NENSA Interview with Trina Hosmer, Master Skier

Summary: Trina has won countless medals at Master's Nationals, Master's World Championships and continually keeps our junior and senior skiers honest at the NENSA TD Banknorth Eastern Cups. Not surprising with the impressive history Trina has behind her!

Master's Series

Interview with Trina Hosmer
She has been an enthusiastic cross-country skier and competitor for over 40 years; was on the first International U. S. Women's XC Ski Team that went to the World Championships in Vysocke Tatry, Czechoslovakia in 1970; Skied in the 1972 Olympics in Sapporo, Japan and the World Championships in Falun, Sweden in 1974!

1. You are obviously fit and know how to train effectively. What are a couple of your favorite workouts and why?

All my workouts are my favorites because I don't do something I don't want to do anymore. I don't mean to sound flip but when you have been competing and training for over 40 years you got to love what you are doing. Therefore, do what you love to do but do something every day. Do something hard and intense at least once a week (for me now this is bike time trials), do something long (either a long hike or bike ride), do some intervals and the other days do whatever works best with your schedule.

2. How do you approach time management to ensure that you are able to get your training in?

I used to be the time management Queen when we were both working full time and 2 kids to drive around. Every second had to count. Now I am retired so finding time to train is a non-issue. The real problem is pacing myself so I have enough energy to train. There are so many physical activities I love to do that I have to make sure I get some training done before I do all the other fun stuff.

3. You run a great nordic program for women in the Mt Mansfield area , as well as co-organize the very successful New England Women's Day…What do you personally take away from these events that you feel helps you in your own athletics?

First of all, I love working with these women. I have never coached before so having to explain why and how I do what I do, has not been easy. It has certainly made me much more aware of my skiing technique and what I do OK and what I do poorly. For example, I feel for my size, age and gender I make pretty good use of my arms. So trying to explain to my group how I do this has been challenging. Is it just timing or is it the extra push I give right at the end. So I have thought a lot about it and come up with various drills that seem to be helping them.

4. What is different in your training now than it was 5 years ago? 15 years ago?

Unfortunately, not much has changed with my training. I am just older and slower. I say unfortunately because I know I should have a training plan, training log, heart rate monitor, doing all the latest training techniques but like I said earlier I do what I love to do. The one thing I have added since I retired 5 years ago is Ashtanga yoga. This has personally helped me immensely. It combines the 3 most important things you need to continually work on as you get older, flexibility, strength, and balance.

5. What are you focusing on with your training this year?

Well for the past 5 winters, I have said that I am going to practice sprints. So far this hasn't happened but maybe this winter. I know from all my years of track intervals that doing 100's and 200's (even though I didn't like it) certainly helped my 1500meter time. So when you see me this winter, ask me if I have been working on sprints.

6. How many hours do you train per year?

According to my husband Dave, he says I am either in lycra or pajamas (ie I train all day). However, I consider training only when your heart rate is up. So I would say (remember I don't keep a training log) I train 1-2 hours a day, then I may play tennis later, work in the garden , go to a yoga class, take a hike or whatever. So my fanny only hits the chair at meal times.

7. What percent of that is specific ski training, compared to bike riding, running, etc..?

I take a complete break from ski training May, June, July. I just run, bike, hike (always with poles) and definitely continue practicing yoga. Then in August I start to roller ski once or twice a week, ski bounding intervals at least once a week and more upper body work.

8. Do you do any strength training?

Yes. First of all, I consider the yoga I do great upper body strength if you do it religiously. Then I do a few weights, 2-3 times a week and when I roller ski I primarily work on upper body strength.

9. What still keeps you motivated for racing? Are there any special techniques you use before an important event, that gets you psyched up and ready to race hard?

I still love the thrill of trying to ski fast. When everything is working right and you are just cruising, it is a great feeling. And the only way you get fast is to keep trying to go fast so racing is the answer (the clock doesn't lie).

10. If you had to point out two things that Master skiers could do a better job at in their training, what would they be?

First, attend ski technique sessions as often as you can. At this point we are only going to get faster if we can learn to ski more efficiently so we continually need to be working on this.

Number 2, do more downhill skiing. For many master's their weakness is the downhill part of the courses. You got to learn to love them because this is your chance to go fast but still recover. What better way to get better at downhills, then to just go downhill all day long.

11. Trina, your husband Dave, also ski races and is very active. Is there any friendly rivalry between the two of you ?

Gosh no! He does what he does and I do what I do. However, I must add he is a huge support to me when I am racing. Even after all these years, I can get pretty uptight before a race. He is always there helping me with last minute things and reminding me that this is not the Olympics, just go have fun. And I do as soon as I start.

12. What is on your agenda for this upcoming winter? Will you be going to France for the Masters World Championships?

We are not doing the World Master's this year in France. We have done the World Master's the last 3 consecutive years so need to take a break. So I will focus on the local NENSA races. We are so fortunate in NE to have the NENSA organization that sponsors many high quality races each winter. I can compete against the best juniors and college skiers almost any weekend of the winter. I certainly don't need to go far to have great competition. I am also going to do more downhill skiing this winter which helps my cross-country skiing so much.

13. Anything else you would like to add for any masters who are wanting to either give racing a try, or improve their race performance?

Don't get caught up in all the technological nuances of xc skiing. Instead think about and practice technique. Attend as many ski clinics as you can because it is your technique that is going to improve your race performance the most. Having the latest skis, boots, poles and high floro wax job will only help if you know how to use it correctly.

Thanks Trina! We look forward to seeing you out on the trails this winter!

Source: NENSA