Andy Palmer

Andy’s path to the world of top level marathoning was unusual to say the least. A high school and college basketball standout, Andy began running competitively only after college graduation. His first goal was completing a ½ marathon – which he did in a time of 1:20 minutes. 3 years later the 6 ft. 3 inch Palmer ran 1 hour and 4 minutes on the same course, and he ultimately ran a personal best marathon of 2:16.25 to win the 1983 Bostonfest Marathon. During his career Andy raced across North America and the globe, contested 2 Olympic Marathon Trials, and as soon as his athletic career was complete he began his passion of helping other athletes realize their potential. He received 2 masters degrees and in 1994 was granted his PhD from Florida State University in sport based psychology. He utilized this background to counsel golfers to gymnasts, swimmers to (of course) runners.

Andy's dream was to help runners with whatever support was necessary to allow them to maximize their potential.  The idea of a program like ZAP Fitness was a life long dream which became a reality in 2002.  Unfortuantely just months before ZAP was set to open Andy passed away from a heart attack while running at Moses Cone National Park in Blowing Rock, NC.  Though Andy has not been able to see the successes of ZAP he played a fundamental role in its creation.  ZAP Fitness Foundation would not be here had it not been for the passion and vision of Andy Palmer.