August 09, 2014 (Anchorage, Alaska) – Norway’s Celine Brun-Lie travelled to Anchorage, Alaska for the US Women’s XC Ski Team’s annual NAWTA (North American Women’s Training Alliance) camp which included dryland training and a week on Eagle Glacier. FIS XC caught up with her for the latest edition of Cross-Country Talk.

Stephen, Caldwell, Bjornsen, Brun-Lie © Matt Whitcomb

You just completed three weeks training in Anchorage, Alaska. Two of those weeks you participated with the US Women’s ski team in a training camp. Your teammate on the Norwegian team Astrid Urenholdt Jacobsen did the same last summer. What was the motivation for you to come to Alaska?
Celine Brun-Lie: I got to know some of the girls on the world cup a couple of years ago and they seemed really nice. I have always been fascinated about how they can be away from home for so long and still do amazing races and keep up the mood and energy. As I love to travel I thought it would be a great opportunity to see a new place and get to know the American girls better, and maybe exchange some ideas.

Was the experience what you expected?
CBL: It was much better! The way they took me in and treated me like a member of the team from the first day was not something I expected. The girls where awesome and made me feel at home at once and the coaches helped me with everything from technique to equipment problems.

Norway has such a great history in the sport of Cross-Country skiing. You have been a member of the National Team for several years now. Were you able to learn some new things from the US program?
CBL: Ithink the Americans have a different way of seeing things. We talked a lot about traditions, that Norway has a long tradition whereas USA is a young cross country nation. I think if you find a balance between these two you can reach high, which we have seen is the case for this team. They already have some of the best skiers in the world and many talented skiers to come. I learned to think more out of the box.

Do you have a favourite moment from your time in Alaska?
CBL: This is a difficult one! I had a lot of fun and many people took me to different Alaskan adventures! But Eagle glacier will remain as my favourite glacier to ski on for a long time to come! It was amazing to ski in such a beautiful place and the way Erik Flora had made the tracks was just perfect!

Was this the first time you have gone outside of the Norwegian team to train with another National team?
CBL: I went to France as a junior to train with some french athletes and have been there every summer since.

Alaska is known for big wildlife, and nature. Did you get to see any bears, moose or salmon?
CBL: I saw a lot of moose (they are so tame over there!!) and a lot of salmon in the rivers. Unfortunately I did not see a bear, which I really wanted to, so I have to go back… 🙂