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Craftsbury Running Camp - Coaching Staff
Craftsbury running camps have been a sought after running destination for more than 30 years. One crucial reason is our coaching. Every session, our expert coaches share their knowledge of speed, strength and endurance training. Whether you are a long-time runner working on your tenth marathon, a fitness runner hoping to train more progressively or a new runner who wants to advance their fitness and knowledge, our time-tested mix of structured runs, videotape analysis, lectures, drills and circuit training will help you to achieve your goals.

 

Lynn Jennings, Running Program Director and Coach

Three-time Olympian, Olympic bronze medalist and three-time world cross country champion Lynn Jennings will be back at Craftsbury for the seventh time in 2013. As Director of Running, Lynn enjoys sharing her running history and knowledge with Craftsbury runners. Her love of running includes teaching runners how to train progressively and intelligently to maximize their potential. Lynn willingly shares her motivating and inspiring insights into the world of professional middle distance running.

Lynn lives in Portland, OR where she runs the trails in Forest Park with her dog Towhee. Though retired from competitive racing, Lynn still cranks out 60 miles a week on the trails. When not running Lynn is an avid road cyclist, back country hiker and sculler.

Lynn can be reached at running@craftsbury.com.

"Craftsbury running camps are a perfect place for a runner to train and play. The gorgeous hilly roads and trails are a runner's dream. Runners come to Craftsbury to improve their skills and gain insight into creating productive training programs. A week at Craftsbury gives runners of all abilities a chance to learn more about their craft in a beautiful and serene location. Add in the amazing meals and the camaraderie of the runners and it's no wonder so many runners return year after year." -Lynn

 

Greg Wenneborg, Coach

A former national class runner who competed in the three U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, Greg has 5 career marathon victories, including Vermont City Marathon and the Maui Marathon with Personal records of 2:18:47 for the marathon and 29:57 for the 10k. He holds a Masters degree in Education and teaches at Flowing Wells High School in Tucson, Arizona. In addition, Greg is the head cross country and track and field coach at Pima Community College in Tucson where his teams have garnered conference and regional championships as well as individual national championship titles and top 10 team finishes. Greg is a board member of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners, for whom he coaches novice to advanced runners and is co-author with Randy Accetta of two books on how to coach, Marathon Training and Training to Run. 2013 will be Greg's 15th year coaching at Craftsbury. He and his wife Stephanie have a daughter Audrey and son named Grant.

"Craftsbury is an excellent place to come together with healthy minded people to learn about the sport of distance running. Whether you're taking up running for recreation or health or are trying to improve your performance, we'll give you tools and motivation to meet your goals." -Greg

 

Jess Cover, Coach

Returning to Craftsbury for her fifth summer, Jess has been running competitively for over 16 years. Though she races all distances, Jess has a special relationship with the marathon and has completed over 20 of them. Her personal best in the marathon is 3:05.05 at Vermont's own Key Bank Vermont City Marathon. Her half marathon PR of 1:27.52 was set on the challenging New Bedford Half Marathon course. She competes as a masters athlete for The Green Mountain Athletic Association, Vermont's premier running club. In addition to being a personal running coach for ON TRACK Performance Coaching, Jess also teaches a Marathon 101 course for first time marathoners. She is also the race director for The GMAA Green Mountain Half Marathon & Marathon as well as Vermont's Girls on the Run 5k event. Last but not least, she is the Head Girls Cross Country Coach at South Burlington High School. Jess lives in Richmond, VT with her awe inspiring husband Chris and her faithful 4 legged companion Bernie.

"Running allows me to challenge myself and coaching allows me to challenge and support others in ways they never thought possible. I have a BA in Psychology from Johnson State College and I believe the psychological aspects of running and the mental training involved are just as important as the physical training. If you're ready to take your running to the next level, joining us at Craftsbury is the place to do it!" -Jess

 

Peter Larson, Coach

Pete spent the past ten years as a biology professor at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where he taught courses in anatomy and exercise physiology. He developed a love for running about six years ago and began researching the relationship between running form, footwear, and running injuries. He is now pursuing a new career as a writer, running coach, and exercise physiologist. Pete is the author of a popular running website (www.runblogger.com), and he co-authored the book Tread Lightly: Form, Footwear, and the Quest for Injury-Free Running.

Pete has completed eight marathons, and will be running number nine this Spring. His best time is a Boston-qualifying 3:15:21. He has a half-marathon PR of 1:27:36. He is currently coaching a 5K program for beginning runners in his home town of Concord, NH. Pete is passionate about getting people active, and he enjoys helping new runners reach their goals.

 

Eric Blake, Coach

Eric Blake, head coach of Central Connecticut State University's men's and women's track and cross country teams, will be returning to Craftsbury. A six-time member of the USATF Mountain Running Team, Blake finished 3rd at the 2012 Mount Washington road race which qualified him for the World Mountain Running Championships in Slovenia. In 2009 Eric was the first New England finisher in the Boston Marathon for the second straight year. He finished in 24th place overall with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes.

