Team Athletic Mentors

A teen’s prospective: Accidents happen and Goals change

May 28th, 2020 by JoAnn Cranson

As a teenager in my third season in 2019, I decided that I wanted to start training more in order to improve. Even though I still had school during the day, I tried to ride every evening to get my miles up. My goal for the season was to win overall in the MiSCA JV category. Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association (MiSCA) is focused on the coordination of youth mountain biking teams and races throughout Michigan for elementary, middle, and high school-aged students.

About a week after school got out, I went up to Michigan Tech to participate in a mountain biking camp. During the camp, we rode the Tech trails, Copper Harbor, and the Adventure Mine. Doing this camp drastically improved my handling skills and stamina. After the camp, I felt connected to my bike and unafraid to ride anything. I was grateful that I had the opportunity to do this camp, and I felt ready for the upcoming races.

Over the summer, I raced in several MMBA races, including Fort Custer, Hanson Hills, Island Lake, Pontiac Lake, Sweat Shaker, Big M, and Glacial Hills. I love doing these races because I feel that they give me a head start preparing for the MiSCA races since they are longer and more challenging. In September, I completed my first century ever. I rode my mountain bike and did Milford trail, Highland, Island Lake, Proud Lake, and Hickory Glen. I was really excited to ride that many miles, but I underestimated how hard it would be to keep pushing. I felt that completing this ride made me a better rider and showed me what hard work really is. Around this time, the MiSCA races finally kicked off.

My MiSCA race season did not go as expected. I had a good first race at Addison Oaks, coming in second. My second race did not go as I planned, and ended my season. During the second MiSCA race at Fort Custer, I fell and broke three of my fingers. I was devastated that I would not be able to finish my season or complete my goal of winning the series. I was in a cast for around a month, and during that time I could only ride my trainer. Riding my trainer was not a fun experience, since it wasn’t a smart trainer and I couldn’t interact with anyone. I lacked motivation, but I did my best to put on some miles. During this time, I set a new goal to do my best at Iceman. Once I had my cast off, I had to wear a splint for an additional month. I was not supposed to ride until I was fully healed, but I started riding again in order to prepare for Iceman.

Preparing for Iceman was very tough, I was getting ready for ski season to start, and I had to try to make up for a month’s worth of riding. It was difficult to keep riding even though I knew that riding more would help me perform better at Iceman. I was ready for bike season to end and ski season to start. The weekend before I was cleared to start riding again, I did my second century. I just hoped that all of the training that I had done earlier in the season would carry me to a successful race.

Racing Iceman was a very interesting experience. It was my longest race, and I was not as prepared as I would have liked to be after the injury. I also did not bring any food or enough water. In the end, I finished fourth in my age group, and I now know that to sustain a good pace, I need more water and food. I was slightly disappointed with my performance, I felt like if I hadn’t had my injury I could have done much better.

At the end of my third season, I learned that I have to train as hard as I can, while I have the opportunity, in case I am not able to ride. I need to make the most of the time I have to train, because life is full of surprises and I don’t want to be unprepared. I also learned that goals can always be changed, if I am unable to fulfill my goal, I can always set a new one and work for it. Goals are an amazing way to motivate me to be my best, but I need to remember that they can always change.

Overcoming the Three “D’s”

April 14th, 2020 by JoAnn Cranson

By: JoAnn Cranson

Disappointment, Discouragement and Depression. In these trying times, it’s pretty normal to be feeling the 3 D’s.

Many of us are experiencing disappointment right now, whether its a canceled trip, all races stopped, graduation, weddings, parties, work layoffs, and get togethers halted. In my thoughts I think to myself it’s silly to be so disappointed over a race or my plans that have been changed, but we need to let ourselves feel the disappointment so we can get beyond it. Give someone a call that you know who understands how sad you are about a race canceled or another activity that you practiced for all year that isn’t going to happen, we need to express ourselves and let our sadness out. Once that is done, then it’s time to move upward and onward.

But then discouragement seeps in. Why should I continue to train hard or practice for a goal that may never happen this year? What do I have to work toward? I don’t even know when this is going to end. It’s the unknown that can lead us to be discouraged to move forward. I think it’s a normal feeling, but we need to look for other ways to stay motivated. I’ve always wanted more time to work on my techniques and improve my form on the bike and running. Really the best time to focus on this is when you are alone and can really think about what you are doing. Well…. that time is now.

