Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you for your resolutions or give you mine. I'll save that for a later post!
With the new year, comes more changes to the Team Nutrilite family. Specifically, with the end of a decade, we also see the end of a great, three year partnership with Jenn Stuczynski and Track & Field events in the U.S.
When Nutrilite decided to sponsor Jenn Stuczynski, her name wasn't synonymous with pole vaulting. We took a chance on each other. As partners, Jenn has gone on to set American records in both the indoor and outdoor pole vault for women, is the only American woman to ever clear 16 feet, is the second-best female pole vaulter of all time, is a four-time indoor and outdoor USA Champion, and an Olympic Silver Medalist.
It is with tremendous gratitude and respect that we announce the end of our relationship with Jenn. She was a tireless worker on behalf of Nutrilite, appearing in national television advertising for NUTRILITE Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables, and making countless appearances signing autographs at NUTRILITE-sponsored events for fans and IBOs alike, as well as attending IBO-only events during her time as a sponsored athlete. Her belief in and advocacy of the brand was evident whenever she made appearances on our behalf and for that, we thank her.
Nutrilite will also end our sponsorships of major track and field events, including the Boston Indoor Games, Tyson Invitational, adidas Track Classic, Reebok Grand Prix, and the Prefontaine Classic.
The 2010 focus is very firmly on our relationships with the Rock 'n Roll Marathons as well as the Phytonutrient Campaign that kicked off last October.
Please join us in a HUGE, heartfelt thank you to Jenn, her coach, her agent and the folks that put on these world-class events for their time and tireless support of Nutrilite's efforts in the sport.
Since the last time I wrote, I competed at the USA National Champs in Eugene, Oregon. I won with a jump of 15' 3" (4.65m). Nationals is always a meet that I get VERY nervous for. This year, we were qualifying for the World Championships in Berlin in August so it was very important for me to place in the top 3. Also, the field size is always larger at Nationals and the wait time from my warm-up until I compete is about 1 1/2 hours longer than I am used to. However, this year I was a little banged up with an injured Achilles and hip flexor. I received a lot of physio treatment while I was in Eugene and everyone helped piece me back together long enough to get the job done (phew). I am very grateful to have won my 8th US Championship title.
Technically speaking, I have improved so much since indoor and even from my first couple of outdoor competitions. My speed times (measuring how fast I come down the runway) were very good at Nationals which is proof of the all-around gains I have made.With my speed, strength, and technical adjustments improving, I can’t wait to see how high I can go. All I need to do is get 100% healthy! That has been pretty frustrating for me but I am dealing with it day by day and trying to keep a positive attitude.
Although my outdoor 2009 season has had some setbacks, I have enjoyed the summer months here in western New York. I went home for July 4th and had an awesome time with my family. We went to the pier in Dunkirk where the fireworks display takes place. My entire family was there (parents, brother, sister, brother-in-law, nieces) and family friends. We sat in the same spot with the same families that we have sat with for over a decade. Some things never change and I love it!
I decided to re-do my bedroom since we haven’t been travelling this month…a task that sounded so much easier in my head! A friend taught me how to spackle, sand, and paint so I figured…how much work could it be? The first two were pretty easy but painting is an art. I always figured, dip the roller and go but now I know there is plenty more to it. There is taping off, edging, tackling corners that the roller can't get to, paint dripping to deal with…yeah, a lot more to it than I thought of! I painted the room a very light cream/rose color that turned out even better than I thought. I have all white dressers and the hues of my curtains, valence, and duvet cover all blend so well and look very pleasant. I am all girl! I love designing and redoing rooms but in the future I will definitely leave the painting to someone else!
Another tradition that I continued since I’ve stayed home this July was attending the Chautauqua County Fair. I told Rick he hasn’t lived until he has been to the Chautauqua County Fair so yesterday (Thursday) we packed up and headed to Fredonia for the night. The 4H barns are my favorite place. I must have petted more than 20 cows, a dozen pigs and a handful of sheep… but I never pet the roosters or chickens, I am afraid of them! I did allow myself one non-healthy type of carnival food…Cotton Candy. It is my absolute favorite but the hardest decision was to decide between the pink or the blue. I will let you guess what one I chose, it shouldn't be too hard
As for now, I am going to continue to stay focused on my efforts to get ready for the World Championships. I am continuing with adapted training around my injury and have been very disciplined with it. I appreciate all your support and am looking forward to competing again.
It's good to shake things up every now and then, so rather than another post from me about how our Track & Field presence is going, I thought why not bring you insights straight from the keyboard of a Team Nutrilite athlete?
