Source: Langrenn.com
Still Far From Being In Peak Shape
FasterSkier · December 28, 2005
 is attempting to get in peak shape with lots of training.</p><p>Best results: </p><p>Gold in the Norwegian 30-kilometer championship in 2004, 6th place in the pursuit at the 2005 Worlds, 5th place in the pursuit in Canada 2005.</p><p>Best memories: </p></div><div class=)
– Must be the Norwegian 30-kilometer championship in 2004. I started second to last (individual start) and was the second skier to finish. I caught and passed everyone except Elin Nilsen which captured the bronze, says Stemland before she ads: – winning the unofficial Norwegian championship for 14-year olds with bib #1 is also a very good memory.
How much are you training per year?
I trained 950 hours last year and should end up between 950 and 1000 hours this year. I’m following the national team’s program where the training consists of hard periods and volume periods, says Stemland and ads:
– I’m mostly writing the plan myself from a rough outline. I can discuss this with people around me as we go along.
Are you doing a lot of training and racing over Christmas?
– Yes, lots of training, but not many races. I skipped the last race in Canada in order to fit in a training period. I might do a race right after Christmas before I race the Nove Mesto World Cup race on New Years weekend.
What’s your motivation to become best?
– I have a desire to be best. I enjoy training. I also have to admit that it’s an extra motivation that the Olympics is at altitude since I have good experiences with altitude racing. I was nice to get confirmed in Canada that I can ski fast at altitude.
What is the big goal of the season?
– It’s of course the Olympics. I have earmarked three races. That is the pursuit, the 30-kilometer and the relay.
Are you satisfied with the season so far?
– I’m happier now. But the season started poorly. I wasn’t “in there†at all. Kind of didn’t realize that I was racing. But then it started to go better and I have skied faster and faster lately. I’m still not in peak shape. I have never been a Christmas-star and I don’t think I’m that now either. The peak should come later. I know what to do to get in shape, and I have made a plan toward the Olympics which I’m following. That includes skipping the Otepaa World Cup. I need to do be able to get in my hard training periods in order to do well at altitude, at the Olympics.