We are a long distance running group training program. We can help you go from the couch to a marathon, as well as shorter distances in-between. Unlike other programs, we meet multiple times during the week and your individual goals and experience are always considered. Gotta Run Distance Program is operated right here in Katy. In fact, most of our group training runs and workouts will take place in and around the Cinco Ranch area. Our training methods loosely follow the Brooks/Hanson Distance Project training plan.
Alain Ducante head coach/ Organizer |
To say I really like to run would be an understatement. I completed my first Full in 1988, it was then called the Houston Tenneco Marathon. Since that time, I have completed dozens of full marathons, a handful of half marathons and too many 5Ks and 10Ks. I also completed 4 Texas Independence Relays, in March of 2013 I did it solo, running/walking all 200+ miles, from Gonzales, TX to the San Jacinto Monument in just over 75 hours. Lucky for me, some members of the Gotta Run family came out and paced me to the finish. In 2014 I completed the Texas IRONMAN in the Woodlands.
My coaching style varies based on each runner's experience level. I am an understanding and flexible person, yet I can also be one of the toughest around, probably due to the years I spent in the U.S. Marine Corps. I started this program to show others that running is fun and I will always approach it as such. I am humbled by the title of coach: it is one that I tirelessly try to earn every single session. I am available via email (gottarunkaty@gmail.com) or on my mobile (713-505-3342) if you have any questions. |
Andrea Witte Lead Runner |
Running is my way of staying alive and feeling young. I had always been very active as a kid and in school, but when you become an adult, it is harder to find the time and the outlets. I had a friend introduce me to cycling in my 20’s and participated in many organized rides, including the MS 150 multiple times.
In 2004, while trying to balance the glorified tasks of motherhood, I realized that time was a precious commodity and that running took up a lot less time and equipment than cycling. The furthest I had run was a 10k, so I joined a running group and decided to jump right into marathon training. I finished my first marathon in Houston in January of 2005. I was hooked! Over the years, I’ve traveled to Chicago and Disney World to run their marathons as well as running Houston a couple of more times. My attention span (like many runners!) is short and I enjoy finding and meeting new challenges. I’ve run two 50K trail runs in Huntsville (the old Sunmart runs) and participated in 2 Tough Mudders (what was I thinking?!). After working as support for years with Texas Independence Relay, I finally got to run in it for the first time in 2015 and finished for the second time in 2016. I’ve also dabbled in the sport of triathlon…as much as I consider myself a non-swimmer, I put my big girl swimsuit on and completed Ironman Texas in 2011. I was able to combine my love of running and passion for helping others by working at Luke’s Locker Katy for 6 years. Between the training I received through Luke’s and my own training/race experiences over the years, I feel as if I have a lot to share with others. I have learned to Never say Never - I will always be pushing myself to new limits and hope to encourage others around me to do the same. The icing on the cake…I am married to someone just as crazy - Scott Witte, who has been by my side for all of the above and then some! We’ve got two awesome kids, Connor & Lauren, who are both great cheerleaders for mom & dad, all while pursuing their own love of sports! I have trained with many “groups" over the last 10+ years, but not until GottaRun, have I ever been part of a running “family”. Now, let’s go GET IT! GET IT! GET IT!! |
Carrie Calkins lead Runner |
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Tanya Byington lead Runner |
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Julie Millen Lead Runner |
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Scott Witte Lead Runner |
Karen Braddock Lead runner Dietician |
Why do I run? Up until my 30's, I had a love/hate relationship with running. Loved the whole idea of running but after the first mile, what is that saying? "Never trust mile 1"...well I did. So from high school track, through my 20's I considered myself a seasonal runner. When all conditions were right, I'd go for a run. Then about a year after my 2nd son was born I began having panic/anxiety attacks. I totally understood what was happening to me because this disorder runs deep in my family. So while sitting in a doctors waiting room, fully expecting to begin the lifelong search for the right medication to help me, I picked up a Runner's World magazine. In it was an article about running and panic disorder. Could the fix really be that easy? That week I began running and every word in that article rang true for me. The more I ran the better I felt, and the better I felt the more I wanted to run! Since then, I've completed numerous 5 & 10K's, 8 half marathons, and 2 full marathons. I would've never had the confidence to do this had I not met Alain and joined his GottaRun family. I do not run for PR's or a chance at a podium, although the medals are nice! Running is my time. My time to clear my head, resolve issues, catch up with friends and/or to not think, just be in the moment."
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Marisa Mireles lead runner |
I’m what some might consider the class clown, or the class pill (depends on who you ask). The most important thing is that I love to run!!! I love the feeling of just me and the wind, or rain or scorching heat in the summer time. I use it to reflect on who I am as a wife, a mother and a friend. Everyone has their outlet and over the last 2 ½ years, this has become my outlet. I had never run more than 3 miles in any given time in my life, I was a relay runner in junior high and high school, but the idea of running high mileage scared me, boy, if I knew then what I know now. I met Alain in 2012 and he has changed my life for the better. Alain and his program have pushed me to my limit, giving me encouragement and confidence in myself. My outlook on life now is, if I can run 26.2 miles, I can do anything. I’ve done a lot of research on distance runners and love to read that we are an “elite” group, and it’s true. I remember that every time I hit a wall or every time I start to doubt myself as an athlete. Since 2012 I’ve completed 3 half marathons, 1 full marathon and various other races and charity runs. I will run Chicago in 2015 and look forward to another great season. I’ll be encouraging, positive and when you need it, I’ll be your entertainment. I do have a tendency to “get lost” on the trails, but always find my way back. Looking forward to another great season with GottaRun.
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Steve Tise Lead Runner |
"It's a treat being a runner, out in the world by yourself with not a soul to make you bad-tempered or tell you what to do." This quote by Alan Sillitoe is so true. Being a runner is
a treat, considering that only 0.5% of the US population has completed a Marathon. I first started in 2004 with the MS 150 (Bike from Houston to Austin), then got the Triathlon bug and that lead into running. I have completed the Houston Marathon, countless half’s, and other 5k / 10k / 25k runs, trail runs, 8 Triathlons (Sprint and Olympic), and the MS150 5 years straight. Gotta-Run / Run-Fit is not only a great training group for every level, but a great group of individuals. These individuals encourage each other, praise each other and when we fall down, we pick each other up. We hope that this program will push you to the next level as you develop your skills and friendships. |
Tom Fons Advanced lead runner |
I started running in 1993, and with few exceptions have run consistently ever since. (I think "Advanced Lead Runner" means I am old!) Like many I was sedentary and looking to lose a few pounds and get in shape. Twelve months later I finished the 1994 Houston Marathon (in 4:44 back when the cutoff was 5:00!), and since then have finished Houston Marathon eleven times, the Half Marathon six time, as well as countless other races. I have a 3:34 marathon PR set in 2000, a 1:37 Half-Marathon PR set in 2004, and a 19:45 5k PR. I also hold a “running streak” of at least one mile a day for 801 straight days from Nov. 2006 to Jan. 2009. Recently, I added “UltraRunner” to my resume finishing the Brazos Bend 50 Miler in 2015, and the Snowdrop 55 (100 miles Solo) in 2016. Hopefully, I can share what I have learned in 20+ years on the road to help others who love our sport. I recently have passed on my love of the sport to my teenage daughter. She regularly earns age group awards in races from 5k to the ½ Marathon and also runs Cross Country and Track at Tompkins High School.
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