Here’s a diversion from recipes, food, health, and fitness news to give you an update on a passion of mine – training and racing for cross country skiing. Let’s just say that at my age I’m not the typical athlete on the Canadian race circuit, but enjoy this high-level competition tremendously. Smart training and a sport where technique is paramount and improvements always possible keep me motivated and competitive with the younger athletes.
November can be a tricky time of year for cross country skiers. The leaves have fallen from the trees, the days are getting colder and shorter, the ground is frozen, and pole tips are slipping on the hard pavement: the stage is set for snow. For me, feeling winter in the air, planning ski trips, and the arrival of new gear certainly keeps the motivation high! Especially this year, with the arrival of our bright and stylish XC Ottawa suits from Podiumwear and Kama hats! Top that off new Rossignol skis and boots and Excel poles, and it’s hard not to be enthusiastic.
What do cross country skiers do when there’s no snow?
From May through November, my training included running, ski bounding and ski-specific dryland, road cycling, mountain biking, swimming, strength training, and roller skiing. . . . lots of variety challenging most of your muscles, which I love. I had some opportunities to stay sharp racing a triathlon, some 5k running races, rollerski time trials, and a unique race up Whiteface mountain. It’s been a great summer and Fall of training with my team XC Ottawa, and as winter approaches rollerskiing is an important part of our training.
Coming Up . . .
Much as I love the variety of dryland activities, nothing beats skiing on snow! And plenty of skiing is around the corner. Here are the main events coming up:
- Nov 19-21. Training camp at Foret Montmorency with XC Ottawa.
- Nov 30-Dec 10. Vacation in ski wonderland Silverstar, BC (a pretty amazing family tradition . . . here’s a report from last year). First races will be the Sovereign Lake Open CPL Races.
- Dec 20-21. NENSA Eastern Cup Opener, Rikert Nordic Center, Middlebury College, Ripton, VT
- Jan 8-11. Haywood NorAm Races, Highlands Nordic, Duntroon, ON
- Jan 30-Feb 1. Eastern Canadian Championships, Nakkertok, Cantly, QC
- Feb 3-7. World Winter Master Games, Quebec, QC
- Feb 14-15. Gatineau Loppet – Canadian Long Distance Loppet Championships
- March 14-21. 2015 Haywood Ski Nationals, Lappe Nordic Ski Club, Thunder Bay, ON
I’ll also be active racing local races, coaching at Nakkertok Nordic, and organizing events with XC Ottawa. Bring on the snow!
Thanks for reading! I’ll keep you posted as the season progresses.
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