FasterSkier

Tag: Seeley

  • ABSF Announces Groundbreaking of New Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center

    Rendering of the new Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center at the halfway point of the Birkie Trail near Seeley, Wis. (Photo: ABSF)

    (Press release)

    2500 Donors from 37 states & Canada Help ABSF to Reach Capital Campaign Goals

    Hayward, WI (May 25, 2018) — The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has been enhancing the quality of lives for nearly half a century. For generations, ABSF events and the award-winning Birkie Trail system have been motivating adventurous spirits to embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle. In support of providing the infrastructure, spaces, and places to keep that spirit alive, the ABSF is pleased to announce completion of the second and final phase of their Honoring the Legacy – Ensuring the Future capital campaign.The resulting initiatives will change the face of the Birkie Trail for participants, volunteers, visitors, and surrounding communities for years to come.

    At the heart of phase two of the capital campaign is the creation of the Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center. The new 4,000 square foot facility will be located at the halfway point of the Birkie trail at the WI County Highway OO Trailhead near Seeley, WI. With an estimated 100,000+ Birkie Trail users each year, the Samuel C. Johnson Outdoor Center will provide a gateway and year-round hub for people to access and utilize the world-class trail for hiking, biking, running, skiing, and year-round events. Facility amenities will include a gathering hall, heated restrooms, changing rooms, and a waxing and bike repair room. Named in memory and honor of Samuel C. Johnson, the Johnson family from Racine and Cable, WI, respectively, provided the lead gift for the structure through the Johnson Family Foundation. This is not the first philanthropic support the ABSF has received from the Johnson family over the years (SC Johnson Wax, Johnson Financial Group, Johnson Family Foundation). Johnson Financial Group (Johnson Bank) is the longest-standing Birkie event sponsor through their ongoing support of the Barnebirkie youth ski tour, while the Johnson Family Foundation and Johnson Financial Group supported the creation of the Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner, and the family was personally instrumental in assisting the ABSF with procurement of the land for the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, along with other philanthropic efforts.

    “We are extremely grateful to the Samuel C. Johnson Family and the many generous donors who helped us to reach our capital campaign goals,” said Ben Popp, ABSF Executive Director. “We’re humbled by the supportof the Birkie community, by their sustained belief in what we do, and are thankful we can continue to make theBirkie lifestyle dreams a reality for generations to come.”

    The groundbreaking ceremony for the Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center is slated for June 9, at 2:00pm, 3.3 miles East of Seeley, WI, at the County Highway OO Trailhead. The public is invited to attend.

    In addition to support from the Samuel C. Johnson Family, a grant for development of the trailhead was approved through Sawyer County and with the help of County Administrator, Tom Hoff. Funding will come from the Stewardship Acquisition and Development of Local Parks Grants program and the Recreational Trails program of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In addition, grant funding was made possible through the Huelsmann Foundation and the Judd Alexander Foundation. Funds will be received from the Johnson Family over three years, with DNR funds acquired throughout the construction process. In addition, over 2500 individual donors from 37 states and Canada supported the second phase of the Honoring the Legacy –Ensuring the Future capital campaign. Other donors playing an integral role in the Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center and associated Birkie Trail infrastructure enhancements include:

    • Brent Carlson, M.D. Great Room, Classroom, and Entry foyer – Supported by Brent Carlson, M.D., the rooms will provide gathering spaces for groups, clubs, families, and schools, before and after they embark on outdoor adventures on the Birkie Trail.
    • New Moon Ski & Bike Shop Ski Waxing & Bike Repair Room – Supported by New Moon Ski & Bike Shop of Hayward, WI, this tech room will enable skiers and bikers to prepare and repair their equipment for their Birkie Trail experiences.
    • Virkus Workout Room — Supported by Gus and Julie Virkus, this room will provide a year-round space for outdoor Birkie Trail users to learn and practice skills to encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle.
    • GymRage Outdoor Circuit Course — Supported by Thom and Utina Malnourie, this outdoor, multi-station fitness course will adjoin the Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center.
    • Key Log Rolling Crossing — Supported by Jay and Judy Hoeschler and located near the new Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center, this Birkie Trail connecting bridge will allow safe passage over WI County Highway OO for all users of the Trail system.
    • Becker Law Link — Supported by Becker Law Firm, this recreational tunnel will enable Birke Trail users to travel beneath WI County Highway 77, on race day and every day.

