Blog - Page 30 of 35 - Team Athletic Mentors

Introducing the Team OAM Now Men’s Masters Team

February 25th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Mike Krywanski and Jon Morgan, Team OAM Now Master’s Men Team Captains

Ed Note: After an amazing 2014 season, including 3 riders in the MBRA top ten season long point series, the Master’s Men’s Cycling team is looking to return in 2015, stronger and better. We spoke with Co-Captains Mike Krywanski and Jon Morgan to get a preview of what we can expect in the upcoming year.

Returning Members

Loren Simons
Peter O’Brien
Dave Stebbins
Glenn Dik
Mike Krywanski
Jonathan Morgan
Chris Abston
Terry Ritter
Mike Wyczalek
Richard Landgraff

New Teammates
Leonard VanDrunen
Steve Buccella
Larry Strayhorn

2015 is shaping up as an interesting year for the Team OAM Now Masters 55+ . New teammates squad Leonard VanDrunen, Steve Buccella, and Larry Strayhorn, are all moving up from the Elite Club team. While short on racing experience, they are all fit, enthusiastic and willing to learn. They will be instrumental to our success in our 2015 racing campaign.

Meanwhile, 2014 was a breakout year for the Masters 45+ Team. After rebuilding the roster after the losses of some core riders in 2013, the team built fantastic synergy and placed 2 riders in the Top Ten in nearly every race with more than 12 podiums total. We were also recognized as the most professional among teams and were complimented by other teams for consistent aggressive riding while maintaining a positive presence in the highly competitive masters peloton.

The team makes specific plans and is adept at executing those plans, although it did take us several races to gel completely and start vying for podiums and wins. Eventually, we were able to exert a lot of control over the outcome of races and our strong long rider, Chris Abston, was able to win the final race of the season. Our greatest strength is probably the fact that we’re all very experienced, love to race, and each rider is willing to sacrifice for the plan or the rider in best position to deliver the best team result. We also have 2 dedicated workers in 2014 (Wyzalek and Ritter) who set up the rest of the team for the podiums and results. Riders like this are hard to come by!

Mentoring our rookie group in the 55+ category, will be veteran racers Loren Simons, Peter O’Brien, Dave Stebbins, Glenn Dik, and Mike Krywanski who, between them, have literally thousands of races under their belts. Career highlights from this group include North American and ABR National Road Championships, numerous USAC National Masters podium finishes in all three diciplines, a National 24 hour overall championship, dozens of MBRA State Championships in road, criterium and time trial as well as race wins all over the U.S. In 2014 alone, this group garnered four state age category championships along with top placings at races such as Barry Roubaix, The Lowell 50, Hellkaat Hundie, The National 24 Hour Challenge, Michigan Mountain Mayhem and many others. Loren Simons participated in the Masters National Championships in Ogden Utah where a late crash kept him from a potential podium finish in the criterium.

We are all eagerly looking forward to the upcoming racing season and the blue and orange of Team OAM Now should be well represented, and a force to be reckoned with, at the front of many races, particularly as our new racers gain experience.

Training Tips: Why Try an Indoor Tri?

February 23rd, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Roxane Kippen, Team OAM Now Triathlete

Every winter, I aim to make myself endure 45 minutes of intense pain at least once. This winter, I decided to do it three times. What is this torture and why would anyone subject him or herself to such a thing? It is called indoor triathlon.

I hear the question a lot, “What is an indoor tri?” Most indoor triathlons are formatted so participants swim laps in a pool for 15 minutes, ride a stationary bike or bike on a trainer for 15 minutes and run on a track or treadmill for 15 minutes, while volunteers keep track of your distances. Duration and point conversions for scoring vary, but the basic idea is to go as hard as you can for short, timed segments

Then the next question I get is, “Why on earth would you want to do that?” While teammate Raquel Torres is off racing in the southern hemisphere, and teammates Kaitlyn Patterson and Alex Vanias are tearing up the Nordic Ski world, I need a way to motivate and test myself during winter training months. Indoor triathlons are a great way to do a speed check and can also be used as a field test for capturing heart rate, which can then be used in setting zones for training workouts. Indoor triathlon series are even better because the test can be repeated in an essentially controlled environment and an athlete does not have to worry about water conditions or wind variables. In other words, in addition to being motivation, indoor tris can be a valuable training tool.

