New Expanded Benefits Package Announced!
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. 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.
Ideal Athlete
The ideal athlete:
- agrees with and commits to the philosophy of the program – gradual yet progressive performance improvement over several years as well as the development of a well-balanced, successful person
- has an unwavering desire to achieve full potential in long distance running and the maturity and integrity to be a professional athlete in a team environment
- possesses the athletic potential to develop into a world-class long distance runner
- understands and is committed to the long-term focus (four to twelve years) and commitment necessary to reach maximum performance ability
- possesses a “champion’s mentality” and enjoys competition
- believes that further improvements can be made at 5,000m and 10,000m as well as long distance events
- must be very durable with no or few injuries in the past and has run 10-20 miles per day for the last two to four years
- must get along well with others and exhibit mental maturity
- feels that the marathon is where ultimate success will eventually come
- would never use illegal performance enhancing drugs
The ideal athlete possesses current personal records of at least:
Men Women
3,000m - 8:05 3,000m - 9:50
5,000m - 14:10 5,000m - 17:00
10,000m - 29:30 10,000m - 35:00
Half-Marathon - 1:05:30 Half-Marathon - 1:17:00
Selection Procedure
Only a few select athletes will be accepted into the program (5-7 athletes) for 2008. Stage 1 involves submission of the application (available via email request). Each athlete application will be thoroughly reviewed and athletes meeting the standards and exhibiting the desired qualities will move to the next stage in the selection process. Stage 2 involves a phone interview and background reference checks to further evaluate the athlete’s fit with the team and the coach. The athlete will also be evaluated for the commitment to fulfilling potential as well as the physical and mental traits necessary for success in long distance running. Stage 3 may involve a recruiting visit to Flagstaff for a mutual interview and evaluation. Athletes who are then accepted into the program are notified and arrangements are made for moving to Flagstaff. Interested athletes are encouraged to request an application by sending an email. Recruitment of athletes will also take place throughout the spring at various collegiate and post-collegiate meets and races.
Philosophy: Greg’s Five Circles of Success
The foundation of the McMillanElite team is Greg’s Five Circles of Success philosophy. Like the interlocking five rings of the Olympic Movement and following the Greek ideal of a well-balanced life, each circle of success works in concert with every other circle into order to promote a full, balanced, well-lived life focused on integrity and excellence. Athletes on this team focus on achieving excellence with integrity in each area.
| Circle 1 |
Athletics: Steady, progressive achievement of ever increasing athletic goals |
| Circle 2 |
Self-improvement- Within the context of personal core values, improvement in physical, mental and emotional goals |
| Circle 3 |
Life goals/skills- Development of post running career job skills and choice of life’s work and ambition |
| Circle 4 |
Community involvement- Involvement in the local community outside of athletics |
| Circle 5 |
Sport involvement- Involvement in the sport of distance running to (1) promote the sport and (2) help current and future athletes through programs such as mentorship |
Frequently Asked Questions
(Since this program is new, this section will expand as questions are asked.)
Q: Who should apply?
A: Emerging elite runners who believe they can rise to the international level if provided guidance, support and training partners. While the performance standards are listed on this webpage, athletes who believe they fit with this program are encouraged to request an application. (Request application)
Q: What if I'm still in college but will graduate soon?
A: This program was created to provide graduating collegians with an opportunity to continue their running careers. Graduating athletes are encouraged to apply for the program.
Q: What does "no or few injuries" mean?
A: Most runners have injuries but these injuries should be minor and treatable, not chronic. Consistent training over time is a key to success in long distance running. Athletes unable to maintain consistent training at ~70 miles per week without injury may become frustrated in a team environment. It is expected that most long distance runners can maintain 10 miles per day for most of the year without chronic injuries if they are to rise to the international level.
Q: Where do the runners live?
A: McMillan Running currently rents a townhome and occupies two other houses in Flagstaff, Arizona. Additional houses will be rented as the team grows. The current townhouse has been used by several elite runners (Abdi Abdirahman, Brandon Leslie, Ryan Shay, Fasil Bizuneh, Steven Haas, Peter Gilmore) in preparation for recent races (Chicago Marathon, Houston Half-Marathon, Ohme 30K, USA Cross Country Champs). The homes are ideally located near running trails and services like a grocery store, restaurants, etc.
Contact Information
Have a question? Email us
Copyright (c) 2008 McMillanElite. All rights reserved. |
