Climbing uphill to the Bottom

Like a beagle on the scent of a rabbit Corey was doggin’ Andy both this weekend at the BSG and last night in class. Everyone needs a goal and for Cory just knowing that Mr. Cottontail is just ahead was all the juice he needed.

The conditions were tough for anyone doing the Noque or BSG this past weekend but despite slower than average times there were solid efforts. Skiing in cold conditions require more preparation, from the skis to clothing to pre and post ski protocols. The “practice” makes it easier. Remember the Birkie the past two years started below zero, it could happen again.

We talked a lot about uphills this year and it makes sense, you spend on average 60% or more of your time is spent going up. The hill that takes 10 seconds to come down may take a minute to climb. Skiing is about going uphill and it is about energy conservation, saving you for the next uphill as all hills are hard. Case in point the last climb into Duffy’s Field on the Birkie trail. http://www.birkie.com/assets/NewElevationsMap.pdf
By itself it is moderately hard but at the end of a tough day it is brutal. I have always thought that if you skied that hill well you would have had a great day. The reason is that you probably paced yourself well enough to get the job done one last time. Story time: One year climbing that very hill I was alone between the leaders and the chasers when I could see Bob Treadwell with his blue US Ski Team suit up shuffling up that hill. I knew that if I could catch up before the top he was mine, the issue was he knew it too. Having Bob up ahead was enough as I went around him on that big sweeping bend as you exit the woods into Duffy’s field, he let me go with a grunt and I never saw him again. Skiing strong uphill is its own reward, pace yourself before you get there. This helps me; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-GmcGRabIc

Nice strong night last night. Thank Dan for the 250 dip suggestion. Steve said he had more to give but his HRM say's it was pretty hard. With just over 3 weeks to go until the Birkie you really need to get that last OD session [or two] in. That and some specific strength work like double/single poling the tracks and solid V2 sessions. Expect a good hard night next week and keep up on your waxing. This cold and hard snow is a real wax eater and the hardness of the base is very unforgiving on poles when you land on them, we have had three broken in a week! See you on Tuesday.
The South Will Rise Again