2024 Fleet Feet Team

At Fleet Feet we believe in the power that running has to help us become better versions of ourselves: Better friends, better neighbors, better citizens. To bring us together, to build bridges and strengthen communities. To try something we've never tried before; to make a difference. We believe that running has the power to change everything, and at Fleet Feet we work hard every day to bring this vision to life.

Our core values are:

Put People First
Do the Right Thing
It is a Privilege to Serve
Create Value with Every Action
Lead and Influence in All We Do

We are excited to annouce the 2024 Fleet Feet Huntsville/Madison team. You will see them at the races running and volunteering.

Suzanne Swift

I grew up a competive swimmer and someone talked me into doing triathlons when I was in my early 20's. Then I became a runner! I worked for the Houston Marathon from 1997 to 2001. I moved to Alabama to start a family and little did I know that Fleet Feet would become my family! I'm forunately enough to work with my kids everyday and we all share a passion for running and helping others. I run alot maybe too much, I've run several marathons, more than 20 but I don't know how many cause I just like to run. I have run 4 Boston Marathon's including the year of the bombing. I have completed several Half and Full Ironmans. I've also done some marathon swims...those were the toughest!

My 2024 goal is just to be healthy and motivate others!

Scott Anton

I have been running with Fleet Feet in some capacity since 2016. I thoroughly enjoy running and mentoring runners into the goals they have for themselves. My goal is to continue running, preferably injury free.

Jared Arnold

My name is Jared Arnold and I am brand new to Huntsville, originally from Little Rock, AR. I started working for Fleet Feet this past summer and it’s been great being part of the Fleet Feet family! I have been running since 2013 and have completed 3 marathons, 4 half marathons, and countless short races! I hope I can help anyone achieve their goals of doing their first race or their 50th!

Eduardo Bello

Moved to Huntsville in 2019 and was in the early stages of my running career. Began mentoring with Fleet Feet in 2022 and since then, I have helped mentor distances from 5k to marathons. Goals for 2024 include more strength training, better nutrition and maybe trying to PR a half marathon.

Bustos

My name is Andrew Bustos and I've been part of the Fleet Feet team since 2019. I like to run Trails and Ultras, on the weekends you normally will find me running the trails on Monte Sano.

My goal for this year is to run Pinhoti 100.

Robert Barnett

I started running in early 2000 increasing my yearly mileage over the years. When I retired from the Air Force with 26 years, I didn’t want to turn into an old, out of shape, retired guy, so I kept running. I increased my mileage in 2016 to do 1200 miles a year.

Brian Carter

Brian began running XC in 1997 and has been running ever since. He's completed 9 marathons in 7 states and has a lifetime goal to do a marathon in all 50 US States. He has participated in several Fleet Feet Training programs such as No Boundaries, Half Marathon, & Marathon training. He has mentored the Fleet Feet Marathon and Half Marathon Training groups since 2014.

Dianna Cioppi - Apparel Buyer / Triathlon Director

I have been running on and off for 22 years. I completed my first 5k race at 16. In 2011 I signed up for the Fleet Feet marathon training group. This is just what I needed to jump start my dream of participating in an Ironman. I've always had a passion for triathlons, but never participated in one until 2012. Since, I have completed six full Ironman, nine half Ironman races, and many Olympic and sprint distances. Also, in 2022 I finished two 100mi races. I am an ITCA certified triathlon coach and lifeguard certified. With a family and three boy’s ages fourteen, sixteen and eighteen; having time to fit in my training can be challenging. It's my enthusiasm and determination that makes everything work.

Ran Crump

I started running in 2021 after many years of being inactive and struggling mentally/physically. I joined F3 and started working out with them. Soon after they pressured me into signing up for Cotton Row 10k (My absolute fav race of all time!) and I got HOOKED on running, soon I found myself swimming and biking before getting into triathlons & duathlons. I was blessed to complete my first Ironman last year and set a new PB of 58 miles at the Delano 12 hour run.
I really enjoy social running events and getting out to meet new runner 'peeps'. I'm hoping to complete Southern States 200, Escape from Alcatrz, and Pinhoti 100 this year.