    Plans for all projects are underway with completion dates ranging from fall 2018 to spring 2019; final approvals, permitting, and plan revisions are currently in progress.

    Previously completed phase two capital campaign projects include an initial investment in snowmaking infrastructure for low snow years; procurement of a new dump truck, snowplow, skid steer, snow bucket, and Arctic Cat snowmobile; construction or renovation of trailside cabins including the addition of running water and solar-powered generators at each. Trailside cabin benefactors include Timber Trail Cabin (Anonymous Family, Cable, WI); Franzen Firetower Trail Cabin (Greg & Marilyn Franzen); Strand-Johnson Gravel Pit Trail Cabin (William Johnson); and Mandli Boedecker Trail Cabin (Mike & Jane Mandli). These gifts are in addition to thousands of donors who made the initial phase of the capital campaign a smashing success.

    The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to promote and conduct the finest international cross-country ski competition and healthy, active lifestyle events; to serve as good stewards of the American Birkebeiner Trail; and to support healthy and active lifestyles among people of all ages and abilities. As the sole steward of the over 100-kilometer Birkie Trail system, the ABSF spends an estimated $350,000 annually on ongoing trail maintenance, mowing, and grooming.

    About the American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation and Birkie® Events

    Located in Hayward, Wisconsin, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), a 501(c)(3) organization, is known for its signature American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon held each February. Today, the Birkie has grown to encompass a variety of year-round, silent sport events that promote a healthy, active lifestyle for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts. The ABSF also acts as steward of the legendary Birkie Trail, providing year- round grooming, mowing and maintenance to all 100+ kilometers. From the iconic American Birkebeiner ski race, to the Birkie Trail Run Festival, and Fat Bike Birkie, the ABSF and the Birkie Trail attract skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from around the world. Learn more at www.birkie.com.

  • Birkie Trail Run Festival & USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship Results

    2017 Birkie Trail Run Marathon podium finishers. (Photo: American Birkebeiner Foundation © Randolph)

    (Press release)

    Birkie Trail Run Festival & USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship Finish with Podiums from Coast to Coast!

    Birkie Trail Run Festival Continues to Grow & Attract Runners Nationwide

    Hayward, WI (September 30, 2017) – Runners and trekkers were welcomed with perfect temperatures, sunny skies, and cool autumn breezes at Birkie Ridge, Seeley, WI, for the 16th Annual Birkie Trail Run Festival and USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship race. With a record field of over 1200 runners in the day’s events, participants were amped up for the festival which included an ultra-marathon, marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 5K, 10-mile Nordic trek, and fun run for kids.

    Birkie Half Marathon & USATF Half Marathon Championship Race

    The Birkie half marathon proved to be the most competitive and exciting event of the day as it played host to the USATF Half Marathon Trail Championship. The appeal of the National Championship race enticed participation from some of the best elite trail runners from across the U.S. The elite field didn’t disappoint.

    Joseph Gray – USATF National Half Marathon Trail Champion (Photo: American Birkebeiner Foundation © Randolph)

    Joseph Gray, Colorado Springs, CO, blew through the finish line amongst the cheering crowds at Birkie Ridge. The 33-year-old emerged from the forested trail and into the final stretch with Justin Grunewald, Minneapolis, MN, not far in his rearview mirror. Gray finished with a time of 1:10:11, with Grunewald, age 31, on his heels at 1:10:51. No stranger to the top step on the podium, Gray has amassed 13 U.S. National titles.

    “It was a dream come true to run on so many miles of grass. I was amazed at the Birkie Trail course, it was heaven out there,” said Gray, after collecting his USATF National Championship award. “I really dug the course, there was awesome energy, it was well marked, lots of enthusiasm from spectators along the way. It was a great day.”

    12.4 Mile – USATF Half Marathon Trail Champions – Men

    • 1st Place – Joseph Gray, Colorado Springs, CO – 1:10:11
    • 2nd Place – Justin Grunewald, Minneapolis, MN – 1:10:51
    • 3rd Place — Tyler Sigl, Seymour, WI – 1:13:03
    Ashley Brasovan – USATF National Half Marathon Trail Champion (Photo: American Birkebeiner Foundation © Randolph)

    Twenty-six-year-old Ashley Brasovan ripped it up on the trail and flew across the finish line with a time of 1:18:30. While not a stranger to running in the mountains, this was Brasovan’s first trail run.

