Sam Lloyd-Perks (Head Running Coach):
Sam is a self-proclaimed running nerd and is also the head running coach and founder of Team Homestretch. The British runner and coach has been competing at a high level since 2010 and in this period has competed in 15 national championships in his home country. He moved to the States in 2018 on a scholarship to run in the NCAA at Lincoln Memorial in Tennessee, upon graduating he has transitioned back into road racing and has recently won numerous races in multiple different States. Recent victories in 2021 also include winning the AAU National Cross Country Championships in Charlotte and taking the win at America’s toughest road 10k in Roanoke too. The Winston Salem based runners career has taken him all over the world and has enabled him to meet many incredible runners and coaches who he has learnt from over the years. His personal bests of 15:25 (5k), 32:13 (10k) and 74:13 (Half Marathon) are some of his proudest achievements in the sport, but his future aims are focused on helping other runners achieve their goals.
As a coach, Sam has been helping other runners since 2015 but has started making it his main priority in the sport since 2020. This was through coaching at a local running store and offering advice on all things within the sport such as nutrition, injuries, training and even running shoes. It was in 2021 where Coach Perks founded Team Homestretch with the focus on building a positive online running community and helping develop runners to achieve their goals within the sport. Since the team has begun it has grown rapidly with members coming from all different age groups, locations, and ability levels. Recent achievements from group members range from completing their first ever 5k to qualifying for the Boston Marathon so Coach Perks has the experience to support runners from all different backgrounds.
In terms of an educational background, Sam graduated from Worcester Sixth Form College in 2015 with a Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science and a level 2 Fitness Instructor Certification. He then continued to Cardiff Metropolitan University where in 2018 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport & Social Science. In 2020, Sam completed his two years at Lincoln Memorial University by graduating with a Master of Business Administration Degree. Jack Daniels is a coach which Sam admires a great deal which lead to him being a certified VDOT running coach in 2021, this is the coaching certification lead and regulated by the legendary coach.
Brad Coomer (Assistant Running Coach):
Brad is a running enthusiast based in Charlotte, NC. Originally from Louisville, KY, running (and endurance events in general) have always been a part of his sports resume since high school. His personal bests are currently 17:17 for the 5k and 79:32 for the half marathon. He has won and placed top 10 in a variety of both road and trail races from 5k to half marathon in Winston Salem and Charlotte, NC. His most recent PR at Charlotte RaceFest landed him 2nd place overall. Brad also has experience in ultra running distances two having competed in two 50k races over the past few years.
As a coach, Brad has been advising runners since the start of the 2022 season. After discussions with Coach Perks about training methods, workouts, and race strategy, the decision was made to have Brad sign on to Team Homestretch as a coach. As much as Brad enjoys besting his own PRs, he is absolutely thrilled at guiding others to achieve their own personal goals. Brad has helped several runners achieve their own personal bests in races anywhere from the 5k to the half marathon, and is looking forward to continuing to guide others in their running journey. He has recently become VDOT certified, a distance running certification led and regulated by coach Jack Daniels.
In regards to education, Brad received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bellarmine University in 2014. He has worked in both the Neonatal Intensive Care unit and Adult Cardiac ICU units in Louisville, Kentucky before transitioning to his anesthesia training. In 2018, he graduated from Wake Forest School of Medicine receiving a Masters of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. Brad currently works as a CRNA in Charlotte, North Carolina at a level one trauma center providing anesthesia services to a variety of patient populations.
Charis Joy Ransom (Assistant Running Coach):
Charis’s running journey started at the young age of 10 when she decided to train to beat her dad in a local 5k road race. Since then, she has competed at the middle school, high school and division one level at High Point University. Her highlights at High Point University include medaling silver in the DMR at the 2019 indoor Big South championships, and winning 3 consecutive Big South cross country championships with her team. Her personal bests consist of 4:56 (1500), 2:21 (800), 5:17 (indoor mile) and 19:33 (5k). After ending her collegiate career, Charis ran her first ever marathon solo in . She is currently building back her fitness by running and mountain biking with a focus to explore trail running later this year.
As a coach, Charis has experience as a running coach, personal trainer and group fitness coach! She’s specially worked heavily with beginner populations and women of all ages and abilities. Her coaching philosophy takes a holistic approach by understanding the physical, mental, and emotional factors that impact training differently for every athlete. As a goal-oriented person, Charis enjoys helping others actualize their dreams and chase after accomplishment they never thought could be possible! Whether it’s a plan to begin running for the first time, or aiming to hit a new pr in the mile, Charis would love to work with you!
Charis’s educational background includes receiving her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from High Point University in 2020. Additionally, Charis is a certified personal trainer through the NASM. In 2020, she received her level one running coach certification from the Road Runners of America. Currently, Charis works as a marketing manager for a local coffee chain in Greensboro, NC.