I’m planning to have one of my family members video me on my stationary bike or outside in the front, side and back of me so I can see my position, look at my form, pedal stroke,etc. Then I’ll send the video to my coach or if you have an experienced rider or mentor to view and see if they have suggestions for you. The same with running form. Click here to check out Athletic Mentors remote run coaching program.

There is also a remote training program that you can sign up for on the Athletic Mentors website to feel the motivation of live training right now, click here to check it out.

Maybe you always wanted to learn to play a different instrument or language. There are so many online lessons now to take advantage of. Give yourself some fresh things to look forward to.

Last, as time goes on and you are more alone, depression can creep up on you. Well Fight It! Get outside and take in the fresh air. Be active in walking, hiking, biking, running, skipping, jumping, whatever you want to do. Get off your phone or computer or out from in front of your TV to stimulate your brain by doing puzzles, cleaning closets, painting something you’ve been meaning to spruce up. Better yet, think of something you can do to encourage your neighbor, friend or family member without coming in contact with them. Set up new routines that keep you moving and stimulated.

The unknown can be scary and unsettling, but don’t let it get the best of you. We all have so many things to be thankful for. This is just a moment in time that we all need to be patient and work through in our own way. Give yourself a break to feel the 3 D’s, just don’t live in them.

My First Ore to Shore

November 18th, 2019 by JoAnn Cranson

By: Todd Anthes

This race has been on my wish list for some time. 2019 was the year.

The trip to Marquette is an event in and of itself. It is sufficient to say the we live in a great State. I went a few days early so as not to feel rushed.

I traveled with a group of guys that I train with. They have been doing the race about a decade, so they knew all the ins and outs of the race. I did not request a preferred start but was in the first row of general population. And right before the start the rope comes down and I was right at the back of the preferred starters.

The rollout on the road was somewhat mild, although within the first few minutes there was a crash on the right side of the field. The sound of screeching brakes and carbon hitting the road is never a good sound.

I raced on my hardtail as my shifter on my full suspension bike appeared to be failing the day before the race. I would have preferred to race on my soft tail given the rough trails and rocky two tracks. Regardless, the hardtail was nice on the limited roads and smooth trail.

I tend to like cross country and less techy courses, and this course delivers. 48 miles of two-tracks, gravel, rocks, and ending with a little bit of single-track.

About 5 minutes into the race I was passing a group that included a friend. I was chatting with him on the two-track when my front wheel was sucked into a wet little hole. It sent me over the bars and into the weeds. It was so quick I was really startled, but nonetheless ok. I was back on my bike, but my computer and race plate were dangling from my handlebars. It wasn’t until the top of Misery Hill until I stopped to adjust those items.

One of the funnier moments of the race, as I was going back and forth with a teammate, he asked me why I kept stopping. I just laughed it off given the crash; if he only knew.

My little spill at the start of the race caused me to work harder than I probably would have for about half the race. I ultimately caught the group I was riding with when I crashed, but I burned some matches in doing so. The last ¼ of the race I was on the verge of cramping and couldn’t go as fast as I wanted. Regardless the single-track at about 8 miles left was fun and familiar, especially given the pre ride on Friday.

The race didn’t go as I had hoped, but you just get up, keep going and enjoy the moment. I’ve always had a conflict the weekend of this race. Moving forward it looks like I will be able to do this race, and that is a great thing as I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

41 Reasons to Trail Run

October 4th, 2019 by JoAnn Cranson

By: Erin Young

Runners, just like everyone else, are often set in their ways. We like the shoe brand that we have been wearing for years and will never switch. We have our favorite routes, which we run religiously at least 3 times a week. And we are hesitant to leave the comfort of the road to try out something new, like trail running.

We have excuses like, It’s too hard on your body, I’ll get lost, It’s dangerous, the monsters in the woods will eat me… Well, I’m writing this to let you know that is is actually less stressful on your body, you can run out and back to avoid getting lost or download one of the nifty apps (Alltrails) for your phone, and I promise you that people are more dangerous than wildlife… and monsters.

I left the road years ago. Occasionally I have to run a little road to get to the dirt, but the road is much less adventurous to me after the years spent on trail. I love helping others find the adventure and beauty of the trails. It has made me a stronger runner, physically and mentally. But here are 41 other reasons to run trail as soon as tomorrow…

1) You won’t find traffic lights on the trail. There is nothing worse than stopping every block to wait for the light to change. Avoid those pesky lights all together by hitting the trails.

2) Wildlife on the road usually comes in the form of roadkill, but on the trail, you are one with nature and all the wildlife that comes with it. But remember they are more afraid of you than you are them!

