasons why I run. Living a healthy lifestyle is important to me, so initially, I got into running for that reason. Throughout the years, I've identified so many other reasons "why". I run because it is an outlet for my stress, and running has turned into a time of peace and calming that I use to reflect on my thoughts. I run because I like challenges and overcoming them. All of these reasons have impacted and improved my life, but above all, my reason "why" is the community. The running community is filled with so many amazing people that I now get to call my friends, and it's amazing to see so many people who share a love for the sport come together and encourage and support one another.
How did you get involved in running group? After I graduated from Sam Houston State, I moved to Houston to work for our sponsor, Achilles Group. I really only knew three people, the Green Family. Jesse was very involved in CRA and had been for awhile, and he encouraged Coleman and I to join the run group.
Tell us a bit about yourself! I work as an HR Consultant at Achilles Group, and outside of office hours, I spend a lot of time with my fiance, Coleman Green, and my cat, Milldred. Anyone that knows me knows that I can't go long without talking about Milldred in some form or fashion, so if you're a cat lover and want to brag about your cat, you know who to call because I'm the same way :). Some of my other interests are reading, listening to podcasts, and Swedish weaving.
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RRCA Certified Coach
Akshat Sharma
How long have you been running? Since 2006
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Why do you run? I started running as a way to get some exercise. As I started going further and further distances to get that “runner’s high” I decided to sign up for a race. That hooked me and made me to want to do it again and before I knew it I was lining up at the start line for a half-marathon!
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How did you get involved in a running group? I started running in a group to get a formal training program and confidence for running my first race. After a few weeks I started to really enjoy the social aspect of running with other people and making new friends. During the “off-season” I found it much more difficult to find the motivation to run, so kept coming back to a running group.
Tell us something about yourself! I enjoy playing other sports such as golf and tennis when I’m not out running. During off-hours I work as an engineering manager at an industrial manufacturing company.