Athletic Edge Nutrition

Interview with Michael James- Appalachian State (NC) Middle distance runner, 2008 Olympic hopeful.


Athletic Edge Nutrition is pleased to offer the IronMass community an in depth interview during which you will hear about Michael’s typical training day. You will gain a complete understanding of how our new product IntraXCell is helping him reach his new goals in middle distance running.

Michael first started using our Pre-Workout formula SteelEdge about a year and half ago. He quickly made it a staple in his training protocol and has been one of AEN’s most passionate customers ever since. With the launch of our new Carnosine/Glutathione booster IntraXCell, we were excited to get Michael using it as quickly as possible, knowing it could really benefit his training by pushing his performance to new levels and breaking his track records along the way.

Here we go!


AEN: Hi Michael. Thank you for joining us. Before we go into the questions, could you tell our readers more about yourself and what events you compete in?

Michael: My name is Michael James and I’m an 800 meter runner and full-time pre-med student at Appalachian State.

AEN: What does a typical week look like for you in terms of training?

Michael: I don’t measure my weeks in terms of seven days. Instead, I train on a nine day cycle followed by a non-training day. Six days out of the nine are strength training days that involve Olympic lifting and event-specific drills.

The following is a brief breakdown of one of my nine day cycles:

Day One: Stamina day to train the anaerobic threshold system. I accomplish this with a tempo run.

Day Two: Recovery jog to train endurance.

Day Three: Stamina day to train the anaerobic threshold system using tempo intervals.

Day Four: Speed session for VO2 max development.

Day Five: Cruise interval session to train the anaerobic threshold system.

Day Six: Speed session for VO2 max development.

Day Seven: Cruise interval session to train the anaerobic threshold system.

Day Eight: Recovery jog to train endurance.

Day Nine: Sprint session to develop speed.

Day Ten: Off


AEN: Wow, sounds intense! Can you take us through a typical training session explaining some of the drills and/or types of sports specific movement you utilize?

Michael:Training usually begins with an active warm-up consisting of a combination of the following: exaggerated running movements, Russian walks, skips, grapevine, forward and lateral lunges, A and B kicks, and high knees.

After the active warm-up, this is a typical Cruise Interval session.

• 2 800s at 2 min 18 sec
• 2 800s at 2 min 4 sec
• 2 600s at 1 min 30 sec
• 2 400s at 56 sec
• 4 400s at 64 sec
• 2 800s at 2 min 18 sec

After this sequence I engage in an active cool-down, followed by 20 min of lower extremity stretches.

AEN: Out of general interest, what are world class track times and where are your track times in comparison?

Michael: World class, elite times for 800 meters are between 1 min 44 sec to 1 min 46 sec. My PR is 1 min 48 sec.

AEN: What are your time goals for this year?

I’m striving to run 1 min 48 sec indoors and 1 min 45 sec outdoors.


AEN: You mentioned you are aiming to compete in the upcoming 2008 Olympics. What time does it usually take to have a chance to qualify?

A 1:45 will probably make the US Olympic team.


AEN: We know you have greatly benefited from SteelEdge but can you tell the readers what it has done for you?


Michael: Without a doubt, my growth and muscular endurance have increased since using SteelEdge. I’ve also noticed that it gets me ready for any training session, no matter how intense. It’s truly amazing because on days when I may feel a little unfocused, SteelEdge eliminates that feeling. It has also increased my recovery during and following training.

AEN: With the launch of our new Carnosine/Glutathione booster IntraXCell, you were one of the people that we were very excited to get started on the product. How long have you been on it and what has it done for your training so far?


Michael: I have been using IntraXCell for about two months now. It has taken my training to unreal levels. For example, before using IntraXCell I would run 600m in 1 min 28 sec and currently supplementing with IntraXCell, I reduced down to 1 min 24 sec. The other significant change is the huge decrease in rest time between sets. For example; before attempting the second set I would have to rest for at least eight minutes. After one month of using IntraXCell, the same workout is performed with half the recovery time. In other words, I’m resting four minutes as opposed to eight. That’s incredible when running three in a row.

Additionally, I used to experience intense cramping that would take me to the ground after each training session. After using IntraXCell the cramping has completely disappeared. Even while using SteelEdge, I experienced cramping following such intense workouts. The IntraXCell made the difference.


AEN: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Michael. It is great to hear how well IntraXCell and SteelEdge are working for you and we are very pleased to be a part of your Olympic aspirations!


Michael: Thank you for the wonderful products. I’m looking forward to competing.

IntraXCell thread
ATHLETIC EDGE NUTRITION - Introduces IntraXCell - FAQ

SteelEdge thread
ATHLETIC EDGE NUTRITION Presents New and Improved SteelEdge - FAQ


We will keep everyone updated on Michael’s progress periodically!




Thank you from Athletic Edge Nutrition!

DarkFalcon

Interesting read and great endorsement AEN. Congrat's

Athletic Edge Nutrition

Thank you kindly!

I thought your members may enjoy it and get some insight into an elite athletes training regime.