FasterSkier

Category: XCFeeds

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

  • Mr. Peck’s Lil Meteorologists

  • Brattleboro XC Race

    We headed to Brattleboro, VT on Tuesday for our second cross country race of the year and faced a slightly more competitive field (Rutland, Mt. Anthony (Bennington), and Brattleboro) than we saw two weeks ago at Bellows Falls. The course is also quite a bit tougher, with the race taking place in a sloping cornfield and in the hills in the woods. Little of the race is flat! The co-ed junior high race started off first and Russell and Mackenzie both started smartly and moved into the lead of their respective races by the end of the first kilometer. Russell never looked back and went for the win and Mackenzie dropped all but two boys on her way to being the first girl and the third junior high finisher overall!
    Junior high racing gets underway (Russell in neon, Mackenzie right behind in the middle).
    Russell takes charge…

    …and emerges from the woods without his shirt!


    Mackenzie looking strong after 1K.

    Russell speeds into the finish.

    Mackenzie holds off two hard-charging boys to claim third place.

    Boys warm up for their race. We had six boys in the race – Calvin, Paddy, Hamish, Tyler, Gino, and Mac – and they finished in that order in 2nd, 4th, 11th, 18th, 19th and 25th places.

    Calvin, 2nd – 17:50
    Paddy, 4th – 18:28
    Hamish, 11th – 20:03
    Tyler, 18th – 20:45
    Gino, 19th – 20:49
    Mac, 25th – 21:27

    A few strides before the start…

    …and they’re off!
    Great photos from Herve Pelletier! Thanks! Calvin above.
    Gino.
    Hamish.
    Mac.
    Paddy.
    Tyler.
    Paddy with Calvin right behind after 1K.

    Calvin heading for the last lap in the woods with Brattleboro right in tow.


    Tyler.
    Gino.
    Paddy.

    Girls arrive after biking from the bottom of the Stratton access road – 30 miles! Corky, Charlie and Murph biked too.

    Girls race gets started! Issy and Kate moved to the front right away, with Grace Wright (Rutland) sticking close behind Issy for 2K before she made her move. Issy and Kate ended up 2nd and 3rd.

    Issy, 2nd – 22:35
    Kate, 3rd – 23:17

    Issy has the lead as they pass through by the start for the first time.

    Kate ran the entire race in third place.

    Sprinting in for the finish.

    Issy.

    Kate.
    John Dimick, the Brattleboro coach, celebrated his birthday on Tuesday – Sverre got the crowd to sing happy birthday to him!

  • Checking in with the Old Roommates

    About a year ago, I moved out from Bend, Oregon. For those of you who’ve never spent a day in this small city oasis by the Deschutes River, it’s a pretty amazing place. Volcano-made mountains frame the West. Juniper and sage and open country to the east. It’s a place where one can ski through June, on either early morning crust or groomed nordic trails. As the county seat, the city of 80,000 entices a unique collection of individuals to the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains.

    The other day I received a message from an old roommate. It seems Sara Salo finished up grad school in Community Wellness at Oregon State University – yeah, that’s one really long commute – and decided to take what she learned on the road. Sara’s one of those people who gets an idea in her head, then goes for it. And I mean 100%.

    Last time I saw Sara, we met up at Rincon Point, just south of Santa Barbara, California. I had just finished up the ski season and needed a little time with old friends and in the ocean. Sara was down there, learning from the food guru Jamie Oliver how to encourage schools to create healthier school environments. I remember her saying something about an obesity issue in America, and how schools that embraced healthy eating were making a real, tangible difference in the health of America’s young’ens.

    Fast forward one year and Sara’s now on a solo, self-supported six-thousand mile bicycle across the United States to do all she can to help create healthier school environments. If you’re someone whose interested in reading this blog, I’d really encourage you to also check out what Ms. Salo is up to.

    You can follow along at: http://schoolfoodtour.org

    On another note, another old roommate by the name of Carl Decker is still making it in the mountain bike scene, while driving the Wheels of Teal as well. You can check out the ’92 Subaru at the X-Games here:

    Until the next time. +Torin

  • Checking in with the Old Roommates

    About a year ago, I moved out from Bend, Oregon. For those of you who’ve never spent a day in this small city oasis by the Deschutes River, it’s a pretty amazing place. Volcano-made mountains frame the West. Juniper and sage and open country to the east. It’s a place where one can ski through June, on either early morning crust or groomed nordic trails. As the county seat, the city of 80,000 entices a unique collection of individuals to the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains.

