Zoe Arrieta Assistant Coach

I’m a new coach at AVMS for the 22/23 season. I’m stoked to get to know the kids and work alongside them to achieve our goals. When I was their age, the idea of running a marathon would have been beyond impossible, so I’m already so impressed that they’ve even just set the goal to begin with. It’s amazing!

What’s my history with WeROCK?

I moved to Aliso Viejo during COVID and spend a lot of time running up and down the Aliso Creek Bike Trail. During my own marathon training, I would cross paths with WeROCK during my long runs and I loved how encouraging the kids were, not only of each other but even of strangers like me! Kids would call out “Good job!” as I passed by and 16 miles in, that kind of camaraderie is really welcome and much needed. I’m excited that there’s an opportunity for the community to get involved with such a great group and am really looking forward to coaching.

It’s always fun to hear a coach’s race history!

I was definitely not an athlete growing up. I started running in late 2019 with a friend. We signed up for a few races, including the Irvine Half Marathon. That day was the first time I’d ever run over 10 miles. I remember feeling pretty nervous that I would just totally bonk once I hit those double digits, but it turned out that was my sweet spot! I got a second wind and finished that race strong. Needless to say, I became hooked, signed up for a bunch of races throughout 2020 which, of course, were all cancelled or postponed. I kept running and eventually, in fall 2021, I ran my first full marathon at Big Bear. The OC Marathon with WeRock this spring will be my 5th marathon!

Favorite WeROCK race

I joined WeROCK for some trail running this summer and ran the Hot and Hilly 10k with them at the end of their season. It was my first official trail race and I had so much fun! Trail runners are so friendly and supportive of one another during trail races, it’s a really tight knit community and totally different from what you’d see during a road race.

Carolyn Luong Assistant Coach

Hi, I’m Coach Carolyn and this is my first year as a coach. I’m a working mom and former couch
potato. Now I am a runner, huge foodie, puzzler, and new pickle ball fanatic.

My History with WeRock

I’ve had two kids go through this program. My running journey started just 4 years ago when a
couple of parents asked me to walk a 5K to kill some time while we were waiting for our kids to
complete a 10K. I have witnessed countless kids and parents break down barriers and achieve
goals that they never thought were possible. This program teaches kids important skills of goal
setting, planning, perseverance, and hard work that that they can take and apply to all areas of life.

It’s always fun to hear a coach’s race history!

I’ve completed one full marathon with WeRock and countless 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons. I’m
excited to do my second full marathon along side the kids as a coach in 2023.

Favorite Race

My favorite WeRock events is the 20 Mile qualifier. It is a private WeRock race event that will give
the kids the confidence they need to know that they can conquer the full marathon.

Andrea Kooiman Co-Founder | Executive Director | Assistant Coach

Andrea Kooiman “Coach K” is also the main program director and oversees the training calendar.  Within the program she is head coach and works with the kids to instill valuable lessons about goal setting along with keeping them focused on a Marathon finish line.  She is an avid runner with over 150 Marathon and Ultra finishes under her belt.

• Some of her running accomplishments include:
• Boston Marathon
• Grand Slam of Ultrarunning 2016 (this is the 4 oldest trail hundreds conquered in one summer) Badwater 135 Ultra Marathon – Three times
• Western States Endurance Run – Twice
• HURT 100 in Hawaii
• Mt. Gaoligong 100 in China
• UTMB in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps
• Vol State 500K – Taking 3^rd place overall

She considers some of her greatest running accomplishments watching as the kids cross the marathon finish line year after year.

Andrea has made her passion her career and is fortunate enough to utilize her sales and marketing skills while working for Runner Sports.  In addition, she has a passion for the health and wellness industry and continues to work as a race announcer all over California.  It is her solid belief that everyone can and will achieve all of their wildest goals and aspirations if they can first visualize themselves in that position.  She is on a mission to HUG the world and assist others in becoming their own Superheroes.

Keith Arthur Head Coach

My name is Keith Arthur I am the head coach of the WeROCK AVMS team. This season will be my fifth year as a parent of a WeRock runner and Fourth year as a Coach at AVMS. I’m an RRCA Certified Run Coach, triathlete, and avid cyclist. I have completed multiple half and full marathons thanks to WeRock, and regularly participate in 100 mile cycling events (Centuries), and triathlons across California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.

My History with WeRock

I was introduced to WeRock in 2017 when my son was in 7th grade and was immediately inspired by the program and its mission. After witnessing the positive mental and physical growth being experienced by so many kids, including now two of my own children, I’ve become a firm advocate for this amazing program and the lifelong positive influence it can have. It’s incredible to see what our youth are capable of when they realize that small incremental changes and hard work can produce massive achievements they will carry for their entire lives.

Favorite WeRock Events

My favorite WeRock events are the Citrus Heritage Half Marathon which has traditionally been our first half marathon of the season and the 20 Mile qualifier, which after months of grit and sweat the kids prove they’re ready to take on the OC Marathon. It is truly inspiring to see the kid’s confidence soar as they cross the finish line after a milestone 20 mile run.

Coach Keith 2020 OC Marathon Virtual Edition