Our Coaches
Bob Gamez
Title: A Snail's Pace Academy Director-North County (Brea, Yorba Linda, Pasadena)
Bob's running and racing experience goes back to the late '70s. Bob first began as the Distribution Center Manager at A Snail's Pace in 2000. He introduced the ASP Running Academy to Brea/Yorba Linda in 2002. He has since been given the position of Training Academy Director-North County. Bob has been coaching runners for over 10 years and has recently introduced the ASP Running Academy to the Pasadena area. He has completed 9 marathons, 10 half marathons and countless 5k's and 10k's. His philosophy on running is "It takes motivation, preparation and perspiration. There is no easy way." But he is here to help you take the first step. It is still exciting every time he sees one of his runners cross the finish line for the first time with a huge smile and a feeling of accomplishment.
Michelle Montiel
Title: A Snail's Pace Running Academy Director-South County
Michelle has been running since 1985 and she still loves it just as much as when she started. Michelle joined A Snail's Pace Running Academy in 2002 and worked in A Snail's Pace Running Shop in Fountain Valley for four years prior to being promoted to Director of A Snail's Pace Running Academy. Michelle has completed five marathons, 22 half marathons and numerous 5 and 10k's. When asked why she runs, Michelle said, "describing the thrill of completing a race is like trying to describe a color to someone who was born without sight".
Charlie Pickford
Title: Marathon and Half Marathon Instructor-Fountain Valley and Laguna Hills
Charlie has began running in the early '80s. He has been an endurance running coach for eight years. His coaching career at A Snail's Pace Running Academy began in mid-2006. To support his running habit, he works as an Ultrasound FS Engineer for Philips Electronics. He has completed 26 marathons and 57 half marathons along with a host of other endurance-oriented events. Charlie runs because running presents him with the challenges and rewards that no other activity can. His coaching philosophy is simple: "Finish what you start, and have as much fun as possible along the way."
Arcelia Gamez
Title: Instructor, Marathon - Brea/Yorba Linda
Arcy is the Receiving Dock Supervisor for Sam's Club in La Habra. She has been running since 2002 and ran her first 5k in April of that year. She became an official coach for A Snail's Pace Running Academy in December 2004 and has enjoyed leading others in the same path ever since. Arcy has completed 8 marathons including New York City two times. She was also selected as a "Saucony 26" runner for the LA Marathon 2006. Arcy has also completed countless half marathons and numerous 5k's and 10k's. "Running has been such a positive part of my life. I have never felt better in mind and body. It is such a joy to watch new runners reach their goals, and see those finish-line smiles. I look forward to passing on the joy of running to you. As long as I can I will always run. Love Life, Run!!
Rick Schulz
Title: Instructor: Running 101, Brea/Yorba Linda
Rick has been running since 1998. The first seven years were quite difficult. As part of his job, Rick was required to complete a three-mile run in less than 25 minutes. "I got through it but I also experienced many injuries along the way. I read an article in the OC Register about a running class at A Snail's Pace in Brea. I needed to lose 20 lbs so I enrolled. Through their walk/run method I quickly began to enjoy running and all its benefits." In 2006, Rick was hired on as the Running 101 instructor. "I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have since retired from my official job as a police officer. I served 29 years on the force with seven years as a member of the SWAT team. Since joining A Snail's Pace I have completed three training courses, four 5k's, one 8k, two 10k's one 10 miler three half marathons and one marathon (which was the toughest thing I have ever done). Running is now an important part of my life and my enjoyment continues to grow. It is my goal to share this with all of you and hope that you will get as much satisfaction out of running as I do. By the way I didn't lose 20 lbs, I lost 25!"
Ed Cox
Title: Instructor: Running 102, Brea/Yorba Linda
Ed has began his running career in 2005 mainly because his family runs. He hasn't looked back since. He started running with A Snail's Pace Running Academy about two and a half years ago in the running 101 class and progressed to the running 102 class. In 2007 he was hired on as an instructor for the Running 102 class. Ed has completed numerous 5 and 10k's, with the most memorable being his first 5k at the "Harbor Heritage Run 2005". He has also run four half marathons and his biggest accomplishment so far is completing his first marathon in San Diego at the "Suzuki Rock n Roll 2007". Running has really changed his life and has become such an important part of it, too. Running is a progression of building miles, a healthier life style, making friendships and having tons of fun! Ed always says to his runners "you will never regret going for a run, only regret when you don't!"
Sharyn Peters
Title: Instructor, Running 102:Fountain Valley
Sharyn started running in the late '70s. She became part of A Snail's Pace Running Academy in the summer of 2006. When she is not coaching, she volunteers her time in her husband's Financial Planning practice. She has completed four marathons, three half marathons and numerous other distance events. Having run track since Jr. High, she has also completed in many track events. Running helps clear her life, her focus, and keeps the smile on her face. Her coaching philosophy is "To share my running passion with others; to make you laugh; and to make you better off than when I met you."