    “When I’m going to compete, I’m going to run hard. You just go out and see whose day it is going to be. I really wanted to podium today, it was a really great day,” said Brasovan. “Everyone has been super friendly and laid back, the race was well run, spectators were great, running my race was just the cherry on top. I’d love to come back next year,” Brasovan continued.

    12.4 Mile – USATF Half Marathon Trail Champions – Women

    • 1st Place – Ashley Brasovan, Westminster, CO – 1:18:29
    • 2nd Place – Dani Moreno, Santa Barbara, CA – 1:23:40
    • 3rd Place – Amber Kranz, Boise, ID – 1:28:58

    Saturday’s running events started early with the Ultra race (100 kilometers) at 5:30 am. Ultra marathon runners left Birkie Ridge with headlamps aglow as they made their way into the woods and the beginning of their journey on the Birkie Trail. The Ultra runners, proving their endurance and determination, were the first to start and last to finish their event. 26 brave souls started the race, with the first runners finishing over 11 hours later. Hayward, Wisconsin’s own Allison Parr, ran her first ever ultra marathon and placed a solid third in the women’s division with a time of 14:54 (unofficial time).

    Birkie 100 Kilometer Ultra Marathon Champions – Men

    • 1st Place – Brad Birkel, Middleton, WI – 11:38:00 (unofficial time)
    • 2nd Place – Matthew Bower, St. Paul, WI – 11:54:00 (unofficial time)
    • 3rd Place – Tom Kelby, Webster, WI – 14:48 (unofficial time)

    Birkie 100 Kilometer Ultra Marathon Champions – Women

    • 1st Place – Heather Norton-Bower, St. Paul, MN – 13:49 (unofficial time)
    • 2nd Place – Megan Blaszak, Marquette, MI – 13:55 (unofficial time)
    • 3rd Place – Allison Parr, Hayward, WI – 14:54 (unofficial time)

    The robin-egg-blue-sky-day continued with a variety of events for the hundreds of running and trekking enthusiasts in the festival. While the breeze was cool, the pace was hot for the following competitors:

    Birkie 24.8 Marathon Champions – Men

    • 1st Place – Andy Elvester, Minnetonka, MN – 2:52:53
    • 2nd Place – Alex Kasparek, Superior, WI 3:15:04
    • 3rd Place – Andrew Miller, Milwaukee, WI 3:39:41

    Birkie 24.8 Marathon Champions – Women

    • 1st Place – Michelle Pratt, Albany, NY – 3:33:20
    • 2nd Place – Carissa Laack, Wausau, WI – 3:58:23
    • 3rd Place – Mara Klein, Saint Peter, MN – 3:59:46

    Birkie 5 Kilometer – Men

    • 1st Place – Joshua Halverson, Cameron, WI – 18:54
    • 2nd Place – Joachim Marjon, Rochester, MN – 19:12
    • 3rd Place – Jason Slining, Ironwood, MI – 20:35

    Birkie 5 Kilometer – Women

    • 1st Place – Nancy Hobbs, Colorado Springs, CO – 22:51
    • 2nd Place – Louisa Ward, Woodbury, MN – 24:29
    • 3rd Place – Stella Meza, Lac du Flambeau, WI – 24:29

    Additional results for age-class and relay events are available at www.Birkie.com.

    All running and trekking events took place on the scenic and rolling hills of the Birkie Trail and single-track sections of the CAMBA (Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association) trail system. The festival was rounded out with live music, great food, Birkie Brew-Ski craft beer, CXC experiential truck, and the Dive for the Dirt obstacle course for kids.

    The 2018 Birkie Trail Run Festival is slated for September 29, 2018.

    The Birkie Trail Run Festival is sponsored by: Salomon – Title Sponsor Birkie Trail Run Festival; CARLSON MD – Presenting Sponsor Marathon; FITS – Presenting Sponsor Marathon Relay; HydraPak – Presenting Sponsor Half-Marathon; The Rivers Eatery – Presenting Sponsor 100K Ultra-Marathon; Corner Deli – Post-Race Food & Beverage; GU – Official Energy; NUUN – Official Hydration; Hayward Area Memorial Hospital & Waters Edge – Presenting Sponsor: Dive for the Dirt.

