December 28 - January 3, 2016

Happy New Year!!! Thanks for a great sleepover team!!

PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS AND INFO IN THIS BLOG!!

For those athletes who tried out for Arctic Winter Games- you will know if you have been chosen to the team this week.

For those athletes trying out for the Alberta Winter Games team- tryouts are this weekend- details below.

Tuesday- tomorrow… we will be classic skiing. I have to work and so practice time will be the same as usual. Athletes Midget- Juvenile, please be prepared to leave your racing skis at the lodge. Your skis will all be waxed equally to avoid inequality with the skis. The CCA Alberta Cup waxing protocol will be put in place for ALL age categories (meaning low fluoro waxes are only permitted)

Thursday- There is no formal practice. Waxing this afternoon will take place for the skis over the weekend- if parents you are free and able, please come and join the waxathon! :D

Alberta Winter Games: Qualifying Criteria- please review with a parent to ensure you understand:
AGE GROUP(S)

Mini-Midget: Midget: Juvenile:

11 - 12 years of age - born in 2004 or 2005 (2 males, 2 females) 13 - 14 years of age - born in 2002 or 2003 (3 males, 3 females) 15 - 16 years of age - born in 2000 or 2001 (3 males, 3 females)

ZONE TEAM COMPOSITION
The maximum team size shall be:
16 competitors per zone (# of females 8 # of males 8)
3 coaches or chaperones per zone (# of females min. 1 # of males min. 1)
In the case a zone has less then 10 competitors the zone will be allocated a maximum of 2 coaches / chaperones.
Any additional coaching spots, up to a maximum or 24 as per the Alberta Sport Connection quota for the Alberta Winter Games, will be given to zones with the largest number of competitors after the fill policy is completed.
FILL POLICY
Cross Country Alberta in conjunction with the Zone Coordinators and the CCA Director of Athlete De- velopment will regulate fills.
Each Zone will forward their official Zone qualifier results to the CCA office by Friday January 8, 2016. The results must clearly indicate which athletes meet eligibility requirements. The list of qualifying athletes will be broken down by category including age group and gender. The list will also include the additional athletes who desire to attend the games, known as fills. The ranking list will also indicate the ranking order of any additional athlete, known as files. This is especially important for zone qualifi- ers that are open to athletes from other zones (such as using an AB Cup for a zone qualifier).
Deadline date to submit zone qualifier results and ranking of the additional athletes is by January 8, 2016 to the CCA office.
Fill spots will be distributed according to the following steps:
1) Automatic qualifier: Each zone of the 8 zones is allocated the following number of athletes:
Mini midgets: 2 males, 2 females
Midgets: 3 males, 3 females
Juveniles: 3 males, 3 females
A. Athletes and Fill Athletes will compete in their own category, (age and gender), for their respective Zone.
B. A Zone may have more than the standard of competitors for a category, (eg. more than 2 competi- tors for mini midget females) only if other Zones have fewer than the allocated numbers for the same category.
C. A Zone may have more than the allocated 3/3/2 (juvenile/Midget/Mini-Midget) athletes by gender within a Category if other Zones are not able to fill their compliment.There are a maximum 128 athletes, with 64 male and 64 female athletes competing if all categories are filled.

2) Fills: Each unclaimed spot for each category will be allocated to other zones based on participa- tion numbers at each zone qualifier.
Respective Fill Percentages will be calculated and allocated to each zones (rounded down).
After the initial fills procedure of the rounding down exercise is completed and fill positions are still vacant, the remaining fill positions will be drawn by the way of a double random draw proce- dure to allocated the next available athlete(s) in that (those) zone(s) 

Saturday- For athletes trying out ONLY: Race start time is 10am. Please follow your race plan that you would typically have for a classic race- 2 hours before start time and we will have skis ready for you.

• Classic Mass Start Race. Registration will close at 8:30am (yes, you need to register and although there is no fee to race, if you qualify to be on the team, checks will need to be made out to CCA for $60/athlete and collected with the forms once the team has been selected). Bibs will be handed out ~10-15min before the race start. Ensure that you have a good warmup and that you are focussed for this!! 
• Mini-midgets (Liam, Caitlyn & Francois) will be racing 2.5km (1 loop of the regular race that we've done this winter)
• Midgets will be racing 3.25km (1 loop of the regular race that we've done this winter + lap for an extra loop of claw ridge into the stadium to finish)
• Juveniles will be racing 5.0km (2 loops of the regular race that we've done this winter)

*for those athletes not trying out or ineligible, it is strongly recommended that you come out and cheer on the athletes trying out and then going out for a ski with the team afterwards. I will be unable to join- but just skiing is better than doing nothing!;)

Sunday- This is a 6 pac race + Part 2 of ABWG Trials. This will be a skate race (same course and distances as the previous day) and individual starts. Race start time is 2:00pm. Registration will close at 1:30 (as this is a 6pac race) but if you're trying out for ABWG it is strongly recommended to treat this like an Alberta Cup and come 1.5 hours prior to race start to prepare. There will also be a 7.5km course option for those racing the 6pac. If you'd like to count your race as a 6pac race PLUS ABWG tryouts- this is fine- please pay your usual $5 race entry fee.

*ABWG team will be chosen the following week and you will be contacted directly by Claire or Jim.
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Junior Race Team

Thursday- No practice

Saturday (for Liam, Caitlynn & Francois)- IF you would like to tryout to be on the ABWG team (see Race Team manual to understand the games experience) please see the information above for the Senior Team which includes leaving your skis at the lodge on Tuesday so that skis can be waxed- please call Claire for info. The details are VERY important for BOTH days of racing.

Sunday- For everyone. There is a 6pac race (skate) followed by practice. Please show up prior to 1:30 to be registered and prepared to race. The Juniors (minus those trying out for the ABWG team) can choose between their usual distance 2.5km and 1km loops. Practice will end at 3:30 as it's a long day for the kids. If you don't want to race, please show up by 1:30 anyhow so that we can get you to help out with the course. Juniors please remember your snacks and thank you for working with me this past week- 12 km we skied!! I'm so proud of you all!! Happy New Year!

December 21- 27, 2015.

Merry Christmas!!!


There is practice Tuesday and optional Sunday, only this week.

Tuesday- We will be skating.

Sunday- You will be recommended on going for a 2 hour, non-stop skate ski. 2-4pm bring snacks and water bottles. Also- see below for our team sleepover.

