Who We Are

Dink Taylor- Owner

I am an avid runner, triathlete and outdoor enthusiast. I grew up in Gadsden, AL and with encouragement from my Dad I started running in 1978. It did not take me long to get rolling and I ran my first marathon (2:56:35) in 1981 at the age of 16. A few years later, I ran my first 100 miler at age 21. I have always been serious about running and it's part of my everyday life. History shows my best races were at the 50k/50 mile distances, but I enjoy racing all distances. I did not get serious about triathlons until I was 47 and did my first Ironman in my first Tri season. I enjoy spending half of the year Tri training and I like the overall fitness it provides. I am a RRCA certified coach and really enjoy coaching and helping people reach their goals. I help coach XC at Huntsville High School and enjoy it very much. I believe in Fleet Feet and what we have accomplished in making the community a better place to live.

Suzanne Taylor - Owner

I have been an avid runner for over 20 years. I've run 7 marathons; including 2 Boston Marathons. I'm originally from Houston, TX and volunteered at many local events and served on the Houston Area Road Runners Board. I am the co-race director for the Mt Mist 50k, Recover from the Holidays 50K, Rocket City Marathon, The Cotton Row Run and the Running of the Bulls 5K. I also serve on the Huntsville Track Club Board.

Kathy Youngren - Essentials Buyer

I ran my very first race, the Marine Corp Marathon, in 1995. After running my third race ever, Strolling Jim 41.2 miler in Tennessee in 1996, I have been running races whenever possible; from 1 mile to 100 miles but I prefer ultramarathons. In July of 2009, by running for 33 hours and 39 minutes, I was 5th female overall at the Badwater Ultramarathon - 135 miles through Death Valley. In 2010 I got to run my dream race, the Spartathlon, a 153 mile race from Athens to Sparta, Greece by running 33 hours and 36 minutes. I have a law degree, a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Master's Degree in Education. My husband, Rob, and I have the two most wonderful dogs, Sparta and Tracks. I've been with Fleet Feet for over 3 years and love every minute of it!

Austin Smith - Footwear Buyer

After moving to Huntsville from St. Louis in 2000, I graduated from Huntsville High School in 2010 and went off to the University of North Alabama (Roar Lions) to earn a degree in Sport Management. After graduation, I came home to the Rocket City and spent some time making sandwiches professionally while I searched for somewhere to start my career. In July 2015 I found that place at Fleet Feet Huntsville. I learned to run without crying (as much) and discovered how much I liked helping other people find their start in running. I love the Huntsville running community and it’s great getting to do something that lets me surround myself with great people day in and day out.

Julia Mateskon - Training Director

I grew up in Madison, AL and ran for fun throughout middle school and high school. I was on the rowing team at Ithaca College, and I graduated with a film degree in 2007. From 2008-2016, I worked as a video editor in Madison. I recently started working at Fleet Feet, and I am excited to be the new Training Director! I have been a mentor for NoBo and the marathon training program in the past, and it's wonderful to see people enjoy running and reach their goals. As a long time Fleet Feet customer and a member of their racing team, I am honored to continue to be involved with such a great group of people in my new capacity as Training Director.

Tom Griffin - Floor Manager

I grew up in Huntsville and graduated from Auburn University. I like to run 5Ks and 10Ks mostly and usually a half marathon once a year. I enjoy running as a great way to exercise. I'm married to Melanie and have two children, Rachel and Matthew. I have been with Fleet Feet Sports going on 7 years now. I love helping customers meet their goals with the great products that we offer!

Missy Townsley - Floor Manager

I have been working here 3.5 years and really love helping people achieve their fitness goals. I have been running for about 15 years and my favorite distance is half marathon. I have been married to my husband Jeff for 36+ years and he is still my best friend. We have 3 kids and 6 grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Lyla, Hudson, Teller and twins Luke and Harrison, who we love spending time with. I love sports, especially baseball and football - ROLL TIDE!!! I love being part of this special group of people at Fleet Feet.

Todd Parsons - Floor Manager/Coach

I grew up in suburban Detroit and moved to Huntsville 27 years ago, after a 3 year tour in the US Army. I had visited my brother a few times while he was attending UAH and decided that I wanted to live in a warmer climate. Since then, I have lived in both Central and South Alabama. I have two wonderful daughters who are now in college. 5 years ago I decided to change the course of my life. I had worked in the hospitality industry for many years and I was also a long-time smoker. I decided that I wanted to live a healthier lifestyle and at the age of 43 I quit smoking and started running. I went from not being able to complete a mile without stopping to completing my first marathon in a little over a year. Now I am in the best shape of my life. This past year I achieved my dream of qualifying for the 2017 Boston Marathon. This year I will attempt to complete my first 100 mile ultra trail race. I have been an employee of Fleet Feet Sports Huntsville since August 2014. I am so glad to be associated with Fleet Feet, where I have the opportunity to help so many people achieve their health and fitness goals. I am also a certified RRCA running coach for the Fleet Feet 13.1 training program, member of the Fleet Feet Racing Team and race director of the Huntsville Track Club Summer Cross Country Series.

Tonya Meier Hardy - Triathlon Training Director

I grew up in Decatur and now live in Madison with my husband and two daughters. I caught the triathlon bug back in 2010 while a participant in the Tri 101 Training Program! The longest Tri distance I've completed is 70.3. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Birmingham-Southern College as well as a Maser's Degree in Health Studies & Health Promotion from The University of Alabama. My certification include: USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach, Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Health Education Specialist and CPR & AED Instructor. I enjoy teaching others about all aspects of fitness and wellness, including triathlon!

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