    The other day I received a message from an old roommate. It seems Sara Salo finished up grad school in Community Wellness at Oregon State University – yeah, that’s one really long commute – and decided to take what she learned on the road. Sara’s one of those people who gets an idea in her head, then goes for it. And I mean 100%.

    Last time I saw Sara, we met up at Rincon Point, just south of Santa Barbara, California. I had just finished up the ski season and needed a little time with old friends and in the ocean. Sara was down there, learning from the food guru Jamie Oliver how to encourage schools to create healthier school environments. I remember her saying something about an obesity issue in America, and how schools that embraced healthy eating were making a real, tangible difference in the health of America’s young’ens.

    Fast forward one year and Sara’s now on a solo, self-supported six-thousand mile bicycle across the United States to do all she can to help create healthier school environments. If you’re someone whose interested in reading this blog, I’d really encourage you to also check out what Ms. Salo is up to.

    You can follow along at: http://schoolfoodtour.org

    On another note, another old roommate by the name of Carl Decker is still making it in the mountain bike scene, while driving the Wheels of Teal as well. You can check out the ’92 Subaru at the X-Games here:

    Until the next time. +Torin

  • Checking in with the Old Roommates

    About a year ago, I moved out from Bend, Oregon. For those of you who’ve never spent a day in this small city oasis by the Deschutes River, it’s a pretty amazing place. Volcano-made mountains frame the West. Juniper and sage and open country to the east. It’s a place where one can ski through June, on either early morning crust or groomed nordic trails. As the county seat, the city of 80,000 entices a unique collection of individuals to the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains.

    The other day I received a message from an old roommate. It seems Sara Salo finished up grad school in Community Wellness at Oregon State University – yeah, that’s one really long commute – and decided to take what she learned on the road. Sara’s one of those people who gets an idea in her head, then goes for it. And I mean 100%.

    Last time I saw Sara, we met up at Rincon Point, just south of Santa Barbara, California. I had just finished up the ski season and needed a little time with old friends and in the ocean. Sara was down there, learning from the food guru Jamie Oliver how to encourage schools to create healthier school environments. I remember her saying something about an obesity issue in America, and how schools that embraced healthy eating were making a real, tangible difference in the health of America’s young’ens.

    Fast forward one year and Sara’s now on a solo, self-supported six-thousand mile bicycle across the United States to do all she can to help create healthier school environments. If you’re someone whose interested in reading this blog, I’d really encourage you to also check out what Ms. Salo is up to.

    You can follow along at: http://schoolfoodtour.org

    On another note, another old roommate by the name of Carl Decker is still making it in the mountain bike scene, while driving the Wheels of Teal as well. You can check out the ’92 Subaru at the X-Games here:

    Until the next time. +Torin

  • Checking in with the Old Roommates

    About a year ago, I moved out from Bend, Oregon. For those of you who’ve never spent a day in this small city oasis by the Deschutes River, it’s a pretty amazing place. Volcano-made mountains frame the West. Juniper and sage and open country to the east. It’s a place where one can ski through June, on either early morning crust or groomed nordic trails. As the county seat, the city of 80,000 entices a unique collection of individuals to the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains.

    The other day I received a message from an old roommate. It seems Sara Salo finished up grad school in Community Wellness at Oregon State University – yeah, that’s one really long commute – and decided to take what she learned on the road. Sara’s one of those people who gets an idea in her head, then goes for it. And I mean 100%.

    Last time I saw Sara, we met up at Rincon Point, just south of Santa Barbara, California. I had just finished up the ski season and needed a little time with old friends and in the ocean. Sara was down there, learning from the food guru Jamie Oliver how to encourage schools to create healthier school environments. I remember her saying something about an obesity issue in America, and how schools that embraced healthy eating were making a real, tangible difference in the health of America’s young’ens.

    Fast forward one year and Sara’s now on a solo, self-supported six-thousand mile bicycle across the United States to do all she can to help create healthier school environments. If you’re someone whose interested in reading this blog, I’d really encourage you to also check out what Ms. Salo is up to.