Malia Gill

My running journey began back in the 5th grade when my Girl Scout Troop signed up to do a 1 mile fun run. Somehow I decided to challenge myself by completing the 5k instead and my love of running was born! I continued running cross country and track through middle school, high school, and college. I now enjoying tackling some longer distances races including the 2023 Rocket City Marathon. This year I hope to complete my first half IronMan triathlon! However, my favorite race distance is still the track mile!

Fleet Feet and the Huntsville/Madison running community have been so welcoming since I moved here in 2022, and I am thankful for all the amazing people I have met through this sport!

Gene DeSanti

Running. Some love it, some hate it. But what about those rare individuals who hate running, but keep on running regardless? I am one of those individuals. As one of those individuals, I started running like most people; to lose weight and to try something new. Over the last couple of years, I have lost over a hundred pounds, and now I feel I must motivate like-minded individuals to push themselves out of their comfort zone, challenge physical and mental limits, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a 5k runner, I have slowly begun my transition into distance running although I do not consider myself a “distance runner”. I will never admit to it! I believe 2024 is going to be a year of new personal goals and new rivals (even if it’s just in my head). Now with all of that said, I am hoping to find others who have the determination, perseverance, and mental toughness to follow me into madness.

Brett Franklin
47 years old. Married to my wife Angie for 23 years.
Have 6 kids. 3 boys 3 girls. Ages 21-11.
I Have been running for the past 20 years and owe my love of running in large part to my parents Richard and Wanda Franklin who have been active in the Huntsville Track Club and local running scene as long as I can remember. I was fortunate enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon this year and will hopefully complete the Huntsville Grand Slam after finishing Mountain Mist.

James Falcon

I have been competitively running for over 40 years. Racing distances from 400 meters to 100+ miles. My favorite type of running is on the trails. My passion has spilled over into the family as well. My wife, Michelle, is the best crew person ever and has run distances up to 26.2 even though she calls it a spectator sport. Christian and Anna, my son and daughter, ran track and XC in high school and still race from time to time. You can follow our family adventures on instagram @runningwithfalcons

Dylan Glass

Sports Physical Therapist

Return 2 Sport PT & Performance

I grew up playing sports but didn’t start running until I was in my sophomore year of college in 2011. I’ve been running ever since then and most of these 13 years I have trained up to the half marathon distance. In 2023, I decided to train for my first full marathon, as well as completing a few 50K races and the Huntsville Grand Slam series. My goals for 2024 are to become faster in all distances, stronger as an athlete, and staying healthy!

Danyy Paz

Danyy P is a Lou Malnotti Deep Dish and Arnold Palmer fueled trail runner, passionate about inspiring others to push themselves outside of their comfort zone.He can be found serving the community in the FF Madison Store, cheering on runners at local races, and coaching the “dark side” of running to intermediate running enthusiasts during The Oak Park Challenge each year - a program designed to introduce locals to the beautiful trails of Huntsville.To say “Running Changes Everything” is an understatement - it has brought him a career, the love of his life, and a sense of purpose.

Cory Glover

I started running a little over 15 years ago after my wife trained with a NOBO group and ran her first 5K. I thought I can do that too. Since that time, I have ran a marathon and a dozen half marathons. There have been training ups and downs, but the running is something I wanted to be a part of my overall fitness routine. The running community is one that is motivating and great to be around. I enjoy it to the point that I work part time at the Madison store just to be around runners and fitness enthusiast in order to learn and be motivated.

Jose

Aloha to my new Fleet Feet family. I’m very excited to be among amazing, committed and like minded individuals with the same agenda, purpose and focus: Our Health.

Im a lover of the outdoors, adventures, trails and meeting new people. This is my first time to be a member of an official club and I know I will learn a lot. I know that this is what I need to fulfill one of my 2024 “Vision Board Goals” to return to marathon running.

Much Aloha for the opportunity…and many blessings in the 2024.

