TRUE GRIT IN CEDAR PARK
IT TAKES TRUE GRIT PRACTICING BEFORE THE SUN RISES.
“We keep things laid back and fun while putting in the miles and training for races.” - Frank
Coach: Donnie O’Neal
Location: Cedar Park
Group Meets: Tuesdays at 5:20 AM for workouts & Saturdays for long runs
Cost: $95/Month *See payment details below
GROUP INFORMATION
COACH BIO
I started running when I was 9 years old on Club Teams, then Junior High, High School and College Teams. My main race in college was the 3,000m Steeplechase, but my favorite race has always been the Mile. In College, I studied Anthropology and Kinesiology, I have a passion for understanding human adaptation. I’ve worn many hats in the Austin running community, including running specialty retail manager, coach, race director and chip timer. I’m married with 4 kids, there’s a 22-year age difference between my first and forth kiddo. As a coach, I believe that workouts should be specific, progressive and fun. Workouts should build you up mentally as well as physically in preparation for each peak performance.
COACH PHILOSOPHY
I care about the success of each athlete. I believe that workouts should be specific, progressive and fun. Training should build you up mentally as well as physically in preparation of each peak performance. Every athlete has their own unique set of abilities and challenges, communication between coach and athlete is an essential part of any program.
As a coach it is my responsibility to foster a positive, supportive and inclusive environment. I welcome runners from all backgrounds and experience levels.
GROUP DYNAMIC
Donnie took over coaching of True Grit in November 2025, and observed their team dynamic was strong. They train together, they race together, they celebrate life events with each other - it's truly a run-family!
ORIGIN STORY
This group started back in 2013 with Coach Chris MacLeod and has evolved over the years. We have gone through various coaches but the heart of the group has remained the same. The name, True Grit, was formed a few years later and has stuck ever since. The meeting time started at 5:30 but due to work/family commitments in the morning many of the runners started running earlier to get in their workout. Eventually, the time was officially changed to 5:20 so everyone could continue training together.
*Monthly recurring payment begins the day of registration. Wait to register until the start date above. Once you register you will be billed immediately. Your ongoing billing will occur the same day you registered each month moving forward. You can cancel at any time by logging into your account, click on your account on the bottom right-hand corner. Then, click on “view plan or cancel”. There is not an option to “pause” your membership.
COST: $95/month