THE ART OF SPEED

Rachel M.

Sophomore, George Fox University – NCAA Division 3

Northwest Conference 2009:

100: 9^th

200: 12^th

4x100: 2^nd

4x400: 3^rd

Four-Year Letter, Tahoma Senior High School – 4A

School Records:

100: 12.41

200: 25.60

4x100: 49:11

4x200: 1:43.07

State Competitor 2008:

100: 14^th

200: 10^th

4x100: 11^th

4x200: 4^th

State Competitor 2007:

4x100: 8^th

4x200: 7^th

I am extremely grateful that I have been able to train with Aaron Blake. I began training with him after my junior year, and by increasing my speed he brought me from an average sprinter to a state competitor. Thanks to him I had an incredible senior season, setting three school records and qualifying for state in all four of my events. Currently I am continuing to compete in track and field for my university.

Aaron Blake is an excellent coach.  He is incredibly knowledgeable about running, especially sprinting and speed work. Coach Blake provides personal attention, and he has the ability to watch me run then point out all the little things I need to work on. He takes the time to teach and explain the concepts to ensure that I understand the techniques as well as the reasons behind them. Since he still runs and competes on the masters level, it’s even easier for him to demonstrate and relate to his athletes.

Coach Blake has always been incredibly encouraging and supportive, helping me believe I can actually accomplish my goals and encouraging me to pursue track at the university level. After working with him over the summer, I feel more confident and prepared to return to school with the necessary knowledge to train for a great season.

I would highly recommend Coach Blake to anyone who is looking for a trainer to help them increase their speed.

Morgan Swanson

Senior Stadium High School and 2010 University Washington Women’s Soccer team, NCAA Division I, Pacific 10 Conference

4-year Varsity letter with Stadium High School women’s soccer:

-         2006 - Newcomer of the year award, 2^nd team All-Narrows League

-         2007 - 1^st team All-Narrows League, 2^nd team All-Area

-         2008 – 1^st team All-Narrows League, 1^st team All-area, 2^nd team All-state, Narrows League leader in goals scored, team co-MVP, Offensive Player of the Year award

-         2009 – ACL injury, did not play

Federal Way United SC Reign ’91 Purple Club Soccer:

-         2006 – Washington State Cup Semi-finalist, Starfire Field Turf Showcase Champions, Rimland Cup Finalists

-         2007 – Washington State Cup Semi-finalist, Skagit Diadora Champions, Denver Cup Semi-finalist, Starfire Field Turf Showcase Semi-finalist

Eastside FC ’91 Red Club Soccer:

-         2008 – P1 League Champions, Washington State Cup finalist, Crossfire Tournament Champions, Pleasanton Rage Gold Division Champions, Surf Cup Premier Division Finalist

-         2009 – ACL injury, did not play

I was seeking to recondition myself following a severe soccer-related injury.  I had torn my left ACL in a high school playoff game in November of 2008.  I had to wait several months before having ACL replacement surgery due to some remaining growth my doctors predicted.    

I had known about Coach Blake and his successes and training techniques through the local soccer community.  As soon as I had my surgery and began my rehabilitation, I began thinking about strengthening and reconditioning; I automatically thought about Coach Blake.  I contacted him a few months into my rehab and began working with him soon thereafter.  For two months we trained together.  Coach Blake offered many insights about recovering from an ACL injury since he too tore an ACL.  Coach Blake had to re-teach me to run without favoring my repaired knee, how to stop and start, how to turn and how to recover the confidence I will need to go forward with my soccer career with the University of Washington Huskies in 2010. 

Through his participative training approach, Coach Blake was able to demonstrate his teachings to me rather than just trying to explain them to me.  Coach Blake delivers his messages using very positive, reinforcing and collaborative techniques.  This style of training is very appealing to me.  He is genuinely committed to ensuring his students’ success.  I would highly recommend Coach Blake to anyone who is looking for a trainer to help them increase their speed and completive edge or recover from an injury.  With the help of Coach Blake I now have total confidence that I can look forward to a long and successful college playing career at the University of Washington!

Princess Joy Griffey - Washington State University, Sprinter

Ezra John Griffey - Washington State University, Sprinter

Meagan Zukowski - Western Washington University, Sprinter

Tate Latimer - High School Hurdler and Sprinter