Coach Jennifer GillI am originally from New York where my running career began at the age of 12. Sibling rivalry was what really started my running career. I was determined to beat my older brother's sprint times when I joined the track team in 8th grade. After high school, I went to George Mason University. I transferred to Tempe, AZ where I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Microbiology. After graduation, I moved to the D.C. area and, after years of doing laboratory research with The Institute for Genomic Research and the American Red Cross, I gave it up to pursue a Masters of Public Health from George Washington University. Recently, my family and I relocated from the D.C. area to San Diego, CA.
My MPH is concentrated in Health Education. I feel that being healthy can only happen when you have the right information. I know that there is a lot of confusing information out there about what to eat, how active you should be, and how that all affects your overall health. I wanted to have this information, not only for myself and my family, but to help others reach their health and fitness goals. I am a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Certified Distance Running Coach. I am also a Licensed Sports Nutritionist, licensed by the National Association of Sports Nutrition. I have coached individuals and groups, children and adults. In addition, I'm a certified Level I yoga instructor, specializing in vinyasa.
Before moving to San Diego, I served as the Director of Marketing and Director of Training Programs at Fleet Feet Sports, Gaithersburg. I also helped found, coach and serve on the Board of Directors of Girls on the Run of Montgomery County. Girls on the Run is a non-profit educational program that uses running and training for a 5K as a means to educate and prepare elementary school girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. I've been featured on Competitor.com, Runner's World, Women's Running Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors (scroll down to "Marathon Mistakes"), Spa Magazine, Fitness Magazine, Active.com and the Just Finish online running community, and I served as the local Washington, DC-area running expert known as the D.C. Running Examiner.
When my family and I moved to San Diego, I decided it was time to bring my coaching business to the "next level," as they say. I wanted to offer services not only at the individual level, but also within the community and local businesses. I still offer individual coaching services, to both local and not-so-local clients, but I will also be offering group running programs around San Diego County. Stay tuned to our wesbite, Facebook and Twitter for information regarding future programs.
Many people have asked what is the significance of "Sole" and why I chose it as the name of the company. It isn't really a simple answer. "Sol" is the Spanish word for "sun." When I think about my happy place, I think of Sunset Beach on the North Shore of the Hawaiian island, Oahu. My husband and I took a vacation there several years ago and when I want to feel calm, peaceful and content, I think of Sunset Beach. Because my company will focus on improving health primarily through running, I wanted it to reflect my "happy place." Sole represents that feeling of calm, peace and happiness that I felt at Sunset, which I also feel when I run. So, Sole Health and Wellness was born.
Since I first started running in 8th grade, running has been a constant in my life. Over the years, I have competed in numerous races from 5K to marathon distance, including ultramarathons. I've also tried my hand at triathlon, competing in a few Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. I love the atmosphere and energy at races, as well as the camaraderie found throughout the running community. While competing races is fantastic, helping others reach their goals and experience that feeling of amazement and accomplishment is just as rewarding. I feel privileged to be a part of the journey! I know that my years of coaching experience, personal running experience, and educational background can help you reach your goals and I will do my best to get you there!If you have any questions, or are ready to get started, feel free to contact me at jenn@solehealthandwellness.com.
