Meet the team
What current athletes have said.
2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers
Krystalanne Curwood
Two years ago, I transitioned to my coach, my confidante, my friend: Kathy Butler, … I realized she was everything I needed in a coach. Not only has she shaped me to be a better athlete and friend, but to achieve more than I thought possible in running. There are times that she pushes me to do the extra rep and then there are times she tells me no more half way through the workout. She pays attention. Not only does she challenge you, but encourages and listens to you. Her workouts and nutrition strategy gave me strength as I went through ups and downs mentally and physically. She knew that I had gone through a tough time outside of training, and life was just getting the better of me, but during workouts and runs, she made me feel wanted. She made me feel as I had a home and the team became family. She made me see that I became stronger and that those moments can be overcome by just taking one step in each rep at a time. …She has guided me to achieve a 1:16 Half Marathon and a 2:45 marathon at California International Marathon in 2017, qualifying for the Olympic Trials. …I know for me she is more than a coach. She is someone who has shown that when I doubt myself, she is my cheerleader, the one person who will believe in you.
Caroline Veltri
I started training with Kathy in August 2018. In just 16 weeks, Kathy coached me to achieve my dream: the Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier. With Kathy's expertise, fluid communication, and encouraging teammates, I ran a 2:44:35 marathon-- a PR by a whopping 12 minutes! Kathy structured my training so that I could do this while working as a full time attorney. Kathy is also supportive of my broad-ranging goals. Under Kathy, I raced the 5th Ave Mile, 10 Mile Road Champs, and won the Raleigh Half Marathon. I have also raced several ultra-marathons in distances ranging from 50k, 50 miles, 100k, to 100 miles. I ran the Leadville Trail 100 mile race in 2017, and the Hawaii Ultra Running Team (HURT) 100 mile trail race in 2018. Kathy is training me for my 2019 Western States Qualifier. I 100% trust that Kathy can coach me to be my best at any distance, whether on the track, roads, or trails. I have no doubt that with Run Boulder AC, I will reach my full potential as an athlete.
Running for Team USA Caroline finished 10th at the 50km World Championships in Brasov, Romania.
Caitlin Standifer
I'm a runner with a triathlon problem. After a rollercoaster ride of a college running career, I dove head first into triathlon as a way to channel my competitive drive in racing into a sport that was less impactful on my body. Training and life took a pause during the summer of 2016 before I picked up my life and moved to Boulder. When I started running again, although very out of shape, I was encouraged that fall to join Kathy's group by a friend/teammate. Over the past three years, Kathy was patient and helped me become a stronger, more durable, and faster athlete. I only run four times a week while balancing out bike and swim training. Kathy is always good at recognizing the balance between when I'm overcooked and when I need to be pushed so I can stay healthy, happy, and motivated to reach my goals. In triathlon season, Kathy is always down to get creative when I need more specific off-the-bike run workouts to get me ready for racing. It's Kathy's flexibility and the ability to see the big picture that has helped me get to where I am today!
In 2019, Caitlin ran a 1:22 half marathon off the bike at the 70.3 World Championships in France, landing her 4th overall in the world (2nd fastest run overall), ran a 5 minute half-marathon PR in 1:16, and capped the season off by running a 2:44 marathon at CIM in her first ever marathon, qualifying her for the Olympic Trials.
Samantha Calderon
Ran for St. Cloud State University and was a 3 x NCAA all American in Cross county a track and Field. After college I knew I wanted to continue training and go for the Olympic Trials standard in the marathon. I got married to my husband in July 2017 and we packed up all of our belongings and moved to Boulder, CO in August 2017 to pursue my running dreams! I did my first marathon and Qualfied for the Trials in January 2018. After the marathon I had a few injuries and was having a hard time getting back into things.
