As a professional track and field athlete training for the Olympics, I have been beyond thrilled with Michael Donawa as my bodywork therapist. I run 90 - 100 miles every week, and seeing Michael weekly has been my key to success and long-term health. I've been injury free since I started working with Michael in 2013. Michael is professional, attentive, and has a unique ability to intuitively understand what specific therapy my body needs, preventing injuries from ever developing. I recommend Michael to every athlete (and non-athlete) I know, and I will continue to work with him for as long as I possibly can! 

As a business executive I am constantly challenged to balance family, exercise, volunteering and work. Still a relative novice to the sport my career doesn’t afford me the luxury of logging extremely high mileage without suffering some injury.  In the Fall of 2013 I tore my Soleus right before the Denver Half Marathon. I spent the next several weeks going from one PT to another to find the right individual to get me back on the path to healing. A running friend introduced me to Michael and we forged a partnership. Michael used a variety of techniques to successfully heal my calf and then offered to work with me to develop purposeful balanced training that would allow me to reach new levels of personal achievement. My exercise regimen has gone from ad hoc to a training program that has allowed me to PR in the 5,000, 10,000 and Half Marathon distances. Michael developed a custom program that through a series of micro cycles layers on strength and endurance keeping injuries to a minimum. His attention to detail and focus on the highest quality of fit, form and function is ever present. More than a coach, Michael is an accomplished professional that is highly tuned in to the moment. He becomes a part of who you are and he has an uncanny way of getting you to face your real weaknesses with strength and belief. Michael has helped me to develop in to a much higher performer both mentally and physically. He is unquestionably someone you will want and value to be a part of your team to greater success!

Michael is a mindful therapist, a thoughtful coach and a wise mentor. As both a massage therapist and coach, Michael has taught me- and continues to - to treat the body respectfully, appreciate its power and train it to excel. In particular, I value his approach to the body as an integrated, complex system and his advice on carrying a positive, grounded and strong mental attitude through life's waves. Before my first visit with him, I was told "Michael is great, you'll see" - a positive but vague statement. It is for the reasons above that I now smile and give others the same statement, knowing they'll soon discover what "great" means. 

I first saw Michael for massage therapy one week before a marathon. I have had chronic hamstring and hip problems and he has been able to work with me to minimize the pain and impact on my racing. He's now the only massage therapist I see. After several years, he has written training plans for me and worked with me in a coaching role. Michael is an excellent coach. I appreciate his focus on quality over quantity miles, and maintaining form through drills. His background is in track and I prefer track work and speed work instead of doing too much long slow mileage. He is probably best, though, at identifying when we start falling apart mentally toward the end of a track workout or race. He call us on it, identifies the problem, and coaches us through overcoming whatever obstacle is standing in our way.

I have been going to Michael for several months for help with my piriformis syndrome, glute and hip tightness, and lower back pain. I can say that choosing Michael over any other massage therapist was the best decision I ever made. He made me feel comfortable while I was in his office and gave me the tools to continue my recovery on my own. I am back to running again and I owe it to Michael's guidance and patience. 

2017 Northwest Regional Masters 800m Champion.

When I began working with Coach Michael, I was a 38 year old new runner, hoping to make modest improvements and break a string of typical beginner-type injuries. In a year and a half of working together, I have been injury free and have improved my speed, endurance and skill as a runner. As a coach, Michael provides the balanced voice all runners need in our heads: relaxed and focused; encouraging and confident. His training plans are tuned to the realities of life, with the whole athlete, physical and mental, in mind. He intuits when I need a lighter running schedule, even when I fail to recognize it, and times my peak weeks and key workouts for maximum advantage. He is always available for answers or advice and is equally dedicated to and supportive of all of his athletes.

I met Michael through bodywork, and immediately felt comfortable with him and confident in his skill. His understanding of the athletes makes him an exceptional bodyworker and his experience in bodywork helps him guide his athletes. Whether I am facing a potential issue or just need a general tuneup, he is the first person I call.