Sarah Green

Began Fleet Feet triathlon training after my retirement from the U.S. Army in 2014. I completed 4 Ironman distance triathlons in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022, and will compete in my 5th Ironman in April 2023. Qualified for USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic distance Nationals in August 2023.

Shannon Green

Shannon Green became an athlete rider in 2016 after learning about Ainsley’s Angels race chairs for those with disabilities.

Ultimately got her own chair to race whenever the opportunity arises!!!--

Griffin Gunter

I started running in 2018 to get into shape and as a form of stress relief. I’ve completed several 5k’s, 10k’s and one 15k. I’ve done 3 half marathons and just completed my first full marathon with the help of Fleet Feet’s training program. In 2024, I’ll finish my ACE group fitness certification, as well as run my first Chicago Marathon and second Rocket City Marathon. I’m looking forward to being on the Fleet Feet team and helping others progress in their running journey.

Meg McArdle

I have always been very active from a young age but in college (2011) found the joy of running and the thrill of bettering myself with each run/race. I have completed many 5Ks, 10Ks, 15Ks, half marathons, sprint triathlons & 2 marathons all prior to having my daughter. I am excited to work hard to rebuild my times as a first time mom running with my girl alongside me!

Julia Donovan

I started running recreationally in high school and got into longer distances after college. I ran with a group of women in Madison for several years, and they encouraged me to set some big goals, like joining the racing team and qualifying for Boston. I still have some goals I'd like to accomplish, like running a sub-1:30 half marathon, running Boston again, and finishing a 100 mile race. I also work as a graphic designer and love opportunities to combine running and design. When I'm not running or designing, I am hanging out with my husband, Ryan, and our dogs, Attie and Silva.

May Gillespie

"I began my running journey in 2020 during Covid and have loved it ever since! I quickly jumped into longer-distance races doing a trail 50k in Virginia in June 2021, 50 miles at Delano 12 hour in March 2022, and New York City Marathon this past November. Unfortunately, ongoing issues are keeping me from going the distance recently but I hope to get back to endurance running! For now, I'll enjoy shorter distances and being part of our wonderful running community through Fleet Feet!"

Kevin Green
Started running in 2017 to cross finish lines with my wife! Since then, I have pushed her in every distance up to a marathon with the help of amazing friends! In 2018, I started running trails and have completed mountain mist 3 times as well as several other 50Ks! My longest run is 51 miles at Delano 12hr with plans on doing a 100k at the Great Blue Heron Hundred this year! My ultimate goal is to complete a 100 miler!

Nicole Saizan

I returned to running consistently in 2019. In 2020, I signed up for my first half marathon training group and despite the pandemic managed to run more than I ever had. I enjoy getting to meet people in the running community. My goal every year is to run more miles than the previous year.

Theo

My name is Theo, I started running actively about 3 years ago to get into better shape and lose weight, at that time I was almost 300 lbs. I'm currently a kickboxing coach, running coach and nutritionist. At the end of the day I consider running to be my piece of mind, and allows me to push myself physically and mentally. It allows me to show everyone that it is never too late to change or do something you never thought you could do.

Mike James

I started running in 2017 (at age 68) by being coaxed by a fellow runner to “try it.” You are never to old to run! I came from the world of competitive cycling where I was a licensed rider with team Scalo in Albuquerque New Mexico. My cycling today is primarily on a penny farthing (great cross training).

Steve Keller

My name is Steve Keller, and I’m very pleased to be part of Team Fleet Feet for 2024. I have been in the Huntsville area since April of 2021 and spent my first 18 months working at Fleet Feet Madison after moving from Tennessee and spending 15 months working at Fleet Feet Nashville. I am a lifelong runner and athlete. I grew up swimming competitively through an age group program, high school, and NCAA Division 1 before putting in a career as a United States Air Force Officer. Through the years I’ve run 17 marathons and many races at the half marathon and shorter distances. I started competing in Triathlons in 2007, and I have completed 4 ironman distance events and many triathlons at the half ironman and shorter distances.Since moving to Huntsville and being part of the Fleet Feet Huntsville community, I’ve been a mentor to both the NOBO and Triathlon 201 Training Groups and participated in several local running and triathlon races. I am a member of Team Rocket Triathlon Club.I enjoy helping others achieve their goals, and with experience as a coach, personal trainer, and competitive athlete, I’m ready to help Team Fleet Feet reach their 2024 goals.