    About the American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation and Birkie® Events

    Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is known for its signature American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon held each February. Today, the Birkie brand has grown to encompass a year-round lifestyle that provides healthy, active events for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
    Birkie. Ski. Run. Bike. Live! Visit www.Birkie.com to learn more.

    About the USATF – USA Track & Field

    USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track & field, long distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest
    organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the country’s No. 1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. For more information, visit: usatf.org

    About Salomon – Designed for Freedom –

    For more information about Salomon, visit www.Salomon.com

  • Gear West BrewSki Weekend Oct. 24-26

    gear west brewski weekend

    Enjoy good brews, better company, and the best training with Matt Liebsch and Fischer.

    Birkie Trail, Seeley WI

    Join Matt Liebsch from October 24-26 for a weekend of relaxation and ski specific training in Seeley, WI, brought to you by Fischer and Gear West. Workouts will include individualized coaching and technique analysis, while beverages will be provided for “recovery” between sessions. It’s the perfect way to get fired up for the coming season!

    Register for the BrewSki weekend here

    Schedule

    Friday 10/24
    5:00 – 6:00 pm: Optional Pole Hike/Trail Run – Mosquito Brook trail crossing. We will run north if you wish to arrive later and meet up on the trail
    7:30 pm: Dinner at Coop’s Pizza – included with registration

    Saturday 10/25
    9:00 – 11:30 am: Dryland workout and Skate/Classic video technique – Seeley Trailhead(?)
    12:00 pm: Lunch at Sawmill Saloon – included with registration
    2:00 – 4:00 pm: Easy roller ski, additional technique work
    6:00 pm: Optional dinner at Rivers Eatery – cost NOT included with registration
    8:00 pm: Bonfire at host cabin – beer, snacks, and good times provided

    Sunday 10/26
    9:00 am – 12:00pm: Over distance roller ski – Seeley Trailhead(?)
    12:15 pm: Optional Lunch/coffee at Sawmill before leaving – cost NOT included

    Bring ski equipment (some demo rollerskis may be available) and come prepared to learn, train, and have fun!

    Cost: $100.00 per person
    Includes coaching, two meals, and beers.

    Lodging is not included. For lodging options, visit:

    Seeley Lodging & Info
    Hayward Area Lodging
    Cable Area Lodging

  • ‘Train Like A Birkie’ Camp Timed for Fat Tire Bike Festival, with Elliott Back in Town

    ‘Train Like A Birkie’ Camp Timed for Fat Tire Bike Festival, with Elliott Back in Town

    Scenes from the 2012 "Train Like A Birkie Champion" camp: featured skiers Tad Elliott and Matt Liebsch lead fundamental movements and balance work. (Photo: Facebook)
    Scenes from the 2012 “Train Like A Birkie Champion” camp: featured skiers Tad Elliott (black and yellow) and Matt Liebsch (fourth from left) lead fundamental movements and balance work. (Photo: F.A.S.T./Facebook)

    Bill Pierce gets it. If you’re a citizen or master athlete in the Midwest, chances are you’re not training year-round for the Birkie – or at least you have other races and diversions to keep you entertained through the summer.

    And if one of those interests is mountain biking, you might be signed up for the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival from Sept. 13-15 in Cable and Hayward, Wis.

    Perfect, thought Pierce, the outgoing director of F.A.S.T. Performance Training who recently took over as head coach of the Central Cross Country (CXC) elite team. Let’s give those athletes a dryland camp with a mountain-bike twist. And let’s get Tad Elliott back to northern Wisconsin.

    Both elements were relatively easy to pin down, Pierce explained on the phone earlier this week. At the end of last year’s “Train Like A Birkie Champion” camp, Elliott, a former U.S. Ski Team (USST) member who’s still pursuing professional skiing while mixing up training with his other love – mountain biking (he was on the U23 national team) – vowed to make the trek from Durango, Colo., back to Seeley, Wis. Then Pierce suggested adding a mountain-bike option to the three-day camp.

    “I suggested it and he jumped on it,” Pierce said. “It was done for a marketing reason. The citizen-master athlete does not train for skiing from May ’til March. They’re doing multiple things, and I think one of their main goals is to enjoy an exercise program that’s two or three sports.”

