September 20, 2009 (Sun Valley, ID) – Summer is coming to an end and the ski season is approaching in haste! The crisp, fall air is always a reminder that snow and racing is just around the corner. A solid summer of training assures me that I am ready for a new season with new experiences, new results, and the confidence of having another year of training under my belt.

The Sun Valley Olympic Development Team has been working hard this summer, putting in several quality hours of training. We began our “summer” training in May with an on-snow ski camp in Bend, Oregon. The focus of the camp was volume and technique. The snow conditions were even better than we could have asked for, thanks to amazing weather and great grooming. In late July, we found ourselves at Soldier Hollow for a short but intense five-day camp. Our week looked like this:

– Day 1: am – plyos and distance run 2:00h / pm- strength 1:30h
– Day 2: am – 4x5min L4 skate int 1:45h / pm- distance skate 1:30h
– Day 3: am – OD hike/run Timpanogos 4:45h / pm- off
– Day 4: am – 13k Pursuit Time Trial 1:45h / pm- strength 1:30h
– Day 5: am – distance classic roll 1:30h / pm- drive back to SV

After such an intense camp, it took me a little while to recover and bounce back. I enjoyed a recovery week in Alaska with my family, doing alternate activity such as backpacking, kayaking and hiking. Shortly after returning to Sun Valley, the team left for a 12-day camp in Whistler. We were very fortunate to be able to ski on the paved roller ski trails at the Olympic venue, ingraining all of the twists and turns in our heads. There was a great crew of skiers at the camp including, the SVSEF team, the US Ski Team, and the NEG team. The level of training and competition was high and you could see the fire and energy in everyone’s eyes.

I am currently training in Sun Valley and incorporating more running into my plan with more distance runs and running intervals twice a week. I’m already feeling my fitness improve and I am looking forward to the positive results it will produce early in the racing season.

We’re heading to Lake Placid next week for our yearly fall camp with the US Ski Team and other top skiers from around the country. There is always great roller skiing to be had in the east along with great runs and hikes…it’s one of the most beautiful places to train in the fall! I am looking forward to the camp!