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| Rhea Black racing Orcas Island 50k. PC: Unknown |
Rhea Black and
Kiefer Hahn are co-owners of Momentum Athletic Training in Missoula. Both Rhea
and Kiefer are also accomplished trail runners. I won a free month of classes
at Momentum and really enjoyed the experience. I found the classes to be full
of variety with a focus on exercises to strengthen specific muscles for avid
outdoor athletes including trail runners.
What inspired you and
Kiefer to open Momentum?
Kiefer and I opened Momentum almost 12 years ago. In 2005,
there wasn’t a physical location in Missoula where like-minded athletes could
train specifically for endurance events with guidance from an expert. Opening
Momentum allowed us to offer sport specific classes geared at endurance
athletes like runners, cyclists and skiers as well as individualized training
plans too.
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| Kiefer instructing. PC: Erika Peterman Photography |
What does a typical
class at Momentum look like?
Momentum classes last 1 hour and are set up as a circuit of 18 - 1 minute
stations that include strength work, CORE, agility training, balance work,
plyometric (jump) training and cardio. We can take 18 people in a class. People
in the class range from beginner to expert and we accommodate that. The common
goal is improved fitness for outdoor pursuits and preventative care so you
don’t end up injured.
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| Accomplished trail runner Emily Linton teaches classes at Momentum. PC: Tom Robertson Photography |
What benefits can
trail runners experience after taking classes at Momentum?
The overwhelming feedback that we get from clients is
this: After integrating Momentum classes
as part of their specific running, skiing or cycling training - clients feel
stronger, have improved endurance and are faster. They experience decreased recovery time after
long efforts. Injuries are less common and if they compete, they have better
results.
What advice can you
give someone interested in creating a business that involves what they most
enjoy?
Getting to do what you enjoy as a job is a gift. I feel
extremely lucky to be in this place. Make a plan and before you start, do your
research and make sure that it has viability in your community.
How did you evolve as
a trail runner?
I found my way back to trail running by moving away from
Missoula in the late 80’s- early 90’s. Living in other places where trail
running was not accessible like it is here - made me realize how much I value
having trails to run on so close to where I live. I don’t ever take that for
granted. I run Missoula trails most days of the week. I love to climb mountains
and it evolved from exploring local trails, to competing in trail running
events locally and around the US.
What are a few of
your most memorable running accomplishments?
Most of my memorable running accomplishments come from
bringing friends together to run in Missoula, Glacier or down in the Bozeman
area. It’s more fulfilling for me than racing.
Showing a client a new trail or just hiking up the Pengally
Ridge with a person who has never experienced or seen Missoula from that
perspective is rewarding and makes me very happy.
Running the Speedgoat 50k in Utah in 2014. It was beautiful
and I felt strong and accomplished. (editor’s note – Rhea placed 11th
in a very competitive field)
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| Rhea instructing. PC: Erika Peterman Photography |
What is the best
advice you have ever received?
There are soooo many. But in the running world - I would say
the best advice I have received and now know is that recovery/rest is as
important as the training itself. You have to give back to your body if you
want it to work well and feel good over the long haul. This was something I
read over and over but never took to heart until I had to and now I feel better
than I ever have. So - eat well, rest, get massage and/or stretch in addition
to all of those miles you are logging!
What is your
specialty at Momentum?
I love working with women - who have had children and are
busy. I help create schedules that are realistic, effective and fun. I like to
help with the nutrition side of things too. As we age, nutrition becomes a very
important component to feeling your best! As a busy mom myself, I have had
experience and success with this. So, I can relate.
Thank you Rhea and
Kiefer for supporting Montana Trail Crew's Mountain Running Film Festival and Run Wild events!
Nicole
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