Fight, Survive, Finish…. Cone Azalia
June 3rd, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic MentorsPatterson Takes First at Arcadian Grit and Gravel
June 2nd, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic MentorsBy Kaitlyn Patterson, Team OAM Now Multi-Sport
The elite men and women racers started together three minutes before the rest of the field. I was able to make a crucial break with part of the elite men’s field on the first climb and separate myself from the other female racers. I maintained this lead throughout the race and finished with a solo victory. I’ve been able to spend more time working on my bike handling skills this year and it has been fun to see it pay off in recent races.Four years since the inaugural event, this unique race on the coast of Lake Michigan has quickly become a staple in spring mountain bike racing. Arcadian Grit and Gravel is held in early May, just as the leaves are turning a brilliant green and the trillium are in full bloom. The course is a combination of gravel roads, two-tracks, a bit of pavement, and nine miles of single-track through the Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve. The race starts in the tiny town of Arcadia, on two miles of pavement before hitting the dirt. There are two significant climbs in the first 10 miles of the longer race to help spread out the fields before the narrow single track sections.
Arcadia was a short trip for my family to come and enjoy the race and a beautiful day. My grandma was especially excited to be on the support crew!
Check out some of the race pics here.
The post Patterson Takes First at Arcadian Grit and Gravel appeared first on Team Athletic Mentors.
Frankenmuth’s Flat and Furious Road Race
May 28th, 2015 by Marie DershemShould Have. The Frankenmuth Story.
May 27th, 2015 by Marie DershemSponsor Spotlight: Agility PT
May 26th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic MentorsFirst Timer at Fifth Third River Bank Run
May 13th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic MentorsAthletic Mentors Trainee Sets PR in Boston Marathon to Remember Mentor
May 7th, 2015 by Athletic MentorsWhen Amy Bross crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon amidst the frigid rain and high winds in personal-record time (3:29) April 20, she was not alone.
She had an angel drafting her.
The 37-year-old triathlete who trains with Athletic Mentors and represents Team Stellafly decided to run the Boston Marathon to keep a promise she made to honor her mentor and friend, Jim Kelley, who was killed while running in November of 2013.
“The reason I was in Boston was because of Jim. I crossed the finish line and I was walking back to Athlete’s Village, freezing cold, and I was all choked up because I would not have been there had it not been for him. The frozen hands, beat up legs, purple lips, and soaking wet feet didn’t matter at that point. He believed so much in me and in my potential. All he wanted was to see me run Boston. And I had just run Boston,” Bross said.
It was a beautiful finish to a running legacy that started with Bross’s father, burgeoned with Kelley’s inspiration as a running partner, and flourished under the high-science HRT training and nutrition plan of Mark Olson at Athletic Mentors.
“Boston was definitely tough! It’s a very difficult course and while you have to be physically strong, it can mentally break you too…the hills hit hard and you’re tired…but the fans and the spectators were just incredible – even in the pouring rain,” Bross said.
Bross’s father, Ron, turned her on to running when she was a freshman at Grand Valley State University in 1996. The father-daughter duo ran together through 5ks, 10ks, half-marathons, and finally their first marathon together – Chicago Marathon in 2000.
After knee surgery six years ago, Bross thought her distance running days were over. During recovery, she got hooked on triathlons while cross training and in ensuing years made several trips to the podium. Not to be outdone, her father joins her in local triathlon events despite breaking his back last year in an accident.
It’s fair to say there’s an unstoppable gene in the family. Bross Sr., in his late 60s, recently competed in Florida’s St. Anthony triathlon.
“They say I’m clearly my father’s daughter,” Bross says. “We both work very hard with training and put our entire hearts into everything we do, and it’s so inspirational to see my dad pushing through it…he just won’t quit! I’m always so proud of him just as much as I know he is so proud of me.”
Amy spent a year training speed and tempo work with Kelley, and he paced her through a 10k PR as well as a half-marathon PR. Just before Kelley died, he’d texted her after a race he had just finished, telling her she needed to run Boston with him. She had said no, she was finished with marathons, and only wanted to race triathlons.
After Kelley’s tragic death that rocked the local athletic community, Bross changed her mind. She would run Boston after all, to memorialize all he’d given her. After she ran a tough Boston qualifier race, she knew that as a “Type A” personality, she’d need some training in order to avoid over-training while she continued to focus on triathlons.
Enter Mark Olson, wielder of a data-based coaching regime that included slowing down in order to very precisely meter her energy use, reserves, and capacity for recovery.
“I’ve improved significantly as an athlete and the difference has been heart rate training with Mark. It’s made a huge difference for me. He keeps me locked in my ‘zones’ and ‘benches me’ — as I like to refer to it — when he knows that I need a break,” Bross said.
A fully admitted “pace junkie,” Olson’s challenge was to slow Bross down to stay in her ‘zones’ so that she was able to improve her aerobic capacity, by throwing ‘pace’ out the window. The result, says Bross, was a vastly increased capacity to sustain a pace for a longer period of time. The pair are still working together to capitalize on this kind of improved endurance for triathlons.
