The final stretch: Making the most of the end of the competition season

With only a few weeks left of the winter competition season there are still a number of key events across many disciplines still to come. It is important as an athlete to stay focused and take full advantage of these spring events. Here are a few essential tips that will help athletes of all levels make the most of the final stretch of the season.

 

Mentally:

It has been a long season and many athletes are starting to feel the wear and tear of endless hours of training, racing and traveling. It is important to stay focused and mentally tough. It is all to often to hear athletes say at the end of the season that they are "over it" or "burnt out". If you wish to make the most of these last few events you need to stay motivated and put your whole heart into leaving everything on the hill.  Remind yourself of your season goals or start from scratch and make new ones for these last couple events.

 

Physically:

There is no doubt that toward the end of the year your body is tired and feeling fatigued. Its key to keep up with your training and recovery routines all the way through the season, don't get lazy just because the temps are warming and the sun is coming out to play, push through and know your hard work will pay off. However it is also just as important to have the proper amount of rest needed to perform at your best, make sure to take time off when needed to regain that energized feeling you had back in November.

 

Equipment Prep:

As the season draws to an end it is important to maintain the same level of equipment prep that you have been doing all season. Spring conditions can be tricky to tune and wax for therefore it is essential for you to take your work seriously- it does not make sense to be prepared mentally and physically and then come up short because your equipment is not up to speed. With many alpine and skicross series having multiple runs a day it is a good idea to know exactly what time each run is taking place. What often occurs during the spring is that the snow will change drastically from morning to afternoon - usually pretty firm conditions in the morning due to the overnight freeze, then softens up as the temps rise throughout the day- so if you know what time things are taking place it will help you decide which wax you should be using. It is also helpful to carry a gummy stone, or detuning tool of your preference, in your on the hill bag so you can detune as needed as the snow softens up. 

 

Looking back:

After the final results have been posted and you've taken your boots off for the last time it is important to look back and reflect on the positives and negative throughout the year. Evaluate your results and identify places where there can be improvements and room to have more fun! Make a rough plan for any summer training opportunities and don't forget to through some wax on those bases!

- Nico Monforte, US Skicross Team




Back in the minors

We just received word another world cup is canceled due to global warming. So the Nor Am cups have some heavy hitters entering them.

I'm getting asked lots of wax and technical advice from the up and comers. The best thing I can say is ride the horse you have.

Although Toko's JetStream 2.0 Red makes a great first layer top finish for just about any condition... Especially in todays climate. The fastest additive is what goes in the bindings. Rookies and vets alike, especially in courses where there aren't many features to separate top riders from the rest, need to keep it fast and clean.

In this new era of HF yellow in February and loading fluoros into your bases at the top of the course, Don't be afraid to use Racing Wax Remover  after the race. You'll need it if you want that stick(s) to hold whatever the iron is melting on next.

 

Go fast take chances,

Cheever 

 

 

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