Episode 101 | Michael Olzinski

Creating Nth Degree

Michael Olzinski founded the Nth Degree Athletic Club, a vibrant running community in San Francisco, after years of coaching at various tracks. His journey began with informal group runs, which gradually evolved into a structured club as more people joined in. Michael's enthusiasm for coaching and community-building attracted runners from diverse backgrounds, leading to the club's rapid growth.

We just started to collect people from there and started out with maybe like a couple people would walk by and be like, what are you guys doing?

--- Michael Olzinski

Chris Douglas highlights how Michael's excitement and dedication have significantly contributed to the club's success, drawing in runners eager to train and improve together 1 2.

   

Rise of Run Crews

The rise of run crews like Nth Degree represents a shift in the running community, offering a more organic and inclusive approach compared to traditional clubs. Michael Olzinski notes that these crews often attract individuals without formal athletic backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and personal growth. In San Francisco, the Nth Degree Athletic Club has become a powerful force, uniting runners from various groups and backgrounds under a common passion for the sport.

It's awesome, man. And I feel inspired. We've seen firsthand what happens when the running community gets behind itself.

--- Michael Olzinski

Chris Douglas observes that this trend is not only strengthening the local running scene but also encouraging more people to engage in competitive running 3 4.

   

Building Confidence

Running clubs like Nth Degree are instrumental in building confidence and fostering a sense of community among their members. Michael Olzinski emphasizes the transformative impact of being part of a team, especially for those who have never experienced such camaraderie before. The club's inclusive environment encourages members to push their limits and discover new capabilities.

They just feel great. They feel confident, and I want to see that grow for sure.

--- Michael Olzinski

Chris Douglas5 6.