Jenn Stuczynski is America's all time best women's pole vaulter and the second best ever in the world. Here is a post from Jenn, to give you a look into her world, first hand…
It’s hard to believe that the outdoor season is underway already!I enjoyed my off-season but am excited to be competing again.When I began training for the ‘09 year, my coach had me spend more time than ever on conditioning to make sure that I continue to stay strong as the season progresses.To do this, I focused a lot on the technical aspects of the vault by taking a shorter, slower run than I would at a meet.Thanks to a lot of hard work and great supplementation through Nutrilite, I have been able to stay healthy and make gains in both strength and technique.It is only a matter of time until I begin to apply it to my full competition run.Currently, I am getting ready for the US Nationals in Eugene, Oregon that takes place at the end of June.As for my European schedule, it is still in the making so I will keep you posted!
A lot of people ask me, “Is pole vaulting as hard as it looks?”The answer: YES!Pole vaulting is the biggest athletic challenge I have ever faced.About a month ago, I was going through my college folders and found a note I wrote during one of my School Psychology classes.In it, I described how mentally frustrating the event was.Just when I thought I had applied a skill, there was another one to learn, another skill to correct, another one to enhance and a habit that needed to be broken.Get where I’m going?!There was always something that I was doing wrong, something that I needed to correct and it became so frustrating for me.Fast forward four years…there are times that I still feel exactly the same way.The only difference is I have learned to appreciate the process of training and getting better.I found by charting my workouts in pole vault, running, and the weight room I was able to see my progression.Even if I didn’t clear a higher height at my next meet or I had a bad workout, it helped me to visually see that I was doing what it takes to get better.Sometime you can get lost or caught up in the ‘I want results now’ mode, but everything has a timeline.I would like to say that I have “learned”, but the reality is “I am still learning” PATIENCE!It’s so easy to get overwhelmed but if I keep trying, stay healthy, positive, and be patient great things will happen!Yes…my Olympic Silver is something special which I will never forget.But now…I am looking ahead to future World Championships and hopefully the London Games in 2012.
Although I have not been pole vaulting for as long as my competitors, I have had my share of “ups and downs”.With the “ups” I try to enjoy the moment, appreciate the results but never be satisfied.My coach and I are always evaluating my training, inventing new drills, and refining technique.By doing this I never feel stagnant and there is always ways to improve.However, life is always easier when training is going well!From the time I started pole vaulting, Rick always told me, “It’s when things are going wrong that you need your coach the most”.That is so true!The support cast around an athlete is just as important as the athlete’s ability.Rick knows my goals and aspirations so he never lets me get too discouraged or too complacent.There are always setbacks in athletics but when someone else understands and wants to see you achieve your goals, whether it is a coach, husband, parent, or friend, their support is vital.I am very fortunate to have so many positive people (and my dog Tundra) around me: coach, family, adidas and, of course, Nutrilite.Everyone has played a role in my development and I am very grateful for their support.
I have been with Nutrilite for 2 years now and the experience has been amazing!My first encounter took place in Florida at Achievers 2007.I met so many wonderful people and was impressed with the set-up and organization that took place (and I still am!)It was here that I did my first photo shoot and commercial for Nutrilite!Everyone involved was so friendly it felt as though I knew them for years.That is the biggest thing that I have noticed and loved:Nutrilite is a team and a family.Everybody that I have met are so proud to be a part of and to represent their company.I distinctively remember the first time Nutrilite sponsored a meet, Boston Indoor 2008.I walked in the arena to compete and they had displays set up, full size pictures of me, the big screen was playing my Nutrilite commercial, and IBO’s were set up in a VIP section cheering!Nutrilite sponsors four of the meets that I compete in, and each time I look forward to seeing everyone connected with them.It’s like having an extended family there cheering and supporting me.After the competition is over, I go to the Nutrilite tent and sign autographs where I enjoy meeting new people.I am very proud to be a part of their company and one of their athlete representatives.Nutrilite is a first class company with superior products.
Watch out for me this summer.I’ve got some big competitions ahead.
Below is a picture of my dog, Tundra.He is a Great Pyrenees that weighs 100+ lbs.
This past weekend marked the opening of the U.S. outdoor track and field season and it was a success for Nutrilite and our athletes.
Nutrilite had a tremendous presence in and around the facility as well as on television. The Nutrilite Mobile Experience offered up samples of energy bars, sports drinks and Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables, in addition to event t-shirts and the opportunity to meet and greet Jenn Stuczynski and Sanya Richards.
UniversalSports.com named Jenn as one of the "winners" from the weekend, with the following to say: "Although she was unable to continue her recent string of records set in Carson, Stuczynski appeared to be in fine form, winning the women's pole vault at 4.76m/15-71/4. On her winning vault, Stuczynski's hip height was way over the bar, prompting her to raise the next height to 4.96m/16-2. After switching to a stiffer pole, Stuczynski had two credible attempts at the height but missed on all three. Considering this is only the third time this season she has taken a full approach, she must be pleased."