Indoor tris are also an excellent introduction to the world of three disciplines. For newer triathletes, or those that have never done a triathlon, indoor tri is a great way to try it out in a controlled, safe environment. I would highly recommend that anyone thinking of doing his or her first triathlon this year check out one of the remaining indoor triathlons in the area first to get a sense of what the multi-sport event is all about, but also to get a gauge of what kind of training you’ll need to continue in the off season.

All you need to get started are some goggles and a pair of running shoes! In fact, there are quite a few opportunities coming up in the area for you to check out. Don’t be afraid to give them a try!

March 1 – Spring Lake Community Fitness and Aquatic Center Indoor Triathlon

March 21 – IronBAC Indoor Triathlon

March 29 – David D. Hunting YMCA Indoor Triathlon

March 29 – GVSU Try-a-Tri

Equipment Closet: Ski Poles

February 19th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Daniel Yankus, Team OAM Now Multi-sport Athlete

As a professional and an athlete, not to be confused with a Professional Athlete, I balance my ambitions in life between my career and being an athlete. Along the way, I have had the luxury of some wonderful sponsors in my athletic endeavors.

On a return trip from a training weekend, I stopped by the United States Ski Pole Company in Cheyboygan, MI. They were one of the important relationships we sought out when developing our program (race team). What I thought was going to be a quick stop to pick up some poles I had purchased later revealed itself as, instead, a witnessing of the “American Dream.”

I met the owner, Andy Liebner, a handful of times and we had the opportunity to talk about some of the overlooked details of skiing, not just poles. Those little details, we agreed, often separate us from many things in life, not just skiing. For Andy and the USSPC, those little details are the foundation of the dream he started 2 years ago. I spent over an hour with Andy recently and he showed me all the work he has done, including the manufacturing process from start to end, which ended with the completion of my very own poles made by Andy and his crew.

One of the key pieces of this journey is an intense R & D process that includes testing against competitors and knowing the strengths and weaknesses of other poles available on the market. Each pole is tested. Each piece is tested. For every station in the process, the step must have been on Rev L (for non-engineers, Rev L only comes after a dozen or so changes), those changes reflect the perfection in every movement the shop seems to have. The sins of the past are discarded, but that is how manufacturing works: those who wait or become complacent are also often discarded; the manufacturing world waits for no one.

It’s also worth noting that all the pieces used to create these top of line poles are made in the USA. At a time when most carbon products, from bikes to hockey sticks, are made overseas, United States Ski Pole Company has built relationships with suppliers to build something rarely seen in the manufacturing world these days: a product made completely in the USA that can compete with the big players on the market. You can learn more about their production here.

Throughout the tour, Andy showed me features most of us with a ski pole consider an afterthought. Most of us grab a set of poles, lean on them and test for stiffness and weight. That’s all. However, as Andy showed me, there are many details we overlook when we buy ski poles. Each detail, from the basket to the grip, has been redesigned over and over until Andy has exactly what he wants. For example, the United States Ski Pole Company offers a strap that’s not just comfortable, but also has thermal properties. It’s a small detail most of us couldn’t imagine, but after experiencing we don’t know how we did without it. This is probably the best thing about Andy and his company: they’ve thought of all the things we didn’t and then make them a reality. In the same way that we progress as athletes, each piece of each pole has a story. Each piece had a journey from start to finish.

