Meet Coach Keri

Keri Mandell/ Iron Yogi

As a former special education teacher, learning consultant, & school administrator, Keri has stepped out of a traditional school and immersed herself into the world of fitness and public speaking. Now ultra runner, Ironman, CrossFit Coach, Triathlon Coach, leadership expert, yoga instructor and yoga studio & yoga school owner (emPOWER Yoga); Keri has spent and continues to spend her career caring for and teaching others. Keri believes in the importance of helping, supporting, and being kind to all beings. She wakes each day with the mantra, it’s a great day to be alive and works hard to live up to that mantra by doing great things.  She tries not to take anything for granted and appreciates the small gifts in life. Keri has a positive attitude, will, and desire to live a good, strong, healthy, and kind life.  She believes that it is important to be grateful for the things we have, tell the people in our lives that we care about them, and do something each day that will challenge us (maybe even scare us a little).  We never know if this day will be our last, so live it up!

In July 2018, Keri completed her first Ironman and in February, 2020 she completed the World Marathon Challenge (7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days). In 2021, she completed the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim in one day, 14 hours as well as her first Hundred miler in May, 2022. Keri has completed Ultraman Arizona, Ultraman Florida, and is training for Ultraman Worlds in Hawaii.

Keri also started to organize her own races and events in order to share her love of running and fitness with others!

Keri is a proud ambassador for Wattie Ink, lululemon, Headsweats, Honey Stinger, Skratch, and American Cancer Society. 

Additionally, Keri loves to give back and supports many charities and is a top fundraiser for each: American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, Special Olympics, and Girls on the Run.

There is nothing that gets in Keri’s way, because when you believe in yourself you will be unstoppable!

Keri’s favorite quote:

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”- Neale Donald Walsh