July 09, 2010 – The USA’s top skier Kikkin Randall has already had a busy summer, training recently in Norway and now back home. It should be no surprise that this leader of the US Ski Team is hard at work, as she’s planning for the upcoming winter season. Following her solid 2010 Vancouver Olympic performances, she’s in a great position to do well at this coming winter’s Nordic World Championships in Oslo. Recently we had the chance to interview this spirited athlete on how things are progressing.

You were just in Norway – tell us all about it, how long were you there and who you were training with?
Kikkan Randall: Yes I’m back at home in Alaska after spending two weeks at the beginning of June in Oslo, staying and training with my friend Ella Gjomle Berg. She was an amazing host and we packed a lot into the two-week training camp. We competed in two rollerski races the first day I was there and then headed up to Sognefjell for five days of snow skiing.

We were able to join the Norwegian women’s national team for some workouts which was a pretty exciting experience for me. I was happy to jump into the pack and try to hang on. After skiing, we headed over to Western Norway to visit some of Ella’s family and to see the fjords. The final week of the trip was spent mostly in Oslo. We did a couple work-outs at the Olympiatoppen (their version of an Olympic training center). Ella and Marit Bjorgen are good friends, so Marit joined us for a couple workouts as well.

Overall it was an amazing couple of weeks. It was cool to see how the Norwegians train in the summer and to see how their system works. I came out of the trip a bit in awe at the resources that they have available to them, but also proud of all that we have accomplished in the US with fewer resources.

What do you find most rewarding about being a full time skier?
KR: The body that I have, and the strength and endurance to chase my dreams. It’s my job to get up every day and exercise and challenge myself. The people I meet because of skiing and the places I get to travel to are also amazing rewards.

Is there something you feel that you miss by being a full time skier?
KR: Well, it may take me 10+ years to get my undergraduate degree. In high school I was a driven student and it’s been a little hard to put academics and career interests on hold. However, I love what I’m doing right now and I know school and career will always be there.

You are one of the leaders on the US team, what advice would you give young skiers coming up through the ranks?
KR: My advice to young skiers is to dream big for their ski careers, but be ready to be patient. Becoming a top international skier is something that is now becoming a realistic reality for US skiers and it’s an incredible lifestyle. However, it takes time to develop the training and the experience needed to get to the top. It’s taken me 10 solid years in the sport to really break through, but now that it is happening, it’s more fun than I could have ever imagined.

What’s the state of women’s xc skiing in the USA?
KR: I believe that women’s xc skiing in the US is on the verge of a breakthrough. We’ve achieved some big results now that have shifted our confidence and our expectations, and motivation is higher than I have ever seen to keep pushing the bar even higher. The women’s field in the US right now is a good mix of veterans and youngsters. If we can keep our women athletes in solid training environments, working together and pushing each other, I believe we can start putting together competitive teams on the World Cup.

Have you changed much of your off-season training for this year?
KR: I had my best season ever last year so my coaches and I decided not to make any big changes for this season. I will have a slight increase in overall volume and I am doing a new strength training plan written by Alex Moore of the US Ski Team.

How many hours of training are you currently putting in each year?
KR: Around 725.

What are your hopes this winter for the Nordic World Championships in Olso, Norway?
KR: I am excited to have another shot at a World Championship skate sprint this year. I had good success at the World Cup test event in Oslo last March with a second place finish and I would like to improve on that and go for the gold there this February. I have also set my goals on continuing to improve my distance racing and will be looking forward to the 10km classic race and the two relays.

What is your current state of mind?
KR: I have just finished a 4-hour training day and dinner, so right now I am tired and full.

You’re planning to ski through until Sochi in 2014 right?
KR: It’s always been my intention to ski through Sochi in 2014. I believe the best years of my career are still to come. I have put in my 10 years of foundation and now it’s time to take that training and confidence and go for it!! After Sochi, we’ll just have to see.

What’s your favourite part of training?
KR: I love feeling the improvement. Pushing through the initial stages when everything feels hard and you have to stay mentally tough, and then coming out the other side for those days that feel effortless.

What have you seen or heard from the Norwegians about their team for the coming season?
KR: When I was in Norway I saw a lot of athletes out training hard just like we are training. They’re working hard every day and with so much history and culture and support behind them, I know they’ll have a strong team come November. But then again, so will we!!

How will your late summer and fall plan out – where will you be?
KR: In two weeks I head down to New Zealand for a US Ski Team camp. I haven’t seen the team since the last races in March so I’m super fired up to meet up with my teammates and coaches and put in a lot of training. After NZ, I will meet my husband in Ontario for a little lake time and guest coaching at the Ontario High Performance camp at Hardwood Ski & Bike. Later in the fall I plan to spend some time down in Park City for some altitude training.

All the best and thanks for making some time for us.
KR: Thanks Peter.