So, as I get ready to ski with my new poles, I know I’m holding something in my hands that is not just some cool lightweight shiny object. It’s easy to get caught up with the “bling” factor, especially as new products hit the market pretty rapidly. That said, nothing beats the confidence I have, as a skier, in a product that’s had so much attention paid to the details…and nothing beats the performance. These poles are, in many ways, a reflection of who we are as athletes, and certainly who Andy is as a businessman: built from the ground up. As you prepare to hit the plentiful snow we’ve had this week, make sure your equipment reflects who you are, and works for you, not just the manufacturer.

To find United States Ski Pole Company poles near you, find a dealer here.

Introducing the Team OAM Now Triathlon Team for 2015

February 17th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Roxane Kippen, Team OAM Now Triathlon Team Captain

Ed Note: After an amazing 2014 season, including 37 podiums with 11 first place finishes, the multi-sport team is looking to return in 2015, stronger and better, promising even more podiums. We spoke with Captain Roxane Kippen to get a preview of what we can expect in the upcoming year.

This year looks to be another podium packed year for the members of OAM NOW’s Multi-sport Team and I’m proud to introduce our 2015 roster. Our team members range in age from 20 years old to flirting-with-retirement, and each decade in between is well represented. We are a diverse group, made up of teachers, students, attorneys, finance, and IT and engineering professionals. A healthy balance of all life has to offer is important to us.

On top of things like work, med school (Kaitlyn), vet school (Elaine), a new baby (congrats Erin), family, and other worthy causes, we find time to train, race and promote active lifestyles by volunteering in our communities!

Returning Members
Alex Vanias
Amy Kimber
Cheryl Sherwood
Chuck Grzanka
Cricket Howard
Erin Young
Kaitlyn Patterson
Mike Steele
Raquel Torres
Robyn Kaiser
Roxane Kippen
Todd Anthes

New Teammates
Elaine Sheikh

2014 was a very successful season for Team OAM Now triathletes. Check out our blogs from 2014 for some great race recaps. In 2014, our multi-sport team had 12 athletes who competed in 24 different triathlon events beginning as early as March with Indoor Triathlon and ending with late season races into September, for a total of 50 triathlon finishes.

Of the 50 finishes, 75% resulted in top 3 podiums. There were 37 podiums, including 11 first place overall finishes including Alex at Tri del Sol, Kaitlyn at MI Titanium and Boyne City Tri, Raquel at Grand Rapids Tri and Seahorse Challenge , Roxane at XTERRA Ionia and Little Traverse Tri and a very strong final season for Kathy Kirk in the Aquabike with 4 Overall Wins, including MI Titanium.

This year, we have a solid race schedule which includes several team races, where we encourage as many team members as possible to participate to promote team building and provide great visibility for our sponsors. In addition to the team race schedule below, several teammates have some pretty big “A races” slotted for this season. Alex, Cheryl, and Todd are looking to conquer another iron distance race this year. Elaine is targeting USAT Collegiate Nationals, USAT Age Group Nationals and the World Sprint Championships and Roxane is focused on USAT Off-road Nationals and XTERRA Nationals. Raquel continues to race the ITU circuit and has already begun her season, racing in South American ITU events to add to her qualifying points to earn a spot representing the Dominican Republic at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Follow her on the road to Brazil on our blog.

2015 Team Race Schedule
5/24/2015
Bear Lake Triathlon
North Muskegon

6/14/2015
Grand Rapids Triathlon
Grand Rapids

6/27/2015
Lumberman Triathlon
Cadillac

6/27/2015
Gull Lake Triathlon
Hickory Corners

7/18/2015
Tri del Sol
Middleville

8/1/2015
Millennium Triathlon
Grand Rapids

8/23/2015
Michigan Titanium
Grand Rapids

9/12/2015
Reeds Lake Triathlon
E Grand Rapids

As a team we have a common goal to balance work, life and sport. As Mike writes in his blog, we are a family and love to share in each other’s successes and encourage each other through challenges and setbacks. While we always enjoy being on the podium, the journey is more often a larger victory. We are thankful we have such great sponsors that support us in doing what we love and allow us to be proud stewards of the sport. We’re looking forward to another fantastic year!