Sunday is sleepover time!! Come to the lodge having eaten supper please and bring: a game to play if you have one that includes everyone; a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, pillow, junk food and beverages, if your food item requires a bowl- bring it; pj's, slippers, something for breakfast the following morning and be ready to have some fun!!  I will be there at 6:00 pm and you can come anytime between 6-7pm. After that, the gate will be locked and the lodge will be locked and alarmed by 7:00pm. For pickup on Monday, please have a ride there by 10am.

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Junior Race Team

Sunday- you will be classic skiing. Come with a snack and water bottle please. See you on the trails and have a safe and very merry Christmas!

December 14-20, 2015.

Christmas is coming and so is the snow tonight!! LET IT SNOW AND LET IT STAY!!! :D

1. The races this weekend in Strathcona have been postponed (new date tbd). All training times are a go for this weekend.

2. Pay attention to the blog- as now we have time for our Christmas parties, dates have changed.

3. If you weren't at the 6pac today, then you missed me getting in trouble by the WNSC. Although we are an important user of the club we aren't the only users and today we forgot about that. When we borrow skis we are to only borrow the revolutions IF you don't have rock skis. We may be faced with fees to borrowing these skis as well- this is to be determined in the future. Today, I pleaded for forgiveness and apologized profusely, next time we won't be so lucky- LET IT SNOW!!!!!

4. Christmas holiday dates: Dec 22, 27, 29 & 31 we will have practice. IF Edmonton doesn't pick their race for the Jan 2/3 weekend, we will continue to host the ABWG trials here in GP on both 2&3 (Midget: born in 2002 and 2003 Juvenile: born in 2000 and 2001); with the 3rd being a 6 pac race as well. Dec 27 is our tentative sleepover in the lodge date (details to come when we have approval of the WNSC committee).

Tuesday- We will be skating unless the snow accumulates to something substantial- then we will be classic skiing. The weather network says we will be skating. :S

Thursday- It's party time!!! Bring an appetizer for the team and a $10 gift if you'd like to participate in the gift exchange. IF you have an ugly christmas sweater… may as well charm up the place a bit and wear it- PLEASE DON'T PURCHASE ONE FOR THIS EVENING! We won't be skiing.

Saturday- Let's try classic again… 10-12 on snow.

Sunday- I'm out with the juniors- so if you want an extra workout (and you should…) come on out and I'll hook you up with a doozie!

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Junior Race Team

Excellent practice today crew, I had a bunch of fun with you all and am really impressed with how well you guys went up and down those hills!!! Mika informed me that I worked you really hard… well done!:D

Please note: Christmas holiday dates: Dec 27 & 31 we will have practice. IF Edmonton doesn't pick their race for the Jan 2/3 weekend, we will continue to host the ABWG trials here (for mini-midget aged athletes- Mini Midget: born in 2004 and 2005) in GP on both 2&3; with the 3rd being a 6 pac race as well.

Thursday- Will be a regular practice and more classic is needed for right now- remember no skating when we're skiing classic, especially without a track. Coach Davis is going to be so surprised at how well you guys are doing!!

Sunday- There will be a 1 hour skate ski session followed by the Christmas party for the Juniors. The party will be held upstairs in the timing tower. It's potluck snacks and goodies (nut free and if you can gluten and dairy-free too please) AND a $5 Chinese gift exchange. Bring on the party!!! :D

December 7-13, 2015.

Welcome home everyone! What a great weekend of racing! I've never seen so many athletes at an Alberta Cup before! It felt more like nationals then a normal race in Canmore for us. :D You all survived it with style and rocked your races. I love seeing you all out there in the mix of it all. A special shout out to Zoe and Carlee for racing your first races and thank you Wapiti race team for welcoming them on the team!

**We are looking for a family to open your spare bedroom or floor space to these two plus momma Wendy this coming weekend so that they can come and train with us on Saturday and make it financially possible for them please. If you can, please email me. Thank you!!

Tuesday- Classic ski. Bring a headlamp and water bottle and we will use fish scales as I don't have a clue what the trails are like!:D

Thursday- Skate ski. Water bottles are needed for this one.

Saturday- Be prepared for both- I don't know what it's going to be as snow isn't in the forecast!:( Come prepared for both techniques. Water bottles and holders are necessary.

Sunday- I'm out with the junior team so if you want an extra workout, you know where to come! 2-4pm. There's a 6pac Race; 1:30 registration closes! Come out and get a bit more practice in!
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Junior Racers

Thursday-  skate with headlamps and water bottles. 

Sunday- Classic. Please bring a water bottle and snack. 2 hours is a long time to go without a snack for these guys. Thank you parent volunteers for your assistance! There's also a 6pac race at the beginning of practice too. 1:30 registration closes.

November 30 - December 6, 2015

It's RACE TIME!

Please pay attention to the details in this blog- they will come in handy for Canmore and for the prep to get ready for Canmore.

1. Please pay $64 to Claire for your hoodie if you haven't done so already. This is due by Tuesday this week or your order will be cancelled.

2. Please register! www.zone4.ca in the search section type in NORAM and it's the first thing that pops up. Registration closes on Wednesday.



Tuesday- be prepared to be out at the lodge until at least 8:30. Supper will be provided. Skis (both classic and skate) will need to have Rex Blue waxed on both. Training can be done on ski club skis- skate technique. The lodge is now officially open, so if you can show up earlier to get skis done, please do so.

Training will be a bit backwards. Please be at the lodge on time for practice- I will start with race info and expectations. I will also go over the Arctic Winter Games selection criteria with athletes and parents if they are able to attend- this will also be emailed out to all athletes/coaches/parents to pass on to everyone as well as posted on the CCA website. We will then have a short practice as usual and supper will be eaten around 7:30. I have an AWG meeting to attend with Jim at 7pm, so will do as much as possible before heading out. I will come back and collect gear after my meeting is over- I'm guessing after 9pm.

Please ensure that the skis are in the right bag and that poles are packed in their right places as well. Please load Jim's Thule as much as possible with gear, I'll hopefully be able to travel with the rest in my box. If your vehicle has room in it please let us know before 7pm on Tuesday.

Thursday- travel to Canmore

Friday- meet at the main lodge in Canmore for 1:00pm. Please ensure that you have eaten and are geared up. We will be skating the race course and practicing all the quirks and difficult spots. I would like to discuss each category's race course and plan of attack for the races. If you've skied your course 2-3 times, I then highly recommend doing your Sunday course as well if it's different. Maps will be out at the site. Keep training to a zone 1 level= very easy… Plan to be at the ski site for 3+ hours and are free to go once you've cleared it with your athlete and myself- this way I can ensure that your athlete is prepared for their race the following day.

