It's All About the Training

Courtesy photo from Dr. Claude Hogan. Pictured (L-R) is Kaylie Soto (11), Dr. Claude Hogan, and Joshua Warder (12). Both students were competing at a 5K race at South Church in Lansing (2016).

Some people have a psychological makeup that determines their outlook to be either half empty or half full. Dr. Claude Hogan is a half-full type of guy. He is an eternal optimist!

Hogan, a physical trainer, notes that the word "can't" is not in his vernacular. Dr. Hogan has an A.A.U. track club called Unleased Speed. "We help kids learn how to run," said Hogan. "There's the physical stuff, but it's mostly about the mental stuff where I focus my energies. Getting their self-esteem up.”

Dr. Hogan explains that sports taught him that there was more to life than the four corners of his block. So, he postulated that sports could do something similar for others. Dr. Hogan grew up in Lansing under the tutelage of a single mom, Helen Farrow. Two older brothers and one younger brother made up his immediate family. Dr. Hogan also acknowledges that he did not know his father. In addition to working as a waitress at a diner, Farrow started her own daycare center. "She taught us the value of giving back at an early age," said Hogan. In his own words, “once I made something of myself, I sought the opportunity to give back,” stated Dr. Hogan. On the education front, Dr. Hogan has a PhD in neuropsychology, and a master's in human resources.

The A.A.U. club officially started in 2013 and works with children ages five and up. "I even work with adults now," smiled Dr. Hogan. "The pillars of mobility strength and balance apply."

The A.A.U. club gets most of its clients through word of mouth. "Now that I am semi-retired," noted Dr. Hogan, "I spend some time posting on social media. But mostly, I spend a lot of time devoted to people's health. I consider myself really blessed because I can work with clients seven days a week." Dr. Hogan, who lives in Grand Blanc these days, makes the journey happily to Lansing each day. “I really excel at getting my message across to children,” said Dr. Hogan. “Being able to offer knowledge to children is very gratifying. Not just with sports, but with life too.”

Dr. Hogan's five "P’s" while training are posture, positioning, placement, pattern, and, lastly, performance. When describing an athlete's ability to push themselves to new heights, "I call this character building," said Dr. Hogan. "Often, athletes don't start out pushing themselves to be all they can be. Their ability to supply the effort determines everything.” He smiled when explaining that if you had just run five miles, look up, and saw a dog slobbering with big fangs running toward you, how tired you are at that moment would not be your first thought. "You will summon the energy to vacate the area quickly," he said. "It's the same mindset that gets you going when you think you are tired and should stop. It is at that point we see who is mentally tough.”

Moreover, Dr. Hogan considers speed development and mental growth as his specialties. However, he really lives for seeing that "Ah-ha" moment. It is the point where the light comes on, or they utterly understand what the coach was talking about. "It is that growth and development that creates lasting and meaningful change," said Hogan. While working with children, Dr. Hogan has three pillars of life as well. "Many things in life will be easier if you understand these three things," said Dr. Hogan. The three pillars are patience, choices, and acceptance. "You can apply those three things to most of life," explained Dr. Hogan. “Teaching children to be accountable early in life will help them all through life.”

In thinking back on one of his more memorable students, Dr. Hogan recalled Darius Clemmons. "He was a good athlete, but his need for growth was mental," stated Dr. Hogan. "We were at a track meet in Ohio, and just as the race started, he fell out of the block at the start of the race. He had put so much pressure on himself that it was easier to find a way to give up rather than face the challenge." At this point, there was a teaching moment. "We are working on you," he said. "Don't concern yourself with anybody else. Stay in your lane and run your race. Stay focused and compete. Do your best and above all, never give up!"

Later, in practice, Dr. Hogan asked Darius one question. “When are you going to change,” he quizzed.

"I don't know, coach,” said Darius.

"Now, change now!" exclaimed Dr. Hogan. "Somehow, someway, the light turned on, and eleven-year-old Darius became a completely different person.”

In conclusion, Dr. Hogan makes this offer to parents interested in helping their children. "If you want your child to get next-level training come see me," said Dr. Hogan. "I am not just talking about the physical; that's the easy part. You can go anywhere and do that. I am talking about that which sets you apart from the crowd. It's the stuff of which champions are made."

You can reach Dr. Hogan by calling 517 977-3927 or check him out on Facebook at Unleashed Speed T.C. Unleashed Speed students train at 4010 W. Saginaw Hwy in Lansing.