Okay, I've got a question.  Although I've skied and even raced for years, I only last year discovered nordic walking.  I like it, but I'm curious how competitive skiers might integrate nordic walking workouts into their training.  For me,  when I nordic walk my heart-rate on average is about midway between my heard rate walking and (easy) running. It's an interesting zone, but I would think that nordic walking might not be rigorous enough for well-trained athletes.  I've been nordic walking either instead of completely taking the day off (active rest, I suppose) or doing it for several hours for a long slow day.  Other ideas? Brian in Missouri

Yes it is very good ski simulation to use a racers form of Nordic walking.  Skiers spend much of the dryland training running with poles and doing hill repeats using poles. You It is not about just waking with the poles but to actually use the poles to help spring you up the hill or down the trail. 

Andy at SkiPost

Thanks for the quick response.  Yes, I've been doing hill repeats with poles (I've referred to it as "bounding") for a long time.  When I do these workouts my heart rate goes through the roof! It can be a very hard workout.  The walking version is new to me, however, and I guess I was wondering more specifically about how that version might used in training.  I've tried workouts where I nordic walk on flats or uphills and run down hills in order to keep the heart rate up.  Thanks again, Brian 

Andy at SkiPost

"Were it not for the NNF, Jessie's path may well have gone in another direction; one that I don't believe would have yielded her international results of the past several years.  Certainly not this early in her career, and perhaps not ever.." 

- Deb Diggins, mother of Jessie Diggins, on the role the NNF has played in Jessie's career

 Read Part I of the NNF Review (The Results) on our website

Let's start with this: without the support the ski community and our donors have given, none of these results are possible. So this whole review happens in light of the community's generosity and support for our mission.  

Review the mission for the NNF and it's pretty clear cut: The National Nordic Foundation Mission is to support athletic excellence in developing Nordic athletes in the United States. As an organization bent on skiing development, then, the answer is in the numbers. How are we doing? is as more easily stated as Where did we finish?
 
To begin with, we had to change the categories of the results from year's past. You'll notice we added a "top 20" category to what had previously been only "top 30" and "top 10"- why? Because we had been consistently getting enough folks into the teens in race finishes that it merits showcasing and also because, to be frank, a top 30 ain't all that elusive these days. We're tightening the screws.
So to start with the youngest crew, the U18 here's the breakdown:
 

The strength of the field is always in flux but this year's field was "as tough as anything we've seen," described trip leader Adam St. Pierre. "Big, deep fields of 100ish girls and 100+ boys marked the sprints." Hannah Halvorsen of the SBA Academy program, racing out of the Far West division posted the year's only podium result, a third place finish in the 5k. She improved on that result a week later at the Norwegian Junior Nationals winning the overall event, a freestyle sprint. Thought Hannah's results were among the most visible, it was the small details, the experience and opportunity to race at a high level and a young age that marked the week.

"As this will be my 4th trip funded by the NNF, I am reminded of how lucky I am to be able to see new places and gain more experience as a nordic athlete for a very reasonable price. Lots of kudos to the NNF for making that happen," explained Max Donaldson of his trip to Scandinavia.
 

2013 
 

World Junior Championships have long been marked as the most prestigious event in the development pipeline. "It's the race series that has the biggest predictor of World Cup success," Bryan Fish, USST Development Coach, has explained. Those results have varied in and around different championships. Katherine Ogden of the SMS program punched through the results page with a strong 6th place finish in the women's 10k skiathlon and Ian Torchia, skiing for Northern Michigan University finished 11th in the 20k. The Almaty, Kazakhstan hosted races were particularly strong for the US in the distance races. Ogden's result tied a U.S. best set by Kristina Tryggstad-Saari back in 2002.
 
"This was a really good, encouraging result for me, and going forward it is really awesome to have the learning experience from my first international mass-start race," Ogden said of the experience, an NNF Pillar Project.

