FasterSkier

Category: XCFeeds

A collection of live feeds from cross-country ski blogs around the web.

  • SMS Nationals 5/10 Classic

    We finished our Nationals week simulation this morning with a 5/10 km classic time trail. Word was leaking out so we had some additional participants to bolster the competition. Bryan Cook and Maria Stuber joined us along with Megan Killigrew (SMS ’09, Dart ’13) and Heidi Henkel.

    We have times for this course from over the past 10 years so it is nice to compare to see how the group is doing. Good news..everyone set PR’s!
    We take split times on the course to see how people are pacing themselves AND to get a feeling for ski speed. Bryan and Maria are fast and are good bench marks for us, but they also have fast skis (Green Team issue) so their times are especially fast :).
    The boys course is split into 4 timing sections, the first section is gradual up and flat, the second section is down and flat, the third section rolling up and the last section has a downhill leading into a killer uphill. The second split gives a pretty good idea of relative ski speeds along with double pole strength.
    We had several people asking what happened to Skyler in the skate TT (he was last). I answered “bad wax”…indeed, he has slower skis. So..take the times with a grain of salt 🙂
    Here are the boys splits and times.
    Bryan 6:41, 4:28, 9:32, 4:43, 25:24
    Skyler 6:46, 5:21, 8:55, 4:55, 25:57
    Hamish 7:17, 5:45, 9:27, 5:32, 28:01
    Gino 7:10, 4:56, 10:41, 5:23, 28:10
    Paddy 7:31, 6:14, 9:53, 5:22, 29:00
    Tyler 8:11, 6:14, 9:21, 5:09, 29:05
    Calvin 8:01, 6:29, 10:21, 5:07, 29:58
    The girls course covers the last 5 km (also the last two splits) of the boys course. The first section is rolling up and the last section has a quick downhill leading into a 1 km steep uphill finish.
    Maria 10:13, 5:31, 15:44
    Megan 10:50, 6:12, 17:02
    Brooke 11:20, 6:14, 17:34
    Issy 11:44, 6:13, 17:57
    Heidi 12:05, 6:45, 18:50
    Mackenzie 12:25, 6:46, 19:11
    Mollie 12:47, 7:02, 19:49
    Tess 13:00, 6:51, 19:51
    Anika started with the boys and finished at the bottom of the last big climb (at 9 km). This was by design. Here are her splits:
    Anika 8:43, 6:49, 11:38.
    We had a few kids who were fighting colds or a bit tired so they skied easier and did pick ups as the racers went by. We were very happy with everyones efforts. Everyone was charging hard and it was good to see.
    Pictures are from the cool-down today – all three coaches were timing and taking video, so no on course pictures, sorry!

  • The Birkie Is Filling Up, Register Now!

    Yes, this race is capped, so if you’re thinking of doing it, you’d better sign up now (click here for registration)! I remember the first time I did the Birkie back when I was 18, I was able to wait until the week before the event…but those days are long gone and if you don’t sign up before it closes, it’s VERY difficult to get in (I’d say impossible, but I’ve heard of it happening at great expense to the competitor, believe me you don’t want to go that route, just bite the bullet and sign up!).

  • The Birkie Is Filling Up, Register Now!

    Yes, this race is capped, so if you’re thinking of doing it, you’d better sign up now (click here for registration)! I remember the first time I did the Birkie back when I was 18, I was able to wait until the week before the event…but those days are long gone and if you don’t sign up before it closes, it’s VERY difficult to get in (I’d say impossible, but I’ve heard of it happening at great

  • USST 2011-2012 Preview

    Another season is just around the corner! While the USST saw some changes over the off season, the folks we are most likely to see top results from are still the Big Three: Kikkan Randall, Andy Newell and Kris Freeman.

    My expectations and questions for Freeman are summed up in this graph:

    This shows his median (and 10th/90th percentile – errorbars) WC results by month, using standardized percent behind the median skier. Freeman has tended to see a big dropoff in January and has had inconsistent results mid-season. The differences between the months may not seem huge, since the y axis units are not something you’re used to thinking in. But keep in mind that a difference of 0.5 can easily mean the difference between 10th and 30th (or more).

    So I won’t be surprised if Freeman comes out of the gate skiing fast in November, but I’ll be very curious what happens when we hit January.

    As for Kikkan Randall, I think there’s probably a lot of excitement surrounding her, considering the breakthrough season she had last year. I’ve spoken before on this blog about her chances for contending for the WC sprint title, and I think she certainly will be a podium contender in every freestyle sprint she enters. But here’s a minor note of caution:

    This graph shows the difference in finishing place in sprint races when Björgen and Randall have skied against each other. My point here is that Björgen is still probably the overwhelming favorite in pretty much any matchup. Sure, Randall beat her twice last season, but she’s still a ways away from what I’d call ‘parity’.