Vanias Takes First Overall, Patterson Wins Women’s in VASA 50K, Davis and Davis Take 2nd in 27K

February 16th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Kaitlyn Patterson, Team OAM Now Multi-sport athlete

With blizzard conditions and road closures across the state, a troop of brave (or crazy) skiers lined up for the 27k or 50k VASA races on Saturday, February 14. Leading up to the weekend, it was questionable if the races would be held or possibly shortened because of the dangerous wind chills. In the early morning, temperatures were at the 10 degree mark, but progressively dropped, settling near -20 degrees, with the windchill.

Alex Vanias and I decided to stick with the 50k, although many racers opted to switch to the 27k or even skip this year. After strategically selecting our clothing, we headed to the start line to find 3” of new snow already on the course and continuing to fall. Despite the cold wax on my skis, they felt very slow in the powder, and I realized it was going to be a survival race.

After the start, I settled in the back of the chase group of guys and tried to keep my effort under control. Alex skied away from the competition within the first 10k, despite a broken pole, and was the first to break the fresh powder. I progressively moved through the pack and found myself alone by the end of the first lap. The second lap of the 50k is significantly less sheltered than the first half and exposed us to horrendous wind and drifting. I was attempting to ski conservatively, but the conditions were so slow that they allowed for no rest.

The final 8k converged with the 27k and I was thankful for a packed trail. I had already been racing for longer than I had expected and knew the winning times would be slow, possibly record setting. The finish line and warming tent were a very welcome sight indeed. After finishing 2^nd and 3^rd the past two years, I was quite happy to win my first VASA and finish 7th overall. Alex also won his first VASA after finishing second the past two years.

Rebecca Davis and Mike Davis both pulled off podium finishes in the 27k. Rebecca raced freestyle and Mike raced classic and both finished second overall.

The skiers and volunteers deserve major kudos for braving the elements for this memorable VASA. This week, the focus is on rest and recovery for the Birkie this coming weekend!

Kailtyn Patterson, Dan Yankus, and Alex Vanias Take 1st Women, 2nd and 3rd Overall, Respectively at White Pine Stampede

February 12th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Mike Davis, Team OAM Now Nordic Skier

Team OAM Now had a full attendance last weekend at the White Pine Stampede, with the exception of Jon Morgan, who is still out from a fall he had at the Noquemanon. The White Pine Stampede is a point-to-point race starting at the Mancelona High School and finishing at the Summit Center of Shanty Creek Resorts. Each Team OAM Now member competed in the 50k skate race this week, with two members finishing in the top three overall and Kaitlyn Patterson winning the women’s race.

The White Pine course was well groomed, although some fresh snow fall from the evening before left some powder over the trail. Many of the racers used different waxing combinations, some of which worked very well. Between the fresh snow and warmer than expected temperatures, it was a difficult race to figure out.

The White Pine was my first 50k skate race, so I took a fairly conservative approach. Skate skiing is my weaker of the two skiing disciplines as I have more opportunities to train classic. My main goal for this race was to come in to the finish with something left. I did not want to get to the 25k marker and have no legs left for the hills in the second half.

The start took off a little slower than normal, so I was farther up in the pack than I had planned to be. I got nearly to the 10k marker and felt like I was going harder than I wanted. After that, I paced the rest of the race much better and came to the finish with some energy left in the tank. I was able to finish 18th overall with a time of 2:35:01.

Dan Yankus was able to finish 2nd overall in 2:12:37. Alex Vanias finished 3rd overall just 6 seconds behind Dan. Kaitlyn Patterson was the first woman skier and 7th overall. Her time was 2:26:55. Rebecca Davis was able to finish 31st overall, which made her the 5th woman, although she broke about 10 inches of her pole with 22k left in the race. Her time was 2:45:26.

Also OAM’s own Julian Kuz finished 16th overall.

