Not Just Running
OUR PHILOSOPHYLeave Better Than You Came
Welcome to GRIT Running Center, our passion for the sport of running fuels everything we do. We pride ourselves on being a small training center that prioritizes one-on-one interaction with every athlete, taking the time to truly understand your individual needs. We believe true GRIT isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about training smarter. The philosophy of GRIT is rooted in discipline, consistency, and structure. Training should prepare you for race day while still letting you enjoy your day-to-day life. We want every athlete to feel strong, energized, and motivated—never depleted. Above all, the journey should be fun and fulfilling, because that’s when the best results come.
Training Plans • Group Classes • Private Sessions
Founded on Passion
Chris Gonzalez
Owner, UESCA-RRCA Certified Coach
Chris’s athletic journey began as an NCAA Division I soccer player, where he developed a deep appreciation for discipline, teamwork, and personal growth through sport. After college, he discovered a new challenge in distance running at the Chevron Houston Marathon. Captivated by the energy of the event and the sense of community within the sport, running quickly became an essential part of his life. Through years of racing experience, five World Marathon Majors, and plenty of trial and error along the way, he’s built a deep understanding of what it means to train, perform, and grow as an athlete. He currently holds a personal best of 2:43:50 in the marathon. His experiences, both successful and challenging, have shaped his approach to coaching and performance. Today, Chris is dedicated to helping others build a successful, healthy and sustainable relationship with running—one centered on joy, balance, and purpose.
Kiplimo Chemirmir
Founder, Physiotherapist
Kip hails from the Kalenjin tribe in Kenya–a tribe renowned for producing some of the fastest runners in the world, including Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyogen. For him, running is far more than a sport; it’s a form of meditation and self-discovery. Each step offers an opportunity to quiet the mind, connect with the breath, and find stillness through movement. After a long and successful career as both an athlete (100+ races) and physiotherapist, Kip often reminds his athletes that recovery and training with purpose are what sustain longevity in the sport. He believes that caring for the body allows athletes not only to perform better but to truly enjoy the process. Kip’s mission is to share the Kenyan running philosophy and warrior mindset, helping others discover a new relationship with running-as an awakening of their body and soul.
The Structure You Need.
The Support You Deserve.
WHAT SETS US APARTAt GRIT Running Center, we are dedicated to empowering athletes through our training program. We understand that running is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. That’s why our in-person certified coaches go beyond handing out training plans. They provide personalized guidance, accountability, and motivation tailored to your unique goals and lifestyle. They’ll also help you manage the mental side of training, such as race-day nerves, pacing strategies, and overcoming setbacks. Whether you’re preparing for your very first race, chasing a new personal record, or aiming to complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors. Our goal is to help you show up at the starting line prepared, confident, and ready to perform.