Diane Proud, a beloved coach and world champion age group multi-sport athlete, lost her battle with ALS in September 2011. Friends and supporters organized and directed the Run Proud for Desserts 5K for three years to help with Diane's medical costs. Run Project has picked up the banner and will continue the tradition. This year's contributions will go to fund ALS research in honor of Diane.

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.  Visit the ALS website.

About Diane

Diane Proud was diagnosed with ALS in early 2009. She is a certified USA Triathlon Coach, holds Elite Certifications from the Cooper Institute including Personal Training, Weight Management, Optimal Performance Training and Healthy Behaviors. Diane provides coaching and training design for athletes of all abilities for running, triathlon and various cross training. She works with all ages and conducts water running clinics, kids running and triathlon camps. Since 1996 she has been a proud member of Team Run On! Diane is sponsored by: New Balance, Powerbar, Sziols performance eyewear and Cooper Complete Nutritionals.

Prior to joining the Cooper Fitness Center as Running/Triathlon Pro, professional experience includes 15 years with major non profit health organizations as Executive Director of the American Heart Association; Regional Director of the American Diabetes Association and Volunteer Director for Vitas Hospice.

Diane is an 8-time USA Triathlon All-American. Athletic accomplishments include: 3-time National Grand Masters Female Duathlete of the Year (2006, 2007, 2008); ITU World Duathlon Championship Gold, Silver & Bronze Medalist; ITU World Triathlon Championship Bronze medalist. Additional age group titles include: National Triathlon Champion; National Winter Triathlon Champion; 2-time National Duathlon Champion, National X-Terra USA Championship Bronze; and 2-time ITU World Aquathlon Champion. Three Ironman-distance finishes include two World Ironman Championship races in Kona, Hawaii.