Who we are
Together, we bring over 30 years of running experience to the track. We both began running in high school and have been active in the running community ever since. Both of us have run numerous races, ranging from the mile up to 100k distances. These include both track events and trail races. Along with our personal running experience, we have experience coaching all types of athletes. These athletes include runners trying to finish their first 5k, collegiate athletes training to qualify for their conference meet, and marathoners hoping to achieve a new personal best. No matter your skill level, we are prepared to coach you to succeed in your next event!
We reside in Roanoke County, VA and can be found running around the local trail systems and greenways.
Erica is a registered dietitian and can help you reach your nutritional goals for training.
George has experience coaching all level athletes and works locally as an environmental scientist.
Meet the Coaches
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Erica Howes
COACH, REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Erica found running as a way to get in shape for soccer, and fell in love with it when she realized she was much better at running than at soccer. Running took her to Miami University, where she competed in cross country and track, where she specialized in the 3K steeplechase and achieved her high school goal of breaking 5 minutes in the mile. She has since run 5 marathons and 3 ultras, including the 2023 Boston Marathon. She currently enjoys road and trail racing and training throughout new stages of life.
Coaching Philosophy: Erica’s coaching style is influenced by the work of Jack Daniels, the Hansons Marathon Method, and the principles of load management for injury prevention. She specializes in nutrition, and can help with everyday nutrition and fine-tuning race day fueling plans. She has experience working with athletes struggling with disordered eating, and can help athletes maintain appropriate energy balance while training.
Running Accomplishments:
2023 Boston Marathon Finisher (3:04:52)
3rd place at 2022 Promise Land 50K (5:50)
Winner of 2021 High Bridge Half Marathon (1:25:50)
Qualifications: RRCA Level I Coach, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, PhD in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise
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George Tolton
COACH
George began running competitively in late high school. He was recruited to the cross country team after winning the mile in his sophomore gym class. Prior to running, he was an avid soccer player, golfer, and skateboarder. He ran cross country and track for Abingdon High School. In college at Virginia Tech, he walked onto the cross country team and ran for one season. During his sophomore year, he joined the VT Club XC and Track team, where he spent the rest of his college running career. He was NIRCA XC All American and ran personal bests of 26:15 for the 8k. In track, he ran 15:41 for 5k and 32:22 for 10k.
Fast forward 10 years, and he continues to run on almost a daily basis. He has completed 13 ultramarathons, 7 marathons, and countless races from 1 mile to half marathon. A few of his accolades include:
2nd place at 2018 Eastern Divide 50k (4:01)
Winner of the 2022 RNUTS (Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series)
Winner of 2022 Holiday Lake 50k+ (3:49)
263rd in the 2023 Boston Marathon (2:33:39 - PB)
Winner of the 2023 High Bridge Ultra 50k (3:20)
2nd place at the 2024 Blue Ridge Marathon (2:53)
25th at the 2024 Virginia 10 Miler (55:52)
164th at the 2025 Houston Half Marathon (1:11:01 - PB)
Qualifications/Experience: 15+ years of organized running/training experience. B.S. Degree from Virginia Tech. Assistant Cross Country Coach at Emory and Henry College (2014). Coached an athlete to a 2:27 PB at the 2025 Boston Marathon.