Joy Weber
Title: Instructor, Half-Marathon: Huntington Beach
Joy has been running for over 20 years. She started working at A Snail's Pace Running Shop in Fountain Valley in the beginning of 2007. She now works as an Assistant at A Snail's Pace Corporate Headquarters. Joy has completed many 10k and 18k trail races. Joy has shared her passion for running by coaching high school sports and over the last five years she has helped new runners complete 5k, 10k and half marathon distances. Joy says she runs because, "It would be a bummer to miss all those fantastic sunrises!"
Jim Peters
Title: Instructor, Marathon: Laguna Hills
Jim has been running since High School where he was a member of the Cross Country Team. Jim has been an Instructor of A Snail's Pace Running Academy since the summer of 2005. Jim has been self-employed for 15 years as a Fee-Based Financial Planner. Jim completed his first marathon in 1994 with his wife as a way to celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary. He has since completed four more marathons, three half marathons and numerous 5k's. Jim runs because as he states "I love to run because I love to set goals and then accomplish them!" "The goal may be as little as three miles or as large as 20 miles."
Natalia Norman
Title: Instructor, Running 101: Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach
Natalia has been running since 2002. She had recently quit smoking and wanted to somehow prove to herself she could have her health back. Natalia joined A Snail's Pace Running Academy staff in Spring of 2008. When she is not coaching for the Running Academy, she works as part of the IT staff for A Snail's Pace Running Shop. She completed her first marathon in 2003 and went on to finish four more. After this, she went on to the "next level", finishing her first 50K in 2004. Since then she has run about a dozen ultra-marathons and several shorter trail races. Her ultimate goal is to complete Badwater, a 135 mile race across Death Valley ending at the Mt. Whitney portal. Natalia feels she gets so much from running and feels compelled to spread this simple pleasure to as many people as she can. When asked "why do you run?", she responded "I can try to explain in a thousand ways, but will only be understood once you lace your shoes, go chase the wind and discover yourself".
Kathleen Cox
Title: Instructor, Running 201: Brea
I started running back in 2001 and haven't looked back since. My husband is part of the A Snail's Pace Running Academy and our son is a cross country and track runner in High School. Running is a huge part of our daily life. I joined the Running Academy last year by subbing in for Snail's Pace coaches. In my years of running I've completed 3 marathons, Rock'n'Roll San Diego being my favorite. I've also run 1/2 marathons, 5 and 10ks as well. All have been fun and exciting. There's nothing better than the feeling of crossing the finish line in a running event. Running to me is no gym required, part of my daily routine, miles of trails, friendships made and goals achieved. It's throwing on your running shoes wherever you are, being outside, healthy life style and never ever regretting having gone on a run, even when at times it's a tough run. That "runners high," there's nothing better than that.
Pete Vara
Title: Instructor, Running 101: Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach
I have been running since 2001; my first 5K was Turkey Trot and my time was 45:32. I was not in the best of shape to say the least. I enjoyed being in the outdoors and meeting new people. Since then I have completed numerous 10Ks, Half-Marathons, Marathons, and Ultra Marathons. I also have extensive training in the sport of Triathlons. I have completed Ironman distance races abroad and locally. I am a sponsored athlete with Team Aquaphor and Team Hammer Nutrition. My best advice for newbies is to find a running partner, make yourself accountable to each other and be consistent. Make a point of being active and most of all have FUN! Once those endorphins kick in you will be wanting more. My main goal for this program is for you to complete your running goal and make it a memorable experience.
Kelley Kelly
Title: Instructor, Running 201: Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach
Kelley’s love for running began in middle school where she competed in sprints and the hurdle events. She continued her running career in high school where she gained success with the relay events. Her contribution helped lead her relay team all the way to state level competition. Kelley's love for fitness and running in particular continues to the present. Even with the competing challenges of home and motherhood, she has continued to incorporate modified track and field events in her adult life. The hurdles have been replaced by her two children’s toys and the camaraderie of the relay is fulfilled by her long runs on the path at Huntington with the "A Snail’s Pace" runners group. Kelley, "K2" for her unique name, and her husband Brandon Kelly have made a commitment to life-long fitness. They enjoy participating in and supporting triathlons, 5 and 10k runs, and half marathons. In October 2008, Kelley completed her first marathon in San Francisco. Kelley's goal above all else is to be a great wife and mother. Running provides her with the opportunity to recharge, regroup, and maintain a clear focus on achieving that goal. Her desire is to share that joy of running with others.
Paul Schwanemann
Title: Instructor, Running 102/103, Marathon: Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach
Paul started running in 2004 with the Snails Pace Running Academy as a cross training exercise to build stamina for his mountaineering and Grand Canyon climbing adventures. He enjoyed it so much it became a regular part as his fitness program. Since 2004 Paul has completed numerous 5K and 10K races, 5 half marathons and the Los Angeles Marathon. He has been part of the Snails Pace Coaching Staff since July 2008. When Paul isn’t running he manages his Apparel and embroidery business or works in the Climbing/Backpacking department at REI. He enjoys coaching new and veteran runners to help them achieve their goals. Paul loves to run because it just feels so good and it challenges him to go beyond his own pre conceived limits.