    You can follow along at: http://schoolfoodtour.org

    On another note, another old roommate by the name of Carl Decker is still making it in the mountain bike scene, while driving the Wheels of Teal as well. You can check out the ’92 Subaru at the X-Games here:

    Until the next time. +Torin

  • Italian Dream – GMVSxc

     It’s hard to believe we have only been here for seven days — there will be a lag on our pictures — as we process the truly remarkable experiences we are having on this year’s trip to Italy.  Our hosts have been so gracious (maple syrup is always a good thing to travel with:) and the mountains of the Sud Tirol are more accessible than ever with good weather and our increased knowledge of the area.  Each day seems to have it’s own magic and we are making some incredible training.
     Our first trip to the Stelvio Glacier was nothing short of awesome!  We chose to drive up through Switzerland, through the hometown of Dario Cologna, which affords a slightly less windy drive and as our Swiss Alum, Elena Luethi, always told me, unsurpassed beauty.  We saw one car on the drive up the pass and had a spectacular moon hovering over the valley as we ascended.  To get to the ski tracks you take two trams and a combination of Poma lifts that are fun in their own right.  There is slightly less snow than last year, but the track was groomed with better lines, climbing 120 feet over about two miles per loop.  The snow was very fast and easy to ski on, which is nice at 10,000 feet.
     Of course we cannot train much up that high, so our training is complimented by work down in the Valleys too.  Here Kaitlin is working on some classic technique at the Schlinig Roller Ski Track — the same trails used for World Junior Champs a few years ago.
     Antoine has been training with the Biathlon program here several times during the week — making good shooting and some combos.  Coach Andy is a favorite and has name Antoine — Tony.
     For a recovery session we took to the lakes by Langtaufers to give the legs a rest and get the core and lat muscles a little work.  The lake was formed when they flooded the Valley for hydro electric.  The old town was submerged and there is a beautiful clock tower that peaks out of the water a few miles north of where we began our paddle.
     Dev striking a classic “old school” paddling pose.
     Look at the form these nordic skiers have in the kayak! Must be a good teacher out there somewhere 🙂  Heidi, Dev, and Ryley getting some good upper body rotation.
     One of those special moments: when we came to the clock tower there was a faux building attached with a tile roof and Red Bull plastered to the side.  There was a cable stretched from one side of the bay to the other — “Something is going on here!” — so we sat and watched.  Here comes the surprise, a wakeboarder being dragged by a winch starts out of the water and heads straight for us!  No time to react and somehow Evan holds his camera steady as the Red Bull athlete takes full speed and carves a turn directly in front of us — soaking the entire lot with a heavy spray of glacial water — more refreshing than Double Mint Gum let me tell you!

     A moose? Victory stance? Who cares — we’re skiing in September!

     Tony learning the ropes of the kayak or “kanu” as it is called here.
     This is certainly a “rock on” moment.
     Arriving at the Stelvio.
     Getting instructions and gearing up for the first ski of the 2011-12 ski season.  We monitored heart rates and lactate and compared these with levels from below in the valley the day before.  The order of the day was to make consistent skiing with heartrates not exceeding Levels 1-2.  The kids did a great job with this and seemed to be better prepared for the altitude than last year.  The gradual track helped too.
     Evan has been taking some amazing photographs — this one really puts the experience and the setting in perspective.  Ryley near the top of the loop working on knee flexion and a serious tan!
     Looking down towards Switzerland and the mountains of the Sud Tirol.  Tony climbing.
     Kaitlin showing nice V1 form.
     Devlin ripping the fast corner near the top of the track.
     What goes down must go back up!
     Tony and the glaciers.
     Smiles for miles.
     Heidi following Fiona, a member of the British National Team.
     And I’m done.
     Perhaps some of you recognized our company on the top photo of the blog — British Superstar Andrew Musgrave was very friendly and let the kids tag along for a bit — he too was very cautious of his pacing and it was nice to speak with a English tongue after a week in Italian and German!
     Just for a bit Heidi!!!

     A little downhill training is a good way to capitalize on snow time and enjoy some gravity.  Taking the upper Poma.
     Taking in the “gobstopper” of a view.  Looking toward Bormio and some impressive glaciers, river valleys, and rugged country.
     Evan is a rock man — geology and music — is this heaven?

     Our new assistant coach has been been taking some amazing photographs.  Evan Dethier soaking in the Italian sun and getting in a little coaching workout.
    Lots more to come — it doesn’t seem there is enough time in the days over here.  It snowed down to a 1500 meters last night, perhaps up to a meter on the Stelvio.  Tomorrow promises to be an epic day and we hope to ski on hardwax.  The Italian National Team is here for camp.  I have to run to dinner.  Our internet problem seems to have resolved itself — stay tuned to the blog and enjoy the ride.

