University Coaches
RUN FAR COACHES
9:00 – 9:59
Laurie Pluck
Laurie has been a part of Run Far since training for her first marathon in 2009, and she truly values everything the program offers to runners. She is passionate about helping both new and experienced runners achieve their goals, whether that means completing a full or half marathon or improving their personal best.
One of Laurie’s favorite aspects of running is the friendships formed along the miles, as well as celebrating each runner’s milestones as they progress through the training season. A Carolina native, she has been living in Charlotte since 1997.
In addition to being an avid runner, Laurie enjoys spending time with her husband and their three boys. She has a fulfilling daytime role in sports ministry with FCA and is actively involved in volunteering and participating at her church. For Laurie, running is truly a gift—one that she loves to enjoy and share with others.
10:00 – 10:59
Glynnis Brown
Glynnis is very excited to be a coach for Run Far! She originally joined Run Far University in 2018 as a way to make friends as an adult and has been running with the group ever since. She started coaching for Run Far Midtown in 2023, and migrated back to University in 2024. She has run 5 full marathons and many half marathons, and is a lover of doing interval workouts on the track! One of her favorite things about coaching is watching everyone improve over the weeks and helping them reach their goals. She has recently graduated nursing school and is beginning her exciting career as a labor and delivery nurse. You will also probably hear her talk about her dog, Gus, who frequents the running store with her quite often. Her other hobbies include baking (she was previously a pastry chef), reading, and just spending time outdoors.
11:00 – 11:59
Denis Coruzzi
Denis is originally from Venezuela but has been living in the US since 1992. She is married and has 29 years old twins. After being a couch potato for most of her adult life, she started running in March of 2007. She started with a walk/run training program and ran her first 5K in April 2007. That year she ran a few 5Ks, a 10K, a 15K, and her first half marathon (Thunder Road) on her birthday.
As a challenge, in 2008 she decided to train and run a full marathon. She signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon and joined the Run Far (former USA Fit) Training group. The training was very challenging and demanding, the overall experience was excellent, she met many people, and made a ton of new friends. After a couple of years as a participant, she became a coach.
She has now completed some full marathons, half marathons, and ultras. She has been part of the coaching group at the University store for many years now. She is looking forward to helping others reach their goal of running a marathon or a half marathon and helping each one of you enjoy the emotional rewards that come from crossing the finish line.
12:00+
Anna Reed
Anna has been involved in distance running for over 10 years, and it is something she is deeply passionate about. She has completed 10 marathons—including the Chicago and Berlin World Marathon Majors—and each race has provided valuable lessons in endurance, strategy, and the mental toughness required to persevere.
She began running in 2011 with Run Far, where she developed a strong connection to the running community. Since then, her focus has extended beyond her own training; she has been fully committed to helping others achieve their goals as well. Run Far has grown into a supportive and encouraging community where members motivate and uplift one another. Whether someone is preparing for their first 5K or aiming to improve their marathon time, she is dedicated to offering guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way.
For Anna, running is about more than just logging miles. It is about challenging oneself, building strength, and discovering one’s true potential.
9:00 – 9:59
Walt Wittmann
Walt ran his first half and full marathons during the first year of our program in 2007. Since then, he’s run one 50k, 18 marathons, 21 half marathons, many 10ks, 8ks, and 5ks. As an assistant coach, he enjoys helping runners achieve their goals, whether it’s a PR, BQ, or LRE (longest run ever!). When not running, Walt enjoys live music, spending time with his three dogs, and trying out new restaurants
10:00 – 10:59
Garrison Libby
Garrison began running in 2015 at the encouragement of his sister and quickly discovered it to be an excellent way to stay active, build community, and relieve stress. Since then, he has completed several marathons—some while wearing humorous costumes, again thanks to his sister’s influence. In 2025, he started coaching for Run Far, working with the 10:00 to 10:59 pace group. Outside of running, he is also a big fan of sandwiches.
11:00 – 11:59
Janet Connor
Janet Connor joined University Run Far in 2018 while training for her first marathon, and what started as a personal goal quickly became a lifelong passion. Since then, she has completed several marathon and half marathon distance events, as well as a few ultramarathons.
By day, Janet is a high school teacher who brings the same patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm to the classroom that she brings to coaching and running. Her husband, Jim, is also a member of the Run Far community, making running an important part of their family life.
Janet often says that University Run Far changed her life. The friendships, support, and countless miles shared with this community have brought her tremendous joy and helped shape the runner—and person—she is today. She is grateful for the opportunity to give back by helping others pursue their goals, celebrate their successes, and discover what they are capable of achieving.
Whether someone is training for their first race or their next big challenge, Janet’s goal is to help every runner enjoy the journey, build confidence, and have a successful season filled with strong miles, good health, and plenty of smiles.
12:00+
LaVerne Leung
LaVerne is one of the coaches for Run Far working with the 12+ pace group. She completed a few 5Ks before signing up with Run Far to train for her first Marathon in 2024.
Laverne has developed a passion for running and accomplished an amazing goal in 2025 by completing a 50K Ultra Marathon and the Charlotte Half Marathon in November. She is looking forward to helping make miles fun and improving as she grows.
In addition to running, LaVerne enjoys hiking and cycling.
10:00 – 10:59
Fritz Hjardemaal
Fritz is thrilled to coach and direct the run program at RFYL University. His running journey began in 2014 with a couch-to-5K program, which prepared him for his first 5K race. In 2016, he joined the Run for Your Life program to improve his running and prepare for his first Spartan race in 2017. What started as supplemental training quickly became his primary focus, thanks to the strong fellowship and inclusive community at RFYL University.
After earning his Spartan Trifecta in 2018, Fritz turned his attention to marathon training and successfully completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 2019. He has been running ever since. He is passionate about fitness and especially enjoys helping others on their wellness journeys, particularly fellow runners. He is excited to serve as a coach and share his enthusiasm for running with the community.
When he is not running, Fritz enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending quality time with his two daughters. He looks forward to making the journey both fun and challenging, filled with plenty of laughter along the way.
11:00 – 11:59
John Rutledge
John began running with the RFYL run group around 2007, when the program hosted Tuesday and Thursday runs for beginners and moderately experienced runners.
In 2008, when the store introduced a Half and Full Marathon Training Program, John reluctantly signed up for a full marathon—initially questioning why anyone would want to run that far unless they were being chased by a bear, as his daughter often joked. Up until that point, he was content participating in 5K and 10K races. However, within a few weeks, he became fully engaged in the program and the strong sense of community it offered. He vividly recalls a Saturday long run when he realized he had completed the longest run of his life—surpassing even his Cross Country and Track distances from high school 31 years earlier.
Since then, John has completed five marathons, more than 30 half marathons, and countless races of various distances, from 5Ks to longer events. For him, running is about far more than miles, races, medals, or even the occasional post-race banana—it is about the people he has met along the way. He has watched members of the running community grow up, get married, and start families, creating lasting connections through the sport.
John believes running is a lifelong activity that, with discipline and proper care, can stay with you for years. When he is not running, he enjoys hiking, spending time with his wife and family, attending baseball games, and, of course, eating pizza.
12:00+
Miriam Saunders
Miriam started running with Run for Your Life as a participant in their Run Fit program in 2014. Since then, she has run multiple half marathons and 8 full marathons. Through her running journey, she has helped coach runners and loves helping people meet their goals. When Miriam began marathon training, she started using the run-walk method. She’s happy to share what she has learned with you.
She believes that the Run Far program is great for helping all levels of runners complete their races. Her favorite thing about Run Far is the amazing participants and coaches and the many wonderful friendships she has made within this group.