It's easy to point to the big big finishes from Caitlin Gregg, who had her entire World Championship Trip funded (more on that in our next review piece) or Jessie Diggins or Liz Stephen or Kikkan Randall, all of whom stood on World caliber podiums, but those results, press ready and easy to lay claim to skip out on the important work it takes to get into a position where results are even possible. This year's breakthrough performances from Dakota Blackhorse von Jess, Kyle Bratrud, Ben Saxton and Hannah Halvorsen are the result of opportunity these athletes had from a young age through NNF Pillar Projects.
 
 
Jessie Diggins' mother, Deb sums it up with the perspective only a supportive parent of a World class skier can understand,
 
"Developing skiers in the USA face a very challenging transition period at the end of their junior racing years.  Parents, who have generally been the major funding source of their skier's national and international competitions, are wondering how much longer they can or should divert family funds towards this significant financial challenge.  The USA lacks the government-based funding sources that many Europeans and Canadians can access in this development period. Colleges and clubs do not cover the full costs of the North American race schedule and international experience that is necessary to become competitive at the World level. Even the most talented juniors do not yet have the international results that attract major sponsors and are not in a position to be funded by the USSA. This makes the decision to pursue Cross Country skiing as a professional career a precarious financial decision, and every year Cross Country skiing in the USA loses many talented young athletes; not due to the years hard work needed to succeed, but to the years of relentless fundraising required to even compete.
 
Fortunately for Jessie, the NNF began offering increased support just as she hit this critical transition period.  Were it not for the NNF, Jessie's path may well have gone in another direction; one that I don't believe would have yielded her international results of the past several years.  Certainly not this early in her career, and perhaps not ever.
 
The NNF helps level part of the playing field for US skiers, who are at a significant disadvantage to almost all of their international competitors in terms of financial stability.  By making high-level camps and international race experience much more accessible for developing skiers, the NNF supports skiers in the transition years before they can reasonably become self-supporting as professional athletes.  Most importantly, NNF announces funding levels early, so that skiers can determine their financial gap and plan accordingly.  Beyond this, the NNF now ensures that no skier who qualifies for a major international competition will have to find the funds to attend. The NNF plays a key role in supporting the future of US Cross-Country skiing."
 
Again, thanks for supporting the NNF and making skiing development a priority. The NNF is the sum of many parts and we're proud to have such strong grassroots support. 

more here

https://www.nationalnordicfoundation.org  

Which Length?

I am having some confusion on the proper ski length for my wife. She is 163 cm, 58.1 kg. She is mid/upper intermediate on a scale of   We decided on getting the Fischer Carbonlite Skate Plus skis. 

The problem is choosing the ski length. I've contacted three shops. The shop #1 recommended the 182 cm, medium.  But later found out that they were out of stock and said the 177 firm would fit. I felt like the 177 firms were a second choice because it wasn't recommended in the beginning. Shop #2 said Lm is right on the line between the 177 firm and 182 med. They said the 177 firm is more stable and easier to control but the 182 med was faster and had a longer glide.  Shop #2 only has the 177 firms and the 182 med were sold out so the only choice is the 177 firm. Shop #3 has both the 182 med and 177 firms in stock. They said the 182 med may be too long. They did say the 182 med would have a longer glide but the 177 firms would be more stable and easier to turn in.

D

The answer from Fischer's Rich Halling is a 182 Medium that has a FA closure in the upper 50's to low 60's.

Kick Zone Ski Storage

What does one do to the kick zone for storage!

F

Dear F,

For summer ski storage you can clean your base and just leave it dry. But I like to take it to another level and add a layer of Start Syn Nordic Kick Wax.  Syn Nordic is Start's hardest/coldest kick wax which will protect the base throughout the summer and make it easier for other kickers to bond to your base next winter.

Andy at SkiPost

Ski Storage

Question... I've always appreciated your recommendations/tips for summer storage wax on skis.  I recently bought a new pair of skis and they have not yet touched the snow.  Do they need to be "summer" waxed too? Anticipating next season!