I started training with Kathy in June and have had an amazing experience! My fitness is back, I have an amazing group of women to train with and Kathy has been great. She cares about not just running, but the athlete as a real person. She knows running is important but is sure to make the sport fun, competitive and focuses on keeping us healthy. I love her calm nature and encouraging confidence! I am lucky to be training on such a great team, with a coach as knowledgeable and real as Kathy! I am excited to go after my next marathon goal.
| 5000m | 10000m | Half marathon | Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16:56 | 34:48 | 1:19:26 | 2:44:44 |
US Team member Pentathlon/ 2020 Olympic Hopeful
Brendan Anderson
I started working with Kathy in 2018 after relocating to Boulder. I grew up training in Colorado Springs at the US Olympic Training Center in the sport of Modern Pentathlon, which consists of swimming, fencing, riding, running and shooting. I am a Senior National Team Member and have been on multiple Senior, Junior, and Youth World Teams, and have been competing on the Senior World Cup circuit since 2011. I competed and qualified for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China and finished in 10th place. I qualified for the 2019 PanAmerican Games (Lima, Peru) and won a silver medal in the Men's relay since working with Kathy, and finished in 14th place at the 2018 Senior World Championships (Mexico City, Mexico). I am currently trying to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games under Kathy's guidance and as a part of RunBoulder AC. I found RunBoulder AC and immediately knew that Kathy was the coach I needed. She has spent a tremendous amount of time getting to know me and my complicated sport to tailor a program that complements the demand of five different disciplines. I am very fortunate that I found such a genuine and devoted coach as Kathy!
2024 Olympic hopefuls
Ashley Mena
I grew up in Kalamazoo, MI horseback riding and competed collegiately on my school’s equestrian team, but about 5 years ago took up running because I wanted to finish a half marathon. I married my husband Kyle and fast forward a few years we moved out here to Boulder, CO with our eyes on the OTQ in the Marathon!
When we moved out I was returning to running from a pretty big injury, and pretty much had to start back from scratch. I was nervous at first about moving back into things too quickly and the dynamics of training with a group, but Kathy is very in-tune to us as athletes - she knows when to push but also when to hold back. I’ve improved so much over the past year training with her and the team and have never felt stronger or faster! When I first started running I always trained solo, which made workouts difficult to motivate myself for. Ever since joining the group I’ve found myself looking forward to workouts and pushing myself harder alongside my teammates - who have become some of my closest friends. In the 9 months since I started running again, Kathy coached me to a 24-minute marathon PR of 2:58, and as a part of RunBoulder I’m more confident than ever in my training and fitness going into these next couple years!
Ryan Smith
I moved to Boulder in the summer of 2017 from Houston, Texas to do one thing, chase dreams. I not only had the dream of running but wanted to be near the mountains. The fact that I can have a great group of people to train with and be near the mountains is more than I could ask for!
Shortly after moving to Boulder I began training with Kathy, almost immediately I was welcomed into a great training culture and environment that has allowed my running to thrive. Since moving I have dropped 2 minutes and 40 seconds off my half marathon personal best (from 1:09:50 to 1:07:10) in just over 5 months. We have a great training group and strength coach available (which has also made a huge difference). The tools are provided for you to become the best that you can be, you only need to use them. I look forward to more personal bests and hopefully a sub 2:19 marathon in the near future!
Mile
5k Road
5000m
10000m (Half Marathon split)
Half marathon
Marathon
66k
4:31
15:25
15:26
31:38
67:10
2:32:30
4:56:11
Becky Lynn
I started training with Kathy in the Fall of 2017 after living in Boulder for 2 years and wanting to take my running up another level.Training with Kathy has been such a wonderful and eye opening experience because she has been able to unlock potential in me I never thought I had. With her, I had the best training block of my life! She is very open-minded and receptive to each and every runner's needs on the team which makes working with her such a pleasure. She provides a training plan specific to what I need each week and adapts to my needs down to each day. She never hesitates to answer any questions or concerns I may have with running AND in life with such a calm and rational demeanor. At practices, I find myself surrounded by a positive running atmosphere with likeminded people who have different objectives, lifestyles and careers, but we always manage to get it done with smiles on our faces. I am thrilled to continue to pursue my marathon and trail ultra marathon goals with Kathy and the Run Boulder team by my side.
