SkiPost Newsletter

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Dear SkiPost;

Can you give me some advice on how to wax for ultra-long events? I am participating in an 80k tour in a couple of weeks. While it is not a race, I would like to have some speed, especially near the end.

What sort of skating wax and waxing techniques will give me consistent performance over that distance?

Thanks

The best way to make a ski last for a long period of sustained skiing is to simply saturate the base with wax that is close to your race (or in this case, tour) wax. If the snow you will be skiing on is anticipated to be icy, and abrasive you are going to want a cold wax. Through the course of 80km you will likely see several different snow conditions evolve, and a wax that will carry you through the greatest distance within the range of the wax is probably going to make the whole thing more enjoyable.

In the time between now and the tour we recommend you attempt to wax your skis after each time you ski on them. This will help make your bases as saturated as possible with a good base wax, and should keep it from slowing down during your tour on account of loss of glide wax on/in the ski base.

I Think I'm Coming Down WIth A Fever!

By Chad Giese
Saab Salomon Factory Team

Last year you said you’d never do it again and I’m pretty sure you said the same thing the year before too. Here we are, a little over a week away from the largest cross-country ski race in North America and you’ve got butterflies in you stomach because you are going to step up to the line and challenge yourself on a course that will demand all that you have. It really is hard to stay away. While talking to anyone who cross-country skis or even knows anything about the sport, the one question they all ask is, “Do you do that one race in Wisconsin?” It is the benchmark, the main goal, and the highlight of the year for most skiers. Like in marathon running, all you have to do is finish and you are a winner.

I have actually tried to win this race many times. I have had some of the worst races of my life at the Birkie, but I have also had some of my best. That is what keeps me coming back each year to battle the pack of Italians, the Norwegians, the Swedes, the Russians, and the top skiers in North America. I have had tunnel vision skiing across Lake Hayward more times than I can count, but I have also had the pleasure of sprinting it out with Silvio Fauner coming down Main Street. I have missed one or two due to sickness, but I have also broken up the main pack by putting in hard efforts. I have been the top American finisher and I have been far down the results list. You just never know what you are going to get on race day and it doesn’t really pay to worry about it now. There are 9 days left so all we can do is prepare our best, then race our hardest. You’ve done the work, now it is time to fine tune the engine.

Thur. Day 9: Skate Speed 10x30seconds
Fri. Day 8: Easy Distance Classic Ski (1-1.5hr)
Sat. Day 7: Intervals (4x4min with 2min recovery) or Race (10km to 30km)
Sun. Day 6: Easy Distance Skate Ski (1.5hr)
Mon. Day 5: OFF
Tue. Day 4: Easy Distance Skate Ski(1-1.5hr)
Wed. Day 3: Intervals (4x4min with 2min recovery)
Thur. Day 2: Easy ski with 5x15second pickups
Fri. Day 1: Travel or an easy ski, test skis, or short run
Sat. Race Day: Go hard!

Vary the hours depending on how much training you have been doing, but the work has been done or hasn’t been done (you know who you are), now it is time to rest up and get your body ready to recover quickly on every downhill so you can hammer every uphill. If you are feeling tired, throw in another day off, you won’t lose anything at this point.

It is really easy to get caught up in the excitement leading up to the race, but treat this race like any other. Don’t worry about your skis, they will be fine. Don’t try eating anything new that you haven’t eaten before or during a race, stick to what you know works for you. Be prepared, be relaxed, and remember to have fun! You may just surprise yourself…and if you don’t there’s always next year.

SWIX Wax Reports - Weekend 2/6/09 - 2/9/09

Wax Recommendations for the weekend of 2/13/09 - 2/15/09

New England

Great Lakes

Mid West

Rocky Mountain

Far West
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New form Swix 2009 is an improved FC8: FC8X which covers the important range from +4°C. -4°C 25F to 40F. This is the original Cera F that has a new and improved formula developed through extensive testing by our Racing Service Team on the World Cup circuit. Designed for increased performance in new and transformed snow along with increased durability. The new FC8X has had extensive success on both the World Cup this season and dominating performances at the Norwegian Nationals this past January. FC8X requires new higher Ironing temperatures one of the reasons for it’s increased durability. As with all powder fluorocarbon waxes care needs to be taking during application.

The new Swix FC8X wax is a Fall 09 product. a limited amount will be available at select Mid-West retailers starting the evening of Monday Feb 16th for use in the upcoming American Berkibiner.
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The Saab Salomon Factory Team, now in its 15th season, continues to be the America's dominant race team.
This season Factory Team athletes have won 10 USSA SuperTour races in 14 events. Kristina Strandberg is leading the the Overall, Sprint and Distance SuperTour Cup competitions. Lars Flora is leading the SuperTour Distance Cup. Team members have also had run away victories at the Noquemanon, Owl Creek, Alley Loop and women's sweep at the Boulder Mountain Tour. One thing that has remained consistent for 15 years is that the team has won on Swix and only Swix wax.

Here is a summary of the SWIX waxes used this season for all of our races.