A

Dear A,

Yes you should apply summer storage wax to your skis even though they are new. If you have an exposed base it is is always better to cover it with wax. Skis have a thin layer of wax applied at the factory but these are very thin so one can still see the base. It is always better to apply more base coverage for summer storage.  

Andy at SkiPost

Summer Ski Storage 

Clean the base cover the Base

1)  Cleaning: Use wax remover and Fiber wipe to clean the kick zone and also the glide zone.

2)  Use the finest Steel brush to clean excess dirt from base.

3)  Apply layer of Start Base (or Service or soft non-fluoro glider like SG2) to glide zones.

4)  While wax is still soft use scraper with low pressure to "hot wipe" wax and further dirt away.

5)  Follow with Fiber wipe and then finest steel brush again to remove dirt while refreshing base further. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as necessary until no more dirt is seen coming from base. 

6)  If you suspect your skis have any base damage (i.e. base sealing) consider having the skis stoneground to reveal a fresh base in the spring before summer storage.  A fresh base is the most import feature in a skis ability to hold wax and to glide. Ski shops in most every ski town offer great stone grinding services.

7)  Once you have a clean and refreshed base it is time to saturate the base with a summer storage wax.  In the glide zones melt in a thick layer of Start Base (or Service or soft non-fluoro glider like SG2) and let it cool. If all the wax has been absorbed into the base at any point add another layer on to. Let cool leave it on the ski all summer.

8)  Skis should be storage in cool, dry place, out of sunlight and not near heating elements nor not near the roof where temperature can rise over 50C degrees. Skis should be stored loosely strapped with no pressure on camber so that there is no risk that heat and pressure can alter any of the skis camber characteristics.

9)  Better to do something than nothing. So at the very, very least crayon your softest glide onto your glide zones right now. 

Kick like a mule

Why? Because this isn't a drill that you "get" the first time. Instead, you must practice and practice this drill, mastering and refining your timing, balance and glide, until, after many reps, you blend the principles of the drill into actual classic diagonal stride.

Patience Is Half Of Valor

Just getting the drill right takes time and patince, affording many skiers frustration and heartache. When I introduce this drill in a typical clinic format, there isn't enough time to learn, practice and develop mastery. Consequently, the drill often creates frustration.

Getting the drill right is NOT enough. Extracting the subtlety from this drill, translating the drill into your technique, requires that YOU understand the progression of learning. ....More here 

Classic Nordic Skiing, Diagonal Stride: Skipping for Better Grip

Enjoy and...

Ski Fast!

David Lawrence

XCSkiAcademy.com 

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation and Slumberland Furniture are thrilled to announce an extended partnership with the signing of a three-year agreement naming Slumberland as Overall Title Sponsor of the American Birkebeiner, which encompasses the American Birkebeiner ski race and the Birkie's year-round lifestyle brand. The grand opening of Slumberland's new store in Hayward, WI, was underway last May when talks began in earnest about taking the existing relationship between Slumberland and American Birkebeiner to another level. How does the leading furniture retailer in the Midwest come to partner with the premier Nordic ski race in the United States?  "The connection between the two brands is a natural fit," says Kenny Larson, President of Slumberland. "Both organizations play a positive role in the health and lifestyle of their customers, and both emphasize giving back to the community."

Slumberland is more than just a place to buy a new mattress or sofa. Slumberland's mission is to improve people's lives by helping customers achieve the health and happiness benefits of a better night's sleep, or find more enjoyment connecting with family and friends in a special space at home. Along with furniture sales comes a strong commitment to the community. Slumberland donates ten percent of its profits to organizations that assist others at the local, national and global level. Many of these organizations focus on the needs of youth and families.

The Birkie has likewise evolved over time to become so much more than a ski race. Now under the umbrella of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, the logo says it well: Ski. Run. Bike. Live! "The Birkie is about a healthy, active lifestyle," says Ben Popp, Executive Director of the ABSF. "365 days a year. Events, family, community - they're all important to our mission."