    Pro skiers Tad Elliott (second from left) and Matt Liebsch (second from right) with Rivers Eatery owners Mick and Beth for the Saturday-night dinner at last year's "Train Like A Birkie Champion" camp. (Photo: F.A.S.T./Facebook)
    Pro skiers Tad Elliott (second from left) and Matt Liebsch (second from right) with Rivers Eatery owners Mick and Beth for the Saturday-night dinner at last year’s “Train Like A Birkie Champion” camp. (Photo: F.A.S.T./Facebook)

    From Sept. 6-8, F.A.S.T. will sponsor its third consecutive “Train Like A Birkie Champion” camp, which Pierce timed strategically before the Fat Tire Festival that attracts some 2,500 riders annually. Last October, the citizen/masters’ camp that featured Birkie champs Elliott and Matt Liebsch had 15 or 16 participants, Pierce said. This year, he’s hoping for as many as 30.

    “We’re kind of taking advantage of fall training,” he said. “For almost all masters and citizens, [it] doesn’t get thought about until Sept. 1.”

    While Liebsch won’t be at this camp (the Minnesota native and Gear West race services director held his own earlier this summer), Boulder Nordic Sport race service director and former USST member David Chamberlain will, according the schedule.

    Elliott will lead a mountain-bike skills and training session on the afternoon of Sept. 7, and about $1,500 dollars of the money raised through registration and a silent auction will go to him.

    Another $2,000 to $4,000 dollars generated by the camp will go to the Birkie Skier Development Grant Program, which has doled out more than $200,000 dollars over the years to nordic programs across the U.S. Last year, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) awarded 10 grants to programs in Wisconsin and Minnesota totaling $11,000 dollars. Pierce hopes his fundraiser will supplement the ABSF’s yearly donation.

    “They’ve given funds all over the country,” Pierce said. “The revenue is entry fees, $20, 40 or $50,000 in their budget; [they] give it as a line item. We’re trying to help them.”

    “Train Like A Birkie Champion (On a Mt. Bike!)” Camp Schedule

    Friday, September 6, 2013

    8-9:00am: Check in at Lenroot Lodge, Seeley, WI
    9-10:30am: Intro to the fundamental movements of Nordic skiing. Dry land drills and skills.
    10:30-Noon: Double pole and V2 fundamentals on roller skis.
    Noon-2:00pm: Lunch at the Sawmill and video review after.
    2-5:00pm: V1 skate technique work with video.
    5-6:15pm: Strength instruction and session.
    6:45-8:30pm: Fish fry at the Sawmill and discussions with Dr. TBD.
    8:30-10:00pm: Discussions and demos on ski selection and waxing by David Chamberlain from Boulder Nordic Sport.

    Saturday, September 7, 2013

    7:30am: Morning run or bike for 20 min. with exercises.
    8-9:00am: Breakfast on your own.
    9-10:15am: Stretching with Dr. Jim Mullens
    10:30-Noon: Basic classic technique session and video with Bill, David, and Tad.
    Noon-2:00pm: Lunch at the Sawmill with video review after.
    2:00-4:30pm: An additional skate/classic roller ski workout session(specific strength) or an afternoon training and skills session with Tad on the mountain bikes.
    4:30-5:30pm: How to deal with repairs in a race: flats, broken chains or spokes, etc…
    6-7:30pm: Pizza dinner at the Rivers Eatery in Cable.
    7:30-Done: Chat with a Champion, dessert and coffee during discussions with Tad about his pursuit of a US Olympic Team position.

    Sunday, September 8, 2013

    7-8:00am: Breakfast on your own.
    8-10:30am: Classic or skate technique and video with Bill, David, and Tad.
    10:30-Noon: Video review from the morning session.
    Noon: Camp departure.

    Camp Fee: The fee for this camp is $224.00.  It includes 2.5 days of coaching and sport instruction, two lunches, two dinners, and some swag.  The camp is limited to the first 30 registrations.  All proceeds from this camp go to supporting Tad Elliot and also a gift to the Birkie Skier Development Fund.

    For more information or to sign up, click here.

  • Elliott Schedules Trip to Wisconsin for “Train Like a Birkie Champion” Camp

    U.S. Ski Team member Tad Elliott celebrates winning the 2012 American Birkebeiner 50 k skate race in Hayward, Wis. (Photo: Darlene Prois/American Birkebeiner)

    When the head of F.A.S.T. Performance Training in Hayward, Wis., Bill Pierce heard Tad Elliott pulled off a cross-Atlantic trip to win the American Birkebeiner last February, he knew he had to have him back in town.

