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Distance Queen: Taz Mannix
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FasterSkier
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US Nationals
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 Taz, you’ve had a breakthrough season winning two US titles at Distance Nationals, an OPA cup, and had the fastest skate split in the pursuit at U23s! These are huge accomplishments — did you expect your season to go so well? How does it feel now that you’ve been home and had time to reflect upon your season?</B></p>
<p>The 2006-2007 was a definitely a breakthrough season for me for a number of reasons, and I can’t help but be really excited as we gear up for another one. What inspires me most is that I experienced breakthroughs on many levels. I did reach a new level of performance, with new personal best finishes both domestically and internationally; however, it was almost more significant to me that I was able to maintain my fitness and stay on my game for the entire of the season. This consistency in racing has been something that I’ve struggled with in years past, so it was really exciting to go through a season with minimal ups and downs and very few deviations in my level of performance. I definitely attribute this to an improved training plan, which placed more emphasis on intensity throughout the season, on race prep, and on racing more than I ever have, but I also think that this season I made huge gains in learning how to race. The mental aspect is so critical to racing fast, and gaining confidence through actual race experience really helps teach you how get your head in the right place. Being in Europe, skiing with the women who I had always thought were so much faster, made me realize that I was capable of beating them. It certainly took a few races to get this figured out, but by the time U-23s came around, I felt like it was anybody’s race, and that’s where you have to be to set yourself up for success.</p>
<p>In terms of expecting this to happen…no, I certainly had no idea that the season would go this well. I did actively make some big changes in the way I prepared and trained leading into the season, and in doing so, I kind of re-developed my passion for skiing. But even despite all the changes that I made, this season exceeded my expectations. In fact, it all still feels a little surreal.</p>
<p><B>2) Can you summarize your spring/summer training plans?</B></p>
<p>I’m back into training now after only a short break, and it feels really good. For the spring, I plan on doing lots of fun stuff for training, really mixing it up with a variety of activities. It’s great getting back into workouts with my APU teammates and coaches, as there’s great energy on the team! Although nothing is finalized, I’m sure I’ll be attending some US Ski Team camps, and I will definitely be heading up to the Eagle Glacier with my APU team for some quality on-snow time over the summer…it’s looking like 28 days of skiing! Other than that, I’ll be doing lots of rollerskiing, running, biking, hiking, and strength, but I also plan on throwing in some good adventures in the mountains, some raft (and packraft) trips, and definitely a good amount of fishing!</p>
<p><B>3) Some skiers face burnout at the end of a long season. What is your best advice to fight this and continue quality training throughout the spring?</B></p>
<p>I think the best way to avoid burnout is to have fun with your training in the spring. Go crust skiing or hiking in the mountains. Mix up training and go out with friends and teammates. I love going on spring adventures and making training a daylong event. In the summer you can and should make your training much more ski specific, but right now, enjoy being active!</p>
<p><B>4) In addition to being part of the APU ski program you are also a psychology student at the University. Is it time to get back to school?</B></p>
<p>I am a student-athlete, which is both really good and really demanding and challenging. As I race and travel more and more, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to be in school. Luckily, I’m actually nearing graduation, and my advisor and professors are really flexible. Because of this, I am able to take a lot of schoolwork on the road and to training camps. I know it will take longer for me to get my degree than it would have had I gone to school full-time, but I feel no rush, because I’d prefer not to compromise training and recovery in order to graduate sooner. I love school, and I plan to go back for graduate work after I get my degree. At the same time, balance is really important, and right now, focusing on skiing and taking a few classes on the side is a perfect balance for me. You can always go to school, and I really value education, but it is true that you have a window to develop as a ski racer.</p>
<p><B>5) Can you share any hopes/goals for next year?</B></p>
<p>I’m already looking forward to next season, because I can’t wait to build on what I’ve accomplished this year. I have tons of goals, including hundreds of little training and preparation goals, that I’ve made in order to achieve my bigger goals. In addition to performance goals, like a top six finish at Under-23 World Championships, I also have my sights on some significant improvements in technique and fitness. </p>
<p>Thanks Taz!</p>
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