*Please note: if you are trying out for Arctic Winter Games- please go into the ski shop by the lodge in Canmore and try on a CRAFT ski jacket and text me what size fits you the best. We were unable to secure a sizing kit and so this is my solution to you all receiving jackets that will fit you when you qualify, the order will be confirmed when the team is chosen. Parents, please go with your athlete and confirm their sizing choices. Jackets will be about $50-$75 cost to each athlete and is a mandatory part of the uniform for Greenland. Again, please text me this information: 780-933-0853. 

Saturday- Race times will be given out the evening before. Please show 2 hours before your race start time. Team supper will be eaten together- a booking will be made for this. It will be posted and texted out to everyone at a later date. This is one of the criteria of the team- team meals on Saturday are mandatory.

Sunday- Race times will be given out the evening before. Please show 1.5 hours before your race start.  Please wait until all of the gear has been loaded and packed before departing, we need to ensure that all the gear is loaded. Jim will be in charge of this.

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Junior Race Team

It's going to be a quieter week this week for the junior team BUT there is still practice. 4 members of the junior team will be away racing in Canmore this week which allows you guys to focus on your own technique and practice. Have a great week! The lodge is also officially open now and will be open for you to come early to get skis waxed and prepped.

Thursday- 5:45-6:45 on snow. We will need a parent volunteer for this practice please. Make sure headlamps have fresh batteries in them and that your athlete has their water bottle filled and ready. Classic technique.

Sunday- 2-4pm. Skate technique. Water bottles and snacks are mandatory. We will also need a parent for this practice- there wasn't a sign up put in place. My apologies.

November 23 - 29, 2015.

Last week of November already… Where is the time going?!

TIME CHANGE: Practice will be from 5:45 on snow warming up (don't wait for me) to 7:15pm now. There is no excuse for being on snow late now and I expect you do your warmup laps and be ready for me at 6pm. Warmup laps are up to biathlon and down claw ridge into the xc stadium. If you can't do 2 of them in 15 minutes then just do claw ridge instead of going up to biathlon a second or third time. Be back in the stadium for 6pm. 


1. Please bring or e-transfer me $64.00 for the hoodie. Checks are fine, payable to Claire Richter.

2. Please return the roller skis to me by the end of this week.

3. Preparations for Canmore have started. Please ensure that you're booked into a hotel (email Jake to confirm where the team is staying), registered (www.zone4.ca), have a race license- Juvenile and older (www.cccski.com) and are ready to travel on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3. We will be meeting at the lodge in Canmore on Friday, December 4 at 1:00pm.

4. 6 pac Race this coming Sunday!! It's a long skate distance. Race starts at 2pm sharp, registration closes at 1:30pm. Bring $5 cash to race. The next 6pac is Dec 13.


Tuesday: Bring your headlamps and water bottles. Classic.


Thursday: Bring your headlamps and water bottles. Skate.


Saturday: Bring your water bottles and a snack. Classic- however be prepared for the potential of skate.


Sunday: 6 Pac Race- Skate Distance.

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Junior Team

TIME CHANGE: Practice on Thursday will be from 5:45 to 6:45. There is no excuse for being on snow late, please be respectful of the rest of the team who have been waiting around. There will be no waiting around anymore- practice starts at 5:45, and the team will go do their warmup lap, if you're late, they will come through the stadium at 5:55 for a final sweep before heading off to do the workout. If you're late, please do not drop off your athlete and leave, please ensure that they have been picked up by the team. Sunday practices will be from 2-4pm now. 

Thursday: Bring your headlamps and water bottles. Classic

Sunday: Will be Classic AFTER the 6pac race which is SKATE. Please be prepared for both disciplines this day.

*parents who are on 'duty' can you please ensure that you're on snow as well and ready for the start of practice. This helps keeps the kids on time. Thank you all!!

November 16- 22, 2015.

There's snow!!! And winter has started! The temperatures are now looking like they will stay below zero which is promising that this snow may stay.

Headlamps are mandatory for all athletes. The lights are typically not turned on until later in November. 
Please note: Training times will not change this week as we negotiate between grooming, enough snow to ski on and ensuring everyone has rock skis to ski on. Training places will now all be at the lodge.

Please read your emails in the coming few days for information on the Northern Alberta Ski Camp. I highly recommend attending this two day camp that is being held in Hinton. Stay posted- no official information is out yet. 

Tuesday- we will be skate skiing- bring your boots, poles, warm gear (rock skis if you have any)- we will use the lodge's for those that don't, but there's not enough pairs. We will be focusing on technique as we reap the benefits of snow and rest week, all together.

Thursday- AT LODGE:  skate skiing- again, bring boots, poles, warm gear and your rock skis if you have some.

Saturday- Hinton Ski Camp

Sunday- Hinton Ski Camp

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Junior Team:

Please note: Training times will not change this week as we negotiate between grooming and enough snow to ski on. Training places will now all be at the lodge.

Headlamps are mandatory for all athletes. The lights are typically not turned on until later in November.

Thursday- AT LODGE: Skate skis for the kids and warm clothing please. It's supposed to be a bit on the chilly side as we haven't acclimatized yet. Don't worry about waxing the skis yet- this will happen on Sunday.

Sunday- Bring your kids skis for another wax lesson with Claire. Your kids will be skate skiing with Davis. You will be encouraged to hot wax the classic set of skis to practice and we will work on kick waxes as well. See you then!

November 9 - 15, 2015.

Please read this blog in entirety there is important information in here. Canmore is quickly approaching- is there going to be a parent meeting? If so, please ensure that the Junior Team parents are also appraised of this. 

1. Athletes born in 2001 or earlier please purchase a race license. You will need my CCA coaches license number- it's on the right of this blog. 

2. Registration is open for Alberta Cup 1&2 in Canmore and the race notice is also available. See below for the link at CCA for all information. 

Tuesday- meet at lodge. Bring your poles (but you already know that from me telling you this every practice). 

Thursday- meet at Thrill Hill again. Bring headlamps and poles. 

Saturday- meet at roller skiing spot with runners and poles. Guest coaches helping out for this practice. 

Sunday- I won't be here. There's no extra practice.

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Junior Race Team

Registration is open for Alberta Cup 1&2 in Canmore and the race notice is also available. See below for the link at CCA for all information. If your athlete is attending this race, please ensure that they are registered in the right age category. Most athletes are now Peewee's with the exception of Caitlynn, Francois and Liam who are Mini Midgets. Also, please check your emails as time approaches for extra information. 