    Matt Liebsch, one of the Midwest’s nordic heroes and 2009 Birkie champion, thought the same.

    In July, F.A.S.T. held its first “Train Like a Birkie Champion” citizens training camp of the year after Liebsch, an XC United skier, reached out to Pierce about coordinating clinics. Pierce was all for it, and Liebsch suggested adding Elliott, a U.S. Ski Team  (USST) member and former Central Cross Country (CXC) skier, to coach at future camps. Pierce immediately sought him out for the second one Oct. 26-28.

    Matt Liebsch, 2009 American Birkebeiner 50 k skate race champion (ABSF photo)

    “I talked to Tad about two months ago and I said, ‘I’ve got one open weekend,’ ” Pierce said on the phone Wednesday. “He said, ‘That’s the same one I’ve got.’ ”

    Empathizing with Elliott’s busy USST schedule, one in which Pierce figures “hardly gives [its athletes] time to sit down,” he was impressed with Elliott’s enthusiasm.

    “The cool thing about this kid is, against the advice of his coaches and his dad, he flew home [from the World Cup] … and did the race and flew back to Europe,” Pierce said of Elliott, who won the Birkie’s 50-kilometer skate with the second-fastest time in race history.

    Elliot will pull off a similar yet smaller-scale feat when he leaves the upcoming USST camp Canmore, Alberta, one day early to coach at the “Train Like a Birkie Champion” weekend clinic Oct. 26-28 in northern Wisconsin. According to Pierce, Elliott will fly out of Canada early Friday, Oct. 26, and will arrive in Minneapolis by noon. There, Liebsch will drive him to Seeley, just north of Hayward, to lead a dryland skills-and-technique session that evening. After three days of instructing, he’ll fly home Sunday night to Park City, Utah.

    “I love going back to the Midwest and seeing the huge enthusiasm they have there for nordic skiing,” Elliott wrote in an email. “I will get to do the Birkie clinic with one of my close friends Matt Liebsch [and hopefully see] his wife Mary-Beth and their two young kids Grant and Samantha. I got to stay with them for two weeks last year and they took incredible care of me. Looking forward to seeing Bill Pierce. Sounds like this clinic is really well organized looking forward to going to it.”

    “He’s doing this because he likes the Birkie,” Pierce said. “The kid’s got so much positive energy.”

    Pierce likes to tell his juniors about Elliott and his USST teammate Noah Hoffman and their results at the 2006 Junior Olympics. Seven years ago, they finished around 28th and 30th place, he said. Now look where they are.

    “It’s kind of cool to see where these kids come from and a progression,” Pierce said. “They made a choice to pursue a passion, and that’s what the focus is for.”

     

    More on the “Train Like a Birkie Champion” Camp Series:

    October 26-28, 2012; Hayward, WI – “Train Like a Birkie Champion”

    “Live & Ski Like a Champion”

     

    Purpose: This camp designed for the Master/Citizen athlete that wishes to improve and progress their skiing while fitting the demands of lifestyle, family, and work into their schedule. Sessions will be held on technique, flexibility, strength, and ski skills along with discussions on the body and the affect of aging.

    Abilities: This camp is designed and open to all abilities of skiers. You do not have to roller ski to attend this camp. We are showing you what it takes to progress to your goals of skiing no matter where you are with your abilities as a Nordic skier. So, whether you are an elite wave athlete or an aspiring athlete wishing to compete in your first Birkie, this camp will train, inspire, and motivate you to your best Birkie! Don’t pass on a great opportunity to train with and meet Birkie Champions.

    Guest coaches include 2012 Skate Champion Tad Elliot and 2009 Skate Champion Matt Liebsch.

    Participation limited to 30 athletes.

     

    CAMP SCHEDULE 


    Friday, October 26, 2012:


    3-5pm: Check in at Lenroot Lodge and Sawmill Saloon

    5-6:15pm: Intro to the fundamental movements of Nordic skiing with Bill Pierce. Dryland skills and technique

    6:45-8:30pm: Fish fry dinner at Moose Lips with discussions with Dr. Brent Carlson.

    8:30-10pm:  Discussions and demos on skis and waxing at Moose Lips.

    Saturday, October 27, 2012:


    7:30am: Morning run and swing out

    8-9:00am: Breakfast on your own

    9:00-10:15am: Flexibility and stretching session with Jay Tapper.