Team OAM Now’s Rebecca Davis Takes First in Women’s Race at Hanson Hills 12k Classic

February 7th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Mike Davis, Team OAM Now Nordic Skier

It was a very cold morning in Grayling for the Hanson Hills 12K classic. Waxing was easy for many, as the cold temperatures left no lack of kick. I didn’t want to lose any glide, so I chose to double pole this race on my skate skis. Team OAM Now performed well, with all the men finishing in the top ten and Rebecca Davis winning the women’s race.

The Hanson Hills 12k Classic Race is an interval start race with each racer starting in 15 second intervals. They put everyone into order by age group, then the order they signed up. The interval start makes it difficult to pace because you have no idea where you stand during the race. My strategy for races like this is to go as hard as I can for as long as I can. Regardless of our differing strategies for this race, it seems like Team OAM Now was doing something right with another impressive showing.

Rebecca Davis must have had a good strategy, as she was able to win the women’s race by 56 seconds. Dan Yankus had a very strong race by finishing in third with a time of 44:10. Alex Vanias came in fourth just 31 seconds behind Dan while I finished eighth overall with a time of 47:40.

Each race is a great opportunity for different conditions and more experience which allows us to learn and develop new strategies. With each race, we’re hopeful that we keep growing and improving…of course, we’d also like to keep winning.

Two Podiums for Team OAM Now at the Forbush Freestyle 17K

February 6th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Rebecca Davis, Team OAM Now Nordic Skier

The Forbush Freestyle 17k is always one of the toughest races on my schedule. It isn’t the longest, or the biggest, but the course is incredibly technical- constant turning, and short, hard climbs. On top of that, the trail conditions usually seem to be a bit soft, which adds to the challenge. This year was no exception, and even though I have more training than I do most years, this race was still humbling for me.

The men and women started separate at this race; typically, in those situations, I take an early lead and hold on for as long as possible. This time, I decided to fall into the pack right away and take advantage of watching the better women skiers on the technical course. I realized that I can keep up fairly easily for about 4km, and then my legs started to tire from the constant climbing and turning, causing me to fall off the pack. I know where I need to focus my training for next year! After falling off of the leader, I was able to hang on to finish second place in the women’s race. It was one of my better standings for the year, but definitely not my strongest race.

Dan Yankus managed to hang on the lead pack for a 3rd place finish after realizing that his skis weren’t as fast as the first 2 finishers. Mike Davis had a tough fall on one of the hills near the end of the race putting him at the back of his pack, but still managed to finish 21st place.

Despite a tough race, and only a few team members competing, Team OAM Now certainly had a strong finish.

Introducing the Team OAM Now Elite Men’s Cycling Team for 2015

February 6th, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Chris Gottwald, Team OAM Now Elite Men’s Cycling Team Captian

Ed Note: After a successful 2014 season, the Team OAM Now Elite Men’s Cycling Team is busy, in the off season, training for an incredible 2015! We asked Team Captain Chris Gottwald to give us an overview of the team and tell us a bit about what we can look forward to.

Returning Members
Christopher Gottwald
Daniel Yankus
Alex Vanias
Peter Ehmann
Cory Stange

New Teammates
Colin Snyder

For sure in 2014 our greatest accomplishment was winning the Michigan Point Series with a team that included three new riders (Cory Stange, Pete Ehman and Ryan Erxleben). We rode well all season as a team and that allowed us to capitalize on team work when we lacked all around fire power.

Colin Snyder, our newest addition brings some veteran experience and all around ability. He has the amazing ability to be a threat in any event (road, mountain and cyclocross) which gives us, as a team, tremendous potential. In his first year with us, Cory won the season overall with his amazing finishing speed, but admits his weakness in the past has been brute strength. Coming in to 2015, he will be coached by world class coach Mark Olson which certainly ensures even stronger all around abilities from him.

We all are on TEAM OAM Now because we want to be. As a team, we work on our individual (rider) strengths and put them together to get the best results possible when we race as a team. Even when we don’t win, we still turn our selves inside out to get the strongest rider of the day to the best finish possible.