No stranger to the Nordic world, Slumberland has been a strong supporter of Nordic skiing and an active lifestyle for many years. Slumberland participated in sponsoring the creation of the Birkie Classic race, a major development in the American Birkebeiner race series.  Most visibly, Slumberland has been the gold level sponsor of World Champion and Olympian Jessie Diggins, who states "without the support of my major sponsors like Slumberland it would not be possible to be competitive at the World Cup level. They are amazing." Ken and Barb Larson, the founders of Slumberland, are cross-country ski fans who travelled to Sochi, Russia in February of 2014 to cheer Jessie on in the Olympic games. "Being there in person to see Jessie and the other athletes compete at that level was incredible. Watching athletes give it their all, whether on Main Street in Hayward or in the mountains of Sochi, is inspiring," says Ken.

Birkie skiers are spread over many states, and there is a strong overlap with the communities that Slumberland serves. The vast majority of Birkie skiers have a Slumberland store within 20 miles of their home, along with website access, so the geographical connection between the brands is very strong.

Slumberland was founded in 1967; about the time that Tony Wise was beginning to dream about a ski race that would put Telemark Lodge on the map. From humble beginnings as a mattress specialty store in the Twin Cities, Slumberland has grown to become a full line furniture chain carrying major brands like Sealy Posturepedic, Tempur-pedic, Simmons Beautyrest, La-Z-Boy, and Broyhill. Today Slumberland has locations in 126 markets, covering twelve states across the snowbelt. The stores are a combination of independently owned franchise locations along with corporately owned stores. This combination gives Slumberland the buying power of one of the nation's largest home furnishing retailers along with the advantage of a family business ethic. The corporation is privately held by the Larson family who has been part of the Hayward community for decades, enjoying a recreational home in the area.

Slumberland is especially proud to support the current direction of the ABSF. Creating the opportunity for people of all ages to participate in a healthy, active lifestyle year round demonstrates a perfect alignment of values for both organizations. As Ben Popp states, "We couldn't be happier to have an organization like Slumberland support the ski community and, more broadly, the year-round Birkie lifestyle. Our shared vision and values will create a strong partnership that will allow the American Birkebeiner Foundation to continue to grow and flourish. We're very much looking forward to the next 3 years with Slumberland as our Overall Title Sponsor."

What to Eat Before an Endurance Race

So you've decided to tackle an endurance race-maybe a marathon or half marathon, maybe a triathlon, century ride, all-day hike, or some other multi-hour effort. Of the many tough decisions you'll make that day, one of the first is: What should you eat for breakfast?

There's only one right answer, in a sense, and that is: Whatever you practiced during your training. Race day is not the time to try anything new, because you'll be living with the consequences for several (possibly agonizing) hours. Still, you have to start somewhere, so here are some of the things you'll want to keep in mind to prepare the best breakfasts.

Ned Preaches Intensity

from Velonews

I turned 59 in 2014, and I have maintained a high level of fitness since I first began endurance racing in the late 1970s. Training with an emphasis on high-intensity intervals has been my preferred method of preparing for events throughout my career, which includes racing mountain bikes, road bikes, cyclocross, and Xterra triathlon. I made a few forays into long-distance events such as the Leadville 100 mountain bike race and the Ironman triathlon, but my preference is racing for one to four hours.

I embrace a higher-intensity/lower-volume regimen partly because I love to suffer but also because of the race results I've achieved with this philosophy. I have a short attention span for training rides. I like the excitement of pushing the pace both on the climbs and descents as opposed to riding at a slower pace for a longer ride. A long ride for me is about three hours, and I rarely do more than one a week.

velonews.competitor.com

NSCF-FXC Seeking Assistant Coach

Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks' Fairbanks Cross Country (NSCF-FXC) junior racing program is searching for an assistant coach to work as part of a team of professional and volunteer coaches in helping guide its junior and masters athletes as they pursue their goals and dreams in Cross Country skiing. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a program that has been steadily growing and improving since its inception in 2006; the program currently engages more than 120 athletes on an annual basis.  

