Cheryl Kruse Shwe

Founder/Coach, Run 4 Life, LLC

Cheryl Kruse Shwe has coached thousands of runners of all ages and abilities since 1991.  Cheryl's extensive knowledge of physiology, anatomy, sport psychology, biomechanics and training theory blended with her vast hands-on experience with a variety of athletes brings great success to all she coaches.

Cheryl founded Run 4 Life, LLC in 1998 and soon became known as a pre-eminent women's running coach in San Francisco.  Although Cheryl successfully coaches both men & women today, she is still highly regarded for her women's specific training perspective, detail to form and function, and her ability to help athletes set challenging, yet realistic, goals.  Cheryl is a tireless motivator and enjoys being witness to change and personal growth.  And, yes, she understands men's training needs, too.  Her husband, Mike, is one of her devoted athletes! 

Under Cheryl's coaching, hundreds of athletes have achieved personal bests, but more importantly they have made fitness - and running specifically - a permanent and fun part of their life.  Cheryl coaches individuals and groups from many PA/USA Track & Field teams and has lead large training sessions throughout San Francisco in the early morning hours -- before most of the city is awake!  Cheryl brings a wonderful blend of experience and spirit and understands everyone from the beginning runner to the experienced road racer!  She creates scientifically based, safe, effective, individualized, and most importantly FUN training programs for everyone.  Cheryl can help you reach your goals and beyond!  

Cheryl has coached everyone from the high school athlete to the veteran runner.   In addition to working with her athletes within group settings, she provides one-on-one coaching services as needed.   Cheryl has also assisted numerous high school students realize their dream of running at the collegiate level, most notably at NCAA Division I and II schools. 

In 2004 & 2005, Cheryl was the program manager and head coach for Nike Club Run SF, leading up to the Nike Women's Marathon (The Nike 26.2 in 2004).   Cheryl expanded Nike's revolutionary Club Run program to include full and half marathon training and led thousands of runners each year to successful races.  Through Cheryl's leadership and coaching, thousands of individuals participated in the weekly group training runs with Club Run SF.

Throughout her 16 years of coaching experience, Cheryl has grown as a coach through her many roles.  Cheryl coached within different settings prior to and in the beginning stages of the development of Run 4 Life.  From 1998-2000, Cheryl developed the marathon-training program for The Bay Area Arthritis Foundation's Joints & Motion program and was the head coach for hundreds of athletes running Portland, Dublin (Ireland), Honolulu and Vancouver Marathons.  From 2000 - 2002, Cheryl established the Golden Gate Park Safety Committee where she initiated and lead the popular Golden Gate Park Safety Runs.  From 1999 - 2001, Cheryl was the primary running coach/consultant for Club One's popular Performance Max Program.  From 1993 - 1998, Cheryl trained members of Club One by leading/organizing running clubs, coaching triathlon camps, and coaching Spin Camps (and classes). 

Prior to starting Run 4 Life and coaching full time, Cheryl held management and training positions at Club One and taught mathematics at the middle & high school levels in Lafayette & Daly City, respectively.  Cheryl also coached volleyball, basketball and track & field while teaching middle school in the early 90’s.  During a break from teaching, Cheryl developed and managed the Embarcadero Beach Volleyball program, where she organized leagues, coordinated open play, and was instrumental in bringing the AVP tournament to San Francisco for two consecutive summers. 

A tireless athlete, Cheryl has continued her own training and racing throughout her professional coaching career while competing for the Impala Racing Team, an all women's racing team in San Francisco.  From January 2003 - December 2005, Cheryl was the president of The Impala Racing Team and has been an active member of the Impalas since 1995, with Treasury duties from mid 1996 – December 2000. 

Cheryl attended Boston University and holds a B.A. from Cal State University, Hayward and a California Teaching Credential from St. Mary's College in Moraga.  Cheryl is a USA Track & Field Level II coach and has attended numerous clinics hosted by USA Track & Field as well as clinics lead by other leaders in the running and coaching world.  Cheryl is always learning and growing as a coach and has taken numerous courses from U.C. Berkeley Extension to further her scope of knowledge.  

Passionate to "Run 4 Life", Cheryl has attempted and completed 16 marathons and remains a competitive road racer, cyclist and outdoor enthusiast.  You can even catch Cheryl still playing some beach volleyball in the summer months!  Cheryl resides in San Francisco, California, with her husband, Mike, and son, Alexander.

Selected Personal Highlights:

·          5K: 18:55; 10K: 39:41; 10miles: 66:47; ½ Marathon: 1:27:36; Marathon: 3:05:03 and a close 3:05:38

·          USVBA raked AA women’s sand, hard-court, and grass volleyball player from 1988-1994 

·          Proud mom of Alexander, born November 26, 2000!

For more information, contact Cheryl Kruse Shwe at 415.699.0186 or e-mail her directly.