Personal Coaches' Profiles

Anita Simpson

Partner Fit Personal Coach - Walking

Anita has completed the Houston and Austin Marathons' as a walker. She has participated in over ten 25K events, completed five half-marathons and the Thurston Racing 5K Series in Dallas.

As a walking coach with Partner Fit since its inception, Anita appreciates the program support at the events and says "The team keeps me going when I want to stop. "

Austella Whittington

Partner Fit Personal Coach - Walking

I completed my first marathons in Houston, 1997 and Austin, 1998. I have also completed 7 half marathons and my first 50K (31 mile) ultra marathon in Huntsville in 2004. I am also the social event planner for TEAM PTI. I guarantee you will have fun at our events.

Dr. Sara White

Partner Fit Personal Coach - Running

It is very satisfying to help others to improve and accomplish things that they never thought possible. I want to share a little of what I have been able to accomplish and I hope that it inspires others to do more and become fitter. I initially tried to run a few 5k's then I started running fall HARRA races and have now run the Houston Marathon twice. I have run the Austin Marathon 5 times and the Walt Disney marathon once. The Gold coast half marathon in Australia was particularly memorable for me. At 55, I learned of the Senior Olympics and began to participate. I ran sprints, 5Ks and 10Ks where I often placed in those events. I also completed a Sunmart 50k Ultra distance in Dec '04. I even went to the national senior games once. I have taken up pole vaulting in the senior Olympics. In the spring I ran cross country for the first time, placing in my age group in the Buffalo Wallow. I won my age group in the HARRA LP run and the Sprint for Life 5K. Running has re-invigorated my life and I can do more now than I ever thought possible.

Dr. Tony Bass

Partner Fit Personal Coach - Walking and Running

I have run 8 marathons and 4 half marathons. Most marathons have been in Houston, Texas. However, I enjoy traveling and I have run both The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC and Big Sur International Marathon in Carmel, California. I am particularly fond of Big Sur and have run that 4 times including once as a half marathon.

I particularly enjoy working with people and watching them become empowered while recreating their lives by participating in this program. Usually, people branch out and broaden their reactivated lives in other areas, after discovering that exercise is actually fun at any age, and they are still powerful and in control of their physical and mental well-being.

Jerry Flores

Personal Coach - Walking and Running

In 1996 I ran my first marathon in Houston and early the next year I ran the Austin half marathon. Additionally, I have run numerous races from the 5K through the 25K distance, both on the roads and the trails. In 1997, I had ACL surgery on my knee. I then started cycling and completed the MS 150 in 2000. I have consequently finished the MS 150 every year since then.

David Perkins

Partner Fit Personal Coach - Walking and Running

In 1999, at age 45, I started running and walking as part of my mid-life crisis. Since then I have completed six marathons. In 2000, I added biking and consequently have completed four MS 150s.