RWF Meet the Coaches

Juliet Neal: Monday 9am and Thursday 9am

Coach Juliet has been competing in races since 2006. She has completed 8 marathons, 8 half marathons, and numerous other 5k, 10k and 10 mile events, as well as two overnight team relays. Her recreational running began as training for sports in high school and college, and she has been a runner ever since.

As a runner and a coach, Juliet's passion is helping athletes grow stronger and achieve new goals. Coach Juliet has coached girls' youth lacrosse for seven years and has been a coach with Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia. She is a Certified Running Coach with Road Runners Clubs of America and CPR/First Aid/AED certified through the American Red Cross.

Kareen Lawson: Monday 6:00pm

Kareen is a pre-kindergarten teacher who has been a recreational runner off and on for the past ten years. Two and a half years ago when her youngest left for college she got more serious about her running and decided to enter her first race, a 5K. Since then she’s run over 40 races, including numerous 5K and 10K as well as the Cherry Blossom 10-miler, the Army 10-miler, some half marathons and her very first marathon, the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon. She is a member of a local running group and enjoys supporting her fellow runners, especially the newbies who have not yet been bitten by the running bug!

Through her job as a pre-kindergarten teacher she enjoys teaching children the importance of good nutrition and staying healthy and fit. Kareen is also an RRCA certified running coach.

Clare Neal:

Clare has over 25 years in the fitness industry as a group exercise instructor and personal trainer. She holds certifications for group exercise and personal training through the American Council on Exercise and currently teaches at government facilities as well as a private gym.

Recently Clare has founded her own personal training company, Fit for Function LLC, and looks forward to expanding that business.

She is the mother of four children, ranging in age from 14 to 27, and grew to love running as a way to get some “alone time.” Clare only recently began running in races and has completed three half-marathons, as well as several 10-milers and shorter races

Stella Puglise:

Stella is a native of Northern Virginia and has watched not only the area change and grow, but the fitness industry as well. After spending many years as a full-time mom, she entered back into the work force, with a purpose, as a physical education teacher for the Diocese of Arlington. In addition to a teaching certification, she holds several fitness certifications, and is currently enrolled in the RRCA certification program.

As a runner, athlete, and fitness lover her entire life, Stella became interested in RunFit Kidz as a way to introduce her students to the joys and the freedom that running has to offer. In the classroom, she tries to instill in her students the importance of “fitness for life.” At home, she has successfully passed her love of fitness and competition onto her own four children, ages 15-21. She is always looking forward to the “next season” where you’ll find her on a high school or college sideline, cheering on one of her own children. It is in this that she draws her greatest source of accomplishment and pride!

Carmen Yuhas:

Carmen has a full time job as a Video Production Manager but always finds time to participate and volunteer in running events. She is currently a member of Kingstowne Striders running/walking club.

In their first year she was a board member on the committee. Carmen has always had a passion for fitness and nutrition. She received her Fitness Certification through NOVA and currently enrolled in the RRCA certification. She has coached individuals for the 3 day walk for Avon two years in a row. In the last few years she has coached and inspired her co-workers as well as others.

Carmen has completed 4 marathons and many half marathons. She placed 2^nd in the GWParkway Classic for her age group. Her favorite races are the GWParkway and Army Ten miler. She hopes to participate in another sprint triathlon in the near future. (she’s improving her swimming skills).