Our Athletes Speak… and really say it all!
Passionate Athletes – Just like you… Give a “thumbs up” for Pursuit Athletic Performance!
Lisbeth Kenyon
“When I decided to hire a coach, it made a profound difference in my training and ultimate success. Bottom line, I have been racing for 18 years and Coach Al was able to get me to my highest level of performance at the age of 45.
I have worked with Coach Al for more than a year and he has fundamentally changed the way I think about movement skills, flexibility and recovery. He also has a passion for learning and sharing his knowledge. I used to train myself with more hours resulting in greater fatigue, lingering injuries and slower times.
With Al I have been able to step up my training intensities without injury which has led to an overall improvement in performance. Coach Al is a master of crafting sessions for maximum recovery and return on time investment. My build for Ironman Hawaii prepared me to feel my strongest ever in my racing career. Thank you, Coach Al!”
Lisbeth Kenyon - 45-49 AG WINNER - 2010 Ironman World Championships – (and mother of 3!)
Susan Ford
“In short, this single trip was more valuable than what I have been able to put together in years of many travels, looking for answers! The money I put into this trip was not even close to the amount that I’ve already spent trying to find solutions – unsuccessfully!
In case you are wondering, I’m referring to my 3-day trip to see Coach Al Lyman and Dr. Kurt Strecker at Pursuit Athletic Performance in Connecticut and which was comprised of:
Day 1:
Swim clinic with Todd & Lisbeth Kenyon (Ironman AG Champion) and Coach Al Lyman
Day 2:
Bike fit with Todd Kenyon of TT Bike Fit
Day 3:
Gait lab with Coach Al Lyman and Dr. Kurt Strecker
I’m in kindergarten now, learning to move correctly, and having discovered there have to be some serious changes, which I have now learned what I need to do.
This trip was totally worth it, and if anyone is on the fence – go for it. If you live in the area and haven’t taken advantage of all of the above… what are you thinking?!? And if you live outside the area – start planning on how to get yourself there!”
Susan Ford
"Two months later, I am running again - PAIN FREE..."
“As a 52 year old recreational runner, I never thought I would have a running coach.”
“I have been running for my whole life — More steadily in the last 15 years. I ran 2 marathons and was in the process of training for my third, when I suffered a series of running injuries.
After months of physical therapy for hamstring and then Achilles strains, my Physical Therapist suggested I go see Coach Al. I heard Coach speak at several running symposia given at my physical therapists office.
I never thought I was a “good enough” runner to see Coach Al. After all, he trains world class marathoners and triathletes. How wrong I was. My wife became tired of hearing me complain about my inability to run and convinced me to see Coach Al.
After seeing Coach Al and Dr. Strecker for ONE treadmill session, a recovery plan was made for me. Coach and Kurt made new suggestions for sneakers, and changed my running style. They gave me an exercise plan for strengthening the muscles so important to running injury free.
Two months later, I am running again – PAIN FREE. In retrospect, going to Pursuit Athletic Performance was the BEST running decision I have ever made.
I highly recommend Coach Al and Dr. Kurt Strecker. If you are having ANY problems with your running, you won’t regret it!”
“Tony” Anthony DiLullo, MD
In her 2nd race back after recovering from injury and working with Coach Al, Rebecca was OVERALL WINNER in the Shamrock Duathlon, Connecticut’s premier Duathlon – and finished 5 minutes ahead of the second place woman.
“I have been a triathlete for 25 years, competing at different periods of time as a pro. I had a triathlon and running coach early on in my athletic career, but after that was on my own. I suffered through several periods with a variety of injuries, including IT band syndrome for a long period. After giving birth to three children between 2000 and 2005, I began to training seriously again, and in 2008, ended up qualifying as Connecticut’s female representative in the “Best of the U.S. National Triathlon Championship,” where I placed 19th.
Around this time, I started feeling hip and hamstring pain. I continued training, assuming that whatever the problem was would just “get better.” In January 2009, despite struggling with some residual pain, I began working with Coach Al, and achieved some top-place finishes, including 10th overall woman at the National Duathlon Championship. Unfortunately, during much of this time period, I kept the pain I was in, secret from Coach. I was afraid if he knew I was in pain, he’d shut down my training and I’d lose out on the opportunity to race, which I desperately loved.
The pain continued and unfortunately, I continued to train through it. Finally, out of pure frustration and Coach Al’s urging, I decided to try and resolve the injuries, and retired from racing in July 2009. I subsequently learned that the pain that I had been battling was a serious hamstring tendon tear.
Coach Al is a coach who believes in “quality of movement,” first and foremost. He knew that the long standing injury issues I was battling were likely due to compensation, weakness, and imbalance in my body, combined with a lot of hard training with that poor movement. He did shut me down, and while that was more difficult, I knew it was the only way.
I proceeded to try to find out the root cause of the issues, seeking the advice of various physical therapists, and even getting some prolo shots. Everything I did with these medical professionals seemed to focus only on the symptoms, not on the cause of the symptoms – I still had no idea WHY I had been plagued with these issues. I was frustrated, to say the least.
