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POSTED IN 01/10
FRANK LUNDEEN
Contributing Editor
Frank is an avid skier and ski technician that calls Minneapolis, MN home. He works for Q-Active, a ski industry distribution company.
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So you’re curious about cross-country ski racing? Perhaps you’ve been skiing for years, find yourself gazing out the window each autumn waiting for snowflakes to fall, or are looking for some winter excitement? If you’re saying yes to any of these things and aren’t a racer, you should give it a try.
You line up on the start line, are ready to go, and hear the start gun blast. A shiver runs up your spine, but now you focus as you double pole into motion.
As you begin flying down the trail in a sea of bright race suits, carbon fiber poles flying, and skis navigating, you begin to settle in.
You push you body to the limits but are confident because of the training hours you have put in.
Your skis are effortlessly gliding past your fellow racers on every descent because you know how to make your skis fly. As the kilometers tick by, you feel great because you fuel you body at every feed zone.
Finally, as you approach the finish line, you power past your competitor in the final meters.
When I think of XC ski racing, this is what I dream of! Most other racers will dream of something similar. Racing has taken me to some of the most amazing places on earth and has introduced me to many of my closest friends.
It is a constantly evolving sport: Show me the person who claims to have mastered the sport, and I’ll show you a person who is about to be surpassed by the masses. In order to compete, you must be a student of the sport. Racers must be constantly evolving and embracing changing techniques, training techniques, and equipment.
If I’ve caught your attention, here are a few steps to help you ease into racing:
1. Maintain a healthy, active lifestyle throughout the year. This will serve as the base to your training as well as general health!
2. Explore your local XC Ski community. There are likely other racers around who can serve as invaluable resources to you. Get out and do some workouts with them. You’ll likely surprise yourself and learn a lot!
3. Have fun with your training and stay mentally fresh. Mix it up! Do some workouts by yourself and some with others. Do some long slow workouts and some speed work. Classic ski one day and skate ski the next.
4. Get to know your local ski shop. They are a key part of your ski community and can offer invaluable advice on equipment, ski trails and they can help you network with other skiers.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of anyone! Tell anyone you’re getting ready for your first race and ask for suggestions. Any racer will be thrilled to help you!
6. Pick your events well in advance, this will give you goals you can train for and visualize.
Ski racing really is something that every single skier deserves the opportunity to experience. It is something that is accessible to anyone and can be enjoyed by all, at any level! Celebrate our snow and enjoy winter!
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