Featured Product

(Denver – CO) - Rudy Project has officially launched the “Free Gear Project” – their most daring and innovative promotion to date. This promotion will include a pair of Rudy Project sunglasses, a NEW 2009 Slinger helmet, and a complete kit of other Rudy Project products for only $220.

“When I first proposed the idea of the ‘Free Gear Project’ to friends and co-workers, their initial reaction was that it is an incredible deal, but too good to be true”, exclaimed Paul Craig, President and Co-Founder of Rudy Project North America. “That’s the idea! I wanted to create something that was too good to pass up and create excitement in the industry, given today’s economic climate. I believe the ‘Free Gear Project’ is the best deal out there and will give everyone the opportunity to utilize the best eyewear and helmets on the market and get people walking into dealers asking for Rudy Project.”

The “Free Gear Project” will surely prove to be infectious among all consumers, athletic or not. Here’s how it works: for $220 you select your favorite Rudy Project sunglass offered in the deal (choices are: Rydon, Rydon II, Noyz, Zyon, Sportmask Performance, Kerosene, Horus & Ekynox SX), choose an additional set of core lenses (Sportmask Performance excluded), a NEW 2009 Slinger helmet and a t-shirt. In addition, this package also includes a Rudy Project bag and hat, to boot. Certain to be a crowd-pleaser, the “Free Gear Project” is expected to make waves by offering a complete kit of Rudy Project products worth over $450 for only $220 – a savings of over 50%!

This is sure to attract sport enthusiasts and athletes alike. A common problem encountered by people in sports is the need to be properly equipped in order to perform up to their capabilities. Often times, this can prove to be a costly endeavor, forcing many to settle for subpar gear and compromise their comfort and performance. With the “Free Gear Project”, Rudy Project is opening the door to many athletes and, for a relatively small investment, inviting them to fulfill their competitive needs to stay ahead of the game.

“Every year or so I need a new helmet for riding and racing because, even though I haven’t crashed, my helmet gets bumped around and, honestly, it starts to get really funky,” added Rory Seiter, a Boulder cyclist and triathlete. “With all the other costs of the sport, like the maintenance costs on my bike, I never get to treat myself to some really nice Italian-made riding and running glasses. And everyone knows Rudy makes the best sporting eyewear, so I’d be crazy to let this deal pass me by – its like killing two birds with one stone.”

To find a Rudy Project Authorized Dealer offering the “Free Gear Project”, please call 888.860.7597 or visit www.e-rudy.com and click “Dealer Locator”.

Events/Clinics/Announcements

Saab Salomon Factory Team member Chad Giese will be hosting a
Pre Birkie Swix Wax clinic at FinnSiSu
Thursday, Feb. 19th at 6:30pm.
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Waterville Valley, NH
Saab Salomon Factory Team member Justin Freeman will be hosting two clinics

ALSO:
NENSA will be hosting a ski with Saab Salomon Factory Team member
Justin
Freeman at the Stowe VT SuperTours Friday Feb 6.

Check out www.nensa.net for more info.

Feb 15 at 10 AM (subject to change)
Skate technique and training clinic.
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CXC is happy to work with SkiPost in offering the following products to
help make this year faster than last! Your purchases and support will help
shape the future of Nordic skiing in the US.

TRAINING LOG FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES. LOG IT! - NEW
Provides a template for recording daily training throughout the year, broken into 13 four-week periods, interspersed with photos and stories to inspire your training. Take advantage of the introduction to help build a plan for your season, then record and adapt your training over the year as your fitness progresses. The log is written by US Ski Team member and with forward by US Ski Team head coach Pete Vordenberg.

CXC ACADEMY (WEB BASED) – NEW
Training plans for high school, Junior Olympics, college, elite, masters and Birkie skiers with daily workout examples. Video of technique progressions, ski specific workouts, interviews and other useful materials.

“CXCAcademy.com is one of the best things to happen to XC skiing in the United States. Anyone who participates is truly rewarded with excellent training programs and technique examples”.

CROSS COUNTRY TECHNQIUE FUNDAMENTALS (CD-ROM)
This CD lays the foundation for both Classic and Freestyle techniques on which we can build a consistent technique program that will continue to develop great cross-country skiers for years to come.

WAKE UP! IT'S TIME TO TRAIN (DVD)
70 minutes of exclusive interviews with US National Team coaches, drills and
technique, fitness testing, sports physiology, core strength, training volume, intensity levels, race footage, and much more.

X-COUNTRY (DVD)
The inside story on one of the toughest sports around by top World Cup racers.

COMPETITIVE CORE TRAINING - REAL TRAINING FOR REAL ATHLETES (DVD)
Competitive Core Training provides the exercises and workouts that will help athletes of all ages, abilities, and sports develop a strong, flexible core that is essential to athletic performance and success.

Visit the CXC Store at:
www.cxcstore.com
and CXC Academy at
www.cxcacademy.com
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Ski and Tea
is a women's year-round ski-specific training group in the Birkie Trail area (Cable, Hayward, Seeley) founded by Linda Cook and Juli Lynch. Our group goal is to have every woman who comes "Be and Feel Successful and Proud To Be a Skier!" We are a mix of abilities and ages with a motto of "No Woman Left Behind!" Our first day of training together was January 4, 2008 with 8 women showing up. We now have over 104 women on the mailing list for our weekly newsletter.