Jack McGee

I started running at the age of 51 with 5ks and have progressed to 7 marathons and 5 ultra distance races. Looking forward to adding 3 additional marathons this year and lots of additional training miles. (and hopefully BQ) I began my running journey in 2015 at Fleet Feet Huntsville with a new pair of shoes and weekly group runs and I'm still at it today and thankful for all the miles I have shared with others. I am hoping to add a RRCA running coach certification in 2023.

Paul Moeller

I’ve been running and coaching running since the early seventies (1970’s) - running races of all distances from the half-mile (my favorite) to marathons. And I loved every minute of it! Even from High School Running Days, I was certain that I wanted to keep running and its benefits going throughout my lifetime.

Well, life happened, we raised our three kids, while supporting all their interests, running was consequently put on the way back burner. Once we were empty nested, we started thinking about ourselves and what we needed to do to improve our lives. For fitness, I started biking, loved it (still do) and became a spinning instructor. I convinced my wife to ride outside ride bikes. But biking was too constraining for her, she needed a bigger challenge. She started running and was doing great with the sport! We moved to Italy, and it was there that she convinced me to start running with her. Almost immediately the spirit of running returned to my soul!

We have been running together for quite a while now. Loving it, we have run races in almost every state (46 thus far) and many foreign countries. I have been focusing lately on running coaching. I am a certified coach and love training others and encouraging them through their fitness journey. I have coached or mentored more than 20 Fleet Feet Programs. I organized the MAD Run Monday Group where we do a Monday run from Madison local greenways and the Fleet Feet Madison store. I feel very fortunate to be able to share the joy of running throughout our community through training programs and local running events.

Thank you Running!!

Cindy Moeller

I love running and helping others to reach their running goals.

I started running in 2006 and started participating in 5K and 10K runs. I got hooked, big time, into running. My husband and I moved to Rome, Italy and I really started putting in longer distances. We did our first ½ marathon in Italy and followed that up with ½ marathons in different countries in Europe. When I got back to the states, I continued running and took Fleet Feet training courses to help me understand how to run better over longer distances. I have completed races through the marathon, including New York City Marathon, but just love the ½ marathon race!

I am a certified running coach and really enjoy sharing my experiences and running knowledge with others. I especially enjoy running with and encouraging my granddaughter! I spend a lot of time mentoring Fleet Feet training programs and volunteering with many of the local races.

The sport of running has given me much satisfaction and I plan to continue running and helping others for a long time to come. I am in it for the long run, well at least 13.1!

Ann Mix

"I have been running and doing triathlons since 2006, completing a number of triathlons, marathons, half marathons, and 50Ks to include the New York Marathon, Army 10 Miler, HTC's Grand Slam, and Ironman Augusta 70.3. I served on the board of the Team Rocket Tri Club and over the past three years I have been a Race Director for the Rocket City Kids Marathon. I look forward to continuing supporting the Huntsville running community."

Dennis Mix

Amy McIntosh

My name is Amy McIntosh and I started running in 2012 with the No Boundaries group repeatedly telling the coaches “I can’t run.” I never thought I would do more than walk a 5K. Since then I have done several 5K’s, 10K’s, half marathons, triathlons, one marathon and have mentored in the No Boundaries group. I’m a back of the pack interval runner, but love running and the many friends I have made along the way!!

Linda Royce

I've been running for 20+ years. I'm an injury prone runner, who just won't give up! I really enjoy mentoring the half and full training programs through Fleet Feet and volunteering at various races throughout the year.

I'm the Race Director of HTC Winter Winds Road Races.