3) Trail running is easier on the knees than pounding the pavement. The more giving trail will help prevent injury to knees and joints.

4) Trail running strengthens ankles, also helping to strengthen the muscles that support your feet and legs.

5) You aren’t going to get hit by a car on the trail, so while other dangers might be of concern, traffic most certainly is not.

6) Balance is a big issue for many of us. When trail running we are forced to adjust our balance with every stride. Over time that practice will improve our balance which helps us not only in the present, but as we age.

7) It is hard to get bored on a run, when you are constantly paying attention to your footing and your surroundings are so beautiful.

8) Trail running lets you experience the seasons in the rugged way nature intended.

9) Roads are designed so that hills are not too steep or sudden. Trails are not. You can run killer hill workouts on the trail that could never be done on the road.

10) Some of the best running races in the world are run on trails. By getting into trail running, you open yourself up to a whole new world of races both locally and elsewhere.

11) By running the singletrack, you gain immediate membership into a new running subculture. The trail running community is very friendly, I promise.

12) If you want to run ultramarathons, you better start thinking about trail running. Most ultras are run on trail.

13) Trail running works a variety of muscles in the legs and back, giving you a more well-rounded workout than running on smooth pavement. This is important for strength and helps prevent injuries.

14) Trails can be found just about anywhere. Check out the AllTrails app for wherever you live and travel.

15) Every new location provides a distinct trail experience. The type, elevation, and views from one trail can be completely different than another.

16) When running you can cover much more ground than hiking. Turn that 5 mile day hike through the woods into a 10 mile trail run in the same amount of time!

17) Nothing screams adventure like a trip deep into the wild wilderness.

18) Slow trail running builds crazy amounts of muscle that road running just can’t do. When you hit the roads after a few trail outings, you’ll notice that new strength speed.

19) People, bikes, and strollers all crowd the sidewalks you are trying to run down. Get away from the crowds by hitting the trail.

20) Getting dirty is a lot of fun, and really easy to do when trail running. Think of it as being a kid again.

21) You can take a lot cooler pictures from a mountain peak or river bank than you can from a city sidewalk.

22) Trail running can be turned into an entire vacation by camping out on the trail and running during the day.

23) Need a boost to your self-esteem? Start telling people you are trail runner. They will think you are a badass, trust me.

24) Everyone likes to have an excuse to run slow. You will naturally run slower on trails than the road, so now you don’t have to hide it!

25) Training at a higher elevation makes running at low elevations easier. Trails will often lead you up a mountain or along a ridge, providing great opportunities for running at elevation.

26) When you read blogs like irunfar.com and atrailrunnersblog.com, you will relate.

27) Being a trail runner doesn’t mean you can’t still be a road runner.

28) You burn 10% more calories trail running than you do on regular road running.

29) Many runners rank solitude as one of their favorite parts about running. On the right trail, you will feel like you are the only person in the world. But there are often great opportunities to make life long trail friends!

30) Trail hills can be tough, but no one in the trail running community cares if you throw your hands on your knees and power-hike your way up the hill. In fact, it is expected!

31) Trying out a new sport means trying out cool new gear!

32) It is really easy to get lost when trail running (in your thoughts, hopefully not on the trail). And in my opinion, so what if you get lost on the trail. It might be the best adventure you’ve had in years. These days, it seems far more difficult to get lost than it is to find your way home.

33) Adrenaline keeps a lot of runners going when they are tired. By moving your run to a more extreme location (a trail), that adrenaline keeps pumping.

34) When you need a rest, it’s a lot more pleasant to rest by a creek, under a tree, or on a mountain peak than on a street corner.

35) You’ll begin to feel like a Tarahumara Indian. See Born to Run, required reading for all trail runners.

36) It is easy to turn a short run into an all-day trek through the woods. Switch between hiking and running if you want to spend more time on the trail.

37) After following a few simple steps, even the indoorsman can feel prepared. There is nothing you’ll need that a handheld water bottle or hydration pack won’t carry.

38) The softer surface will help keep your feet healthy as you break in those new minimalist kicks.

39) Hikers think you are crazy, sexy, cool, when you speed by them.

40) Right now you probably get weird looks when you break out the headlamp for early morning or late evening road runs. No one out on the trail at that time of day/night would think twice about the glowing lantern coming from your forehead.

41) Trail scars are impressive.

That might seem like a lot of reasons, and there are so many more. If you ever need a guide, I’m your girl. Coaching endurance and trail runners is my favorite thing to do, besides running trails! erin@athleticmentors.com

Start’Em Young

May 20th, 2019 by JoAnn Cranson

By Dawn Hintz

“An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.” – Emil Zatopek.

