Gretchen Harvey-----Triathlete, New Hampshire

"The information you were able to provide me with has helped me immensely. I have a much
better understanding of how I should be training, where my best efforts are spent, and the
scientific logic behind it.  I have seen some dramatic results in my endurance training since
April, and I have Quest to thank for that."

Dr. Vickers----Adventure Racer, Maryland

"I underwent Vo2 max testing and lactate analysis testing for the bike and run in
early May.  After 10+ yrs of racing, a MD degree, and interest in sports medicine, I
thought I knew my body.  Well, I was proved wrong after my testing. 

  My main recent problem lately had been with having problems "bonking" during long
bike segments during a race, even if the pace was seemingly aerobic.  My previous
strength on the bike had caused me to back off bike training, and I had
unknowingly lost power and lowered my anaerobic threshold.  Despite having the
knowledge of all the physiologic tests, being an heart monitor fanatic, and
spending lots of hours training, I hadn't a clue what was going on until I stepped
into the lab with Simon and Lilah. 

  My results and Simon's suggestions provided concrete and specific areas to work
on.  After my testing, I had 3 more weeks of preparation for the Michigan Coast to
Coast Adventure Race.  I would be racing with Team Enduraventure, the Number Two
Nationally ranked AR team, and I didn't want to let anyone down.  

  Turns out, even with 3 weeks to go, I was able to alter some training just enough
to make a difference.  This was a 300+ mile race across the state where we only
got 60 minutes sleep in 71 hrs of racing.  During the bike section, my previous
"bonking" problems were a thing of history, and I did the lion share of drafting
the team up front.  During one 70+ mile bike leg, we got the fastest bike time
against some of the best pros in the country and came home with a few thousand in
cash and numerous prizes.  We ended up 3rd overall in an extremely competitive
field and were the top amateur team.  We toed the lead and pushed the leaders for
the first 36 hrs until feet and blister problems got the better of us and slowed
our pace.

  Many thanks to Quest Sports Science for making this brutal race very doable."

Ron Harris

I conquered Boston! Sub three hours thanks to Quest Labs. Was able to average 6:45 per mile,
even on Heart Break Hill. Next stop...Chicago marathon, 2006!!!!

Adam Borcz, Long Island Lizards Lacrosse

"Quest Sports Performance Center offers various athletic testing,
which can be extremely beneficial for any athlete.
I used it to gauge my cardiovascular and muscular recovery ability,
and ultimately my true physical potential
. I recommend it to any athlete who is serious about maximizing his/her physical/sports performance."

200 mile relay race, New Hampshire

"Team PSOAS, 12 out of 130. 44th overall--8 runners--20+ miles each--7:56 pace.
BTW:  RTB is a 12 person relay.  We did it with 8!!!!

Tamela Lynch, New Hampshire, Cyclocross and Triathlete

"I went to Quest for Lactate Threshold testing; biking and running. I've been athletic my whole life and have been competing in multisport events for the past 4 years. I started using a coach last year and saw a big improvement in my performance. I learned that taking a structured approach to training will improve my performance.

The next logical step was to get some testing done and use that to hopefully continue my improvement. I was pleasantly surprised with my results and they proved to me that I did have the engine to perform better in my races. Focusing my training with the information that I gained through testing helped me improve my times across the board. I also had Quest develop a triathlon specific strength training program for my off season.

Wow. A little history, I have been doing strength training since college, so a long time. When I decided to train for an Ironman, my coach had me drop the weights because it was 1. to much wear and tear on my body and 2. it just gave me unnecessary bulk. I agreed, but also couldn't help thinking that I lost a little power by eliminating the strength training. I started my strength training program the same time I did my first cyclocross race. I am 5 weeks in and cannot believe the difference that a well designed strength training program makes. I see improvements every week. I am beating the woman that crushed me my first few races. I really feel like I am getting stronger every week. I plan on getting retested at Quest this spring and also having Simon help develop my triathlon training program."

A huge thanks goes to Quest Sports Science Center, Dr. Simon and Lilah. I was able to incorporate there physiological testing into my training plan. These allowed for maximum efficiently to my training so I would not “waste” mileage and make ALL my training count. Integrating my physiological results into my training, I have not doubt in my mind that there is a direct correlation to my improved performance and completion in the HURT 100 Mile from one year ago where I did not complete the Event.

Alex Papadopoulos is an avid runner and trail enthusiast for over 10 years. He owns and operates Athletic Equation Inc . AE was created to host endurance events in the DC Metro area. Alex specializes in creating customized training programs for runners of all experiences and athletic capabilities. He has been an NSPA Certified Personal Trainer since 2000. Alex can be contacted via email at AlexP@athletic-equation.com or at 703-403-0138.

Aidan Murphy, cyclist, Annapolis, MD

Fifteen months ago I turned 40 and wanted to have an assessment done to see what kind of athlete I was.  I had lost 105 pounds over the previous 5 years by modifying my diet and riding between 5000 and 6000 miles each year.

I started with the Annapolis Bike club and rode with Team Snow Valley for the last three years.  Each year I got stronger and even though I was giving most of the guys I rode with a 60 to 70 pound advantage I could hang on for the weekly rides.  When I had my assessment I discovered that while I had strong anaerobic numbers my aerobic numbers were terrible. 

Simon had know me for an hour and he looked at me and said, “I bet no matter how fast the group is going you can jump off the front.  I am sure the effort only lasts a minute or so and you are so full of lactic acid you can't keep it up.”   He went on to say, “I bet when the rides are about an hour you have no issues but when they go longer it is hard for you to do them.”

He was right and the fact that he knew these things with no other knowledge than my tests made me listen.  He told me that I was training too hard and needed to do very specific workouts.  I looked at him like he was crazy when he laid out the zones.  How was I going to get stronger riding like this?

After a year of following the plan the results of the program are impossible to deny.  My L4 number increased 22 beats from 154 to 176 and my power at L4 went up over 150 watts.

Riding on the group rides has gotten much easier and I am no longer just hanging on.  I have lost another 24 pounds and this season I rode a 3-4-5 crit and a road race and finished in the front group both times.  These are the first races I have ever done. 

This season I have been asked to be part of the 40 plus Team Time Trail team for Team Latitude.  The time trail teams are made up of guys that have been riding competitively for years. 

As hard as it is to believe that riding slower builds your fitness if you follow the program the results will follow.  The training Quest recommended stopped me from getting dropped from the pack and enabled me to be around for the sprint at the end.

Climb For Hope
Cotopaxi, January 12, 2007

Paul Watson, 24 hour Solo Mtn Bike Racer