Thursday- meet at Thrill Hill. Please ensure that your young athletes have headlamps.

Sunday- meet at the lodge- we will still be dry land training as there is no apparent snow in our forecast for this week… Thank you to those who joined me today with waxing, there will be a grip wax session in a few weeks. 

November 2- November 8, 2015

Dryland training continues… snow is sort of coming, but not quick enough!! :D Please ensure that you have a headlamp now for training.

Tuesday- meet at the lodge with short poles and please don't rely on the Malmsten's pole generosity. Bring your own and a headlamp. It's dark by 6:10pm.

Thursday- meet at THRILL HILL at the top of the hill. If there are two extra parents who can help out by just dressing warmly, wearing a headlamp and hanging out for added security, I'd appreciate it.

Saturday- meet at the correction line. Bring runners, short poles and roller skiing gear (with long poles)- I'm guessing that the ground will be wet but it may still be ski-able.

Sunday- As a reminder, in general, I am at the lodge from 2-3:30 and am available to do some technique and/or will give an extra workout if you want. This week, I will be doing a reminder on waxing for athletes and parents. I will only be posting on Sunday's if there's something extra than just an ordinary workout that I am offering. It's up to you guys if you are able to show up for an extra workout, as I mentioned at the beginning of the season.

*Claire will not be at the lodge on Sunday, November 15.
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Junior Team

Thursday: Meet at THRILL HILL at the top of the hill. If there is a parent who can help out for this workout as an extra hanging around body, I'd appreciate it.

Sunday: Meet at the lodge. Athletes will be training and Claire will be providing wax teaching inside the lodge for parents. Please bring your athlete's skis to learn/ re-learn how to help your athlete prepare their skis for training. Once the athletes are on the senior team, this is a requirement of their own- typically they're taller and stronger to be able to work their skis.

October 26 - November 1, 2015.

Senior Team:

The longer practices are great- thank you everyone for making concessions to staying that extra hour- it helps and we got a lot done today. A few things to note-

1. please discuss with your parents (if they're footing the bill for the hoodies) that they will cost about $65. This includes a sizing kit so that you can purchase a hoodie that fits you, or one size larger- with your nickname on it. They will be the polyester dark grey (charcoal) with red enhancements and red logo-ing on it. Names will be in either red or white and the wapiti logo will be in colour. Junior sizes are available in this hoodie vs a cotton version for a bit cheaper- which doesn't come in junior sizing.

2. start carting your shortest pair of poles around with you- even shorter than your classic pair, if you own such a thing. We will be using them- weather dependent.

3. This week is Hallowe'en and with it comes snow!! Next week we will also have the time change and with that there are a few changes. Training will continue with the schedule we have until the snow is ski-able. Once it is ski-able, I will inform you all- until then, please keep posted on the blog- as the schedule now requires some flexibility on behalf of families and athletes and potential location changes. This week times and places will stay the same. Dress weather appropriately please, but have your athlete in their runners still- wet shoes will occur- but warm socks help.


Tuesday- Lodge- bring poles

Thursday- Muskoseepi

Saturday- Roller skiing- if no snow on the ground/pavement is wet but not frozen; Running at the same spot if snow on ground and bring your short poles.


Junior Team

Great job to those of you who raced!! This week and next, the junior team will go back to it's larger size as people return from being away and completing other sports that they're involved with. Two athletes last Thursday was a little lonely- so we're looking forward to having the whole junior team back together. This week is Hallowe'en and with it comes snow!! Next week we will also have the time change and with that there are a few changes. Training will continue with the schedule we have until the snow is ski-able. Once it is ski-able, I will inform you all- until then, please keep posted on the blog- as the schedule now requires some flexibility on behalf of families and athletes and potential location changes. This week times and places will stay the same. Dress weather appropriately please, but have your athlete in their runners still- wet shoes will occur- but warm socks help.

*Please note- I still have 2 pairs of smaller boots for sale and two pairs of poles also that may fit some of your athletes- these poles and boots came in after all the sizing had been done- so please, if you're interested in sizing up your athlete- catch me at either Thursday or Sunday practice. *

Thursday- meet out front of the Muskoseepi Pavilion. The kids will be running for most of this workout- please ensure they have their water bottle and water bottle holder.

Sunday- meet out at the lodge- no sugar (Hallowe'en candy) before practice please- we've had athletes get sick in the past… it's not pretty. Have a great week!! :D

October 18- 25, 2015

Great week of training everyone. I think that we're getting closer to some semblance of fitness and technique under us that things can ramp up a bit.

Tuesday- at the lodge- it's going to be a hard practice… and I know a bunch of you are racing on Saturday (any maybe the whole team for the relays- hint hint…) but a hard practice on Tuesday is still ok.

Thursday- Muskoseepi: for those of you who will be racing, training will be toned down a bit and for those choosing to not race, it'll be ramped up a bit!!!

Saturday- practice will be changed to SUNDAY 2-5pm roller skiing because of the races. So race on Saturday and come out to practice on Sunday!!! GO WAPITI!!!

Sunday- 2-5pm Roller skiing.

*Uniforms have been ordered and will be here the end of November- prior to our races I've been promised… 
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Junior Team:

Thursday- Muskoseepi; please don't forget those water bottles.

Sunday- at the lodge. Bring a snack and from what I saw today, you guys are doing well and I'm excited for snow to be coming soon.

*Uniforms have been ordered and will be here the end of November- prior to our races I've been promised… 

October 11- 18, 2015.

Ughh… I ate too much turkey!!!:D I hope you all enjoyed your rest week last week and are refreshed for this week's work that is ahead of us! Happy Thanksgiving- I am thankful for being your coach, so thank you for trusting me and thank you for giving me your best!

This week is a doozie- so be prepared to work hard and work off some of the turkey!

Tuesday- Ski sizing continues with the senior race team at the lodge- come 30 minutes early if you need sizing.

Thursday- Meet at Muskoseepi- ready to rock and roll! :D

Saturday- 10-12- roller skiing at the correction line parking lot. Don't forget your helmets!

Sunday- ski sizing at the lodge if you need it. I will be there from 2-4.

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Junior Team

Happy Thanksgiving!! Hope you all had a great time with family and friends.