The next step, after learning of its opening, was a visit to the Pursuit Athletic Performance gait lab, with the hope of solving my issues and of course, with the hope of again signing on with Coach Al. I was still in a lot of pain, and had made several unsuccessful attempts to start running again.
During my initial analysis, as Coach Al was collecting the video of me running on the treadmill, he stopped and looked at Kurt, and said “come take a look at this.” He seemed to be able to determine what the root cause of my issues was, and it was related to how I was moving.
Suffice to say, he was right! They started me on a series of strengthening and flexibility exercises, and told me I wouldn’t be able to run immediately, but if I stuck with the process, soon I would be running and hopefully, pain and injury free!
It is now a few months later, and I can’t believe how much better I feel. I thank God every day for being out of pain! The last piece of the puzzle was some form and technique work with Coach Al, to help me shorten my stride appropriately, for much more economical and efficient running.
If it weren’t for Coach Al and Dr. Strecker, I wouldn’t be running right now, I am sure of it! They were the only team that got to the root cause of WHY I was injured, and showed me the path, step by step, to a healthier and more powerful way to move. I have learned a tremendous amount about what it takes to improve as a triathlete, and, most importantly, to stay in the game! Because of their help, I believe my best races lie ahead.
Thank you, Kurt and Coach Al!”
Rebecca Stephenson
No one ever bothered to check on HOW I was running and if that might be causing the problem. Coach Al and Dr. Strecker did just that. We are champs!
“Running was something that came natural to me. I didn’t really think about it until it started to hurt to run.
During my junior year of high school, I started to develop a lot of lower back and hip pain. I went to my pediatrician who referred me to an orthopaedic surgeon who then sent me to a physical therapist. I had exams, MRI’s, and “therapy”, all with limited results. Eventually, I was told that I would just have to “shut it down” for a while.
No one ever bothered to check on HOW I was running and if that might be causing the problem. Coach Al and Dr. Strecker did just that.
Through their comprehensive gait analysis, they uncovered weaknesses in my core and deficiencies in my running form. They customized a program just for me to help.
After working with them, not only did I not have to shut it down, we were state champs in track, state runner ups in cross country, and I will be running at Trinity College this fall.
Thanks Dr. Strecker and Coach Al!”
Ryan G.
“In the past 5 years I have been dealing with bouts of Achilles tendinitis which had kept me from running. Coach Al suggested I join him and Dr. Strecker at the Pursuit Athletic Performance gait lab. The analysis was comprehensive and thoroughly examined all aspects of posture, flexibility and movement from head to toe. Consequently, I was able to run a 5:45 at the Rev3 Ironman 70.3 with no issues of the Achilles. The solutions from Pursuit Athletic Performance have proven to be the key to my rehab!”
Todd J.
Rebecca McKee - Peak Center, Alaska
“I’ve been fighting with hip pain for years, in fact I can’t remember running pain free prior to seeing Coach Al and Dr. Strecker. But after a day of working with them and being diligent with the exercises they recommended I was running pain free within two weeks!
Soon after, when I participated in an Olympic Distance Triathlon, I had a podium finish for the first time ever; 3rd place woman overall; 2nd in my age group and more importantly to me, the 2nd fastest run overall!
The significance of having that 2nd fastest run is that I was 6th off the bike and ran myself to 3rd on a hard, hilly course! I would not have been able to do that prior to working with Coach Al and Dr. Strecker. I’m certain this is only the beginning of a future filled with great successes! I can’t thank you both enough!”
Rebecca McKee - Peak Center Alaska, LLC - Owner & Triathlon Coach
I was able to race at 110%, walk away from the finish line and five short days later do a sprint race ...amazing testament to Coach Al
“70.3 Providence Rhode Island 2011 Race Report – A Long way from Florida…a testament to Coach Al’s philosophy and training plans!“
“One of my first thoughts: Man, did it look hilly to me! I am a flatlander and the hills looked huge to me!
Race morning. It was 60 degrees and I’m in my long pants and T-shirt – and STILL cold.
Swim start. No wetsuit today – 79 degree water. The pros go off and before you know it, I’m at the start myself. The gun goes off and the usual mayhem ensues as the water boils around me and I get kicked in the head, elbowed, Road ID gets kicked off my wrist, and I throw a few blows myself. A couple buoys later things settle down …
Bike transition. I make a smooth transition and I hit the ride. It’s a rugged yet beautiful course. I just love the New England rock and the green trees all around me. It felt great to be somewhere different. As we approached T2 in Providence I had paced the bike well and conservative, and was feeling good going into the run.
