"Our Coaches"

Bob Gamez

Title: A Snail's Pace Academy Director-North County (Brea, Yorba Linda, Monrovia)

Bob’s running and racing experience goes back to the late 70’s when he ran track and field. Bob began road racing in 1983. Bob first began working at A Snail’s Pace Running Shop as Distribution Center manager in 2000. Bob developed the Running Academy in Brea/Yorba Linda in 2002, Pasadena in 2005, San Dimas in 2007 and now Monrovia in 2011. Bob is a certified Coach through USATF, RRCA and ISSA and has been coaching since 1998. Bob’s philosophy on running is that there is no easy way; it all takes motivation, determination, preparation and perspiration to succeed.

Michelle Montiel

Title: A Snail's Pace Running Academy Director- South County: Laguna Hills, Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach. Instructor, Wounded Runner Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills.

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 seven marathons, 30 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".

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!!

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 Headquarters. Over the years, Joy has competed in several 5k's, 10k's, mud runs, 18k trail runs, and half marathons. She recently completed her first marathon in October 2008 with her fellow Snail running pals! Joy has shared her passion for running by coaching high school sports and over the past 7 years has coached new runners helping them complete 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances. She has recently earned her state personal training certification along with an A.S. degree in physical education. She is currently studying for her American College of Sports Medicine national personal training certification. Joy says she runs "so my best buddy Cindy and I can eat! It would also be a bummer to miss out on all those awesome sunrises!"

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.

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.

Jeanette Joya

Title: Instructor, Running 201, Monrovia

Jeanette has been running since 1979, when she was on the track team for her grade school. She always kept running as part of her exercise routine. After doing several 5 & 10K's, she decided to take it to the next level and in 2007, joined Snails Pace Running Academy to complete her first Half Marathon. Since then she has completed 4 Half Marathons and her first Marathon in 2008 in Dublin, Ireland. She joined the coaching staff in 2009. When she is not coaching, Jeanette is an outside sales engineer for high tech electronics and a mother of 5. "My mother started my drive for fitness", Jeanette says, "when she used to make me exercise with her to Jack La Lanne, at age 5. I run to keep balanced, stay in touch with myself and it gives me energy to handle my busy life and makes me a better mother, wife and person. I hope I can share my enthusiasm & knowledge of running with all of you and help you reach your goals".

Julie Mullican

Title: Instructor Running 101 & 103, Brea

Julie has been running since 1991 with numerous 5k and 10k's in her running history. In 2002 she started training with Snail's Pace in the half marathon program and loved it and continued on with the marathon program and loved that too and "like a bad penny" she kept showing up in Bob Gamez running programs. So with that Bob asked her to lead up the running 101 program. For two years Julie was the coach and had excellent support and success to which it is today. Julie has completed many marathons today with Boston being her prize memory. "I love running and like to inspire others to succeed in running and reach their goals". "Running for me is a normal routine and I don't plan to ever stop. I really enjoy challenging runs and trails and say "if there's a will, there's a way". "I hope to pass on my enthusiasm of running to new runners. With running it is always a learning experience and fun to share with a running partner."

Elizabeth Bodie

Title: Running 101 Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley

Elizabeth began training with A Snail's Pace Running Academy in May 2008 and ran her first 1/2 Marathon in August 2008. She says she has been hooked ever since. She loves the camaraderie and encouragement that comes with being involved with a running group. Over the past year and a half, Elizabeth has run in five half marathons, two 5K's, two 10K's and an 8K. Elizabeth is excited to work with the RA101 group, meet new friends and run a successful 5K and the end of each course.

Donna Reed

Title: Running 201: Laguna Hills

"I started running in 2003 as a way to stay in shape. I became a member of A Snail's Pace 101 group in April of 2004 and have been a part of A Snail's Pace Running Academy as a member or coach ever since. I love running not just as a way to stay in shape, but also as a stress reliever. I have run 4 marathons, 3 half marathons, and numerous shorter distance races. I recently ran my first 50k and plan to start training for my first 50 miler at the beginning of the 2011. As a way to keep my running fresh I cross train with spin classes, yoga and pilates, the eliptical machine, and strength training. I hope to be a runner right on into my golden (or grey) years!"

Micheal Berger

Title: Running 201: Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley

I started running in grade school when races were only 2 miles long, I continued running track in high school for all 4 years where I competed in the mile and 2 mile. I ran my fastest 5K just out of high school before college in 16:45. That's when I decided to run longer races and go out for the college cross country team. I attended a local junior college and our team ran in the NJCAA national meet in Rhode Island. After college I continued to run local 5K races and running for leisure. I enjoy meeting new runners and passing along all the knowledge I have acquired over my years of running. My running idol is Steve Prefontaine and I use many of his quotes as motivation for myself and my group. "I'm going to work so that it's a pure guts race at the end, and if it is, I am the only one who can win it."

Bill Ruebsamen

Title: Running 102: Brea

I current work as a Case Management Manager for CNA Insurance I joined A Snail’s Pace Running Academy in January 2011 when I responded to an email from Bob Gamez. I participated in the Running 301 class for the 2010 LA Marathon I started running in 1977. I started running marathons in 1988 and have completed 21. I have run numerous races from 5k to the marathon. My running philosophy is, Get the most out of your ability and enjoy the experience.

Raymond Valencia

Title: Running 102: Monrovia

I am a press feeder Operator (printing) at Monarch Litho Inc. in Montebello. I joined the ASP running Academy in January 2011 as an assistant coach for the half marathon training class. I began running as part of a cross country team at Bosco Tech High School. I usually averaged a 7:30 pace. I have run eight half marathons averaging 1hr 50 min. I have also run four marathons at an average time of 4 hrs. My running philosophy is you must have a positive attitude. Any negative thoughts will make running more difficult than what it is.
“Have Fun!”