Kyle Mena
My wife and I moved to Boulder in March of 2017 from Portage, Michigan looking for a change of scenery and wanting to take our running to the next level. For me, I was just coming out of a slump. I was unmotivated and lost with my running and have been on and off since graduating from collage in 2009. Thinking I wasn't fast enough or good enough, I took a chance and emailed Kathy asking about training and her group. That was one of the best things I could have ever done! Kathy was warm with her response and invited me out to jump into a couple workouts to see if we were a good fit together. Needless to say, I felt a connection immediately to her and the group. Kathy has been nothing but great and I have found that spark I was missing for so long. I am enjoying everything about training and I cannot wait to see where I can go!
Alexandra Newman
Alexandra raced for the University of Chicago and joined the Impala Racing Team while in graduate school at the University of California, Berkeley. Since moving to Colorado, she remained largely coachles until a friend told her about Kathy's group. During her first cross country season training with the group, she ran faster than in her previous five seasons. She enjoys Kathy's professionalism and ability to tailor workouts to every type of runner, as well as the group's energy.
Bridget End
I joined Kathy’s training group in December of 2015, and I have enjoyed every minute of it! Kathy considers the whole person, not just the athlete. She tailors our training plans based on our individual needs, including planning our runs around our class/work schedules and prescribing the appropriate, individualized mileage and workouts to help us peak for our goal races. Considering my injury history and my tendency to push the boundaries, Kathy has been wonderful at reigning me in, while still allowing me to test my limits at the appropriate times. I have had a long and bumpy road back from injury, but Kathy has been with me every step of the way, reminding me to stay patient and helping me regain both my fitness and my confidence. With Kathy’s help, I hope to pursue my dream of qualifying for the Olympic Marathon Trials. Lastly, I love training with my Run Boulder teammates. After college, I was hoping to find a running group that I could call my family. I have certainly found that group in Run Boulder!
So far in 2018 Bridget has run a 4 minute half marathon PR improving her time to 81:14.
| 3000m | 5000m | 10000m | Half Marathon | Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:09 | 16:51 | 35:32 | 81:14 | 2:46:22 |
Nicole Jefferson
From competitor’s, to competitor- friend, to competitor- friend-training partner and now friend-coach.. Kathy has been there through the many phases of my life and running career. The one thing I value most about Kathy is her friendship and easy going nature. When she told me awhile ago that she was going to start a running group I thought to myself, “Anyone that is lucky to have you as a coach is going to succeed!” Kathy is smart, methodical, even natured, funny, calm and has the ability to get the most out of her athletes. Her biggest asset is the ability to find what works for each person. There is no cookie cutter programs. Kathy has the skills to see what makes each of her athletes ‘tick’.
| 800m | 1500m | Mile | 3000m | 5000m | 10000m | Half Marathon | Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:05 | 4:14.1 | 4:38 | 9:09 | 15:20 | 32:09 | 72:30 | 2:40.20 |
Paul Banel
I started training with Kathy when I moved to Boulder in the fall of 2016. I work full time and when I was training on my own I tended to pack too much into my running schedule and get injured. Kathy has helped me figure out what races I actually care about and focus on those, and what level of intensity I can manage around the rest of my life. She has also been great at adapting to my widely-varying race goals, such as planning to do an outdoor track season in 2018, but ending up getting into the Leadville 100.