A second training phenom Bross credits with making all the difference in distance is nutrition.
“What I learned from Mark is that nutrition planning is a huge factor that will make or break my performance. The scientific data we have on me is down the exact point at which my body stops burning off fat for fuel and switches over to carbs, which is when I need to take the nutrition — even if I don’t want it or feel like I need it. I have struggled with nutrition issues for a long time and it’s really affected me, but Mark has made it a priority to fix it,” Bross said.
The result of her rigorous adherence to his race nutrition planning was not only endurance during the marathon, but fast recovery thereafter even in her hard training sessions that he gives her.
“I couldn’t have done this without him. He had a plan laid out for me and told me to go execute it ‘as is,’ because he knew that I could. He reminds me when I struggle to believe in myself, to just trust him…and so I do, and that trust has never failed me,” Bross said.
The real joy for her isn’t the competition, despite her tendency to be a competitive athlete. It’s the sense of community shared among runners and triathletes.
“I have never met a more selfless group of people than runners and triathletes,” Bross said, recalling a time when she blew a tire in a Ludington triathlon and several people were willing to throw their race to help her, or the numerous times Kelley and others gave up their own races to pace her through tough runs and races.
“The sense of community, support and camaraderie found in both running and triathlons is incredible. It’s said in Boston “We Run Together” — and that is exactly how it felt and how it should feel.””
Now that Boston’s behind her, Bross will be training for the local summer triathlon circuit, with her focus on the Ironman 70.3 Miami — which will be her “A” race, among other endurance feats including an Olympic distance race in Iowa. Bross represents Team Stellafly, a multi-sport team focusing on health, community and inclusivity. The team consists of a diverse range of athletic abilities including professional and elite athletes, ultra runners, cyclists, swimmers, as well as media professionals. Athletic Mentors is a sponsor of Team Stellafly.
What’s Next? How and Where to Channel the Post Race High
May 5th, 2015 by Athletic MentorsBy Michelle Dalton, Athletic Mentors Coach and Triathlete
You did it!! Whether it was your first or 50th race, the sense of accomplishment, of having achieved something difficult, is hard to replicate. The training, the sacrifices, the doubts, the injuries, the pain are all forgotten once you cross the finish line.
And then….what? How do you get back to “normal” after you’ve spent so much time preparing for the race? What is “normal”? What do you do with your Saturdays now that you don’t have to get up for run camp or complete long training runs? How do you make sure you never forget that feeling?
The answer’s really quite simple: you plan the next race! Though the medal may still be around your neck and the chafing lingering like an unwanted house guest – get the calendar out and begin planning.
First, figure out exactly what you’re looking for. Some people choose the same distance just to prove it wasn’t a one-time thing, while others opt for a new challenge, either distance or time. Some people choose races based on destination and others like to keep it local.You might even ride the wave of confidence and try an event that you’ve found intimidating (triathlon anyone?), but regardless of which you choose, register. Pick a race that fits your needs and goals and book it. Right now, your motivation is high; the endorphins are still pumping. This is the best time to commit to another race. I have seen many people complete one race and then wait too long between races, only to lose momentum.
Start asking yourself: When is the race? How much time do I have to train? How much time do I need? Who can I train with? Where can I get a plan and some advice on how to go longer, faster, and injury free?
Recruit your Saturday gang to go with you, or find another group of runners to be your new people. There are plenty of groups out there. Get connected with the amazing local running community and make a commitment to yourself and to a race.
We are lucky here in Michigan that we have so many race options over the coming months. And, you’re also in luck because Athletic Mentors can help you get to the finish. Whether you’re looking to get there faster, or fitter, or simply aiming for a finish that’s farther, we’ve got the coach, and the plan, to help you do it. If you don’t consider yourself a runner (yet), check out our Functional Fitness Program or the Coached Gym.
If you have any question, please don’t hesitate to contact us; we can help.
Now go book that next race!
Athletic Mentors Hockey Camp Coach Suits Up As NHL Duck
April 13th, 2015 by Athletic MentorsYou might find Athletic Mentors hockey camp alumni Stefan Noesen suited up for the Anaheim Ducks this spring, or wearing an Athletic Mentors Coaching Jersey, depending on the day. It’s been a long strange trip from Plano, Texas to the NHL, but for unstoppable two-way right-winger with the “high hockey IQ,” the ride is worth the fare.
Noesen was called up from the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals to log ice time in the bigs with the Anaheim Ducks earlier this month.
“I definitely had a little bit of jitters in the beginning,” said the 22-year-old.
“As the game went on, it starts to be hockey and those feelings go away. It was a dream come true.”
Noesen’s NHL agent, Eddie Ward, predicts his April debut won’t be his last time in suit, and credits Athletic Mentor’s Pro Hockey Camp with Noeson’s ongoing development and steady progress toward the top of his game.
“Training with coach Mark Olson has given Stefan the edge to up his game and get the call,” said Ward. “He has made outstanding gains in terms of strength and conditioning in the two years he’s trained with Athletic Mentors. The program’s pro-style focus on speed, strength, skills and diet is unparalleled,” Ward said.
