You've been waiting, and here it is: FasterSkier's comprehensive rollerski review of some of the best "whap sticks" out there for offseason classic training. Don't do much classic rollerskiing? You should change that.
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There is really only one way to become a faster skier. Train. We will keep you inspired with training reports from the best around, as well as articles on specific workouts and suggestions on how to improve your own training. Use the links below to view articles in a specific sub-category, or srcoll down to view all Training articles.
Wednesday Workout: Making the Most of a Small Hill with Caitlin Gregg
Chelsea LittleOctober 26, 2016
Need to train hills, but you don't live in the mountains? Caitlin Gregg and Loppet Nordic Racing are here to show you how to get a killer interval workout off just 175 feet of vertical.
Halvorsen Asks Skiers Around the World About Body Image and Eating Disorders (Video)
Gabby NaranjaOctober 26, 2016
After a month of sending emails and sifting through footage, Hannah Halvorsen produced a five-minute video seeking to bring awareness about body image and disordered eating among cross-country skiers. Since she published it last Friday, it's accumulated more than 3,000 views.
U.S. Ski Team and Alaska Pacific University skier Sadie Bjornsen has seen a few changes this summer including an increase in monthly training hours and the number of those sessions with her teammate Kikkan Randall. "It was definitely a new level of training for me, but I felt like I was able to absorb it, so that was cool," Bjornsen said.
All About the Books, Sargent Pursues a Master’s While Revving Up for World Cup
Jason AlbertOctober 20, 2016
It's back to school and the World Cup for U.S. Ski Team A-teamer Ida Sargent. Based out of Craftsbury, the Vermont native has been mindful to keep her training quality high. As she readies for the first World Cup in late November, she'll also keep her mind sharp while taking online classes in public health.
Nordic has upstaged tubing in North Creek, N.Y., where a state-operated alpine area has made FIS-homologated, cross-country ski trails a priority. Along with 2.5 k and 3.3 k race loops, the Ski Bowl also has snowmaking, lights, and coming soon, Wi-Fi.
Nordic Nation (FS Podcast): Chelsea Little on the Latest; There’s WADA, FIS, Sundby, & Johaug, Too
Jason AlbertOctober 16, 2016
Not such a great summer for the Norwegian Ski Federation and Martin Johnsrud Sundby; now add Therese Johaug to that list. In this podcast episode, FasterSkier Editor-at-Large Chelsea Little discusses these doping cases and the recent IOC meetings where much was discussed, but perhaps not so much decided upon. Have a listen.
Often associated with Scandinavian culture, the concept of friluftsliv has helped shaped the nordic ski communities we all know. In Bend, Ore., a museum exhibit called "Winter Comes" celebrates the legacy of friluftsliv.
It’s not just a truism that one of the best ways to get good at going fast is to practice going fast. At least that’s the principle that Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center (APU) coach Galen Johnston brings to bear when working with his athletes, no matter their age level or experience.
17 Questions for 2017: Noah Hoffman
Chelsea LittleOctober 10, 2016
U.S. Ski Team member Noah Hoffman tackles our "17 Questions" series, revealing a summer of concerts and cornhole while he tries to conserve energy and improve recovery from an increased training load.
Time to Ruminate on the 83% Rule: The Future of Classic at the Highest Level
Jason AlbertOctober 7, 2016
To double pole or not to double pole: sometimes it's not even a question for strong-enough skiers. We spoke to a few well-informed individuals on FIS's 83-percent rule and gathered their opinions.
Wednesday Workout: Cueing the Glutes — The Penguin Walk and White Line Drill (with Video)
Jason AlbertOctober 5, 2016
Either on snow or on pavement, this workout offers an easy approach to lending how to cue and fire the glutes while skate skiing, something physical therapist Dave Cieslowski says will improve your skiing efficiency.
Craftsbury Splits Camp Between Slovenian Ski Tunnel and Dachstein Glacier
Gabby NaranjaSeptember 29, 2016
Eleven Craftsbury Green Racing Project skiers and three coaches took their training to Slovenia and Austria this month to check out Planica's new ski tunnel (in a three-level parking garage) then more snow time 9,000 feet above sea level at the Dachstein glacier.
Wednesday Workout: Moosehoofing for Speed and Capacity with Chris Mallory
Jason AlbertSeptember 28, 2016
"The goals of the workout are to increase classic striding leg speed and explosiveness, make neuromuscular gains, and increase aerobic capacity," explains Chris Mallory, new head coach of the SVSEF Gold Team. "The workout is fairly short and sweet, but very effective, and it helps to sharpen the athletes up as we near race season."
Climb to the Castle Archive: Top Results from the Last 10 Years
FasterSkierSeptember 22, 2016
Race results and records from the last 10 year of the Climb to the Castle rollerski race up Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid, N.Y., courtesy of the New York Ski Educational Foundation. Guess who's won it five times?
Wednesday Workout: Elliott Out East at ‘Bird Camp’
FasterSkierSeptember 21, 2016
Tad Elliott explains, "Sometimes you need a good OD, have some fun with friends and enjoy hiking in the mountains. Also where else can you bag three peaks in three hours?" The answer, he found, is in Waterville Valley, N.H., where he's been training with Kris Freeman.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Ski Team returned to New Zealand's Snow Farm for on-snow training and racing. “The primary goal was extended time on snow working on group and individual technique needs,” head coach Chris Grover explained. “Another goal of the camp was to touch base with racing." Ten U.S. skiers started 2-4 races, and several racked up podiums.
Wednesday Workout: Warmup/Wake-Up with Justin Freeman
Gabby NaranjaSeptember 14, 2016
If you're looking to be faster in speed workouts, 2006 Olympian Justin Freeman suggests adding some technique drills and accelerations to your warmup. “We do ten to fifteen minutes of running technique drills, focused on sort of generating power, quick foot strike, kind of getting off your feet,” he says of his Netherlands-based running club.
The Canadians at Altitude: Livigno to the Stelvio and Back
Jason AlbertSeptember 13, 2016
For the Canadian World Cup Team, September entailed a trip to the Italian Alps for altitude training. Alex Harvey, Devon Kershaw, Lenny Valjas, Graeme Killick, and their coaches ventured to Livigno and Stelvio Pass, and joined the Norwegian men's team for some workouts.
Living the Dream: 2016 Skate Rollerski Review
Jon "Fast Big Dog" SchaferSeptember 8, 2016
At long last, a top-to-bottom review of some of the best-known rollerski brands on the market, with a no-BS approach and review team of seasoned skiers, including an Olympic gold medalist, world champion and veterans of World Cup ski-testing protocols.