Raven is a dedicated personal trainer with a passion for helping people move better, feel stronger, and perform at their best. She is currently studying Exercise Science at Pennsylvania Western University and brings a strong foundation in human performance to every coaching session. A retired military veteran with over eight years of coaching and training experience, Raven combines discipline, adaptability, and real-world experience to support clients at every level.

 

An athlete at heart, Raven grew up playing basketball, running track, and competing in cross-country, sparking a lifelong love for movement and performance. As an adult, she has continued to challenge herself through functional fitness competitions (CrossFit), marathons, shorter-distance races, and now amateur boxing. At 30, she’s still pushing her limits and leading by example.

 

Raven holds certifications through NASM and the National Association of Speed and Explosion (NASE), including a Level II Speed & Performance credential. With a strong background in strength training, mobility, and conditioning, her coaching focuses on proper movement, building confidence, and creating a performance-driven environment where everyone can succeed.

 

In addition to her coaching role, Raven serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator and is excited to bring people together through events, workshops, and shared training experiences. She looks forward to getting to know everyone, building meaningful connections, and helping create a strong, supportive community.

This is a question that we ask a lot in our professional and personal lives. For Fleet Feet Pittsburgh and Union Fitness, it is our common work pursued with shared values.

 

In 2025, our organizations deepened our partnership and commitment to health and wellness. Two of our Sunday long runs during the fall training season began from Union Fitness. This spring, we will be meeting for our Sunday long run at Union Fitness on January 18th, February 22nd and March 29th. Additionally, representatives from Fleet Feet Pittsburgh (including myself!) will be tabling at Union Fitness on Monday, January 26th. In addition to having information about our run club and training programs, we will be bringing our fit ID® to complete 3d foot scans on-site. The scan teaches us a lot about someone’s feet, the way that they move and helps us recommend the best shoes/insoles for someone’s needs.

 

Our running club members could not have been more enthusiastic about Union Fitness as a start and end point for a run. Along with easy access to great training routes, our runners
learned all about what Union Fitness has to offer.

 

From state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to group classes and personal training, Union Fitness does it all — right in the heart of our city.

 

That is why we begin our annual Holiday Lights Charity Run, sponsored by Union Fitness, from Nova Place. With the support of Union Fitness, last year’s event was our biggest event yet. Well over 300 of you took in Pittsburgh’s holiday lights displays while raising funds and collecting food donations for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

 

So why does our partnership work so well? In addition to our shared goals and genuine care for the Pittsburgh community, we both encourage everyone where they are. Any age. Any ability. Any experience level.

 

Fleet Feet is more than happy to recommend the best shoes and apparel for one’s needs and prepare you for your walking and running goals. That is why our long runs have pace groups that welcome walkers, but also those averaging 7:00 minutes per mile.

 

I notice this same approach every time that I visit Union Fitness. Every individual fitness journey is treated with the same respect. Everyone’s goals are legitimate. Everyone’s needs are met. It is why so many people return to Union Fitness for their wellness goals.

 

When thinking about our planned events and initiatives together, I am left with two thoughts. Or rather, two hopes:

 

• I hope anyone from the running community who is unfamiliar with Union Fitness takes the time to visit their space and learn more.
• I hope that any Union Fitness member who has never gone to a group run or has never been fitted for a pair of shoes feels welcome to attend a long run or stop by our table on January 26th.

 

Some partnerships just work. Ours definitely does. We are looking forward to another great year of partnering with Union Fitness!

 

About the Fleet Feet Running Club
The Fleet Feet Running Club’s mission is to foster a lifetime passion for running and walking by providing inspiration, motivation and expert know-how. We cater to all abilities, paces and levels of experience.

 

We currently run four days a week:

 

● Monday – Recovery Run: 6:30 PM from Bakery Square (3 miles)
● Wednesday – Track Club: 6:30 PM at the Schenley Park Oval (structured interval session)
● Thursday – East End Pub Run: 6:30 PM from Bakery Square (routes of 3 and 6 miles)
● Sunday – Long Runs: 7:30 AM from various locations, including Union Fitness (routes of 3,
6 and 10 miles)*

 

*Our long runs vary in length from January to April as we prepare athletes for the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events. This is to best periodize training so athletes are best prepared for race day.

 

All are welcome to join our Winter Warriors program! All participants receive an ASICS x FFRC branded tech shirt, ASICS backpack and $50 off an ASICS shoe.

 

About Fleet Feet Pittsburgh
Fleet Feet Pittsburgh is the go-to store in the Pittsburgh area for anyone who spends time on their feet. Whether you are running, walking or standing for long periods, everyone can benefit from being properly fitted. With our fit ID® scanner, we create a 3D scan of your feet and recommend the best shoes and insoles for your needs.

 

-Andrew Zentgraf: Fleet Feet Pittsburgh – Community Outreach Manager
About Andrew: In addition to leading Fleet Feet’s community outreach efforts, Andrew is a member of the Fleet Feet Running Club Racing Team and has over a decade of competitive running experience. He frequently races on the Pittsburgh circuit, twice winning the Pittsburgh 5k among other large races in the region. He has also competed internationally in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.