Tony Williams , Founder & Owner:

Tony began running April 5, 1979. He was a 14 year old 8th grader at PS #5 in Patterson, New Jersey. He had run a mile in 5:38, which he thought was pretty good until news reached him of a girl in his school who had just run a mile in 5:28. She gave up the secret to her fast time and took Tony to the Silk City Track Club where he met Coach Ken Samra. The first day of practice changed his life forever. Ken asked Tony if he brushed his teeth every day. When the reply was "of-course," Ken simply replied "then you can run a mile every day."

The night before his first high school track race, at age 15, Tony wrote a note to his parents and hung it on his bedroom door. It read, "Do not disturb, runner asleep." It was signed " Always Running, Tony Williams." Since then Tony has logged over 70,000 miles in his running career with only 80 days missed during his first 20 years of running. He excelled as a high school, collegiate and post-collegiate runner, and was a two-time Jr. National champion. Tony graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Psychology in 1989. While attending Virginia Tech he won the NCAA Division I All-American honors in both the 10,000 meter and cross country events. Tony became a Nike sponsored athlete in 1984, maintaining that sponsorship until 1997. In 1996 he completed the US Olympic Men's Marathon Trials.

He has completed numerous races of all lengths. His various PR's are: Marathon - 2:22:00, half marathon - 1:05:05, 10K - 28:55, 5K - 14:10, and continues to coach others in reaching their goals while maintaining his training. Tony stopped competing on a elite level in 1999 but still runs 30-40 miles per week.

Lori Heagler, Trainer:

Lori Heagler has been a lifelong athlete and brings her knowledge of strength training to Always Running.

Lori competed in fast-pitch softball at a national level through high school, and was a member of California State University Fullerton's cheerleading and dance squad in college.

Lori began weight-lifting with the men on her college cheerleading squad and went on to compete in body-building after college, winning several local and regional titles both in North Carolina and Texas before qualifying for Nationals by winning the overall title at a national-qualifying contest in 1995.

Lori has always kept strength training at the center of her personal fitness regimen. She still plays softball to this day and is served well by the strength she has gained in over 20 years of strength training. High on her list of "favorite things" is the look on an outfielder's face when she hits a ball over their head.

Lori’s philosophy is that strength training can be incorporated into any exercise regimen if it is properly tailored for that person’s specific goals and/or physical limitations. Basically, strength training is for everyone and there is never a downside to getting stronger.

Cherilyn Suiter, Triathlon Coach:

Cherilyn has been a triathlete and duathlete since 1987. In 1993, she represented the U.S. at the 1993 World Duathlon Championships, placing 3rd in her division. In 1995, she raced in the St. Croix International Triathlon and also placed 3rd. She ran cross country and track for 4 years in high school and 2 years in college where she ranked 5th in the Regional Championships. Cherilyn was also named to the 1993 All-American Duathlon Team.

Masters swimming has a special place in Cherilyn’s heart, as she spent many hours training and racing with the Berkeley Aquatic Masters Team in New Jersey. She has also put in some time with Team Cuevas, a N.J. women’s cycling team.

In 1996, Cherilyn took a break from triathlon to pursue competitive freestyle roller skating. In 1997, she won the title of Northwest Regional Champion and took 2nd in the same competition in 1999. During that break, she got married to her husband Don, received a B.S. Degree and gave birth to two beautiful girls, now ages 8 and 3.

Cherilyn has worked in event management and assisted in race directing several triathlons and running races. She is the former Editor of Transition Times and has served time volunteering with triathlon organizations such as the Seattle Triathlon Club Board and USA Triathlon.

For the past 14 years, Cherilyn has been coaching triathletes and swimmers. She is passionate about coaching and enjoys working with beginners. She holds both U.S. and Canadian triathlon coaching certifications and a USA Cycling certification.

Cherilyn is very excited to be a part of the Always Running team as the Head Triathlon Coach. She brings with her 23 years of triathlon experience and a strong desire to share her love of triathlon and encourage people to engage in the spirit of triathlon. Her greatest reward as a coach comes from watching her clients learn and grow within the sport.

New Jersey Girl, Always Running Mascot

Jersey is Coach Tony’s dog and the Always Running Team Mascot. Jersey is an integral part of the Always Running team and can be found playing in the Always Running gym with clients or getting a work out with Coach Tony on a long run.