October 15, 2008 (Lake Waskesiu, Saskatchewan) – The annual HP dryland training camp in Saskatchewan was once again a great success and provided excellent motivation for the athletes and coaches in attendance. A total of 17 athletes and eight coaches gathered together on the shores of Lake Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park for the weekend of training and coaching instruction hosted by Cross Country Saskatchewan.

Guest coaching was provided by Lorris Williams of Edmonton and CCC’s Western HP Coordinator James Cunningham along with Madeleine Williams as the guest athlete. Madeleine’s experience and enthusiasm was a huge bonus to everyone involved and provided that unique perspective that only an elite athlete can bring. Madeleine was able to share her past experiences as a Junior and Senior NST skier and her recent World Cup experiences from last season.

The focus of the camp was roller ski technique and ski specific training with a focus on getting lots of time on skis and plenty of information to keep both the coaches and athletes thinking. Over the two days the athletes had three roller ski workouts, a running technique workout and the usual morning jogs (or sprint races as these turned out to be.) The coaches had a separate session on training programs and general training ideas and the athletes and coaches were treated to a slideshow presentation by Madeleine of some of her most memorable moments and what lessons we can all take from her experiences.

Overall the camp was a huge success and things look good for the future of skiing in Saskatchewan. Next up for some of the Saskatchewan skiers will be an early snow camp at Silver Star and then onto the racing season.