Team News

Team OAM Now’s Alex Vanias and Kaitlyn Patterson Take on the Draft Legal Detroit Tri

August 21st, 2014 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Alex Vanias, Team OAM Now Triathlete

When I saw that there was a draft-legal elite development triathlon in Detroit, I couldn’t pass it up. Since I was going, teammate Kaitlyn Patterson decided it would be a good experience and decided to race as well. It’s worth noting that draft-legal sprint triathlons are not what we have been training for, especially with the MI Titanium 140.6/70.3 the week after the Detroit Tri.

Kaitlyn and Alex

There was a mandatory pre-race meeting for all the draft-legal participants the day before the race so we had to head down Belle Isle early. We used the opportunity to check out the course and pick up our race packets. The race was labeled as U25, but there were quite a few exceptions for racers older than 25. Kaitlyn, for example, was going to compete against a 30-year old woman who recently won the Olympic distance age group nationals.

The men’s and women’s races were held separately. I started at 7:45am while Kaitlyn started at 8:45. The water temperature was 70 degrees so wetsuits were not allowed. All the draft legal men were called up to the line on the beach, one by one, and before I knew it the race started! I hadn’t gotten in the water before the start which turned out to be a major mistake. The 70 degree water took my breath away, and as much as I tried to catch my breath, I just couldn’t. I found myself hanging in the back of the swimming group. As we made our way farther out into the Detroit River, waves appeared out of nowhere and started choking me. Already in oxygen debt, I had to slow down. It was frustrating not being able to go as hard as I knew I could. Not only did the waves make sighting a green buoy against the shoreline difficult, but the river current also took everyone off course while swimming back to shore. I came out of the water 4 minutes behind the leader- not so good.

I hopped on my bike and immediately started hammering to make up time. I passed roughly half the field on the bike leg without drafting anybody and without letting anybody draft me. A pace line of 10 guys tried to bring me back, but they failed. I knew I was having a good day on the bike, but I didn’t realize at the time that I set a new threshold power record while riding a non-aero road bike at an average of 27.5mph, and had the fastest bike leg!

Of course, having to ride so hard in a draft legal race put me at a disadvantage on the run compared to the leaders who were mostly drafting. While running, I felt okay, but not great. My goal pace was 5:10/mile, but I only managed to average 5:20/mile. I still overtook several people on the run for the 7th fastest run leg of the day. This put me in 12th place out of roughly 30 Elite Development racers, but still about 3 minutes behind the winner.

Kaitlyn’s race went similar to mine. With a crazy fast and competitive field, Kaitlyn still finished solid and in 6th place overall.

I was hoping for a top 10 finish and was only a few seconds away from that goal. I now know how fast I need to swim now in order to be successful in draft legal racing. I look forward to continuing my swim training with Athletic Mentors to work out my issues and make me efficient!

Ed note: Team OAM NOW’s Professional Triathlete Raquel Torres offers some great swim training advice here.

Team OAM Now Triathletes Still Going Strong

August 21st, 2014 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Roxane Kippen, Team OAM NOW Triathlete

Mike Steele

August has been a busy month of racing, so far, for Team OAM NOW triathletes. The podium pace set earlier in the season has not slowed down. Over the last three weekends, tri team members have raced in six different events and reigned in multiple podium finishes.

August started off with beautiful weather for the Millennium Triathlon in Grand Rapids, MI. After finishing on the podium at XTERRA Ionia Offroad Triathlon the week before, Mike Steele and Roxane Kippen, put away the mountain bikes and got back on their time trial bikes for another great race. Mike finished 2nd in his age group in the Olympic distance race and Roxane finished 1st in her age group in the Sprint distance event.

That same weekend, Alex Vanias and Kaitlyn Patterson entered the hunt for a big cash payout in the Elite race at The Experience Triathlon in Frankenmuth, MI. The pro/elite field was a strong one and included national level professional triathletes. Alex and Kaitlyn both finished 5th overall in their respective fields and pedaled their way to the 2nd fastest overall bike splits of the day. We are very excited to see these two continue to grow in the sport!

Chuck Grzanka tuned up his swim by competing in the Harbor Springs Coastal Crawl. He is fortunate to be able to train in the clean, clear and usually chilly waters of Little Traverse Bay, where this event was held. Chuck finished 1st in his age group and 3rd overall in the one mile, wetsuit division.

Chuck Grzanka

On August 10th, the city of Battle Creek, home of Kellogg’s, hosted the Cereal City Triathlon. This was a sprint distance event consisting 750 meter swim, 20 kilometer bike and 5 kilometer run. Paul Raynes finished on the podium, 3rd in his age group. Mark Olson finished 4th in his age group and posted the 3rd fastest overall bike split of the day. Matt Gunderson, in his first year of triathlon, finished 6th in his age group.