Or as I translate it “Run like a child”. When I watch children run I see joy. I see pure satisfaction racing to the imaginary finish line. I see them run with an unbridled passion whether it’s chasing a friend or to the edge of a lake ready to plunge in.

When my eldest son, Jacob, was 9 years old he wanted to compete in his first triathlon. He completed that day with a smile that didn’t end and a passion for a sport that has the chance to keep him healthy and active for life. When he was 12 I signed him up for Athletic Mentors Youth Triathlon Program. A 6-week program that took him beyond the fundamentals of the 3 disciplines; swim, bike and running.

The same 6-week program prepared kids as young as 9 for their very first triathlon. Some of who had very little experience swimming in a lake. They were guided through a mass swim start, exiting the water and making the transition to the bike. When they returned from the 6 mile bike, they were coached through the transition to the run. And boy did they run! Every one of them ran joyously to that finish line where they triumphantly received their medal.

The Youth Triathlon Program has continued to grow. This year will be the first year of two youth groups. The first group will be for very beginner triathletes and the second group will develop teenagers who are ready to go beyond the basic triathlon introduction. While both groups will be ran side by side; each program will be tailored to that group’s needs.

The beginners will spend more time on the fundamentals of each disciple. Each training session will include a workout but more time will be spent giving a solid introduction to each of the disciplines and answering necessary questions. Swim technique will be reviewed in a pool before venturing to the lake. Then they will be taught safe road biking and transitioning to running. It will all be brought together with a miniature triathlon practice and a race course preview before the big day.

More experienced youth triathletes will follow a similar schedule with more emphasis on vigorous training. They will be guided to new levels of athleticism. These children already know how to swim, bike and run. Now they will fine tune their technique in each discipline and learn how to peak for race day.

Both groups will race the Shermanator Triathlon on August 3^rd, 2019.

If your child has an interest in triathlon, this is the program to give them the best start and a joyous finish!

Athletic Mentors Youth Triathlon Program

Click this link to signup for Shermanator Triathlon

Yankee Springs Mountain Bike Kid’s Race – Let’s Go!

April 4th, 2019 by JoAnn Cranson

By Amy Kimber

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Yankee Springs Time Trial on Saturday, April 27th. This is the longest running mountain bike race in the state of Michigan, beating Iceman by about 7 months.

This is an awesome event for all ages! Whatever your ability, we have something for you, and it’s free for our young racers to compete! Make it a family event!

Athletic Mentors is proud to be running the Kids Race and Team Members will be there to support and motivate the young riders. This event has been known to attract around 80-100 kids ages 2-12 years old (we will let older kids race too). These races are free, but make sure to sign up the day of the race.

Strider racers will have their own grass loop, it includes a small uphill and some big pine trees to navigate around. There is plenty of viewing for family and friends.

Our youngest pedalers will have a challenging loop with a combination of single track and a grassy field, it’s about a ½ mile in length. The older kids will choose between one or two laps on the famous 2 mile Yankee loop known to the locals as the “warm-up loop.” It’s 100% single track. The course offers rocks, roots, and some challenging sand pits for kids to navigate.

Come out and enjoy the day to expose your kids to the sport of mountain biking and trail riding at 8833 Twin Creek Dr, Middleville, MI. We will have plenty of volunteers to monitor and supervise your kids during the race. All the kid racers will receive an award!

Along with being a fun event, all proceeds go directly towards maintaining and building the many wonderful trails right here in Western Michigan.

The race schedule is listed below or visit http://yankeespringstt.org/race-day/ for more details.

Strider Race – 11:30
The Striders (bikes without pedals) will race multiple loops on a grass loop with plenty of opportunity for families and friends to cheer. This race will last roughly 15 minutes.

Beginner Race – 12:00
The beginner race will be 1/2 mile long and will consist of a mixture of single track and double track. Beginner racers should feel comfortable riding on trail and uneven terrain.

Intermediate Race – 12:30
The intermediate race will be 2 miles long and is mostly single track. Intermediate racers should have the endurance to race 2 miles and the ability to handle single track on uneven terrain. The single track is mostly hard packed dirt but does have some sandy spots with a few rocks and roots.

Expert Race – 12:30
The expert race will be 4 miles long and is mostly single track. Expert racers should have the endurance to race 4 miles and the ability to handle single track on uneven terrain. The single track is mostly hard packed dirt but does have some sandy spots with a few rocks and roots.