Our Coaches
Coach Cholula
Coach Cholula obtained Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a minor in Exercise Sports Science from Concordia University, Irvine, CA, in 2006.
Coach Cholula started running in middle school at Spurgeon Intermediate school. He obtained a scholarship at Concordia University through running. At Concordia, he broke several school records, several conference championships and All-American honors. In 2011, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Coach Cholula's PRs:
-Cross Country (5 miles): 24:24
-Marathon: 2:25:30
-Half Marathon: 1:07:54
-10K: 30:36
-5K: 14:24
Fun Fact:
Coach Cholula is the founder and CEO of Cholula Psychological Services located in Downtown Santa Ana. He was born in Mexico, came to the US at 11 years of age. He received a BA in Psychology and Minor in Exercise Sports Science from Concordia University, a Masters degree from Adams State University, and a Doctoral Degree from Argosy University. Dr. Cholula, MA, EdD, is a clinical psychologist who provides mental health services in English and Spanish.
Coach Tino
I am coach Tino, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and a supplement in Physical Education from Cal State Dominguez Hills.
I started running in 8th grade, and won all city mile in Long Beach. Went to Lakewood High School where I ran varsity all four years. Won moore league on three different occasions and made all city on two of those times. I was captain of the cross country team my senior year. Went to Long Beach City College where I ran cross country and was part of the top seven. It was a great experience. To me running should be a lifelong experience where no matter how old you are you can go out for a run. Running has taught me how to deal with real life situations and obstacles which is what I want my runners to be able to do.
I have been coaching for Lightning for about five years. It has been an awesome experience. I am currently coaching in the Long Beach and Lynwood area.
Coach Marcos
Mi nombre es Marco Cisneros, tengo ayudando al Equipo Lightning por más de 10 años, empecé con mis dos primeros hijos cuando tenían 7 y 5 años, ahora ya tienen 19 y 17 años. Por el momento tengo en el equipo a mis otros dos niños , Mateo de 11 y Alison de 8.
La experiencia que he tenido como corredor me ha servido para trabajar con los niños, sin embargo cada ves que corro con ellos aprendo algo nuevo.
Gracias también a Couch Cholula por su paciencia y dedicación con los niños y por brindarnos sus conocimientos y sabiduría demostrándonos que no solo fue un excelente corredor sino también un gran ser humano.
Para las personas que no nos conocen y les gustaría que sus hijos integrasen al equipo son bienvenidos, ya que nosotros sabemos lo que hacemos. Fuimos corredores de alto nivel. De mi parte fui campeón Nacional Juvenil con un tiempo de 4:16 en la milla, dando me el derecho de representar a mi país portando la antorcha olímpica de Atlanta 1996 a los 18 años. También tengo buenas marcas en los 5K con 14:20 y en los 10K con 30:15 .Si quieren conocerme y saber algo de mi historia les mando el link a continuación.
Mi anhelo es seguir trabajando con los niños y enseñarles a ser disciplinados y que sean fuertes física y mentalmente, este deporte requiere de mucha disciplina y constancia, y es algo que les va ha servir en su vida.
“El éxito empieza con los sueños “
Coach Araceli
My name is coach Araceli Esparza. I have been with the Lightning Youth Running Club for about 10yrs. I first started as a parent of a runner, then as an assistant coach, and finally, I became a coach. I have a degree in nursing.
I first started playing soccer at the age of 10 years old. I became a runner in my 20's, and it has become one of my passions. I love working with kids. They inspire me so much and it's amazing how strong and unafraid they are. Running is such a wonderful sport because it teaches you not to think physically but mentally strong. It requires a lot of determination and discipline. The amazing thing is that these young kids take what they learned in the running through their lives.
I have experience with running. I have run the LA Marathon, half marathons, and 10k. I am also a soccer player.
Fun fact:
I am also a bodybuilding fanatic. I compete in Athletic physical bodybuilding competitions am passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.