About McMillanElite

New Expanded Benefits Package Announced!

McMillanElite, Inc. is a new, non-profit [501(c)3, in progress], post-collegiate running team based in Flagstaff, Arizona and under the direction of Coach Greg McMillan. This new team offers emerging elite runners an ideal training environment combined with the necessary support to achieve success in long distance running.

Mission & Purpose
The mission of the team is to develop athletes capable of competing successfully at the national and international level in long distance running. History indicates that U.S. distance runners don’t reach their full potential and race their best until several years after the completion of their collegiate eligibility. Therefore, the purpose of this program is to provide a comprehensive, positive and supportive environment that prepares emerging elite long distance runners for their highest performance ability in the coming years.  Toward that end, the program provides an optimal training environment as well as the guidance and support necessary to gradually yet progressively develop the skills required for world-class performances in long distance running.

Coaches and Staff

Greg McMillan, M.S. Greg McMillan is a runner, exercise scientist and USATF-certified coach who has the unique ability to combine the science of endurance performance with the art of real-world coaching. Greg has a masters degree in Exercise Physiology where his research focused on the determining factors of distance running performance. A student of the sport since he began running in high school, he continues to apply advances in sports science to his training programs.

Greg has coached athletes in the 2008 Olympic Games, the 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympic Trials, the 2001, 2003 and 2005 World Track and Field Championships, the 2003 Pan American Games and coached the 2002 National Marathon Champion - Jill Gaitenby and the 2005 Houston Marathon Champion - Kelly Keane.

His influences include Arthur Lydiard, Tim Noakes, Gabriele Rosa, Guy Avery, David Martin, Tom Osler, Joe Vigil, Jerry Lynch, Amby Burfoot, Russ Pate and Ed Burke.

Trina Painter Trina is the latest addition to the McMillanElite support staff serving the athletes in several key areas.  She helps the athletes with workouts (pacing for the women’s team and helping administer workouts for the full team), is the team’s liaison with race directors, assists with fundraising projects and is a mentor to the athletes having already “been there, done that” over her successful two decade running career.  It is rare to have an athlete as successful as Trina part of the support team in a post-collegiate team.  She is the former American Record holder at 20K and the 20K National Champion. She was an Olympic Trials finalist in 1988 (3,000m), 1992 (10,000m) and 1996 (10,000m and marathon) and has represented the US in the World Cross Country Championships, the World Half-Marathon Championships, World University Games and Team USA Ekiden.

Tracy McMillan Tracy is the business manager for McMillanElite, handling all travel arrangements and accounting, acting as the team’s liaison with sponsors, heading up our fundraising efforts and providing vital “mother hen” duties for the athletes.

Team Overview & Benefits for Athletes
The program brings together a small number of like-minded athletes with high athletic potential to train as a group. Through a rigorous recruitment and selection process, 5 to 7 additional athletes will be selected for the 2008 team.  The team will target both male and female athletes and will build in size over the next five years - through the 2012 Olympics.

The team will live and train together at high altitude (7,000 feet) in Flagstaff, Arizona, considered by many to be the best location for training in the United States.

U.S. Club Cross Country Nationals

The athletes will be coached by Greg McMillan, an accomplished coach of post-collegiate long distance runners. Each athlete will receive:

• Free housing,
• Monthy subsidy for health insurance,
• Comprehensive physiological monitoring including quarterly blood testing,
• Bi-weekly massage subsidy,
• adidas equipment and
• Race travel subsidy
  

Rounding out the program, athletes will benefit from a comprehensive athlete support network to help minimize injuries and maximize performance.

To apply to McMillanElite, visit the Apply page.

Information on McMillan Running
McMillan Running is a world-wide leader in coaching distance runners.  Greg McMillan has coached athletes in every Olympic Marathon Trials since 1996; the 2001, 2003 and 2005 World Track & Field Championships and the 2003 Pan American Games.  His athletes won the 2002 US National Women’s Marathon and the 2005 Houston Marathon.  He has a Masters of Science Degree in Exercise Science and is a Level II Certified USA Track & Field Coach.  He works tirelessly to help runners of all ages and ability levels and donates his time and resources to deserving running-related programs.  More information can be found on his website at www.mcmillanrunning.com.

Information on adidas
For over 80 years adidas has been part of the world of sports on every level, delivering state-of-the-art sports footwear, apparel and accessories. Today, adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry and offers a broad portfolio of products. Products from adidas are available in virtually every country of the world. www.adidas.com

Information on Flagstaff, Arizona
At an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by national forest and boasting more trails than a runner could ever need, Flagstaff is an ideal place for the development of long distance runners.   With easy access to higher elevations and, importantly, lower elevations, Flagstaff provides options for high-high and high-low training.  Enjoying a full four seasons but mild year-round weather, runners benefit from altitude exposure but also to the clear air, fresh water and easy living in this mountain town. More information can be found on the website www.flagstaffrunning.com.

Copyright (c) 2008 McMillanElite. All rights reserved.