| 1500m | Mile | 50K Trail | 50M Trail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:28 | 4:53 | 4:05:26 | 7:51:07 |
Kevin Chin Shue
Sprinter/Decathlete turned Marathoner. Throughout my running career, I’ve competed in almost every event there is. From the 100m to the Marathon. After finishing competing in college, I went into coaching to stay connected with the sport. During that time, I opened up my distance horizons and signed up for my first Marathon with the goal to qualify for Boston. I did just that and went on to check off a bucket list race I’ve always had in mind. After Boston 2016, I put my training on the back burner, and my career as the front runner. This was the case until I came out to Boulder to visit a friend in the summer of 2018 and met the Run Boulder AC team. A month later, I moved out to Colorado to pursue my dream of training post-collegiately with a team. Kathy’s training style and custom attention to detail brought me out of the racing funk I was in for 3 years and back into training mode. After 5 months of hard work, PT treatments, and a slow adjustment to altitude, I came away with a 19 min PR at the Houston Marathon in 2019, a big PR at the Ventura Half 2019, and then another PR at the California International Marathon in Dec 2019. During these two intense training cycles, I started to beat my personal bests in shorter distances during normally scheduled workouts. Today, I definitely consider myself a long-distance runner, but Kathy knows that track is still my first love!
Connor McMahon
I started training with Run Boulder AC last October and immediately loved the group dynamic. Kathy has spent years perfecting a low-pressure environment, that was night-and-day compared to the college program I had just been a part of that was consistently cutting athletes. On my first day Sam [Calderon] described the team as "a family" and that really resonated with me. To this day it holds true as a great metaphor.
In addition to her crucial people skills, Kathy has years of expertise in both coaching and competing at an extremely high level. Having someone who's competed in the Olympics twice in my corner, answering any and every question I can think of....it's a dream come true. In 15 months with Kathy and the team I lowered my 10k personal best by 1:39 and my half marathon best by 2:28. This is in part due to enjoying the process again and being a part of the group, but it is also a huge testament to the specifics and calculated coaching of Kathy. I cannot measure the hugely positive impact she and the group have had on my life.
Lindsey Burdette
I joined RunBoulderAC shortly after moving to Boulder from Toledo, OH where I received my degree in Bachelors of Science in Respiratory Care. I ran for UT my first 3 years of college where I did cross country and steeplechase during track season. I found my program inflicting with competitive running so I was left with a lot of disappointment after college. I wanted a fresh start with competitive running so I found Kathy’s group and have steadily improved my times over the past year and even have a future Olympic Trials Qualifier on my goals radar. Kathy and the group make me feel excited to come to practice and be around. Its a great supportive team-like atmosphere to be around. Kathy is a great coach not only on the running platform, but also on a personal one.I’m excited to see how far Kathy’s training takes me.
Adelaide Perr
I started training with Run Boulder AC when I was coming back from a labral tear in my hip. I was hesitant about training again, but Kathy's training plans have actually kept my hip stronger than it was prior to joining the group. I love how supportive the group is of one-another's goals, both within running and just in general. I can tell my times have dropped since running with the group because I set a new PR for a half marathon on a training run while tapering for a marathon this winter. Although I split my time between triathlon and road running, Kathy's coaching has helped me in both pursuits.
Kennett Peterson
I began training with Run Boulder AC three years ago and have grown to enjoy the group's comradery as much as the grueling workouts themselves. The team has a wide variety of abilities, so there's almost always someone for me to run with, whether I'm feeling fresh or have dead legs from a hard week of training. Kathy has helped me focus on my run form, and encouraged me to rest when I was worn down but too blind to see it. As a result, I've been able to improve on consistency in races and in training.
I came from a bike racing background, so my bones and ligaments weren't accustomed to the pounding of running. It has taken me quite a few years to build up to 40 and 50 mile weeks, but I've remained mostly uninjured thanks to doing my hardest run sessions with Kathy's team, and not trying to do too much on my own without any guidance.
As a triathlete, I don't keep track of my fastest run times because they're all pretty slow. But a few of my top results include:
2nd Ironman Boulder 2nd IM 70.3 Coeur d’Alene 3rd IM 70.3 Boulder 3rd IM 70.3 Bariloche 3rd IM 70.3 Indian Wells La Quinta