This past weekend, Alex Vanias and Kaitlyn Patterson raced the Detroit Triathlon, a draft-legal U25 Elite Development race in Detroit, MI. This was the first draft legal triathlon for both Alex and Kaitlyn and a good opportunity for more exposure in the pro/elite arena. Look for a blog to come about the experience.

And last, but not least, Chuck Grzanka was at it again, up north at the Traverse City Triathlon where he competed in the Olympic distance race. He finished 1st in his age group and made great improvements in his swim and run times from the previous year’s event. Congratulations Chuck!

Team OAM NOW triathletes are up next at the MI Titanium full and half triathlon in Grand Rapids, MI on August 24. Come on out to Versluis Park to cheer them on!

Race Smarter. Race Better. Learn to Win From the Pros.

July 7th, 2014 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

If you’ve ever thought about bike racing, but were hesitant to line up among all those high-end bikes and cyclists in matching kits, this clinic is for you.

If you’ve ever wondered how sprinters find the perfect position from which to make their sprint, this clinic is for you.

If you’re prepping for the Miller Energy Criterium and want some last minute advice (as well as a sneak peek at the course), this clinic is for you.

This Friday, Athletic Mentors is offering free racing clinics, for both men and women, at the WMU BTR course featuring experienced cyclists from Team OAM Now including World Record Holder Chris Gottwald and State Champion Amy Kimber (Stauffer). Whether you’re a new rider looking for basics, or more experienced and looking to hone your skills, you’ll be grouped with similar riders and paired with an experienced cyclist to teach you new techniques and strategies.

Some of the clinic highlights include:

A safe environment, for all riders, without intimidation
A bike skills course to practice handling, cornering and more
Elite racers will discuss road criterium rules and what to expect
For new riders, both discussion and hands-on experience in group riding etiquette and safety
For more experienced riders, racing strategies and techniques including, but not limited to: perfecting the sprint, finding and maintaining good position, cornering, and attacking/chasing the pack

The clinic aims to introduce new racers to the criterium, offer tips and tricks to seasoned racers, and, overall, improve the performance of the pack. Even if you don’t currently consider yourself a racer, even if you’re not currently signed up for a race, this type of clinic is the perfect introduction to what road racing is all about and enough to give you a taste of this exciting event. The clinic is free for those who pre-register, but $10 if you wait.

Get registered now!

Men can register for the men’s clinic, from 7-9pm, Friday, July 11, here.

Women can register for the women’s clinic, from 5:45-8pm, Friday, July 11, here.

: Skills and pack riding practice

: Group lecture.

: Group lecture provide by elite racers

: Skills practice.

: All abilities welcome!

: Getting comfortable with one hand on the bike.

: The limbo!

: On bike instruction from our elites.

Volunteering to Encourage New Runners and Riders

June 24th, 2014 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

On May 22, Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run, hosted nearly 3,500 people to run its annual 5K event. 1,800 of those participants were 3rd-5th grade girls who participated in the Girls on the Run program which is designed to teach positive lifestyle lessons, and self-esteem, to girls through running and other activities. The rest of the runners are community and family members looking to support the girls on what is, for many, their first 5K. The annual 5K is a huge community event with a spectator lined course and the support of many local businesses and organizations as well as kick-off and finish line celebrations. This year, the race lead off featured our very own GOTR Leadout Robyn Kaiser and Jeff Mira who not only started the race, but also helped enable the race’s first ever hand-cyclist to participate. Certainly this is a milestone for the organization, and hopefully the first of many 5K races to come for all participants.

Similarly, Kalamazoo’s Bike Week enabled Team OAM NOW members Read the rest of this entry »

Master Men Cyclist Dave Stebbins Talks 24-HR National Challenge

June 11th, 2014 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

The 24-hr National Challenge has taken place every Father’s Day since 1983. According to the website, it’s a race to test both endurance and determination. Cyclists come from all over the world to participate. Athletic Mentors took the time to talk with Team OAM NOW Masters Men Cyclist and 2005 winner Dave Stebbins.

AM: In addition to the 2005 National 24 HR Challenge Middleville MI win with 477.7 miles, you also came in first in your age group in 2013 with 401.1 miles. What’s your goal for this year’s race?