Overall, for 2015, we will focus on winning the Michigan Point Series again, along with a greater focus on the individual races. American style road racing is criterium heavy and we will attempt to shift our focus to that style. Alex Vanias (Former Bissell Pro Rider) and Chris Gottwald (Current World Record holder) have world class aerobic capacity and plan to deliver at every opportunity. We can certainly count on Dan Yankus, Pete Ehman and Colin Snyder to turn in amazing performances as well.

We rode tremendously well together in 2014 and, with a year behind us, we have learned even more about our individual strengths and weaknesses. We will capitalize on that for sure. Individually, in 2015, Cory Stange will focus on the point series and winning as often as possible on the crit scene. Alex Vanias will focus on road and multi-sport, and Chris Gottwald will focus on a 1 hour Time Trial record late in the season.

We’ve set a few ambitious goals this season, but based on our past performance, I’m expecting us to deliver.

Introducing the 2015 Team OAM Now Women’s Cycling Team

February 3rd, 2015 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Marie Dershem, Team OAM Women’s Cycling Team Captain

Ed Note: With amazing season highlights like JoAnn Cranson’s trip to the Senior Olympics, and her win at the West Branch Road Race, Charlotte Long’s 2nd place wins at both the Lowell 50 and Peak to Peak, Marie Dershem’s 3rd place win at the State Championship Time Trial, it was a fantastic year for Team OAM Now’s Women’s Cycling Team. We took a minute to talk to Team Captain Marie Dershem about what’s in store for 2015.

Returning Members
Marie Dershem
Laura Melendez
Charlotte Long
JoAnn Cranson

New Teammates
Jenny Steketee

Our entire team had some great accomplishments in 2014, both together and individually. Laura Melendez, who brings strength and amazing endurance to the team, competed in the National 24 Hour Bike race. In addition, she placed 1st in CAT 3 Tour De Mont Pleasant Crit. JoAnn Cranson can time trial with the best of them. Working with her teammate, Marie Dershem, she pulled away from the peloton and time-trialed her way to a victory at West Branch Road Race (CAT 3), where Marie placed 2nd. Some highlights for Charlotte Long include exhibiting her trail and road skills by placing 2nd in both the Lowell 50 and Peak to Peak mountain bike race (after upgrading to Expert). Then, she expertly took second place in the State Championship Road Race. Marie Dershem‘s time trial experience as a former triathlete came in handy when she came in 3rd place in the State Championship Time Trial (CAT 3), which was followed by a State Championship Road Race win (CAT 3). With several other podium spots among all the teammates, it was a fantastic year.

In 2015, we have a newcomer, Jenny Steketee, who brings years of competitive speed skating to the mix. Her strength and power will translate amazingly well to the bike. We look forward to all she has to offer and welcome her with excitement. This is a well-rounded team that has experience working together. Every team member trains hard individually. We can all count on one another to work hard, to work for one another, and to be committed to the team.

10580851_10105318495174854_4514820058267102349_o

Our team’s biggest strength is the diversity in talent. Both Marie and JoAnn are excellent time-trialists. Laura has the perfect mix of endurance and strength. In addition, her years of experience racing aids in putting together strategies to race well together and build on each other’s strengths. Marie and Charlotte share a love for climbing and tend to use hills as break-away opportunities. Charlotte is a proven sprinter and Marie is building toward this as well.

This coming season, we have an amazing opportunity to come together and really take control of the field in any race we enter. We have such a wide range of talent that, when we work together, we can do anything. Every team member is willing to work for each other, which makes all the difference in the world. We can easily play to each person’s talents and create a winning opportunity for everyone.

In 2015, plan to see us at Le Tour De Mont Pleasant, BTR Crit, Maple Hill Race for Wishes, Delta Subaru Gaslight Crit, as well as quite a few others. Additionally, the team is also interested in travelling to some out of state races to add variety and new challenges. It is certainly going to be an exciting year to be a woman racing with TEAM OAM Now!