The NSCF-FXC program is part of an integrated development path that begins with the club's highly successful Junior Nordics program, which instructs over 200 young skiers ages 5-13 each winter.  Athletes in the FXC junior program are split among three tiers: the Jr. Devo Team for late elementary skiers, the Prep Team for middleschoolers and the Comp Team for high school and post-graduate athletes.  There is also a growing Masters program that was begun in 2013.

We are fortunate to have great opportunities as ski racers in Interior Alaska, due in large part to a strong and exceptionally supportive local ski community.  Our home trail system at Birch Hill Recreation Area - one of two primary groomed ski trail networks in Fairbanks (and one of several in the Fairbanks area) - includes over 40 km of trails, 11 km of lighted trails, a full array of FIS homologated race loops, a terrain garden for ski play, and a 10,000-square-foot ski center with various outbuildings.  The club provides grooming throughout the 6- to 7-month ski season, and our nationally recognized competition crew organizes a full slate of races ranging from youth events, to marathons, JN qualifiers, National Championships and FIS races.  The long days of summer offer great dryland training opportunities particularly for activities on trails, and ready access to some of the most expansive wilderness in North America.

This position would start as a summer position with the potential to expand to year-round (our preferred scenario).  Summer would include coaching with all levels of our junior program, while winter would involve both the juniors and work with our Masters program as part of an expansion of our programming at the masters level.  Summer training would involve morning and afternoon and/or evening workouts 5-6 days per week with middays free; winter would be primarily afternoons and evenings with some weekend duties. 

The ideal candidate would have raced at the collegiate level or higher, be enthusiastic about and have experience working with or coaching youth, possess excellent communication and organization skills, and be able to complete miscellaneous projects in a timely manner with minimal oversight.  The assistant coach must be able to pass a background check and possess a valid driver's license.  If not already certified, it would be expected that the candidate completes the USSA Level 100 certification within 90 days of hire (with educational costs covered by the club). 

The typical hourly commitment during the busy summer and winter seasons would be 15-25 hours of coaching per week plus 5-10 hours of organization and miscellaneous tasks.  Weeks involving training camps, trips or important races would likely exceed 40 hours.  The schedule allows for potential additional employment within the local ski community (coaching, lessons, grooming, etc.) and the Fairbanks community at large.  The University of Alaska offers a wide variety of college and graduate level courses at its Fairbanks campus for those wishing to further their education. 

For a broader sense ofthe NSCF as a whole, please consult our website: www.nscfairbanks.org, or the NSCF-FXC Facebook page for a better picture of our program.  For questions or to submit an application, contact NSCF-FXC Head Coach and Director of Skier Development Pete Leonard at pete@peterleonard.net or (907) 978-6325.  Applications should be submitted to the aforementioned email address and should include a cover letter, resume and three references.  Initial review of applications will begin April 27, and the position will remain open until filled.  Applicants should expect to be on the ground in Fairbanks by early June.

Northern Michigan University

Assistant Coach

NMU has a full time assistant coach position open.Full time 10 Month position with full benefits, one can apply via the NMU web site:  https://employMe.nmu.edu