DS: Last year’s race had a 2 hour 47 minute thunder storm delay from 1:15 am until just after 4 am, so everyone’s miles were down last year. This year will be my 11th 24-hour race . I have finished 2nd overall 4 times and 1st in 2005. This year, my goal is the same as each year I’ve competed:
1. Train to the best of my ability.
2. Ride my own race.
3. Stay on the bike for 24 hrs, stop only at check points, and monitor both nutrition and liquids.
4. Be totally prepared for the unexpected.
5. Just to stress it: stay on the bike and do not stop.

AM: Why the 24 Hr challenge? Why this race? What brings you back to it year after year?

DS: Glenn Dik, also on our team [and also racing this year], is why. He did 10 of these before my 1st one and is 6th overall on the all-time miles list. I like to do this race because it is local. It may not be the biggest, but it’s by far the hardest thing I have ever done. So many Ironman Triathletes talk about the full Ironman to which I say challenge yourself; try the 24-hr. At least the Ironman competitor gets to go and sleep after the race. 24-hr speaks for itself. The personal challenge of fighting with mother nature (age) and seeing how we can stay moving on the bike for 24hrs keeps me coming back every few years.

AM: What surprised you the first time? Anything that still surprises you?

DS: The first one I did, honestly, I rode 366 miles. I was surprised by what the leaders did…they road 470. I just stuck with it. In 2005, I did 477.7. That first year, I was in awe that they put 100 miles on me. I was new so I stopped a lot, but I was so impressed by them and by what the human body can do when we push it.

AM: How do you prepare/train for this race? How long? Any particular training strategies (ones that you’d care to share?)

DS: Strength training. Cross-training: run, swim, cycle (a lot). Recovery, nutrition, and rest are equally important. Train, eat, sleep, recover. Repeat. So much of this, and racing, is mental. I keep things positive, and training one’s self to do that is crucial. I train my mind as hard as I train my body. I’m going to use this word, tired, but I don’t feel it. I tell myself I am not going to get tired. When tired comes, or fatigue, just the word in my head, I literally see a stop sign that says no, that’s not going to happen. I think about the hiker who got trapped, who cut his arm off, Aron Ralston. How did he ever get himself out? How did he eat? I’m on a bike; I have food. How did he do that? If he could do that…if he can survive that, I can do this. I use the willpower of others to get through my hard times. I’ve learned what the mind is capable of doing when you train it to survive and achieve. I do a lot of training, but really, it is both physical and mental and both are equally important.

AM: I think a lot of people might find the overnight piece daunting. How do you keep going through the night? Do you incorporate lack of sleep into your training cycle?

DS: Oh! the night is the best part. Read the rest of the interview here!

Team OAM NOW’s Chuck Grzanka Looks to Continue Podium Spots in Grand Rapids Tri

June 5th, 2014 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

Triathlon season in West Michigan got off to a chilly start. As a matter of fact, the first race in the area was changed to a duathlon this past weekend due to water temps being in the low 50s. However, that has not stopped OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors triathlete Chuck Grzanka from taking to the races. Chuck has already raced and landed on the podium in two triathlons in Charleston, SC this season in order to prepare for the USA Triathlon National Long Course Championships to be held at the Grand Rapids Triathlon in Michigan on June 8th.

Chuck Grzanka began training with Mark Olson of Athletic Mentors seven years ago to race mountain bikes. Since then, he’s spent a few years racing road bikes, and for the last three years has focused on racing both sprint and olympic distance triathlons and consistently been on the podium in his age group. Encouraged by his coach to try a half iron distance triathlon this year (and share in his suffering), Chuck has been preparing since January for the big event in Grand Rapids.

Part of that preparation included the two races in South Carolina. On April 19th, at Try Charleston, Chuck raced the sprint distance event. While one might think the weather and road conditions would be more favorable there than in Michigan that didn’t prove to be the case. After 10 hours of torrential downpours that ended at 5am the morning of the race, the air temp was a cool 55 degrees and the water temp a comfortable-with-wetsuit 65. Unable to avoid potholes even in South Carolina, the bike course was riddled with dangerous puddles and the run course, in many places, required stomping through mud that covered the entire path. Despite less than great conditions, Chuck placed 2nd in his age group with a time of 1 hour 17 minutes.

This past weekend, Chuck raced a second sprint distance race in Charleston with, thankfully, more pleasant conditions than a month ago. An air temp of 62 and a water temp of 72, smooth roads and sunshine is something we’ve been longing for in Michigan. Chuck placed 3rd in his age group with a time of 1:12, with a stellar bike split that placed him 12th fastest of 243 men. He is now headed back to his home turf for the final weeks of training for the big day.

The Grand Rapids Triathlon is just one week away. Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors would love lots of fans and if you wanted to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand, I’m sure the race directors wouldn’t mind some extra volunteers.

