I did a skate intensity session with the Canadian National Team in North Salt Lake this morning. We did 6 by 5 minutes starting at a sustainable pace and building to max by the last interval. I was able to use an extra pair of the Canadian matched roller skis, so it was a fairly equal playing field as far as roller skiing goes.
The road was uphill. We gained more than 1000′ during the workout. That terrain plays to my strength. My energy was good and I was able to ski without tension. I followed for the entire session, fairly easily. The pace was not too challenging, although I did hit 178 beats per minute on my heart rate monitor on the last interval. That is close to my all time max of 184.
As I wrote in the story about the time trial in New Zealand, the Canadians are some of the best skiers in the world. I am happy with the way the session went. It is a nice confidence boost after some tough sessions during the past couple of months.
Here is coach Jason Cork’s video from the session. It is great footage considering he had limited access following the Canadian vehicles and considering he was driving while holding the camera.
There is, of course, lots more work to be done. It is not even October yet.
