Kris Freeman has demonstrated that his preparations for the start of the World Cup season are on track with a new personal best time on the Mt Sunapee benchmark test that he uses to gauge his fitness. Kris made the ascent in 20:44 Saturday morning, beating his previous best time of 20:49 which he posted in November of 2006, two weeks prior to an 18th place performance in the World Cup opener in Gaellivare Sweden.
The new record is a welcome benchmark after a poor test in July when Kris ran the course in 21:53 on a day when his blood sugar management was uncharacteristically off the mark. Zach Caldwell, who collaborates with USST coach Pete Vordenberg to advise Freeman on his training, reports that the the new record indicates that training is on schedule, but that there are gains to be made before the start of the season.
“A sub-20 minute time would indicate that Kris has made the capacity gains that he needs to close the gap to the World Cup podium†said Caldwell.
Vordenberg noted that he's been pleased with Kris's mindset and approach to training: “Kris' training is going well by all objective and subjective measures. I ask all the athletes to make the most of each day – be it rest or work – and Kris is a model athlete in this regard. He works hard, he rests well, he does his best every day. That doesn't mean everyday will be a great but that sort of ethic is the only way to be sure you'll have those great days and to be able to win even on a less-than-great days.”
Kris was joined Saturday by his brother Justin who ran a personal best time of 20:51, giving him the fourth fastest time on record. Kris and Justin’s father, Donavan, also ran, setting a record for the 50+ age-group of 28:39.
Related article on FasterSkier.com – Justin Freeman Defeats brother Kris at Mt. Sunapee Invitational
Source: NENSA