    Finally, Andy Newell. He has to be simultaneously one of the best and most frustrating American skiers in history. And by that I only mean that after all the consistent top 12 results he’s had over the years I think I’m speaking for everyone when I say that I really, really am pulling for some podiums, or at least some consistency in making it through to the finals.

    So it’s with a little bit of concern that I note the slight uptick in his results last season:

    And it’s slight, but the last three seasons seem to have seen fewer forays into the top 6. I think Newell had some issues with his training last year, so hopefully he’s sorted that out and I can finally cheer for him in the finals regularly, rather than occasionally. He deserves is after knocking on the door for this long.

    Related posts:

    1. <USST Preview: Simi Hamilton & Noah Hoffman
    2. <USST Preview: Kikkan Randall
    3. <USST Preview: Andrew Newell


  • USST 2011-2012 Preview

    Another season is just around the corner! While the USST saw some changes over the off season, the folks we are most likely to see top results from are still the Big Three: Kikkan Randall, Andy Newell and Kris Freeman.

    My expectations and questions for Freeman are summed up in this graph:

    This shows his median (and 10th/90th percentile – errorbars) WC results by month, using standardized percent behind the median skier. Freeman has tended to see a big dropoff in January and has had inconsistent results mid-season. The differences between the months may not seem huge, since the y axis units are not something you’re used to thinking in. But keep in mind that a difference of 0.5 can easily mean the difference between 10th and 30th (or more).

    So I won’t be surprised if Freeman comes out of the gate skiing fast in November, but I’ll be very curious what happens when we hit January.

    As for Kikkan Randall, I think there’s probably a lot of excitement surrounding her, considering the breakthrough season she had last year. I’ve spoken before on this blog about her chances for contending for the WC sprint title, and I think she certainly will be a podium contender in every freestyle sprint she enters. But here’s a minor note of caution:

    This graph shows the difference in finishing place in sprint races when Björgen and Randall have skied against each other. My point here is that Björgen is still probably the overwhelming favorite in pretty much any matchup. Sure, Randall beat her twice last season, but she’s still a ways away from what I’d call ‘parity’.

    Finally, Andy Newell. He has to be simultaneously one of the best and most frustrating American skiers in history. And by that I only mean that after all the consistent top 12 results he’s had over the years I think I’m speaking for everyone when I say that I really, really am pulling for some podiums, or at least some consistency in making it through to the finals.

    So it’s with a little bit of concern that I note the slight uptick in his results last season:

    And it’s slight, but the last three seasons seem to have seen fewer forays into the top 6. I think Newell had some issues with his training last year, so hopefully he’s sorted that out and I can finally cheer for him in the finals regularly, rather than occasionally. He deserves is after knocking on the door for this long.

    Related posts:

    1. <USST Preview: Simi Hamilton & Noah Hoffman
    2. <USST Preview: Kikkan Randall
    3. <USST Preview: Andrew Newell


  • New Strength Video

    Check out our new strength and recovery plan click: HERE or view below

  • Silver Star: Day 2

    Ugh. Altitude gets to me on the second day. After a solid 4 hours of training yesterday I woke up this morning with the groggy head, dry throat and sore muscles which always compliment a trip to higher elevations. I opted to classic ski this morning and took the straight route to the top of the mountain where I got some great views of the surrounding hills/mountains.


    Being up there also reminded me of what I can’t wait to do after my final long ski at the end of this week – slice some pristine powder on the yet-unopened alpine runs.

    This morning I met with Guy Paulsen, Silver Star’s new Nordic Director. He was great to talk with and generously granted me privileges to the N.A.T.C. (National Altitude Training Center) gym facilities, and a reduced-rate trail pass. He was immediately understanding of the financial strain of traveling athletes and was quick to put his influence to work.

    In the same socializing vein, tonight I had David Bonn, MOD benefactor and Methow local, up for a dinner of burritos. David’s been up here since Friday getting first tracks so we caught up on happenings over huge piles of beans, rice and chicken. He’s a tech guy so I got to find out about all the new sweet perks of the IPhone 4 and such. I still think I’d break one within a day.

    Speedwork is scheduled for tomorrow morning – hill sprints and flat sprints. Then a distance workout in the afternoon, and harder aerobic intervals on Thursday. More photos as I get ’em, but here’s a parting shot:

  • Silver Star: Day 2

    Ugh. Altitude gets to me on the second day. After a solid 4 hours of training yesterday I woke up this morning with the groggy head, dry throat and sore muscles which always compliment a trip to higher elevations. I opted to classic ski this morning and took the straight route to the top of the mountain where I got some great views of the surrounding hills/mountains.