Team OAM NOW Helps Spread the Love of Sport

June 2nd, 2014 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

On May 7, 8 & 9, Team OAM Now members, Kathy and Doug Kirk, were able to share their love of cycling while working with Western Michigan University’s Sports Education Camp and the Michigan Blind Athletic Association.In cooperation with one another, the two organizations bring together cyclists and visually impaired children who do not normally have the opportunity to participate in recreational and athletic events like cycling. Over the weekend, approximately a dozen tandem captains, including Kathy and Doug, took blind school age kids for rides on tandem cycles. Not only does this event give the kids an opportunity to experience a bike ride, but it’s also an opportunity for cyclists to share their passion and their sport.

It’s a project that both Kathy and Doug love, having participated in the annual event for several years now. “This is one genuinely heartwarming way to spend an evening or three. Some of the kids are scared half to death, and some wiggle around so much back there it’s hard to keep the bike aimed down the road. But, much like us,” Kathy says, “most of them simply love riding and can’t get enough of it.”

Both Kathy and Doug encourage interested cyclists to participate in the program (you can find more information here), but they suggest that if you have access to a tandem bike and know a visually impaired person, don’t hesitate to put him or her on the back. “We guarantee it’ll make your day and theirs too.”

Finding a Doctor Who Treats You…the Athlete

May 27th, 2014 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Team OAMNOW Tri-athlete Mike Steele

As athletes, we are often picky about who we trust to diagnose and treat us. And, as athletes, we are often impatient to get back to doing what it is we love to do after an injury. Finding a doctor who can treat an athlete is one thing, but finding a doctor who both understands the particular needs of an athlete and can also treat them is spectacular. On a recent trip to Orthopedic Associates of Michigan (OAM), I was fortunate to find both and none too soon. OAM, sponsor and team doctors for Team OAM NOW, treats the whole athlete by serving and supporting the active community from the young and developing to older athletes. Finding a doctor, or rather a team of doctors, who understand the nuances needs for each is crucial.

Having recently turned 45, I felt as if my body was in revolt. Tendinitis of the bicep/shoulder and tendinosis of the Achilles were both diagnosed, but, now I needed treatment. I briefly mentioned I was a member of the Team OAMNOW race team and quickly Dr. Matelic said, “I love the uniforms!” It’s incredibly nice to know you’re getting treatment from someone who actively supports what you do and how you do it. He proceeded to discuss my treatment options and recommended physical therapy.

That’s when Lindsey, a member of the OAM Physical Therapy team, entered. Again, it’s crucial to me, and my treatment, that the OAM PT team and Lindsey understand that I need to keep moving. Lindsey was instrumental in developing a plan which allows me to continue working out while addressing my specific injuries. All of the staff who treated my injuries were excited and anxious to know more about Team OAMNOW and what we’re doing this year.

If you find yourself in need this year, be sure to stop in and see them for personalized treatment with the athlete in mind. Maybe you can give them an update too!

Faster Out of the Water Means Faster to My Bike

May 21st, 2014 by Team OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors

By Profesional Tri-athlete Raquel Tavares-Torres

Swimming is not my favorite part of the triathlon. For me, triathlons “start” when I hear the click of my helmet. I love to bike and I love to go fast, but at this level, if you want to race like a pro (ITU races), you’ve got to draft with the pros. In other words, I need to get out of the water with the faster competitors because they are also the fast-moving cycling pack.

Despite my parents desire to raise swimmers, I rebelled by falling in love with cycling, specifically, mountain biking. It’s what I did for fun as a teen. While I tried triathlons then too, it wasn’t until nearly 2 years ago that I returned to the event. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for me to race at the Elite level. While hard work and good fortune got me here, I continue to learn and get stronger and more confident in my skills.

After some experience racing at the Elite level, I realized I needed to be a better swimmer and put aside my mixed feelings about jumping in the pool. Though everyone saw me as a strong swimmer, it never quite felt that way to me. Why? I believe it’s because I never fully committed to training in the water.

In order for me to bike with the faster athletes, I also needed to become a better open water swimmer. So, a few months ago, I committed myself to being the best swimmer I can be by concentrating on my weaknesses and I have, thankfully, found lots of room to improve!

First – Get in the water as much as you can. Time in the water is time in the water. Despite my busy schedule, some swimming is better than none. That means that if I need to jump in the pool with my daughter, and she is diving and trying to play with me in between my main set, it’s better than no water time at all.

