Resources

The Finish national team coaches have planned a busy summer for their skiers. Here is their camp schedule outlining their plans and preparations for the upcoming season: June 4-6 Kalajoki, men, Car racing/sand-ski-driving (not kidding). Competition on June 6. June11-19 Sognefjellet, Norway, On-snow skiing, women June 13-24 Sierra Nevada, Spain, On-snow skiing, men June 30-July 7 Vuokatti, Summer Competitions July 19-22 Jyväskylä, test camp July 22-25 Liperi, rollerski – competitions and training August 12-14 Otepää,...

Anders Aukland’s main priority last winter was to become as good as possible in double poling. He succeeded and won the Swedish Vasaloppet, The Marcialonga and the 15 kilometer World Cup Classic race in Kuusamo. He is now changing his focus and priorities.

The annual Fasterskier.com June training camp will again be headquartered at the Landmark Inn in Park City (room rates at about $65 – 70). The camp price is $295 for three days and $365 for four days (hotel not included). This includes two daily training/instruction sessions, and one daily lecture or technique video review. We also include a camp BBQ/dinner (private). The camp will be hosted by Fasterskier.com’s own coaches Torbjorn Karlsen and John Aalberg;...

Norwegian Junior National Champion and Birkie sensation Simen Ostensen has started his training for the upcoming season and SkiSport magazine reported from his first rollerski workout of the year. He had teamed up with World Cup and Vasaloppet winner Anders Aukland and his brother, long distance specialist Jorgen (2003 Overall long distance cup winner and first in the 2004 Chinese Marathon and 3rd in Vasaloppet). The workout was done in pouring rain in early May,...

Technical training combined with physical conditioning in cross country skiing Technique and fitness go together Interval 1: Skate without poles from flat into steep terrain — “Keep the wheel spinning” — the ski glides on during the push-off. Interval 2: Same as 1 and with an additional rhythmic task to enhance the difficulty: Alternate two easy push-offs (two short gliding phases) with one powerful push-off (long gliding phase)… Interval 3: Same as 1 and with...

The final stage in the learning process called automation and variability is briefly characterized in this article. From that discussion the proper methods and aims are derived and described. Special focus is laid on practical tips, models of training sessions, and suggestions for exercises. The technique of elite athletes is stable against external and internal disruptive elements What is automation and variability? Even in unfavorable external and internal conditions such as bad tracks, wind, exhaustion,...

Imagine the clean fresh oxygenated air, scented of pine, and snowflakes beckoning you to venture out into snow-hushed woods for play, health, fitness and adventure. No wonder nordic skiing is the top family winter activity. What does it take to get involved in the way of commitment or co$t? The answer is: next to nothing, whereas benefits are unparalleled – fresh air and fun in the snow. Before venturing into the great outdoors here are...

Fine Tuning of technique demands a specific methodological approach. We would like to demonstrate that by looking at the example of upper body work and arm movements during the technique “V1 skate”. Specific movement analyses and skilled exercises lead towards perfection of technique. The initial position represents a decisive stage of “V1 skate”. The proper initial position is characterized by its completed weight shift. This is the prerequisite for an ideal push-off and even more...

After the nordic ski racing season wraps (Michigan Cup races went through March 21 this year due to excellent late season snow), I try to get in shape to run the 5/3 (Sponsoring Bank, Fifth Third Bank, isn't that something ?) 25km River Bank Run in Grand Rapids, MI, concurrently the USATF 25km National Championship. I normally have a tough time getting my road running mileage volume up in time to add speedwork, while avoiding...

Greater Experiences through specific training of skating techniques. Technical training is still a widely neglected issue. However, only the skiers who consciously deal with the skating motion and who work methodologically are able to improve their movement competence. How does technical training work? Lean back, think of a snowy day in winter, and imagine how you skate along in the V2 alternate skate: a dynamic push-off and a full arm swing. Which leg carries out...

TorbjornSport Press Release – May 19, 2004 TorbjornSport ( Technique: The CD includes basic explanations for every skating technique accompanied by video sequences of world-class athletes to get you in the mood. Concise descriptions inform you about the different techniques and when they are used. The core of the chapter features detailed analyses of the skating movements including picture sequences and explanations of the fundamental phases. Jigsaw puzzles round off the discussion and increase your...

Members of the Norwegian women’s team will not have skis on their feet for a six month period in their preparation for the upcoming season. Women’s coach Svein Tore Samdal is not emphasizing summer skiing for his skiers. The women’s team trained on-snow in June with the men’s team in Tignes, France last summer. That was the only snow camp before the traditional October fall camp in Val Senales, Italy. There are no snow camps...

Swedish ski star Per Elofsson is back in training, but his coach Per Rawald says that he is facing the toughest fight of his life. Elofsson is normally resting for three weeks in the spring, but his break from early this winter until spring was four months. This was following the conclusion that he was over trained.

Kristen Skjeldal was kicked off the Norwegian national team ahead of last season. He is now back (on the team) after a fantastic season. Skjeldal believes that the year outside the national team made him do more of what he believes in himself (as opposed to what he felt he should do for training). He was curious going into last season how he would handle loosing his national team spot and support. – I was...