Rachel Sneed

I love that running provides opportunities to push my boundaries and see what I’m capable of. I’ve always got goals on my mind to keep myself motivated. When I’m running and I find that rhythm, everything just clicks and the miles tick by! Also, running has been a safe outlet for me dealing with my postpartum depression and anxiety. Running solo miles early in the morning is my ‘me and Jesus time’.

Ran 22:05 5k at Liz Hurley Oct 2023

Ran 1:40 half marathon at Huntsville Half Nov 2023

Goal 1:37 Half in Feb 2024

Goal 3:30 Full in April 2024

I’m a mom of twins - Luke and Amelia, work FT at HH as a CRNA, married for 12 years to Sam.

Alexis Smith

I started running in August 2023 because I always wanted to run a marathon so I joined a program to just see if I can do it. And I did it!!! I like running because it feels so free and I don’t have to think to run. I just do it. I enjoy meeting people of all adversities and bonding over similarities and opposites. Some of my goals for 2024 is become a better runner, work on consistency with running and life, complete pharmacy tech program, and run the 2024 Bridgestreet Half Marathon!

Donna Palumbo

Nathan Pierce

Jamie Morrow

I’ve been at Fleet Feet for about 5 years. I’m a mom who likes (ok, maybe loves) to run. I also enjoy hiking, camping and stargazing…basically anything outdoors.

When I’m not doing those with my son, you can find me mentoring some of our training groups. My BHAG is to run my first 100 miler this fall.

Madelyn Patton

I began running to lose weight in my early 20s. It became something I loved in my mid 30s. For a short time, what the finish clock showed was important to me but I realized that was not where my joy for the sport was found. Connecting with people while running and through running is where I find it. Cheering others on gives me great joy! My major goal for 2024 is to continue this mission. I’ve qualified for the NYC marathon but unsure I will run it. My husband and I are trying to run a race in every state so we will continue to work on accomplishing that.

Bracken Salin

I ran cross country in high school, but didn't end up being sold on running until I picked it up years later after college to manage my mental health. Motivation is a bit of a funny thing in that if you can inspire yourself to make that first step after lacing up your shoes, it takes on a life of its own and can change how you look at yourself and the surrounding world. I'm excited to be a member of the Fleet Feet team as it's an opportunity to help others recognize that it's not just about the miles or the finish line at the end, but the journey along the way.

Elaine Sillivant

Although I have always enjoyed being outdoors, I did not start running until I was 50. Running became a family event since many of kids also participated in various races.

Highlights of running have been Fleet Feet’s marathon training program and Thursday morning Breakfast Club!

Angel Mobley

I ran my first race in 2011 at Cotton Row 5K. After that I was hooked and realized how challenging and fun racing could be.

I was blessed to be able to run for UAH and now I am enjoying running various races and trying to do a half marathon in every state while enjoying the beautiful views!

Patrick Sumera

I started running in late 2017 at age 46 as a way to stay healthy. I quickly found that running is also a social activity that develops friendships and builds a sense of community. While I enjoy being competitive in my age group, my PR days are behind me ?. My 2024 goals consist of enjoying every run, and hopefully sharing that joy with the people I run with. I’ve completed distances up to 50k, with 10k and half marathon being my favorite.

Coach Michael Smith

Annye Smalligan

I Started running at age 50. The highlight of my running career was running the Boston Marathon in 2022. I never could have done it without the unbelievable support and encouragement from my Fleet Feet Running Friends! New long term goal: run a 1/2 marathon in every state. I’m married to Roger, work part time as the simulation coordinator at UAB, have 4 grown children, and also enjoy tennis, hiking and pets (3 dogs and a cat).

Roger Smalligan

I love to run! Some might say I also like to talk! I hope that makes a good combination to be able to encourage others who are getting into running. It is activity for me as well because my wife also enjoys running. We have never lived in a city with a running community as wonderful as Huntsville, nor with a group as great to work with as Fleet Feet!

As a physician, it makes me happy to see folks running together, because I know how good it is for their physical and mental health!