Thursday- at Muskoseepi- we meet at the front of the pavilion at 5. :)

Sunday- at the lodge from 2-3:30. We will be ski sizing during this time. If you would like to have your child sized on skis (there are quite a few pairs from the senior team that could be passed down) please come early or be prepared to stay late. Thank you!

October 4- October 11, 2015.

It's rest week- which means we still work out, just not quite as hard. :)

Great job on the weekend training- lots of technique was discussed and trialled- now, every time that you're out on roller skis it's your responsibility to try and put together what we worked on- getting over on your one leg; using momentum to get yourself over and on top of each ski and using your (insert Australian accent) aaarrrmms!!!

1. Ski sizing will start on Tuesday ONLY. There will be more sizing next week.

Tuesday- meet at the lodge- bring your ski gear for sizing.

Thursday- meet at muskoseepi pavilion. We will be training with the junior team.

Weekend- THERE IS NO TRAINING- Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Junior Race Team

There is training on Thursday only this week. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thursday- meet at Muskoseepi and the junior team will be training with the senior team as it's a rest week and time to play around a bit.

Please note: Ski sizing will occur next Sunday, October 18th at the ski lodge before and after practice.

September 28- October 3, 2015

So it seems that a first has occurred… I forgot to do the blog last night. My apologies to everyone! :S

Please read all notes below:

1. Ski sizing needs to happen but I need to get a few more bodies to help me out and this week isn't looking good for assistance in sizing. IF you're going to Edmonton, just take your gear and they will size you there. We will be getting it done, I'm just not sure when exactly.

2. Ernies is offering a 20% discount on XC related gear and clothing for members on the team. Just let them know at the till and they will ask for ID from your parents- or proof of who you are.

3. Walk, Run n More is offering a 10% discount on all their gear in their store to any athlete who identifies themselves as being a member of the XC Race Team. Please thank both businesses when you're in there shopping, for supporting us!!!

4. This week there will be 4 practices for the senior race team as next weekend THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICE as it's Thanksgiving! Yay for turkey day and a long weekend. :D

This week is the last build week in our first cycle- which means more FUN!!! Bring on the puking, bring on the pain and bring on being stronger as the end of this cycle then you've been since last year!;)

Tuesday- meet at the lodge- it's going to be fast and furious so bring your tunes if you have some good ones and if you have a speaker that is better than mine- bring it too. :D

Thursday- meet at muskoseepi for one of my favourite workouts!

Saturday- meet for roller skiing at our usual spot. If the pavement is really, really wet then we won't be roller skiing, but if it's just wet then we will be going out. Please don't text me to see if we're roller skiing or not- just show up prepared and you all have to run regardless for a warm up… I don't need to receive 15 texts please. :) Bright coloured clothing is a must and helmet, boots, skis and poles obviously as well!

Sunday- optional training day- it's an extra so if you can't make it don't fret… but if you can- it'll be on technique. Technique is not where I want it to be yet so I'll have the camera out and will be out on the trails from 2-5. Bring a snack, patience, bandaids (:D) and your water bottle. Bright coloured clothing is a must and helmet, boots, skis and poles obviously as well!

________________________________

Junior Team

My apologies on not getting the blog done last night- I completely forgot! :(

Please read all notes below:

1. Ski sizing needs to happen but I need to get a few more bodies to help me out and this week isn't looking good for assistance in sizing. IF you're going to Edmonton, just take your gear and they will size you there. We will be getting it done, I'm just not sure when exactly.

2. Ernies is offering a 20% discount on XC related gear and clothing for members on the team. Just let them know at the till and they will ask for ID from your parents- or proof of who you are.

3. Walk, Run n More is offering a 10% discount on all their gear in their store to any athlete who identifies themselves as being a member of the XC Race Team. Please thank both businesses when you're in there shopping, for supporting us!!!

4. This week there will be 4 practices for the senior race team as next weekend THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICE as it's Thanksgiving! Yay for turkey day and a long weekend. :D


Thursday- Muskoseepi- water, running shoes, dressed for the weather- please have gloves and hats ready for the kids as once the sun goes down it cools off very quickly for the kids.

Sunday- Lodge- same as Thursday! :) 2-3:30.

September 21-27, 2015

Week 3; build week 2 which means more fun!! …for me anyway! (insert evil laugh here)…

Last week I had asked in the blog, for you athletes and your parents to accomplish a few things as not all of it was accomplished, I'm going to hold off on equipment sizing. I completely understand that it's a busy time for everyone- so this isn't a slight- it's just reality.

• Athlete goals
• Race attendance
• Checks made out to WNSC and in to me by Tuesday, Sept 22.
• Uniform sizing

*if you're not sure if you did any/all of this list- please just send me a quick email or talk to me after practice.

Tuesday: Meet at the lodge. Running gear, water bottle and ready to sweat.

Thursday: Meet at Muskoseepi- reminder- we're on build weeks, don't expect it to be easy. ;)

Saturday: CANCELLED- put over to SUNDAY- sign up for and run the Bezanson Bog!!

Sunday: 2-4pm Roller skiing at the correction line. Bring a snack and water bottle.


Junior Race Team

Thank you all who showed up for a sizing kit- unfortunately the size we needed wasn't there on Sunday- however it will be at Muskoseepi on Thursday- so please ensure that your athlete is sized and the price list will be emailed out to you before any decision needs to be made. Thank you for your patience!

Thursday- Muskoseepi Park- be prepared to run! Water bottles are a must with a holder.

Sunday- out at the lodge and same deal. 2-3:30 for now until there's snow.

September 14 - September 20, 2015

*Junior and Senior Team read the notes below. Junior Team your training plan is listed at the bottom of this blog. 


The first week is done and it's great to see you all! I'm in the process of going through a few items that came up in the parent meetings and will address them over the coming few weeks. Please see the reminder notes below and the plan for this week and next. Stay dry!!

1. Arctic Winter Games- for those who would like to put their name forward as a coach or chaperone for the 2016 team please email a brief resume to Mike Neary and Grant Bourree by this Friday, September 18th.

2. Athletes- your goals should already be in to me, but you have until Tuesday, September 15 to get them done.

3. Races- please have these dates in to me by September 18 so that I can plan ahead for these events with a vague notion of who will be racing where.

4. Uniforms- we will be sizing this week at Thursday training and Sunday training. If your athlete isn't able to be at one of these sessions please let me know and we will see what we can do. Athletes, please bring your old uniforms- even if they fit as it helps for sizing other athletes. I won't have the up-to-date pricing yet but will get that to parents BEFORE the order goes in.