Jenn easily captured the win with that vault of 4.76m. “It was a great feeling to compete and do well an event hosted by my sponsor,” said Stuczynski. “I was nervous heading into this week, but this win gives me a ton of confidence as I continue to compete.”
Sanya Richards took a solid second place in the 200 meter just behind one of the world's best 200 meter runner, Allyson Felix.
Next stop is Ichan Stadium in New York for the Reebok Grand Prix. Stay tuned for pre-meet posts and details.
Jenn Stuczynski, Team Nutrilite's own American Record holding, Silver Medal winning pole vaulter has been honored as American Female Athlete of the Year by Track & Field News in its February edition, which is on newsstands now.
From Jeff Diveronica of the Democrat & Chronicle: Stuczynski, who took up the sport only four years ago, was runner-up in Beijing to reigning Olympic champion and world-record holder Yelena Isinbayeva. But Stuczynski broke her own U.S. record twice last year and four times in 14-month span dating to May 2007. She also has won five consecutive U.S. championships indoors and outdoor.
"That gave her distinction," said her coach, Spencerport native Rick Suhr. "We were very surprised, not that Jenn wasn't deserving, but (the honor) usually goes to the biggest name and a lot of times a sprinter."
Six other Americans won Olympic gold in track and field events, Suhr said, so that figured in their surprise over Stuczynski's award. No American male pole vaulter has earned the honor from the magazine, considered the top publication for track and field, in the 49 years of the award, Suhr said, and the only other female winner was Stacy Dragila in 2001.
"She's done in four years what some people won't do in a lifetime," Suhr said.
Congratulations, Jenn, on your fantastic 2008 season and all of your accomplishments both on and off the track.
As promised, photos from the shores of Lake Michigan in beautiful Grand Haven, Michigan - and one of the largest outdoor beach pole vaulting events in the world the Grand Haven Beach Vault presented by Nutrilite.
The 2008 Grand Haven Beach Vault presented by Nutrilite took place at City Beach in Grand Haven, Michigan on Friday, July 11 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday, July 12 from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.More information about the Grand Haven Beach Vault is available at http://grandhavenbeachvault.com/. Nutrilite handed out free products and giveaways at the event, including products from our newest line, Nutrilite Sports Nutrition.
This past weekend – on the shores of Lake Michigan in beautiful Grand Haven, Michigan - one of the largest outdoor beach pole vaulting events in the world took place with a brand new presenting sponsor – Nutrilite.
Following is an excerpt from the press release that went out around the area announcing the event:
The Grand Haven Beach Vault presented by Nutrilite brings in nationally-ranked pole vaulters from all over the country and Michigan, along with their families and spectators. This event is also USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and insured.
“We are proud to sponsor premier athletic events and love when we have the opportunity to team up with ones that are local, like the Grand Haven Beach Vault competition,” said Brian Geers, Manager – Health Marketing for Quixtar North America/Amway Global. “Events like this are a great representation of our commitment to optimal health, which is all about reaching your potential through good nutrition, including supplementation and exercise.”
“Quixtar North America/Amway Global is right in our backyard and one of the largest companies in West Michigan, with a national and international influence. Its Nutrilite brand has reached out to people in the track and field arena and is committed to the health conscious, which makes it a great fit for the Grand Haven Beach Vault,” said Kevin Patterson, co-founder of the Grand Haven Beach Vault.
The 2008 Grand Haven Beach Vault presented by Nutrilite took place at City Beach in Grand Haven, Michigan on Friday, July 11 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday, July 12 from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.More information about the Grand Haven Beach Vault is available at http://grandhavenbeachvault.com/. Nutrilite handed out free products and giveaways at the event, including products from our newest line, Nutrilite Sports Nutrition.
Look for photos from the event in the next day or so…
This past weekend at the adidas Track Classic in Los Angeles, Nutrilite-sponsored athlete Jenn Stuczynski broke her own American record, vaulting 16 feet, 3/4 inches. The nearest competition was nearly a foot and a half from her mark.
Jenn now has her sights clearly set on world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva – the only woman to ever vault higher (16 feet, 5-1/2 inches). Her next opportunity to make a run at the record comes Saturday, May 31 at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York City.
Congrats Jenn! We look forward to seeing you go for the world record!
Links to LA Daily News and ESPN.com articles on Jenn's success at the adidas Track Classic:
"All three times, I
was over (the bar)," Stuczynski said after her outdoor season debut. "I just couldn't get the standards right. I knew I didn't have a lot of
jumps in me, so we came in high to try to get record jumps. I could feel
the heat."
