Canadian national team skier Sarah Renner (28) is gradually getting closer to the World Cup podium. Is this going to be her “break-through†season? FastersSkier.com got a chance to ask her some questions about her training and racing.
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<p><B>How many years have you been on the Canadian team and what’s you support level?</B><br />
– I have lost count, but my support level is “World Cupâ€, which covers all camps and competitions including World Cup.</p>
<p><B>Describe last season's low-points and highlights? </B><br />
– My best race was the World Cup Sprint in Nove Mesto where I finished eighth.<br />
I struggled in the pre-Christmas World Cups and got bumped from the red group in regular World Cup distances. Racing in the Czech Republic was my first sign that I was regaining my form and gave me a boast in confidence. Europe is always more fun when you are racing well.<br />
My lowest point of the season was the 10km classic in Nove Mesto which was the day<br />
before the sprint (finished 47th)! I let myself get intimidated by the steep uphills on the<br />
course and was (too) conservative. I felt like I wasted an opportunity.</p>
<p><B>What was the most valuable lesson you learned last season?</B><br />
– I learned to take responsibility for my training. It is important to have a training program and use resources, like coaches and monitoring tests, but it is ultimately your own challenge to find out what works best for you.</p>
<p><B>What's your favorite event and why? </B><br />
– I am training to be an all-round skier but with extra focus on sprinting. I like the event that I am the best at, but sprint racing is also an exciting event. It adds to our sport to get out of the woods and race downtown cities. </p>
<p><B>You are frequently scoring World Cup points. What's the difference on days<br />
you score compared to days you don't. Is it physical, mental equipment or a<br />
combination of the above?</B><br />
– I have to get tougher. I can still get stronger with training but the biggest gains that I can make is to risk blowing up to stay with the pace at the start and to prepare to fight when things get painful.</p>
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