5. Equipment sizing- we will be sizing athletes equipment after the practices of Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday of NEXT week. Please, if you're not sure if your equipment fits, bring it and this will take place. Parents, please be prepared to stay late after practice to get this done… practice will end a bit early NEXT week to accommodate sizing. If you can help with the sizing please stick around!

6. Checks- ALL checks and registration for this season need to be in by September 18 please. Please make them out for the 30th of each month (29th for Feb) starting September 30 and ending March 31, 2016 -made out to Wapiti Nordic Ski Club.


Tuesday: 5-6:30pm Lodge- It's fitness test day! I need to have a baseline to see where you are personally at so that I can push you to your capacity.

Thursday: 5-6:30pm Muskoseepi- it's circuit day and supposed to be sunny so bring water and lots of energy!

Saturday: NO PRACTICE - changed to SUNDAY 2-4pm

Sunday: 2-4pm Roller skiing practice- bring helmet, skate poles, bright clothing, skate boots, water bottle & holder, snack and rain jacket just in case. Meet at the parking lot on the correction line across from the Aquaterra Road.
_______________________________

Junior Race Team:

*see above notes please!

Thursday: 5-6pm Muskoseepi- bring water and a water bottle holder and runners.

Sunday: 2-3:30pm at the lodge- bring water and a water bottle holder, a snack and runners. I think for dry land training we will do 1.5 hours but once on snow we will go to 2 hour training sessions. Running is great for the kids but too much can be hard on their bodies and lead into injuries later on in their teenage years.

IT'S A NEW SEASON!!! :D

Welcome to the 2015/16 Season!

There is a lot occurring this year and I'm excited for the season to start! The Junior Race Team Blog can be found at the bottom of this posting.

SENIOR RACE TEAM

There is a mandatory athlete and parent meeting at the Ski Lodge on Tuesday, September 8 at 5:00pm. Athletes please be prepared with a few things- 1- pen and paper; 2- running outfits as you will be going for a team run after your portion of the meeting. Parents please bring pen and paper and your check books as checks will need to be written and left with our treasurer Lori.

                 Remember: Tuesday and Thursday 5-6:30pm; Saturday 10-12

Tuesday 8th: LODGE-Meeting & Team Run

Thursday 10th: MUSKOSEEPI- Team run- easy

Saturday 12th: CORRECTION LINE- Meet at the parking lot across from the Aquaterra Road ready for rollerskiing- helmets, ski poles (I won't have any extra), ski boots, water bottles, bright colours, ski gloves and ready to roll for 10



JUNIOR RACE TEAM

There is a mandatory athlete and parent meeting at Muskoseepi Pavilion on Thursday, September 10 at 5:00pm. Athletes please be prepared with a running outfit as you will be going for a team run after your portion of the meeting. Parents please bring pen and paper and your check books as checks will need to be written and left with our treasurer Lori.

                 Remember: Thursday 5-6:00pm; Sunday 2-4pm


Thursday 10th: MUSKOSEEPI- Team run- easy

Sunday 13th: LODGE- team run- easy

March 23- March 29, 2015.

Sigh… it seems that this is the last week of the season!!!! This year went by so quickly! Canmore has sadly been cancelled and so, THIS THURSDAY will be our team windup event (awards, games…). Please ensure you read all the details below as there's a few things we need to accomplish this week.

EVERYONE: Please bring your current WNSC suit and jackets and any gear from AWG 2012 that you have= the warmup coat and everything. I need to order sizes for next year and need to size you guys up (ish) on Tuesday. Megan and Nick this also means you!

Tuesday- Will be our official last day of skiing. Come prepared to work really hard with intervals etc… you know the usual drill! ;) I think I just heard you all groan reading that. Each one of you needs to show up with a game in mind and we will do it. There will be a bit of skiing required. I highly recommend you come to wax your skis with some summer wax (something really warm and thick) for the end of the season.

Thursday- This will be our official last team day together for this season. We will be working on posters from the 2011/12 season up until this season. Please go through what you have catalogued in photos over the years and get them printed up so that we can have some pictures and share pictures/memories with each other for the evening, a few games and the annual awards are on the agenda for the evening.  It will be from 5:30-7:00pm (but will start early as there's lots to do- so if you can be there by 5, all the better!)

Please bring: Photos, glue stick, scissors, markers and anything scrapbooky so that the posters can be done in a timely manner. 

If you would like to make a snack for the team that would be fine but is not mandatory. :)

Thank you all for another successful race team year! In the coming few weeks I will be meeting with families and athletes, as I do every year- this helps the program to be stronger and stronger each and every year. Thank you everyone and have a wonderful summer!!

Coach Claire

March 16-22, 2015.

Soooo… I'm not sure if winter is over or not, and judging by the weather forecast, it seems no one knows… For those families planning on attending our last race of the season in Canmore, it's still going ahead as of today. A final decision will be made by next Sunday, the 22nd. Man-made snow does deplete more slowly, so keeping fingers crossed Canmore is still a go-ahead.

In other news... Grande Prairie is quickly losing it's snow for those of you who may not have noticed. :D As things stand, I am still planning ahead for Canmore and will continue with the training plan as such. However, one significant change is the global mass panic that we may not get our swimsuit ski in before we are completely out of snow! AAAHHHHHH!!!! Read below!;)

Also, the team wind-up celebration will be held on Tuesday, March 31* (see asterisk below), at the lodge. Recognizing that there are a few people with other commitments on Tuesday, I'm asking that you make a concession for this last Tuesday of the season to have your athlete attend. We will be working on posters from the 2011/12 season up until this season. Please go through what you have catalogued in photos over the years and get them printed up so that we can have some pictures and share pictures/memories with each other for the evening, a few games and the annual awards are on the agenda for the evening.  It will be from 5:30-7:00pm (but will start early as there's lots to do- so if you can be there by 5, all the better!)

Please bring: Photos, glue stick, scissors, markers and anything scrapbooky so that the posters can be done in a timely manner. 

* If Canmore is cancelled and we are out of snow, then I will make changes to this date and our windup will be Thursday, March 26 and we will still have a very special practice on the Tuesday, the 24th. Stay tuned!

Tuesday: We will be on revolutions/rock skis- bring your own if you have some, as there are not enough pairs for the whole team. Skate skiing- we are still training with Canmore in mind- think hills. Bring your swimsuit- and camera as the first 20 minutes of practice will be all about the WAPITI SWIM SUIT EDITION 2015!!