    Being up there also reminded me of what I can’t wait to do after my final long ski at the end of this week – slice some pristine powder on the yet-unopened alpine runs.

    This morning I met with Guy Paulsen, Silver Star’s new Nordic Director. He was great to talk with and generously granted me privileges to the N.A.T.C. (National Altitude Training Center) gym facilities, and a reduced-rate trail pass. He was immediately understanding of the financial strain of traveling athletes and was quick to put his influence to work.

    In the same socializing vein, tonight I had David Bonn, MOD benefactor and Methow local, up for a dinner of burritos. David’s been up here since Friday getting first tracks so we caught up on happenings over huge piles of beans, rice and chicken. He’s a tech guy so I got to find out about all the new sweet perks of the IPhone 4 and such. I still think I’d break one within a day.

    Speedwork is scheduled for tomorrow morning – hill sprints and flat sprints. Then a distance workout in the afternoon, and harder aerobic intervals on Thursday. More photos as I get ’em, but here’s a parting shot:

  • Building up to Yellowstone: Max Speeds on Bragg Hill

    “Why are we still rollerskiing?” Dev seems to ask as he cruises by me on Rt. 17 with a Budweiser can stuck on his road tip. It’s a pretty good question: here it is November 15th and the promise of an early winter seems to be fading with every successive 60-degree day.

    While we’re still out here, though, we’re going to make the most of it and have fun any way we can, whether that fun comes from cleaning up road trash with ski poles, or exploring a new route back to school from the top of Bragg…
    This time of year is always the hardest: the daylight fades in mid-afternoon and we jealously hear daily updates from the alpine team, who have been busy shredding the gnar in Vail for more than a week. Meanwhile, our skis are freshly ground (an in-house operation orchestrated by Todd Carroll, the alpine ski guru) and ready for West Yellowstone next week. 
    Until then, we’re going to keep getting after it, and what better way than to take out some rage on the pavement. We once again took to the big hill out back for our max speed workout. 6, 8, 12, 6, 8, 12, 6, 8, 12.

    It’s always nice to be able to ski together as a team. We traded leads up to Battlegrounds and back to warmup.
    Ryley leads the pack: Heidi, Dev, Justin, and Hans.

    “Carpe skiem” is a pretty sweet motto.
    After skiing midway up Bragg, the warmup is over and everything moves pretty fast until the end of the workout. These four skied neck and neck for most of the speeds.

    We had some sibling speeds going early in this workout: Heidi and Hans with game faces on!
     Pausing for a laugh after pole-planting frustration. 

    Dev almost goes down in back, after Justin had almost gone down out of the start: this was a race to the yellow sign, our marker for the top of the workout.
     Hans went so fast he scratched the pavement with the bolts on his Marwes.
    Heidi makes big motions to the top of the valley.
    Then down we go.
    Gettin’ angles.
     Dev, Ryley, and horses.
     
    Rafter always likes to guard the van from the front seat.

    Horses.

  • Building up to Yellowstone: Max Speeds on Bragg Hill

    “Why are we still rollerskiing?” Dev seems to ask as he cruises by me on Rt. 17 with a Budweiser can stuck on his road tip. It’s a pretty good question: here it is November 15th and the promise of an early winter seems to be fading with every successive 60-degree day.

    While we’re still out here, though, we’re going to make the most of it and have fun any way we can, whether that fun comes from cleaning up road trash with ski poles, or exploring a new route back to school from the top of Bragg…
    This time of year is always the hardest: the daylight fades in mid-afternoon and we jealously hear daily updates from the alpine team, who have been busy shredding the gnar in Vail for more than a week. Meanwhile, our skis are freshly ground (an in-house operation orchestrated by Todd Carroll, the alpine ski guru) and ready for West Yellowstone next week. 
    Until then, we’re going to keep getting after it, and what better way than to take out some rage on the pavement. We once again took to the big hill out back for our max speed workout. 6, 8, 12, 6, 8, 12, 6, 8, 12.

    It’s always nice to be able to ski together as a team. We traded leads up to Battlegrounds and back to warmup.
    Ryley leads the pack: Heidi, Dev, Justin, and Hans.

    “Carpe skiem” is a pretty sweet motto.
    After skiing midway up Bragg, the warmup is over and everything moves pretty fast until the end of the workout. These four skied neck and neck for most of the speeds.

    We had some sibling speeds going early in this workout: Heidi and Hans with game faces on!
     Pausing for a laugh after pole-planting frustration. 