T2 went slow today. First a shoe unclipped on the dismount. Then went to the wrong side of the rack, then forgot to get rid of my race belt, since I mounted a second number on my Fuel Belt. It cost me another 30 seconds I wished I could have back.I hadn’t drove or looked at the run course but heard there was a couple of hills on one section. Those hills loomed large and I soon found myself running 2-2.5 minutes/mile slower than usual and wondering if my chest was going to explode. I was not used to running hills like this! In the end, they were only on one section of the course and the rest was fairly flat, so it turned out not to be so bad.
The finish was at the foot of the capital building – Rocky style, which I totally loved. The finish line was a happy sight to see and the crowd got me through the last 200 yards for sure.
My legs recovered quickly and this was a testament to Coach Al’s philosophy and training plans. I was able to race this race HARD and go 110%, yet walk away from the finish line. And there were many who could not even walk away from the finish, believe me, I have BEEN there before. I have had some hard races and it has taken months to recover from them, and the fact that I was recovered was debatable.
Here I am 5 days later and signed up for a sprint race tomorrow that I hope to complete. That would have been unheard of for me even 1 year ago.
Normally my hamstrings would be too sore, hip bothering me, sick of training, having trained myself into a coma in the months leading up to the race.
Thank you, Coach Al for all your help in preparing for this race and the training sessions this year. And, especially thank you for showing me how to respect my body and trying to teach me how to care for it. It is now paying off for me!”
Ken Marker
Carla Bedard -- Zurich, Switzerland ULTRA RUNNER
This testimonial is perhaps overdue, but then again every time I go out to run my recommendation for Coach Al and Kurt Strecker gets re-written in my head.
Their analysis of the issues I faced when I came to them 6 months ago were so spot on…but I can only know this now because I am able to run pain and tightness-free several times per week, from the prior not at all per week! How often I am able to run now may for many athletes seem like not much running at all (and I admit I want more) but for years I had no idea what those during-and-after run pains were and how to tackle them. Eventually I dared not run anymore, as I knew something was really not right. I did a ton of asking around, reading, and stretching before I met Coach Al and Kurt, but to no avail. You cannot stretch these super-weak muscles away—you need them to actually work for you! These 2 gentlemen deconstructed all of this for me.
Our bodies are so complex while simply standing, let alone the complex bio-mechanics of moving at a nice clip, or down uneven trails. I highly recommend that runners go see Coach Al and Kurt, have a proper analysis done (this can be humbling but is good for you), and follow their hard-earned advice. They teach you how to systematically build yourself back up to where you want to be. At times the new foundation work they teach can be discouraging because what you thought was strong (or at least ok) is not…and all you want to do is run well ‘again’.
The good news is that you will never run the same again—and after their analysis you will not want to run the same again. (Life is too short to run badly!) This is what they should be paid for, and they do their jobs really well. You want to run better than before, more efficiently, effortlessly (though the work to achieve this is not effortless). At first the new running becomes effortless for a moment, and then longer moments—it reminds you of when you ran as a child, before all those adult tensions and repetitive issues took hold. This, I realise now, is what they offer—to train and re-train you to run with no strain on your body, to do the work that makes running easy.
Thank you very much, both—I look forward to Phase II in November. At least I will have functioning glutes next time around. I’ll again take the advanced/premium package deal—it is underpriced! But I told you that already…
Carla Bedard — Zurich, Switzerland
What a WINNER -- Debbie Livingston at the Laurel Highlands 77mile trail run - Pittsburgh PA, women's overall title & finishing 7th overall. On the course for 16hrs 27min, to SET the new 77mile course record! She was 2 hours ahead of the 2nd place woman.
For years, I delayed hiring a coach for my ultramarathon trail running. I held off because I started my family in 2006, and also because I have coached myself with moderate success since 1999. I have a Masters degree in the fitness field and I am a certified fitness instructor and yoga teacher.
I was afraid that it wouldn’t be worth the investment, and that my experience and knowledge would be greater than what I would be getting. I am happy to say that I found a coach that understands ultrarunning and whose knowledge far exceeds my own. Al’s coaching is all encompassing. The actual running is only a small part of the package. Stability, strength, positive psychology, an athlete network….he has given me the tools to build it all.
I have experienced changes in my body when I thought I was fine to begin with. Our coach/athlete relationship began with my visit to the Pursuit Athletic Performance Gait (“movement”) Analysis Lab, of which Coach Al is a co-owner with Dr. Kurt Strecker. Wow! I learned so much, beginning with some static muscle and joint mobility testing, a functional movement screen, and some in depth video analysis of my running, as well. The process they used revealed that I had imbalances and faulty movement patterns, so now Coach Al and I had some thing to begin to work on together. With the stretching, strength and awareness exercises that Al prescribed (and continues to alter); I have greatly improved my body alignment. This has reduced the glute pain and apathy that I have experienced in the past.
In just 5 months I have built back up to 50 mile and 77 mile races; placing top 4 woman and 1st woman respectively. All this with less fatigue and greater confidence than in the past. I am super excited for the remainder of my 2011 season, and beyond!
Debbie Livingston
TESTIMONIALS JUST KEEP POURING IN… KEEP COMING BACK TO SEE MORE!