  • Italian Dream – GMVSxc

     It’s hard to believe we have only been here for seven days — there will be a lag on our pictures — as we process the truly remarkable experiences we are having on this year’s trip to Italy.  Our hosts have been so gracious (maple syrup is always a good thing to travel with:) and the mountains of the Sud Tirol are more accessible than ever with good weather and our increased knowledge of the area.  Each day seems to have it’s own magic and we are making some incredible training.
     Our first trip to the Stelvio Glacier was nothing short of awesome!  We chose to drive up through Switzerland, through the hometown of Dario Cologna, which affords a slightly less windy drive and as our Swiss Alum, Elena Luethi, always told me, unsurpassed beauty.  We saw one car on the drive up the pass and had a spectacular moon hovering over the valley as we ascended.  To get to the ski tracks you take two trams and a combination of Poma lifts that are fun in their own right.  There is slightly less snow than last year, but the track was groomed with better lines, climbing 120 feet over about two miles per loop.  The snow was very fast and easy to ski on, which is nice at 10,000 feet.
     Of course we cannot train much up that high, so our training is complimented by work down in the Valleys too.  Here Kaitlin is working on some classic technique at the Schlinig Roller Ski Track — the same trails used for World Junior Champs a few years ago.
     Antoine has been training with the Biathlon program here several times during the week — making good shooting and some combos.  Coach Andy is a favorite and has name Antoine — Tony.
     For a recovery session we took to the lakes by Langtaufers to give the legs a rest and get the core and lat muscles a little work.  The lake was formed when they flooded the Valley for hydro electric.  The old town was submerged and there is a beautiful clock tower that peaks out of the water a few miles north of where we began our paddle.
     Dev striking a classic “old school” paddling pose.
     Look at the form these nordic skiers have in the kayak! Must be a good teacher out there somewhere 🙂  Heidi, Dev, and Ryley getting some good upper body rotation.
     One of those special moments: when we came to the clock tower there was a faux building attached with a tile roof and Red Bull plastered to the side.  There was a cable stretched from one side of the bay to the other — “Something is going on here!” — so we sat and watched.  Here comes the surprise, a wakeboarder being dragged by a winch starts out of the water and heads straight for us!  No time to react and somehow Evan holds his camera steady as the Red Bull athlete takes full speed and carves a turn directly in front of us — soaking the entire lot with a heavy spray of glacial water — more refreshing than Double Mint Gum let me tell you!

     A moose? Victory stance? Who cares — we’re skiing in September!

     Tony learning the ropes of the kayak or “kanu” as it is called here.
     This is certainly a “rock on” moment.
     Arriving at the Stelvio.
     Getting instructions and gearing up for the first ski of the 2011-12 ski season.  We monitored heart rates and lactate and compared these with levels from below in the valley the day before.  The order of the day was to make consistent skiing with heartrates not exceeding Levels 1-2.  The kids did a great job with this and seemed to be better prepared for the altitude than last year.  The gradual track helped too.
     Evan has been taking some amazing photographs — this one really puts the experience and the setting in perspective.  Ryley near the top of the loop working on knee flexion and a serious tan!
     Looking down towards Switzerland and the mountains of the Sud Tirol.  Tony climbing.
     Kaitlin showing nice V1 form.
     Devlin ripping the fast corner near the top of the track.
     What goes down must go back up!
     Tony and the glaciers.
     Smiles for miles.
     Heidi following Fiona, a member of the British National Team.
     And I’m done.
     Perhaps some of you recognized our company on the top photo of the blog — British Superstar Andrew Musgrave was very friendly and let the kids tag along for a bit — he too was very cautious of his pacing and it was nice to speak with a English tongue after a week in Italian and German!
     Just for a bit Heidi!!!

     A little downhill training is a good way to capitalize on snow time and enjoy some gravity.  Taking the upper Poma.
     Taking in the “gobstopper” of a view.  Looking toward Bormio and some impressive glaciers, river valleys, and rugged country.
     Evan is a rock man — geology and music — is this heaven?

     Our new assistant coach has been been taking some amazing photographs.  Evan Dethier soaking in the Italian sun and getting in a little coaching workout.
    Lots more to come — it doesn’t seem there is enough time in the days over here.  It snowed down to a 1500 meters last night, perhaps up to a meter on the Stelvio.  Tomorrow promises to be an epic day and we hope to ski on hardwax.  The Italian National Team is here for camp.  I have to run to dinner.  Our internet problem seems to have resolved itself — stay tuned to the blog and enjoy the ride.