    Dev almost goes down in back, after Justin had almost gone down out of the start: this was a race to the yellow sign, our marker for the top of the workout.
     Hans went so fast he scratched the pavement with the bolts on his Marwes.
    Heidi makes big motions to the top of the valley.
    Then down we go.
    Gettin’ angles.
     Dev, Ryley, and horses.
     
    Rafter always likes to guard the van from the front seat.

    Horses.

  • We’re On Snow

    Temps at -2C, grip with Rode Violet Multigrade

    Lots of people have been asking if we’re skiing here yet.    The answer is YES!

    Although there have been some groomed tracks for several days, I finally got out today for some laps on the classic tracks at Lone Fir Campground, an early season option in the North Cascades, a few miles east of Washington Pass.

    And very sunny…

    As the snows move down the mountain toward the valley floor, the grooming moves down the mountain, too.    If the weather forecast is accurate, we should be skiing at Klipchuck in a few days, which allows for  longer and more interesting loops.      The season is really here now.

  • We’re On Snow

    Temps at -2C, grip with Rode Violet Multigrade

    Lots of people have been asking if we’re skiing here yet.    The answer is YES!

    Although there have been some groomed tracks for several days, I finally got out today for some laps on the classic tracks at Lone Fir Campground, an early season option in the North Cascades, a few miles east of Washington Pass.

    And very sunny…

    As the snows move down the mountain toward the valley floor, the grooming moves down the mountain, too.    If the weather forecast is accurate, we should be skiing at Klipchuck in a few days, which allows for  longer and more interesting loops.      The season is really here now.

  • Skiing Celebration of "Tri-Eleven Day"

    111 kms on 11/11/11.

  • Mad River Ascent

    GMVS coaches are helping out the local, Mad River BKL Club, and getting the kids motivated for the upcoming season.  This week the young skiers met up for two practices, one at Mad River Glen and one at GMVS.  Both involved a little adventure and a lot of smiles!
    Youngsters from the Mad River Valley are super fortunate to have one of the best backyards ever.  With three alpine and two nordic areas right here in the Valley it’s hard to grow up without two planks on your feet.
    Looking down into the Valley from Birdland.

  • Mad River Ascent

    GMVS coaches are helping out the local, Mad River BKL Club, and getting the kids motivated for the upcoming season.  This week the young skiers met up for two practices, one at Mad River Glen and one at GMVS.  Both involved a little adventure and a lot of smiles!
    Youngsters from the Mad River Valley are super fortunate to have one of the best backyards ever.  With three alpine and two nordic areas right here in the Valley it’s hard to grow up without two planks on your feet.
    Looking down into the Valley from Birdland.

  • Easy Ski/Drills + DRIVE FOR 25

    This morning we did an easy classic ski near school and broke up into small groups for some classic drills. Pictures here are of everyone doing the running drill – going from a run to full-on classic stride and working on getting weight forward and having a nice, snappy kick. We did one-on-one meetings with each skier after practice and then headed to the dining hall for lunch. Everyone’s in class now and the coaches are busy unpacking and organizing everyone’s skis that were recently stoneground by Caldwell Sport. Tomorrow is our last race for Nationals Week – a 5/10k classic. Stay tuned!

    Check out the progress being made with the Drive for 25 today. Keep the momentum going and donate $25 if you can. All proceeds support developing skiers in the US and great programs/trips/camps like the J2 Elite Camp, the J1 Trip, World Juniors, etc. Thank you so much to all the SMS athletes, alums, & families who have already contributed! It’s great to see so many SMS names on the donor list.

  • Easy Ski/Drills + DRIVE FOR 25

    This morning we did an easy classic ski near school and broke up into small groups for some classic drills. Pictures here are of everyone doing the running drill – going from a run to full-on classic stride and working on getting weight forward and having a nice, snappy kick. We did one-on-one meetings with each skier after practice and then headed to the dining hall for lunch. Everyone’s in class now and the coaches are busy unpacking and organizing everyone’s skis that were recently stoneground by Caldwell Sport. Tomorrow is our last race for Nationals Week – a 5/10k classic. Stay tuned!

    Check out the progress being made with the Drive for 25 today. Keep the momentum going and donate $25 if you can. All proceeds support developing skiers in the US and great programs/trips/camps like the J2 Elite Camp, the J1 Trip, World Juniors, etc. Thank you so much to all the SMS athletes, alums, & families who have already contributed! It’s great to see so many SMS names on the donor list.

  • Annual Mazama Orienteering

  • Annual Mazama Orienteering

  • Annual Mazama Orienteering