Noesen, at 6’2” and 205 lbs, was a first-round draft pick in 2011 for the Ottawa Senators and remains in the NHL’s top 35 prospects in central scouting rank. His proving ground in the OHL and AHL was protracted when he was sidelined by injuries, including a torn ACL that had him sit out the 2013 season, and an Achilles tendon injury last fall. But Noesen has battled back to top form, a feat Ward calls “inspiring.”
“It’s been amazing what he’s gone through. I’m really proud of Stef. There are two ways a story like this can go. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for himself, Stef’s continued to get himself in phenomenal shape, trained really hard in the summer, had a great training camp…It is just amazing how he’s persevered,” said Ward.
Ward is teaming up with coach Olson this summer to unveil the Athletic Mentor’s On-Ice Ultimate Skills & Conditioning program. Noesen is joining the team as an assistant coach, a role for which Ward says he was made.
“Stefan pays attention to detail and knows all about focusing on the little things to ratchet up his play. I think our young athletes will really benefit from his experience and his incredible attitude. He’s a smart, competitive player with a high-energy, two-way game.”
The team’s excited to provide something different that hasn’t been available to serious players who want to get to the next level.
“This is a camp that’s going to be focused on attention to details; a high-end program that’s really going to push the athletes. In other words: not your typical camp,” Ward said.
As an agent, he feels serious pro contenders need to train year-round to remain competitive players. Increasingly, those who make the pro circuit are one-sport athletes from an early age and are committed to hard work at strong summer programs.
But quantity does not beat quality, he warns.
Even those players who’ve trained year-round from an early age — like Noesen — can use a boost with elite strength and conditioning training and the kind of on-ice skills best mentored by those who’ve played pro or at elite levels.
Noesen is the product of early Dryland training as a former 10-year member of Dallas’s Ice Jets hockey program, where he helped lead his team to a U-12 Tier 1 national championship.
Dryland training has historically been an innovative approach to training all aspects of an athlete, from nutritional counseling to explosive power through strength conditioning. A handful of programs across the US have been pioneers, Athletic Mentors among them.
Noesen, the son of two college basketball athletes, fell in love with hockey at the age of 3 when his grandfather taught him the “motions” of ice skating in the living room. Since then, he’s been driven for ice time.
Despite the hot, humid climate in Dallas, Noesen trained year-round since he was 8 years old. He moved to Northville, Michigan to spend two seasons in the Compuware Under-16 Team, winning a national championship in 2009. After his first-round draft selection, he played with the OHL Plymouth Whalers until traded to Anaheim.
His advice for young athletes who want to make the play to go pro is “don’t stop believing – or improving!”
“Every game I push myself to be better and better, and the more I push myself, the higher I go in the standings,” Noesen said. “Play big and train hard.”
Athletic Mentors Launches New Hockey Website & Open Registration
April 9th, 2015 by Athletic MentorsAthletic Mentors is pleased to announce a new website (AthleticMentorsHockey.com) for its nationally renowned Hockey spring and summer camps. Registration is NOW OPEN for young elite, elite and pro level players. Founder & Coach Mark Olson and NHL agent and pro, Eddie Ward head up a star-studded lineup of coaches for the brand new On-Ice Ultimate Skills & Conditioning package, which can be added to any Dryland program or purchased separately.
“The combination of our intense Dryland off-season camp with our new Ultimate On-Ice skills and conditioning package will enhance our athletes’ stride, strength and power for explosive stops and starts on ice,” said Olson. “Player will learn new skills that can only be taught by coaches that have played or are playing at the highest level.”
He and Ward will be joined by Pro power skating coach, Stacey Barber and first-round NHL draft pick and rising player, Stefan Noeson.
Also new this year is an all-inclusive accommodation package for athletes who hail from afar or who just want the full camp experience.
Athletic Mentors’ Hockey program is one of the nation’s premier, innovative programs that produces well-developed athletes powered by the perseverance and commitment required for pro-level play. Dedicated hockey players learn how to unleash their peak performance through structured, holistic hockey-specific training. The team of top notch experts in hockey strength and conditioning, programming and sports nutrition are complimented by Athletic Mentors clinical grade testing, physical therapy and sports massage resources. The AM team collaborates with NHL agents, scouts and coaches to ensure effective programming.
“Gone are the days where you could start summer camp training at 16 and expect to be competitive with your peers during the draft,” said Ward, an NHL agent and former pro. “I’m seeing that the most successful players are starting year-round, single-sport training years earlier, and it shows in the level of play. Athletic Mentors and Mark Olson are the best thing that can hone native talent to the next level of play.”
The intensive spring and summer camps feature specific training modules within the areas of physical, mental, nutritional and recovery management. From energy systems development to micro and macro nutrition and recovery strategies, their players emerge as well-developed athletes with the confidence and skill set to succeed.
Serious athletes from all over the nation register for these programs, which typically sell out early. Get the edge to unleash peak performance with an Athletic Mentors Hockey development program today. Register Online or Learn More about our summer hockey programs at www.AthleticMentorsHockey.com