
Dealing with variables...
As the entire XC community made its way to Rumford, Maine for the 2011 US Championships many were surprised at what they found. The conditions were very thin and with the temps pushing into the 50's it was only getting worse. The race organization was doing everything they could to keep a sprint track open but one thing was clear, nothing was going to be predictable.
When it comes to XC ski racing and especially sprint racing there are several variables, some controlled and others uncontrolled that need to be dealt with. You have such controlled variables, such as your wax, ski selection, warm-up, and course strategy. These are the things as a racer you must focus on and the beauty of this is it should all be part of a consistent unchanging routine. This routine is what will get you through the race day focusing on exactly what you can control. All to often, racers get caught up with the weather, track conditions, other racers, and the pressure of a major championship event. All of these you have absolutely no control over. What is the point in wasting your time and energy worrying over the weather, who you are racing against, who you are supposed to beat or not beat... Racing is simple, and all too often it will never be held under the ideal circumstance or the perfect conditions. This is why they hold the race, because things change and create unpredictability. So as this week moves on with an ever changing schedule, stay cool don't fret, adapt and focus on your routine and let the chips fall where they may. You didn't train all those long hard hours just to get derailed by a thin track or some warm weather.
Believe in your routine, we are creatures of habit, don't change now.
Good luck and Ski Fast.
Pin it.
Chris Cook, Steinbock Racing
|