  • Italian Dream – GMVSxc

     It’s hard to believe we have only been here for seven days — there will be a lag on our pictures — as we process the truly remarkable experiences we are having on this year’s trip to Italy.  Our hosts have been so gracious (maple syrup is always a good thing to travel with:) and the mountains of the Sud Tirol are more accessible than ever with good weather and our increased knowledge of the area.  Each day seems to have it’s own magic and we are making some incredible training.
     Our first trip to the Stelvio Glacier was nothing short of awesome!  We chose to drive up through Switzerland, through the hometown of Dario Cologna, which affords a slightly less windy drive and as our Swiss Alum, Elena Luethi, always told me, unsurpassed beauty.  We saw one car on the drive up the pass and had a spectacular moon hovering over the valley as we ascended.  To get to the ski tracks you take two trams and a combination of Poma lifts that are fun in their own right.  There is slightly less snow than last year, but the track was groomed with better lines, climbing 120 feet over about two miles per loop.  The snow was very fast and easy to ski on, which is nice at 10,000 feet.
     Of course we cannot train much up that high, so our training is complimented by work down in the Valleys too.  Here Kaitlin is working on some classic technique at the Schlinig Roller Ski Track — the same trails used for World Junior Champs a few years ago.
     Antoine has been training with the Biathlon program here several times during the week — making good shooting and some combos.  Coach Andy is a favorite and has name Antoine — Tony.
     For a recovery session we took to the lakes by Langtaufers to give the legs a rest and get the core and lat muscles a little work.  The lake was formed when they flooded the Valley for hydro electric.  The old town was submerged and there is a beautiful clock tower that peaks out of the water a few miles north of where we began our paddle.
     Dev striking a classic “old school” paddling pose.
     Look at the form these nordic skiers have in the kayak! Must be a good teacher out there somewhere 🙂  Heidi, Dev, and Ryley getting some good upper body rotation.
     One of those special moments: when we came to the clock tower there was a faux building attached with a tile roof and Red Bull plastered to the side.  There was a cable stretched from one side of the bay to the other — “Something is going on here!” — so we sat and watched.  Here comes the surprise, a wakeboarder being dragged by a winch starts out of the water and heads straight for us!  No time to react and somehow Evan holds his camera steady as the Red Bull athlete takes full speed and carves a turn directly in front of us — soaking the entire lot with a heavy spray of glacial water — more refreshing than Double Mint Gum let me tell you!

     A moose? Victory stance? Who cares — we’re skiing in September!

     Tony learning the ropes of the kayak or “kanu” as it is called here.
     This is certainly a “rock on” moment.
     Arriving at the Stelvio.
     Getting instructions and gearing up for the first ski of the 2011-12 ski season.  We monitored heart rates and lactate and compared these with levels from below in the valley the day before.  The order of the day was to make consistent skiing with heartrates not exceeding Levels 1-2.  The kids did a great job with this and seemed to be better prepared for the altitude than last year.  The gradual track helped too.
     Evan has been taking some amazing photographs — this one really puts the experience and the setting in perspective.  Ryley near the top of the loop working on knee flexion and a serious tan!
     Looking down towards Switzerland and the mountains of the Sud Tirol.  Tony climbing.
     Kaitlin showing nice V1 form.
     Devlin ripping the fast corner near the top of the track.
     What goes down must go back up!
     Tony and the glaciers.
     Smiles for miles.
     Heidi following Fiona, a member of the British National Team.
     And I’m done.
     Perhaps some of you recognized our company on the top photo of the blog — British Superstar Andrew Musgrave was very friendly and let the kids tag along for a bit — he too was very cautious of his pacing and it was nice to speak with a English tongue after a week in Italian and German!
     Just for a bit Heidi!!!

     A little downhill training is a good way to capitalize on snow time and enjoy some gravity.  Taking the upper Poma.
     Taking in the “gobstopper” of a view.  Looking toward Bormio and some impressive glaciers, river valleys, and rugged country.
     Evan is a rock man — geology and music — is this heaven?

     Our new assistant coach has been been taking some amazing photographs.  Evan Dethier soaking in the Italian sun and getting in a little coaching workout.
    Lots more to come — it doesn’t seem there is enough time in the days over here.  It snowed down to a 1500 meters last night, perhaps up to a meter on the Stelvio.  Tomorrow promises to be an epic day and we hope to ski on hardwax.  The Italian National Team is here for camp.  I have to run to dinner.  Our internet problem seems to have resolved itself — stay tuned to the blog and enjoy the ride.

  • Climb To The Castle – Men

    This annual rollerski race was this past weekend, and as usual attracted a fair number of good domestic skiers. With the US Ski Team attending, it’s a good chance for folks to test themselves against folks like Kris Freeman. As with any other race, it’s natural to ask what the results “mean”. There are no concrete answers to that kind of question, but we can provide some context. For example, since Kris Freeman is essentially the benchmark for US distance racers unable to get to Europe that often, we can look at how people’s performance against him would compare in a WC race.

    All of this is highly approximate, of course.