AJ Stark

Started running in 2014 with a goal to finish a half marathon. I have since ran several full marathons and a few ultras. Favorite distance is the half marathon. Favorite part about running is all the wonderful people I’ve met.

Amy Tanner - Triathlon Coach

Growing up I was a non-athletic, nerd. I started running in my early 30’s. That quickly led to cross training and the wonderful sport of triathlon. This will be my 16th triathlon race season! I have competed in countless, sprints, Olympic distance races, a number of 70.3’s and 3 Ironman finishes. Running has always been my favorite discipline and even with a bad knee, I try and keep it up!

After a few years of training for races on my own, I joined my first Fleet Feet Training group in 2011 to train for the Huntsville Half Marathon. Since then, I have participated in, mentored and coached with Fleet Feet. I am an ITCA certified triathlon coach, certified spinning instructor and certified sports injury and nutrition specialist. The best part about running and triathlon is the community. I have met most of my best friends through these adventures. We have a wonderful running and tri community here in the Tennessee Valley. Even though my knees are quite damaged at this point, I am still going because of the people!

I have enjoyed being part of the Fleet Feet Race team for a number of years, Suzanne and the Fleet Feet family are truly interested in promoting healthy lifestyles in the community and are a great support to all race directors, fundraisers and more. It is fun and rewarding to be a part of that community.

My 2024 goals include IM 70.3 in Waco, Texas and potentially another 140.6 at IMMD as I had to defer from last year. I am also qualified to compete in Atlantic City, NJ at USAT Age Group Nationals. My favorite though, is just being at the local road races and sharing those experiences with all types of runners! Hope to see you out there!

Chip Thigpen

Although I had done some 5k's and 10k's in my younger days, I didn't get serious about my running until 2015 at age 42 after doing my first obstacle course race. I was bitten by the bug, and I knew I wanted to do a lot more of these in the future, and if I were going to be good at them, I'd have to get better at running, especially trail running. I have been hooked ever since, completing many road/trail half and full marathons, several ultras, and even some 24 hour endurance races. Stuff I thought I'd never do before!

is to just keep doing what I have been doing! I plan to focus more on local races of all distances, doing some events that I have never done before, or haven't done in a while.

Shane O'Neill

I grew up in Canada, but have lived in America for ~ 25 years.

Started running about 15 years ago.

Glad to be healthy (currently pre-injured) and running with several of my kids (I have 7 others besides Grattan).

Stared coaching XC last season with Team Endurance.

2023 BHAG: Sub 19 5k. BQ at Boston.

Donna Ruiz

I have been active all my life, but I didn’t really start running until 2012. A good friend introduced me to Fleet Feet to get good shoes, so when I moved to Huntsville, I knew exactly where I needed to go. Getting to work here part time in 2014 was like getting to work in a toy store! Since then, I’ve expanded my athletic interests to ultra-distances, trail running (but only in the fall/winter!), and triathlon, and gotten to know more wonderful people in town and more fun gear to explore. Other than helping people find their most comfortable shoe fit and keep them moving, my favorite part of being the Essentials Buyer for Fleet Feet Huntsville/Madison is discovering new “toys” to make the sport better. I’m always excited to learn about new gear!

Paul Wolfsberger

James Hurley

Army Veteran 8yrs Active Duty as a Heavy Equipment Operator “Truck Driver”
and 2yrs as a Plumber in the Army Reserves. I ran half dozen 1/2 Marathons 6 or 7 Full Marathons and 1 Ultra Marathon in 2007 at Mt. Mist 50k trail runs and countless of other distances throughout my running days. Most of my weekends are spent camping or volunteering at local or out-of-town races.
My goal for 2024 is to continue volunteering and helping others contribute to the Sport I love and see them continue to do great work for the Running Community through the year and beyond. I want to continue to grow in making new friendships through the events that are held by Fleet Feet and other Organizations in Huntsville, and outside the area as I will continue to travel to many other places for races.

Not pictured: Olivia Casey, Melissa Mcdonald and Susan Yarbrough