Endurance United
Executive Director

• Reports to Endurance United Board of Directors.  The Executive Director provides monthly updates and recommendations to the Endurance United Board of Directors and attends bi-monthly meetings of the Board. 
• Leader.  The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the execution of the mission and vision of Endurance United.  In support of this duty, the Executive Director:
  • develops and implements short and long-term strategies to improve and expand all areas of the organization, and to secure adequate funding to ensure Issue's continued success
  • develops and implement plans to market and promote Endurance United, its events and programs, all with the intent of promoting active, outdoor, healthy lifestyle. 
  • establishes and maintains effective channels of communication between members, participants, community members, sponsors and Board.
• Community Liaison.  The Executive Director is the liaison between Endurance United and state/county/city personnel/non-profit organizations/private partners with the goal of encouraging cooperation and support from these entities for Endurance United and its' mission.   The Executive Director will monitor state and local governmental and non-governmental activities that may impact the organization.  As appropriate, the Executive Director takes action as needed to foster a positive impact for the organization.
• Programming.  The Executive Director is accountable for oversight of all programming for Endurance United in concert with the Program Director.  The Executive Director mentors, inspires and learns from coaching staff and Program leaders.
• Event Management.  The Executive Director provides leadership and direction to event operations and related sponsorship opportunities.  This role requires interface and management of staff, volunteers, community personnel and sponsors.  Volunteers are critical to Endurance United's success, and the Executive Director must create and implement a plan to obtain volunteers and foster good relations with volunteers.
• Management.  The Executive Director is accountable for overall administration of the organization, including development and direction of all programs and events.  In partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director:
  • creates, implements & maintains an on-going business plan, including short & long term goals for Endurance United. 
  • develops an annual financial plan for revenues and expenditures.
  • manages human resources, capital, physical assets and general operating expenses in a fiscally responsible manner. 
• Fund raising.  The Executive Director has primary responsibility for Endurance United's efforts to fund its growth through programming, events, sponsorships, grants, donations, user fees, and other fundraising activities. This responsibility includes creating a fund raising strategy in consultation with the Board and implementing the strategy once approved.  This also requires some amount of public speaking and meetings on behalf of Endurance United.
• The Executive Director is CREATIVE, PASSIONATE, and LEADS BY EXAMPLE.

Mansfield Nordic Club

Development Team Leader Position

Mansfield Nordic seeks to hire a Development Team Leader to drive our top youth skiers toward higher level skiing on our Competition Team. This Team Leader will be a high-energy skier with strong communication abilities among individual athletes, groups, parents and volunteers. As a motivating and enthusiastic presence, the person who fills this leadership role will be an individual who is supportive, enthusiastic and ready to make a positive difference in the lives of skiers both on and off the trail.

The ability to motivate athletes and coordinate workouts, games, races and other events is key, as is creativity and adaptability in regards to weather, snow conditions and training venues.

Effective coaching is a key component of this position. Primary responsibilities will include:

• Coaching the MNC Development Team, comprised of 8-12 fast, motivated skiers age 12-16
• Providing motivation, technique development & race savvy in a fun & energetic manner
• Sharing a passion & joy for skiing, as well as encouraging determination & hard work among athletes
• Collaborating directly with the MNC Bill Koch League team & Competition Team
• Providing race support at 4 NENSA Eastern Cup events, BKL events & more (EHSC qualifiers, out-of-region JNQs)
• Designing individual training for athletes, & working with them to develop both long & short-term goals
• Actively communicating & coordinating with parents & other ski team coaches

This position is also rooted deeply in the MNC group as a whole. Secondary responsibilities may include:

• Serving as an assistant coach for the MNC Masters program
• Organizing/leading wax clinics for parents/skiers, & leading & training parental wax teams
• Working to bring "Celebrity Guest Coaches" to team events & practices
• Leading MNC initiatives for social media, website enhancement, event promotion & more

Salary will be commensurate with experience & past coaching success (& influenced by skier enrollment) but will range between $8,000 & $12,000 for leading up to 5 training sessions per week from May through March, as well as providing coaching, waxing and support at 6+ competition weekends during the winter.

About MNC

Mansfield Nordic is one of the largest and most diverse ski clubs in New England, with programs for over 200 skiers ranging in age from 7 to 70+. Our home training facility is the Ethan Allen Biathlon range in Jericho, Vermont. This location features snowmaking, lighted trails, Pisten Bully grooming, challenging terrain, a large lodge and a 5-kilometer paved rollerski system. MNC also trains at Trapp Family Lodge, the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and other top-level facilities around the state. Our members range from recreational skiers to top racers. MNC youth, junior and collegiate racers have recently been on the podium at the NENSA BKL Festival, USSA Junior Nationals, NCAA Championships and Masters National and World Championships.

To inquire about this position, please submit a resume and cover letter to Adam Terko: adamRterko@gmail.com