The next clinics scheduled are:

Ski and Tea Hosting Clinic #5 With CXC Elite Women Clinicians Maria
Stuber, Kristina Owen, Jojo Winters, and Heather Zimmerman

Wednesday, February 18, 2009
00 Warming Hut
8:00 - 12:00
Cost: $50.00

Updated Clinic Description:

Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Instruction in both Skate and Classic Technique. This clinic will be special in that four of the CXC Elite Women will be present to help out. Participants will be split up into smaller groups and will have the option of focusing on skate only, classic only, or both techniques. Most of the fundamentals learned at previous clinics will be reviewed; however, the CXC ladies have come up with some new, innovative ways to help you ingrain good technique. Afterward, all participants are invited to join the CXC Elite Women for an optional Birkie/Korte race strategy question and answer session at Mooselips coffee shop in Seeley, WI. This Clinic was to be led by CXC Elite Skier Caitlin Compton. However, we are proud to announce that Caitlin made the World Championship Team and will be traveling to Liberec (Czech Republic), to compete at that time! The Clinic will be led by the other four of our CXC Elite Skier Women! Congratulations Caitlin and thank you to Maria Stuber, Heather Zimmerman, Kristina Owen and Jojo Winters for stepping up to the plate, and to Ski and Tea for helping these Women accomplish their dream and goals. All of the revenue for these clinics goes to the CXC Elite Skier Women to help them pursue their dreams and goals!

Contact Linda Cook for registration information - lpcook@chibardun.net
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Saturday, March 7th, 2009 for the 30th Annual Rendezvous Ski Race.
The boom of the cannon will send hundreds of skiers off to the races in West Yellowstone, Montana. Challenge yourself on our famed Rendezvous Ski Trails with the 50k, 25k, 10k, 5k, or 2k events.

In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, we have invited all previous 50k winners to return. If you have been to the Rendezvous Race in the past, return for an on-snow reunion, see old pals, ski all day, and savor the delicious desserts at the awards ceremony. If this is your first time, you will be rewarded with incredible skiing, great camaraderie, and the satisfaction of completing the infamous Rendezvous Race.

The 2009 Yellowstone Rendezvous Race will once again be part of the American Ski Marathon Series. Races in the ASM series highlight long distance ski events throughout the country. This is North America's longest-running and largest citizen's racing series.
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The Equinox Ski Challenge
March 21-22, 2009
Rendezvous Ski Trails, West Yellowstone, MT.
www.equinoxskichallenge.com

Relay team or solo / 6, 12, or 24 Hour / freestyle
Sam Newbury
(406)-209-3533
equinoxskichallenge@gmail.com

THE 3rd ANNUAL EQUINOX SKI CHALLENGE: How Far Can You Go?

The Equinox Ski Challenge is a season finale of a nordic ski race to be held on March 21st and 22nd at the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone, MT.
Similar to the 24 Hour mountain bike races, skiers complete as many laps as they can, either as a solo entrant or on a relay team in the 6 Hour, 12, Hour or 24 Hour division. Team can be composed of 2-8 skiers. This event is ingrained with camaraderie, challenge, and commitment to the well being of the local community.

The course is a rolling 9 kilometer loop groomed by Doug Edgerton and is located just 100 yards from several hotels. Toko will have a wax technician present to help skiers wax for the changing conditions. A warming hut is also available at the start/finish. The current 24 Hour soloist record is 326km set by Snorri Einarsson in 2007. The 24 Hour team record was also set in 2007 by a trio from Big Sky, Montana at 395km.

This event is dedicated to supporting local organizations that are keeping our communities mentally and physically healthy. For the third year in a row, the Equinox Ski Challenge will donate a portion of the proceeds to the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation and to Manaia Youth Programs. Participants can also earn raffle tickets by bringing food donations for the West
Yellowstone Food Bank.

The festivities will include a potluck with beverages on Saturday evening and an all night bonfire at the start/finish line. Complete details, race updates and online registration are available at www.equinoxskichallenge.com

How far can you go?

For more information contact:
Sam Newbury
Equinox Ski Challenge
P.O. Box 184
Bozeman, MT. 59771
(406)-209-3533

equinoxskichallenge@gmail.com

SkiPost is a cross-country skiing informational, educational and motivational service, brought to you through a partnership with the Saab Salomon Factory Team and the Salomon Athlete & Event Force.

The goal of SkiPost is to make the sport of cross-country skiing easier and more enjoyable for all who choose to participate. If you have questions on Cross-country Skiing see www.SkiPost.com or email us at mailto:weanswer@skipost.com

If you wish to be removed email nordic-unsubscribe@mailman.montana.com
If you wish to receive SkiPost email Nordic-subscribe@mailman.montana.com

Enjoy Winter,
Justin Easter
Editor - SkiPost

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