Sydney Turrubiartes

Title: Running 301: Monrovia

I currently work at A Snail’s Pace in Monrovia as a sales associate. I love working with and getting to meet customers that share my enthusiasm for running. However, I am looking into getting back to school to do some good with the biology degree I earned from Loyola Marymount University. I joined A Snail’s Pace running academy in August 2011 when I met Bob at the Monrovia store. I became inspired to assist and encourage others to achieve their running goals. I believe ASP running academy provides a very welcoming, educational and supportive environment for first time runners and runners that want to train in a group setting. I began running in 2001 when I ran the 1600 meter and 3200 meter for my high school track team. I played high school and went on to play college soccer until 2007. When I stopped playing soccer long distance running came naturally to me. I ran my first half marathon in 2009 and finished my first full marathon in July of 2011. My running philosophy is to have trust in yourself and know that you are stronger than you think.

Victoria Knight

Title: Running 101: Brea

Victoria currently works at ST. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange and is the CARDIAC CATH LAB, HYBRID O.R., INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY – MATERIALS COORDINATOR.
This is my first time coaching with A Snail’s Pace. I have been an A Snail’s Pace customer since 2006 I started running in 2005 on the advice of my trainer; I started racing in 2007. I absolutely detested running before then because I thought it was too difficult and too painful. I changed my mind fast when running incinerated extra weight and when I started feeling happier and more energetic.
My running philosophy is that
“IF IT WERE QUICK & EASY, YOU WOULD HAVE ALREADY DONE IT. THE FACT THAT IT IS DIFFICULT AND TIME-CONSUMING MEANS YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING TRULY WORTHWHILE." (AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

Gabrielle Villa

Title: Wounded Runner: Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley

Gaby has recently started to pick up running. She ran her first group race with the Ragnar Relay in 2010, which is a 24 hour race from Ventura to Dana Point. After finishing that race she continued to run for fun. She recently graduated from Cal State Fullerton in May 2011 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Clinical Exercise. She has always had a passion about learning how the body works and how it recovers. She has plans to continue her education and become a Physical Therapist one day. Her main goal is to teach athletes how to recover completely without causing a bigger injury.
“Remember that recovery comes with patience and understanding of the injury! Let’s work together one stride at a time!”

Charlie Pickford

Title: Running 301: Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley

Charlie has been a marathon and half marathon coach since 1999. He started off with USAFIT and then joined the A Snail's Pace Running Academy in mid 2006. Since joining the ASPRA, he has coached a wide variety of runners to acheive their long distance running goals. Charlie draws upon this 30 years of endurance running experience to provide each training group member with the information needed to not only become a better runner, but a smarter runner as well. Charlie has a simple coaching philosophy: finish what you start, make the best of what you can do and most of all, have fun doing it.

Pam Nichol

Title: Instructor, Running 301-Marathon: Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach

I started running in my teens , and  now 30 years later I'm still running!  Living in San Francisco in my early 20's, I started running 5K's and 10K's and raced the famous Bay to Breakers - now that was a running party! In my mid-30's, I decided to race in my first triathlon - Wildflower Sprint - and I was hooked! I have completed over 50 triathlons, including four Half- Ironman’s and an Ironman. In 2005, I became a USAT Certified Triathlon Coach, and have been coaching individuals and groups in the three disciplines of swim, bike and run ever sense. It is such a thrill to see my athlete's cross the finish line for the first time. They realize they are  able to accomplish unbelievable things once they start training -whether it is to train and make new friends, finish with a smile on their face or to set a new personal record.

Brittany Pfeiffer

Title: Instructor, Running 102: Laguna Hills

Brittany has actively been involved in athletics all her life. Brittany recently relocated from the suburbs of Chicago where she grow up playing high school softball, golf, and basketball. Brittany also played softball and golf in college. It wasn't until after college that Brittany began to run competitively in races. Running has become her passion. Brittany has done many 5k's, 10k's, half marathons, and full marathons. In 2009 she ran her first marathon and hasn't looked back. Brittany's philosophy is that you can do anything if you put your mind to it! Also it is important to have fun and enjoy the freedom of running!

Dennis Yang

Title: Instructor, Running 102: Laguna Hills

Dennis Yang's running began at Rowland High School in the early nineties. He used the running to stay in shape during the off season of other sports. Many distractions such as studies and work cut into the active part of his life and before he knew it, many years had passed. He had forgotten how important the active part of his life was until he hit the trying times of 2006. It was then that he picked up running again. He ran to sweat away the everyday problems and stress. He continued to run every day straight for three years. It helped him give him inspiration and escape. One day, on Feb. 10, 2011, with freshly printed children’s books, Dennis began running across the United States to spread the love of running and reading to kids everywhere. Three thousand two hundred and eighty one miles, fifteen states, and nine pairs of shoes later, he’s here coaching at A Snail’s Pace. Dennis's belief is " Somehow life makes sense after a good run".

Jamie Garreans

Title: Instructor, Running 201: Laguna Hills

Jamie was raised in Southern Orange County where she played soccer and basketball growing up. She joined the track team her freshman year of high school, running the 800, 1600, and 3200 events. To maintain her training during the off season, she joined the cross country team the following year and it was there that she fell in love with distance running and racing. She would continue both Cross Country and Track, receiving a varsity letter, and returning as an Assistant Cross Country Coach the year following her graduation. In addition to running, she also loves hiking, camping, writing and traveling. She hopes to encourage others to make running a lifelong passion and help those who want to achieve their goals do so.

Return to top menu