Thursday: It's bring your friend day- if you have someone who is willing to try the sport out, bring them! We will suit them up with rentals, come early so that we can still get some skiing in. If you can't find some poor unsuspecting soul to join us, that's fine… you will have a workout to do none-the-less! Still skate!:)

_________________________________________________________________________

Junior Race Team:

I'm not sure what to write! We don't have enough rock skis to share with everyone, and based on the weather report and the conditions of yesterday, I think the season is over. Now, I realize this isn't very clear, but the end of the season never really is… We are still planning to attend Canmore but will know more by next Sunday. I'm not willing to have the kids ruin their skis over one extra practice at this time and stage- so there will be no practice on Thursday. 

However, Saturday is the Junior Race Team windup- which will be at the fire pit by the lodge and will be a potluck wiener roast. I will send out an email and everyone can sign up for an item or two that they will bring. Davis will need parental assistance in pulling this off so please stick around and lend a hand. Please bring snow pants, rain pants, extra clothes, a camera, roasting sticks if you have any and show up for 10:30-12!

Please Note: I will be conducting year end interviews with each of the junior members and parents on the team, in April and will set up a 1-1 interview with you. I also do this with the senior team members. Please start writing down notes of positives, areas of improvement, suggestions to make this better and anything else you can think of as it helps the interview process move along as well as it helps me provide the best program that I can. Thank you all for your participation and patience with this new process and I hope you enjoyed your ski season as much as we did! 

March 9-15, 2015.

Congratulations to Grace who raced in the Ab Youth Champs with impressive 4th place finishes and a first in the unofficial relay squad! Great job! Congrats to all of you who have returned unscathed from downhill skiing (pretty much the rest of the team minus a few stragglers- those 3 who showed up to practice on Saturday)! I hope everyone enjoyed themselves! :D

This month is quickly passing by and there's a few key dates to keep in mind. Please note:

Team Fun Practice- March 14: 10-2(ish)pm. This is a mandatory (except for Nicholas as he'll be in Nationals) team event as there's a lot of planning going into this and it's what the athletes asked for. :)

Bring a Friend to Practice- March 19.

Prep for Canmore- March 24

Team Year End Awards & Party- March 31.

We have 8 official days left of the season and one weekend of racing still to do. The practices not mentioned above will be dedicated to prepping the athletes for Canmore, their last race of the season. I will need to know by Thursday, if your athlete(s) is attending these races or not.

Tuesday: Classic- come prepared to klister your skis. I will be there early to help, this takes time and therefore come early!

Thursday: Skate

Saturday: Check your emails! Meet in the North parking lot- by the dog trails.

________________________________________________

Junior Race Team

There are 4 more practices this month for you guys!!! Where has the time gone?

I will need to know by THIS Thursday, whether you plan on having your athlete(s) attend the last race of the season in Canmore this year or not. If so, please connect with Jake for details and I will start putting details for that last weekend of the month in the blog. 

Please note- the team will have their wind-up wiener roast on Saturday the 21 of March. There will be an email sent out next weekend regarding a sign-up sheet for a wiener roast potluck list. :) 

Thursday: Skate skiing

Saturday: Skate skiing

March 2 - 8, 2015.

Thank you Mallory and Ken for taking over the team while I've been away at the Canada Winter Games! Mallory kept me updated with blurbs on how hard you guys worked, how great you were running the Special Olympic's races (along with the ski club President, Grant, CCA and numerous other emails about how great and professional you all were) and the awesome butterfly winged loppeteers! Checking out your results on zone4... You guys Rock!!! Great times and I'm thrilled with the distances you guys covered! I hope you all thanked your folks for putting on a great loppet!

Having the opportunity that I have had this week to work with amazing and talented athletes has been great and also a great reminder to myself about how much I LOVE coaching you, the Wapiti Race Team. You guys truly are amazing and I am truly the most fortunate coach in this country with the best team EVER!!!! I'm seriously not kidding!:)
.

REMINDER: Team event March 14: 10-2pm. Please check your emails in the coming week for some info. :)


This week will have a focus on a few key areas with an emphasis on speed mixed in with some technique

Tuesday- Let's do some skate skiing! I'm pretty excited about this!:)

Thursday- Some more skate skiing as it's going to be fast!

Saturday- am not sure with the weather of this wil be a skate day or a classic day- so come prepared for both. :)

____________________________

Junior Race Team

Well holy wow!!! You all did amazing on the loppet and the distances you all skied is very impressive! I hope that you enjoyed yourselves and ate lots of cookies at the finish line. :)

Thursday and Saturday will both be skate days working on speed and technique! Come ready to skate hard!:) 

February 16 - March 1

Hello Racers!! Please note that this blog post is for THE NEXT 2 WEEKS.

Please also note- Saturday March 14 is a mandatory team event- practice will be from 10am-2pm. Details to come regarding this event which will be held at the old ski lodge (and area). Snowpants will also be mandatory! :D

Week 1: Feb 16-22

We will be focusing on classic for the next two weeks, leading up to the Loppet. Please keep checking on zone4 to register for this event. I'm unsure of when registration will open. I encourage you to all do a distance longer than you would normally choose- keeping in mind that we ski around 10-15km/ practice… who knew right?! :)

Tuesday: Classic: speed and technique day!

Thursday: I will be splitting you up into groups this practice to go for a long 'small group' ski. No one will be skiing alone and I will have pre-planned distances that you will be doing for this practice- please be on snow for 5:30, with a water bottle and headlamp.

Saturday: There will be no practice as you're all going to be too busy being awesome for the Special Olympics athletes and cheering them on while they race!! Thank you in advance for being THIS awesome!!!

Week 2: Feb 23-March 1

Tuesday: Classic- speed and hard! :)

Thursday: Moderate speed and hard! Be nice to Mallory or Ken will keep you all in line!;)

Saturday: Loppet day!!! Have a great race and I look forward to following you on zone4!!! Have fun with this!

________________________________________________________________________________

Junior Racers!

Please note this blog post is for THE NEXT 2 WEEKS!

The focus for the next two weeks will be on classic skiing only to prepare the kids for the Loppet being held on Feb 28. Registration will be on zone4 but am unsure of when it will be online- please check on the site regularly!  

Week 1: Feb 16-22

Thursday: Classic- speed and technique day also!

Saturday: There will be NO practice this day as we are hosting the Special Olympics athletes! Please come out and cheer for the athletes if you're not too busy volunteering!! It's great for our kids to see these athletes persevering and doing amazing things!