    I’ve taken Freeman’s races from last season, removed some of the least comparable (prologue’s for example), and then calculated where in each of these WC races folks would have placed if they finished the same percent behind Freeman as they did in Climb to the Castle. Blank entries in the table indicate that that person’s percent back places them after the last WC skiers in that race.

    If you’re wondering about the runs of identical places in the columns, the reason is that there are often some large time gaps at the very back of the field, so there are a wide range of percent backs that might fit between second to last and last, for instance.

     

    Name 11-20 12-11 12-18 01-03 01-08 02-19 02-27 03-01 03-12 03-19
    FREEMAN 9 23 25 11 38 57 29 24 26 20
    BURKE 15 26 27 33 39 64 31 28 32 26
    HOFFMAN 36 44 34 38 40 75 43 41 45 29
    NEWELL 53 60 41 48 40 80 50 49 51 32
    ELLEFSON 71 62 44 52 81 53 53 58 35
    ELLIOT 80 67 57 58 84 60 60 62 42
    O BRIEN 95 75 64 84 65 69 48
    HAMILTON 99 76 64 71 49
    JOHNSON 102 77 74 49
    LAPIERRE 102 77 75 49

    Related posts:

    1. <La Clusaz Recap: North American Men
    2. <Race Snapshot: TdS Final Climb
    3. <U23 Pursuit Recap: Men


  • Anwatin Ski Team Practice

    In 2008 Anwatin middle school started a cross country ski program through the support of the US Olympic Committee’s Urban Development Program. Anwatin middle school rests on the edge of Theodore Wirth Park. With running, biking and skiing trails the school is an ideal location for a ski program. The goal of the program is to help introduce more inner-city youth to skiing.
    John, the coach for the past two years, recently moved to a new job in Michigan leaving the program without a leader. With two weeks left to train for the City of Lakes Trail Loppett 5km, the program Caitlin and I helped run a few practices.

    Ingrid, Muah, Mike, Issac, Anja ,Adia, Glory, and Caitlin

    We found the world’s largest dog on our pole hike

    Seriously, have you ever seen a dog this big?
    You never know what you might find out on the trails in the woods.

    Agility and Plyometric training with jumpropes

    Check out the City of Lakes Loppet website for a nice write-up on the training sessions: http://www.loppet.org/blog/2011/09/06/the-greggs-guest-coach-the-anwatin-ski-team/

  • Anwatin Ski Team Practice

    In 2008 Anwatin middle school started a cross country ski program through the support of the US Olympic Committee’s Urban Development Program. Anwatin middle school rests on the edge of Theodore Wirth Park. With running, biking and skiing trails the school is an ideal location for a ski program. The goal of the program is to help introduce more inner-city youth to skiing.
    John, the coach for the past two years, recently moved to a new job in Michigan leaving the program without a leader. With two weeks left to train for the City of Lakes Trail Loppett 5km, the program Caitlin and I helped run a few practices.

    Ingrid, Muah, Mike, Issac, Anja ,Adia, Glory, and Caitlin

    We found the world’s largest dog on our pole hike

    Seriously, have you ever seen a dog this big?
    You never know what you might find out on the trails in the woods.

    Agility and Plyometric training with jumpropes

    Check out the City of Lakes Loppet website for a nice write-up on the training sessions: http://www.loppet.org/blog/2011/09/06/the-greggs-guest-coach-the-anwatin-ski-team/

  • Anwatin Ski Team Practice

    In 2008 Anwatin middle school started a cross country ski program through the support of the US Olympic Committee’s Urban Development Program. Anwatin middle school rests on the edge of Theodore Wirth Park. With running, biking and skiing trails the school is an ideal location for a ski program. The goal of the program is to help introduce more inner-city youth to skiing.
    John, the coach for the past two years, recently moved to a new job in Michigan leaving the program without a leader. With two weeks left to train for the City of Lakes Trail Loppett 5km, the program Caitlin and I helped run a few practices.

    Ingrid, Muah, Mike, Issac, Anja ,Adia, Glory, and Caitlin

    We found the world’s largest dog on our pole hike

    Seriously, have you ever seen a dog this big?
    You never know what you might find out on the trails in the woods.

    Agility and Plyometric training with jumpropes

    Check out the City of Lakes Loppet website for a nice write-up on the training sessions: http://www.loppet.org/blog/2011/09/06/the-greggs-guest-coach-the-anwatin-ski-team/

  • Anwatin Ski Team Practice

    In 2008 Anwatin middle school started a cross country ski program through the support of the US Olympic Committee’s Urban Development Program. Anwatin middle school rests on the edge of Theodore Wirth Park. With running, biking and skiing trails the school is an ideal location for a ski program. The goal of the program is to help introduce more inner-city youth to skiing.
    John, the coach for the past two years, recently moved to a new job in Michigan leaving the program without a leader. With two weeks left to train for the City of Lakes Trail Loppett 5km, the program Caitlin and I helped run a few practices.

