July 08, 2014 (Lake Placid, NY) – As part of the camp the REG group headed to the trails for a hike up to Algonquin, and maybe a couple of other high peaks along the way. A cooler overcast morning greeted the skiers, a welcome weather day for a long hike. This hike will wrap up camp for 2014.

NENSA Eastern REG Camp Agility Training © NENSA

Yesterday’s morning skate ski had them covering distance on beautiful hardly traveled roads, with three speed stations set up at about the halfway point. Athletes ran through a V2 alternate, V2 and V1 stations while coaches video taped and provided feedback. A focus on using both legs equally, engaing the upper body and core and poling efficiency were the commonalities.

In the afternoon we headed back to the jumping complex to use the roller ski track one last time. Complete with a biathlon range (and snowmaking in the winter), this loop is challenging yet attainable for developing comfort on rollerskis. A few more striding stations plus a small jump (optional) completed the loops.

NENSA Eastern REG Camp © NENSA

In the evening Byran Fish awarded the winners of the weeks tests some US Ski Team Swag, and presented a motivating talk about where XC skiing can lead, if they set their sights on making it to the top.

After this mornings hike, everyone will hit the OTC caf one last time before heading home -tired but fired up for their summer and fall training.

NENSA Eastern REG Camp REG participants top row, U16 bottom row © NENSA

The REG (Regional Elite Group) camp provides an environment for our top juniors to come together with some of our top coaches. I highly encourage athletes and coaches take part in these camps in the future- whether as an invited participant or as an observer for some of the workouts or presentations.  These collaborations are make our regions stronger!