"Craftsbury offers so much for runners of all calibers: the setting is the best because the dirt roads and scenery are unbelievable. The whole environment rejuvenates you and sets runners up for a great fall of racing." -Eric

 

Mike Davi, Coach

Since Mike's first visit to Craftsbury in 2008 as a camper, he has lowered his marathon PR by over 15 minutes, running 2:50:23 in Philadelphia in 2012. He will be returning as a coach for the second time in 2012. His passion lies in helping others discover what they are capable of achieving through running. Mike leads local running groups, emphasizing a supportive and encouraging environment. Each winter, Mike coaches runners training for the Boston Marathon, helping them to realize that the course can be tamed! On an individual level, Mike works with a wide range of runners, from the first timer to those looking to achieve the Olympic Trials qualifying standard. Starting to run as an adult after college, Mike has about 40 marathons to his credit. He believes that what makes a good runner a great racer is patience, discipline and control.

Mike receives strong support from his wife Julie, who is a competitive figure skater and from his two daughters Ainslie, also a competitive skater, and Lauren, a star soccer and basketball player.

"Craftsbury has changed my life for the better in so many ways. The coaching philosophy at Craftsbury falls in line with how I learn and teach. It's a very safe environment for runners of every level because the coaches are extremely approachable and listen to their needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping runners set and achieve their goals. The bonus is they get to do it in such beautiful surroundings and build lasting friendships throughout the process." -Mike

 

Laurie Greenberg, Coach

From Warren, VT, running has been a key part of Laurie's life for over 25 years. She first started running when she was ten and instantly enjoy the peacefulness it brought to her; in fact, a feeling that has that has never stopped. In her early years, Laurie mainly ran for enjoyment but occassionaly raced to see how far she could push herself out of her comfort zone. In her early 20s, she raced everything from a 5ks to marathon distances, often winning many of the local and regional races as well as being a member of Team eBay, one of the top coed adventure racing teams in the country. Now, in her 30s Laurie has found her true passion on the trails, primarily in the 50k distance.

Laurie was most recently a middle school teacher and coach for nine years but now is focused on raising her three young children and working as a certified personal trainer where she runs a spin studio from her home. Laurie runs every day (rain, shine, -25, you name it!) at 6:30 AM before her husband leaves for work and she still finds time to race in a few trail races a year where she continues to place in the top three. Laurie's past accomplishments include 1st place at Covered Bridges 1/2 Marathon, 1st place VT50, 1st place Stone Cat trail marathon (twice), 1st place Jay Peak 25k, 1st place Pittsfield 50k, 1st place Crater Lake (OR) 1/2 Marathon and multiple other top results.

"I truly enjoy inspiring young athletes to seniors to strive to do their best and live a healthy lifestyle. Recently, the most profound moment for me was when my nine year old daughter came into my room at 6:20AM to state she was ready to go running with me! The best way to inspire others is to model what you believe. My family and I have a special fondness for Craftsbury and the simplicity life can be there. 10 years ago we fell in love with the area and have slowly built a wonderful family cabin on Little Hosmer where we enjoy Nordic skiing, the loons, starry nights and, of course, some of the most beautiful runs on earth! I am honored to be joining the Crafsbury Running Camp team this summer and look forward to being inspired by all of you!" -Laurie

 

Wilson Perez, Coach

Wilson Perez, head cross country and track coach at New England College in Henniker, NH, comes to Craftsbury as a coach for the first time this summer. Perez was an eight-time All-American at Keene State College in cross country and track, Perez help lead Keene State to second-place finishes at the 1999 and 2000 NCAA cross country championships. Individually, he finished second in the indoor 5,000-meter race his sophomore year and second in the outdoor 10,000 race his senior year. Perez was also a four-time All-Region XC runner, also won the New England Division III cross country championship his senior year. Wilson's versatility as a runner are evident with a mile PR of 4:16 and a marathon PR of 2:28.

Wilson lives in Keene, NH with his wife Becky and their son Wilson III.

 

Pierre Mikhail, Coach

From Huntsville, Ontario, this is Pierre's first summer coaching at Craftsbury. Pierre is a lifelong runner and a student of running. He has run over 15 marathons and over the past several years has become passionate about both coaching high school cross country running and competing in masters cross country races. He looks forward to sharing the camp experience with several of his Huntsville Hoyas Cross Country team members. Pierre balances his love of running and coaching with a busy job as an Emergency Department physician and his active family life with Catherine, Hannah and Megan, all of whom will journey to Craftsbury this summer.

 

Rachel Schneider, Coach

Captain of the Georgetown University cross country and track teams and an 8-time NCAA All-American and the school record holder in the 1000m, 1200m, and DMR, Rachel will be coaching at Craftsbury for the first time this summer. She also represented the USA at the IAAF Junior World Track & Field Championships in Moncton, Canada in July 2010. Rachel grew up in southern Maine and loves hiking, biking, swimming, cross country skiing and snowboarding. Graduating from Georgetown this spring with a bachelor of science in human science, Rachel will be returning to Georgetown in September to complete her masters in Sports Industry Management and to complete her last year of racing eligibility.

"I met Lynn while I was a counselor/lifeguard at Foss Running Camp and ever since she's told me about the Craftsbury I've been so excited to have the opportunity to attend. I absolutely love running and the outdoors and am so looking forward to sharing this passion with the coaches and athletes at Craftsbury."