    Ingrid, Muah, Mike, Issac, Anja ,Adia, Glory, and Caitlin

    We found the world’s largest dog on our pole hike

    Seriously, have you ever seen a dog this big?
    You never know what you might find out on the trails in the woods.

    Agility and Plyometric training with jumpropes

    Check out the City of Lakes Loppet website for a nice write-up on the training sessions: http://www.loppet.org/blog/2011/09/06/the-greggs-guest-coach-the-anwatin-ski-team/

  • Anwatin Ski Team Practice

    In 2008 Anwatin middle school started a cross country ski program through the support of the US Olympic Committee’s Urban Development Program. Anwatin middle school rests on the edge of Theodore Wirth Park. With running, biking and skiing trails the school is an ideal location for a ski program. The goal of the program is to help introduce more inner-city youth to skiing.
    John, the coach for the past two years, recently moved to a new job in Michigan leaving the program without a leader. With two weeks left to train for the City of Lakes Trail Loppett 5km, the program Caitlin and I helped run a few practices.

    Ingrid, Muah, Mike, Issac, Anja ,Adia, Glory, and Caitlin

    We found the world’s largest dog on our pole hike

    Seriously, have you ever seen a dog this big?
    You never know what you might find out on the trails in the woods.

    Agility and Plyometric training with jumpropes

    Check out the City of Lakes Loppet website for a nice write-up on the training sessions: http://www.loppet.org/blog/2011/09/06/the-greggs-guest-coach-the-anwatin-ski-team/

  • Combi OD

    This morning we headed out for a combi OD. With temps around 40, it was a perfect fall morning. We started with a 1-1:15 classic ski and then changed into running gear and ran/hiked up over the mountain. Since it is the weekend, we were treated to a gondola ride down and we made it back just in time for lunch.

    The workout was a good way to finish off a good solid week of training. Now everyone has 1 1/2 days off to recover.
    Russell B looking good.
    Alex and Pip.
    Kate cruises up the hill.
    The group at abour :45.
    After climbing uo through the town of Stratton, everyone got to d-pole up on top near Grout Pond.
    Poppet and the winter term kids head off on their run/hike.
    Coming in for the exchange.

    Heading out for the run…and..bike.

  • First Days in Italy

    Hello from Mals, Italy … well actually the Innsbruck Airport.  We are here to pick up Hans Halvorsen after his NEG Camp in LAke Placid last week.  Mals is a quite small town and the internet is a scarce commodity.  At first we thought it was funny when they told us that the internet “has been struck by lightning,” but we are starting to feel a little isolated.  They promise it will be fixed soon and then we will ply you with some great pics.  Below is some of the first days.

    Here is the gang outside of our Hotel as we arrived on Tuesday.  Travel was exceptionally smooth and we made it from campus to hotel in 20 hours.  We also found our favorite Frenchman for a little biathlon training.  The group has been spirited and energetic.  Today is the fifth day we have been here and we are taking a well deserved rest day.

    The view from the hotel parking lot — one of the high peaks of Italy peaks from behind the hill in the center right.  The hotel is at 1000 meters — the peak is nearly 4000 meters.

    Antoine and a cow during our hike up the “hill of the town,” the Spitzig Lun.  2329 meters.

    Keeping an eye on the heart rates as we ascend.

    There was a track, but we wandered through open meadows and wooded areas.

    We had some amazing evening light — with beams cutting through the clouds and valleys.

    A neat perspective on our summit bid — we pushed the pace a little for a few minutes so we could make our dinner on time.

    Ryley up top.

    Most of the prominent peaks have crosses perched at their peaks.

    Getting a little artsy — but you can get the feeling of the group’s mood — soaring.

    A little mountain top interview — we promise a great post camp video.

    Heidi and MK starting the descent.  A little over two hours up and just an hour down — and yes the quads are still a bit sore.

    Looking down into the valley floor.

    A lot more coming — Gunnar promises the internet has been fixed!!

  • First Days in Italy

    Hello from Mals, Italy … well actually the Innsbruck Airport.  We are here to pick up Hans Halvorsen after his NEG Camp in LAke Placid last week.  Mals is a quite small town and the internet is a scarce commodity.  At first we thought it was funny when they told us that the internet “has been struck by lightning,” but we are starting to feel a little isolated.  They promise it will be fixed soon and then we will ply you with some great pics.  Below is some of the first days.

