Coach Valerie is retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years of service. She has traveled and lived throughout the world while serving her country. Running has been a vital part of her fitness program, and stress outlet, since she was in high school and started 5Ks.

Since then she has run numerous races from 5Ks up to half marathons all around the world.  Some highlights are making Air Combat Command’s half marathon/marathon team, the largest command in the USAF, two years in a row and placing third in her age group for active duty both times.  She placed first in her age group and  3rd in the masters category for a couple of Dismal Swamp Stomp half marathons and 5th in her age group during a half marathon in Lisbon.

While running is her love, Valerie believes in a balanced fitness program that includes cross training. Accordingly, she is a certified SPIN instructor through Madd Dog and teaches indoor cycling for Fairfax County at Audrey Moore and Providence Recreation Centers.  She also swims and lifts weights.

Her husband has also retired from the USAF after 20 years as a meteorologist and is currently teaching computer science at Falls Church High School.  They have two daughters who are in 7th and 9th grade, both of whom have been running their entire lives.  They have had many wonderful bonding experiences while running together training for and participating in 5Ks.

All this means Valerie loves to run and enjoys sharing this love with others, especially children.  Running is a great way to build confidence in one’s own ability to set and reach a goal.  A person can run almost anywhere in the world and it is a fantastic way to manage stress and maintain a healthy life style.

VALERIE BERTHA