For this week’s workout, we’ve brought back a how-to-guide to ski walking, hill bounding and moose hoofing, written by former U.S. Ski Team member Nancy Fiddler, a two-time Olympian and past FasterSkier contributor. Fiddler shared this workout, which works for juniors to masters, in four years ago. Read the original here. *** [circa June 2013] Ski walking, hill bounding, […]
Conference Over, WADA Remains Committed to Fight Against Doping
After a two-year review process, the World Anti-Doping Agency approved a new code last week, which intends to make it harder for cheaters to cheat. But the efforts are still ongoing, and the code and accompanying regulations aren’t foolproof.
Canada Invests Nearly $1 Million into Anonymous Doping Hotline
On Nov. 5, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport announced the creation of a new and anonymous Report Doping Hotline, funded by the Canadian government, Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee to the tune of nearly $1 million dollars. While the idea of facilitating anonymous doping claims may seem risky, Canada isn’t the first to do so and believes the benefits could be substantial.
Catching Up with Canada’s Former Head Coach Dave Wood
During his recent visit to California for a training camp with his Black Jack Ski Club, former Canadian National Team Head Coach Dave Wood met up with FasterSkier’s Nancy Fiddler and shared some intimate thoughts on the sport. “You can’t improve by just going to Europe to race,” Wood says. “You have to figure out a way to cut 45 seconds over 15 kilometers before going.”
Sun Valley’s Vamps: No Ordinary Masters Program
A former VAMP, Nancy Fiddler takes a close look at one of the country’s largest all-female masters nordic groups, Muffy Ritz’s VAMPS program in Sun Valley, Idaho, which caps out at 130 participants each year.
Wednesday Workout: Spice It Up with a Weight Vest
For this edition of our weekly workout, former U.S. Ski Team member Nancy Fiddler encourages you to put some pounds on — via a weight vest. She still uses her 25-year-old one for a total-body workout and gives some ideas for strength sessions on and off skis.
Mike Gallagher: A Celebration of a Life Lived Large (Updated)
Note: This tribute has been updated to include comments from Mike Gallagher’s wife, Tyna, and additional photos from John Estle. The passing of former U.S. Ski Team head coach Mike Gallagher on his 72nd birthday last week shocked the ski community and many that knew him.
Long Range Weather Report for Sochi: Shades of Gray with a Chance of Rainbows
The Olympics are a premier sporting event, but there are times when it is hard to separate politics and human rights from the glitz and glamour of the Games. There are many world issues on the table as we head toward Sochi, but the new Russian anti-gay laws have are currently front and center.
Then and Now: A Conversation with Peter Ashley
Vice president of the nordic division at Fischer Skis for the last 18 years, Peter Ashley has had a ton of experience outside the retail industry, holding just about every job skiing offers and experiencing the evolution of the sport firsthand. “This is not an un-cool sport to be in nowadays,” he says.
Far West June Lake Camp Recap: Peak-Bagging, Rope Swinging, Watermelon, and More
Far West juniors from Truckee, North Tahoe, Sugar Bowl Academy and Mammoth programs took part in a four-day camp in the Eastern Sierra July 18-21. Camping in June Lake, participants experienced lots of sunshine and warm temperatures while putting in some high quality training.
Part of the Team, Part IV: Female Youth Development Coaches
This is the final piece of a four-part series on female nordic coaches in the U.S. Part IV gathers input from women who work with the little guys, the future of skiing, in thriving youth programs across the country.
“It’s all about fun for the younger skiers,” says Tamarack Gliders coach Marie French. “If we catch their interest year after year, even if it’s with a ride on the groomer or rolling around in the powder, they will love cross-country skiing and come back for more.”
Part of the Team, Part III: Female Coaches’ Impact on Teenage Skiers
The third chapter in ‘Part of the Team: The Impact of Female Coaches in the U.S.’ takes a look at female coaches who work with U18 and U16 athletes, the kids who are in the process of choosing nordic skiing over other sports. These coaches are involved with juniors at a critical point in their development, and many discuss how they mentor their skiers and why they’ve stuck with that level.
Part of the Team, Part II: Female Collegiate Coaches in the U.S
For Part II of the ‘Part of the Team: The Impact of Female Coaches in the U.S.’ series, Nancy Fiddler interviews five college coaches about the challenges and rewards of their jobs, how they achieved their respective positions, and what’s kept them there so long.
Wednesday Workout: Ski Walk and Moose Hoof Combo
Ski walking, hill bounding, and moose hoofing are a great way to incorporate ski-specific movements into a dryland workout. There are many ways to use these training tools, but I am going to recommend a favorite interval workout that touches on all three techniques: the 4’s and 1’s. This low-impact workout works great for skiers of all ages and abilities, from juniors to masters.
Part of The Team: The Impact of Female Coaches in the U.S.
Two-time Olympian and former U.S. Ski Team member Nancy Fiddler dives into the topic of women in coaching, and why there are not more of them on the international circuit. A coach herself, Fiddler starts with an introduction, describing her journey from as an elite skier to a lifelong mentor.