    Here is the gang outside of our Hotel as we arrived on Tuesday.  Travel was exceptionally smooth and we made it from campus to hotel in 20 hours.  We also found our favorite Frenchman for a little biathlon training.  The group has been spirited and energetic.  Today is the fifth day we have been here and we are taking a well deserved rest day.

    The view from the hotel parking lot — one of the high peaks of Italy peaks from behind the hill in the center right.  The hotel is at 1000 meters — the peak is nearly 4000 meters.

    Antoine and a cow during our hike up the “hill of the town,” the Spitzig Lun.  2329 meters.

    Keeping an eye on the heart rates as we ascend.

    There was a track, but we wandered through open meadows and wooded areas.

    We had some amazing evening light — with beams cutting through the clouds and valleys.

    A neat perspective on our summit bid — we pushed the pace a little for a few minutes so we could make our dinner on time.

    Ryley up top.

    Most of the prominent peaks have crosses perched at their peaks.

    Getting a little artsy — but you can get the feeling of the group’s mood — soaring.

    A little mountain top interview — we promise a great post camp video.

    Heidi and MK starting the descent.  A little over two hours up and just an hour down — and yes the quads are still a bit sore.

    Looking down into the valley floor.

    A lot more coming — Gunnar promises the internet has been fixed!!

  • First Days in Italy

    Hello from Mals, Italy … well actually the Innsbruck Airport.  We are here to pick up Hans Halvorsen after his NEG Camp in LAke Placid last week.  Mals is a quite small town and the internet is a scarce commodity.  At first we thought it was funny when they told us that the internet “has been struck by lightning,” but we are starting to feel a little isolated.  They promise it will be fixed soon and then we will ply you with some great pics.  Below is some of the first days.

    Here is the gang outside of our Hotel as we arrived on Tuesday.  Travel was exceptionally smooth and we made it from campus to hotel in 20 hours.  We also found our favorite Frenchman for a little biathlon training.  The group has been spirited and energetic.  Today is the fifth day we have been here and we are taking a well deserved rest day.

    The view from the hotel parking lot — one of the high peaks of Italy peaks from behind the hill in the center right.  The hotel is at 1000 meters — the peak is nearly 4000 meters.

    Antoine and a cow during our hike up the “hill of the town,” the Spitzig Lun.  2329 meters.

    Keeping an eye on the heart rates as we ascend.

    There was a track, but we wandered through open meadows and wooded areas.

    We had some amazing evening light — with beams cutting through the clouds and valleys.

    A neat perspective on our summit bid — we pushed the pace a little for a few minutes so we could make our dinner on time.

    Ryley up top.

    Most of the prominent peaks have crosses perched at their peaks.

    Getting a little artsy — but you can get the feeling of the group’s mood — soaring.

    A little mountain top interview — we promise a great post camp video.

    Heidi and MK starting the descent.  A little over two hours up and just an hour down — and yes the quads are still a bit sore.

    Looking down into the valley floor.

    A lot more coming — Gunnar promises the internet has been fixed!!

  • NNF and the Big Hairy Budget Cut

    Once upon a time, there was a great non-profit organization named NCCSEF (National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation). Because their name was so long and awkward, they decided to change it to NNF (National Nordic Foundation), which is much easier to remember. In those days a group of skiers from 16 to 22 years of age traveled each year from their hometowns in the US to a big set of races in Europe called the Junior/U23 World Championships. They really wanted to compete with all the other fast skiers in the world, and hoped to get strong enough to win races like this someday. At night when these skiers were snug in their beds, visions of podiums danced in their heads. The nice NNF provided financial support for the U23 and Junior athletes on their annual trek, making the long, arduous, and exciting trip relatively affordable. The US ski team also helped to subsidize that trip. Everyone was living in peace and prosperity until the big hairy ‘budget cut’ came along. He huffed and he puffed and he… took some of the US ski team’s money. They couldn’t help with the trip anymore! Before anyone could panic, NNF sprang into action and created a pillar project fundraiser. This fundraiser was online, really easy to contribute to, and a great idea! Perhaps the little skiers with the big dreams could race in europe again! All that they needed were some friends, family, supporters, nice people, or even just facebook friends to donate a couple of bucks each… and everyone could live happily ever after.

    National Nordic Foundation | Cross Country Pillar Projects General Fund

    Here is the link! It’s up to you… don’t let the Big Hairy Budget Cut win!