Second – Listen to a coach’s advice on technique. Athletic Mentors’ Coach Belco’s advice has made me focus on this element of training. Before, my swimming style was a seemingly natural stroke, kick, breathe. However, close attention to technique and a focus on smooth, fast, strong, relaxed is making a huge difference. I no longer “fight” with the water, but move through it, smooth and fast. Coaching matters. Technique matters.

Third – Enjoy the water; learn to love it. Since I’m a very passionate person, I have learned that the best way to excel at something is to have it come “naturally.” The more natural it feels, the easier it becomes. The easier it comes, the better I am at it. If I am better, I love it more. So swimming becomes natural and enjoyable the more time I spend in water and the better my technique becomes. Because fish are natural swimmers, I simply try to imitate them. Smooth and relaxed inevitably, for me, leads to fun. It also leads to speed. Remember, I love to go fast. Fast is fun.

These three things mean I come out of the water with the faster swimmers and, in turn, I hit the road with the faster cyclists. Speed wins. This is my goal. Currently, I average 1:10 in 1,500M workout. My goal is to average 1:07.

While I’ve isolated swimming here, I hope to also improve my transitions, cycling and running. Not only has it been fun to discover room for improvement, but also to discover it was as simple as changing my attitude towards being in the water. Refocus. Examine. Improve.

Raquel Tavares-Torres is currently working towards earning enough individual points to qualify for the Dominican Republic’s 2016 Olympic Triathlon Team.

Who Is A “Professional” Athlete?

March 24th, 2014 by Team AM OAM

You might be a professional athlete without realizing it. One definition offered by the Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word professional as “characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession”. Further, it defines a profession as “a principal calling, vocation, or employment”, another way of saying a profession is a job. Seriousness of conduct is at a higher level then what one would approach with a hobby. Though we don’t race for a living, everyone on a team benefits from professionalism. Here are a few ways to be “professional” and how it positively impacts yourself and the team.

Full Team

Athletic Mentors teams — now known as Team OAMNow subsequent to the co-title sponsorship by OAMNow — pride themselves on professional appearance and conduct.

Sharp Dressed (Wo)man

Nothing says “conforming to the technical” like a group that looks the same. More than matching jerseys and bibs, a truly professional look synchs socks, helmets, accessory equipment (glasses, gloves, shoe covers, bikes, etc.) and even cool weather wear. It’s imperative riders maintain a clean bike and kit. Team Athletic Mentors’ management puts a lot of attention and effort towards projecting a brand and we all have a role in that.

(The picture above is from the Priority Health sponsorship era. This year stay tuned for our BRAND NEW Team OAMNow kit, certain to be spotted at events throughout the state in coming months!)

Take Pride in Your Team

A professionally run team establishes a vision and follows it. TAM has looked to develop riders. Some have gone on to higher ranks, even the ProTour. As a member of the team, you are part of that legacy. When other riders see you they see a team with high standards and a history of success. You have been chosen to continue an image, so take pride. This pride is not just racing or riding in your kit, but wearing the team casual wear during cycling and promotional events.

Team Mates and Sponsors First

Being professional means holding up your end of a bargain. Part of this is supporting the sponsors that provide resources to the team. Take every opportunity to promote sponsors’ products, keeping negative assessments within the team. Following through on your contractual agreements maintains the team’s ability to keep and hold sponsors. Think of your actions as reflecting those on your jersey and in your jersey.

Be an Ambassador

True professionals take responsibility to foster their livelihood. At our level, that means promoting the sport we love. Be approachable by strangers. Look to help more novice racers. Get in front of the camera. Most of us aren’t genetic freaks destine for greatness in cycling, but, rather, people passionate about a sport. Project that passion by supporting it any positive way so people see it means something to someone.

Make a Good First Impression

A professional conducts themselves at a high character level consistently. Sharp looking, organized teams get noticed, which makes the need to act your best even more important. Maintain an even keel during the heat of racing. Communicate with others through social media, in person, or other means, as if the spot light was always on. This includes when giving our opinion with race officials and promoters. Don’t forget having your attire leave no doubt who you race for while on the podium.

Add Value to Your Team

A well run team has a lot of moving pieces. Those pieces working in concert are what make an organization better than the sum of its parts. Try to look for ways to help, even if it’s just to offer your assistance. Most athletes have an expertise in some area(s), even if it’s just time, that can benefit everyone. Few good things happen by chance, but through effort by someone that cared.

Support Your Team Mates

One quality of a good team is people want to be a part of it. This usually isn’t the clothes they get, bikes they ride or deals offered. It comes down to feeling part of something where they are supported. Giving assistance, passing on knowledge, watching a fellow team mate and cheering them on are part of this support. It’s always best to feel we can share our triumphs and tragedies.