On May 3, 2016 Coach Deb Ernst lost her life to cancer. She positively impacted thousands of people in numerous ways!  An important part of NDA CC from 2014-2016, Coach Ernst was an inspirational, dedicated, enouraging and positive coach. She is intensely missed.

The following is Coach Ernst personally written bio:

The best workouts are with family and friends.  I am not much of a solo workout person.  Long road bike rides, epic cross-county ski trips and distance runs make for a great start to any day….followed by a huge cup of coffee!  To motivate and get out of bed when it’s early, cold and dark, having great workout partners are a huge help. We only have one rule; we always show up and we never cancel!

I have run over 19 marathons all over the country, from Disney to Boston to New York.  Recently I was able to run the Hood to Coast Relay Race with twelve Green Bay “Pack AttacK” runners which was a pretty cool life experience. www.hoodtocoast.com.  Last October I ran the Nike Women’s Half Marathon where we received a Tiffany necklace from tuxedo clad San Francisco firefighters.

I am a multisport athlete with my summer time favorite being triathlons, competing in every Door County Triathlon from Olympic to the Half Ironman distances.  I have an Ironman distance under my belt in Canada in 1996. www.doorcountytriathlon.com

My winter sport is cross-country skiing, having competed in 18 American Birkebeiner races, the largest ski race in North America, which happens to be in Hayward, Wisconsin. www.birkie.com.   I have raced the Engadin Marathon in Switzerland and many other Midwest races.  Four of us started The Bay Nordic Ski Club five years ago with over 160 kids in the program.  Last winter we expanded with a middle school and high school team, so if you’re looking for a new endeavor or challenge, we’ll happily teach you how to ski!

After a 12-week cross-country road bike trip, I came back to Green Bay and started a store called In Competition Sports, located on the east side of Green Bay.  We are celebrating our 25th anniversary this year in business!  We specialize in running, biking, cross-country skiing and triathlons.  We are always available with a knowledgeable and friendly staff to help you meet your athletic endeavors, be your mentor or coach as you strive for an active lifestyle.

I love spending time with my family.  I am married to and have the privilege to work side by side with Mark, raising our three very active, busy boys.  Hans, a freshman on the NDA CC team, and twins Ian and Will who are in 7th grade at Pulaski Middle School.  Travelling and just being active outdoors are the best vacations.  Don’t expect to see me sitting by the pool reading a book.  This summer we went to Vail, CO to bike and hike with extended family, summiting our first 14,000 foot mountain.  We then packed the mini-van and travelled out west to South Dakota and Wyoming camping and visiting the Black Hills, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.  I am pretty lucky as my parents live in Belize, Central America on an island called Ambergris Caye during the winter months and we have visited their paradise of crystal blue waters numerous times with family and friends.

I am honored to part of the coaching staff for NDA CC.  Thank you Coach Gard for the opportunity to be a part of the NDA family.

Happy Running!
Deb Ernst