    10:30am-Noon: Basic skate technique session with video with Bill, Matt, and Tad.

    Noon-2:00pm: Lunch at the Sawmill Saloon, video review.

    2-5:00pm: Skate roller ski session with specific strength drills and skills with Bill, Matt, and Tad.

    6-7:30pm: Dinner at the Rivers Eatery in Cable

    8-9:30pm: Chat with the Champions, dessert and coffee at Rivers Eatery with Matt and Tad.

    Sunday, October 28, 2012:


    7-8:00am: Breakfast on your own

    8-10:00am: Classic or skate technique session with specific strength and video with Bill, Matt, and Tad.

    10:30-Noon: Video review technique discussions

    Noon: Check out and camp departure

     

    To register: http://www.fastperformancetraining.com/clinicscampsretreats/

  • Liebsch, Bender to Coach Birkie Masters Camp

    Liebsch, Bender to Coach Birkie Masters Camp

    Train With Birkie Champions!

    Matt Liebsch & Jennie Bender

    July 27-29 in Seeley, Wis.

    (Just ten miles north of Hayward)

    Matt Liebsch, 2009 American Birkebeiner 50 k skate race champion (ABSF photo)

    Imagine how much your skiing will improve by spending a weekend dryland training with Birkie Champions Matt Liebsch and Jennie Bender at the Birkie Masters Camp. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to get their one-on-one help with hill climbing, endurance, speed, efficiency, and making the most of the “off” season. Other Birkie coaches will also be there to work with you on your personal challenges and skiing goals.

    On July 27-29, get out on the Birkie Trail with this exclusive coaching staff and let them not only show you, but work with you to make their secrets your own.

    Register Quickly – Only 24 Participants Max

    This camp is open to a maximum of 24 participants to ensure personalized feedback and one-on-one training and assistance throughout the weekend. A minimum of 8 participants is required.

    “Live & Ski Like a Champion”

    Jennie Bender, 2011 American Birkebeiner 54 k classic champion

    Purpose: This camp designed for the Master/Citizen athlete that wishes to improve and progress their skiing while fitting the demands of lifestyle, family, and work into their schedule. Sessions will be held on technique, flexibility, strength, and ski skills along with discussions on the body and the affect of aging.

    Abilities: This camp is designed and open to all abilities of skiers. You do not have to roller ski to attend this camp. We are showing you what it takes to progress to your goals of skiing no matter where you are with your abilities as a Nordic skier. So, whether you are an elite wave athlete or an aspiring athlete wishing to compete in your first Birkie, this camp will train, inspire, and motivate you to your best Birkie!

    Cost: This Birkie Masters Camp, which includes coaching, meals, and training sessions, is $195.00 per participant. Lodging for this camp is also available at the Lenroot Lodge for a cost of $39/individual for double occupancy per night.

    TO REGISTER: Email Coach Bill Pierce at fastperformancetraining@gmail.com or, call 612-590-1427.

    CAMP SCHEDULE 

    Friday, July 27, 2012:

    3-5pm: Check in at Lenroot Lodge and Sawmill Saloon

    5-6:15pm: Intro to the fundamental movements of Nordic skiing with Bill Pierce. Dryland skills and technique

    6:45-8pm: Fish fry dinner at Moose Lips

    8:00-9pm: Camp introductions and training discussions.

     

    Saturday, July 28, 2012:

    7:30am: Morning run and swing out

    8-9:00am: Breakfast on your own

    9:00-10:15am: Flexibility and stretching session with Jay Tapper.

    10:30am-Noon: Basic skate technique session with video with Bill, Jennie, and Matt.

    Noon-2:00pm: Lunch at the Sawmill Saloon, discussion session with Dr. Brent Carlson, video review.

    2-5:00pm: Skate roller ski session with specific strength drills and skills with Bill, Jennie, and Matt.

    6-7:30pm: Dinner at the Rivers Eatery in Cable

    8-9:30pm: Chat with the Champions, dessert and coffee at Mooselips with Matt and Jennie.

     

    Sunday, July 29, 2012:

    7-8:00am: Breakfast on your own

    8-10:00am: Classic technique session with specific strength and video with Bill, Jennie, and Matt.

    10:30-Noon: Video review technique discussions

    Noon: Check out and camp departure

     

    For more information, visit Birkie.com.