Week 2: Feb 23- March 1

Thursday: Classic- Distance

Saturday: Loppet day!!! I recommend signing your athlete up for a "longer than normal" distance (i.e.: Mika will be registering for the 6km event) as this is what Loppets are for! Bring a lunch and have fun with it!!

See you all in March!!

February 9 - 15, 2015.

This past weekend is going to go down in history as one of the 'most memorable' weekends of racing!!! YOU GUYS, were amazing!! I'm sure most parents had to fuel up an extra time bringing home all the bling that was won this weekend, not to mention an amazing amount of goal blasting that was done as well!!! I'm SO proud of you ALL and need to stop here before I burst with pride! Just WOW!! :D

This is a rest week!

Tuesday: Classic

Thursday: as most of you are going to be volunteering for the Special Olympics event held on Feb 21/22 you will be aware that there is a volunteer meet and greet(details below) beginning at 7. I will be doing a technical session for those athletes who can make it from 5:30-6:15. Understanding that most of you still may not make this due to trying to fit supper into the mix as well. If you can come- we will be classic skiing as I believe the Sherpa (the 1 left as the other 2 are broken down) cannot handle the workload on it's own. 

                                        Volunteer Orientation and Meet & Greet

                          We are holding a Volunteer Orientation and Meet & Greet to welcome all volunteers to the Games.  At this Meet & Greet, we will be 

                          providing a brief overview of Special Olympics.You will also be receiving your Special Olympics Alberta Volunteer hoodies!  So, it is very     

                          important that you attend!  Date: Thursday, February 12, 2015 @ 7:00 PM

                          Location: Centre 2000 (11330 106 St) Please RSVP regarding your attendance to Philippe (pphan@specialolympics.ab.ca) 

Saturday: Rest week is over and we will be preparing for the SV Loppet that will be our next team race, on Saturday, Feb 28. Please keep an eye open to register on zone4 for this event! Classic skiing!:) 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Junior Team: 

This past weekend is going to go down in history as one of the 'most memorable' weekends of racing!!! YOU GUYS, were amazing!! I'm sure most parents had to fuel up an extra time bringing home all the bling that was won this weekend, not to mention an amazing amount of goal blasting that was done as well!!! I'm SO proud of you ALL and need to stop here before I burst with pride! Just WOW!! :D

Thursday: See the above note as this applies to you too!

Saturday: Classic practice- also preparing for the SV (I can't spell the word for it) Loppet. Registration should be up on zone4 soon!

February 2-8, 2015.

Where o where is the time going?! There are only 8 weeks left and SO much to do and ski!!! Please pay attention to this blog for details about the next few weeks. Yes, weeks- as there is some fore-planning required.

Tuesday- CLASSIC!!! Finally!

Camrose may or may not be a go for this weekend (fingers crossed and prayers being said that it is!)… we will know by Tuesday morning if it isn't. PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4. Also, please be aware that the change of weekend would be to February 21/22 which is the weekend where you all are volunteering for the Special Olympic Races (email Grant Bourree if you still have not registered- again this is a mandatory event for the race team and I know that there are a few athletes who have yet to register). There are a few families who have stated that they will be staying behind to help with the races and some of those who will be going to the races- please email Grant Bourree IF you can no long help IF the races are CHANGED to the 21/22 weekend. Also, please be aware that I WILL NOT be attending the Camrose races IF they change to the February 21/22 weekend (I will be away coaching the Canada Winter Games team at this point).

Going ahead like it is a go for Camrose this weekend:

Thursday- ALL athletes attending Camrose please meet at 5:30. We will be starting with a group discussion (bring paper and pencil/pen), then we will be waxing our skis (Rex Blue + a wax unknown at this point but will be known by Thursday at 4pm- you can text me if you're going to be doing your skis earlier on Thursday) both skate and classic. To my knowledge, there will be 18 athletes requiring benches to prep their skis. If you have time after practice on Tuesday to get Rex Blue on your skis before Thursday- this will be very helpful! Supper will be organized through Carrie Lundstrom (thank you Carrie) and is a potluck. Thank you to everyone for bringing food for this- it helps to get everyone fed and home by 8/8:30 fed and ready for the weekend.

Friday- please meet in Camrose at the ski trails (info is in the Race Notice) for 1:30 to go over the trails that you will be racing and the venue (area) so that everyone will be a bit less stressed over the weekend! Parents, if this is your first event or first year of races, please ask other 'seasoned' parents questions- I'm usually pretty swamped with tasks that need to happen over the weekend. :) We should be done by 3pm at the latest and families will return to wherever they are staying.

I will be sending out a text around 8:30/9pm stating which category needs to be where and when for Saturday. My typical rule is to show up 2 hours before a classic race and 1.5 hours before a skate race. Each athlete starts at a different time depending on their start time- which will be in the text, the kids will have their race plan- parents it's very important that the athletes stick to this plan (part of Thursday's discussion).

Saturday- Classic technique- mass start (everyone in that category starts at the same time). I usually encourage athletes to cheer for each other. Athletes can leave after they have done their cool down ski from their race, cheered for a bit and ensure that I have their skis for the next day. Please stay around for the medal ceremony if you can- it's pretty exciting to watch, especially as Wapiti seems to be cleaning up in the bling section this year!

There will be NO team supper this trip as everyone is truly too spread out with people staying in Edmonton etc… If someone would like to book a dinner in Camrose for those of us staying in Camrose, that would be welcome!

Coaches will be staying at the Best Western Hotel and Mallory and Davis' room will be the games room if you're in the area and want to hang out with the team for a bit (until 8:45pm). This is where the team bonding stuff happens (right crew who ate their supper on my pillow last time? :/ )…

Sunday- Skate technique- individual start. Stick around for the medal ceremony please as it's really great having the team there. Return to GP safely with whatever road conditions are supplied us post race weekend!

_________________________________________________________________

Junior Race Team- please read above! If you're not coming to Camrose- the meeting at 5:30 is still applicable to you to please attend. 

January 26-February 1, 2015.

IMPORTANT: Please respond to the email that I sent out Sunday evening. This needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later. I would like to know that the list has been filled asap. It is in regards to the mandatory 'volunteering' that I have brought up numerous times with the team and in meetings with the Special Olympics Events that Grande Prairie is hosting on Feb 21 & 22. Please sign your name to the list wherever you can help out on at least one of the 2 days. Thank you for responding quickly to this request! There are apparently only 35 racers, so this will be similar to a 6 pac race with a bit more assistance required and A LOT more fun!!! :)

Camrose: is coming quickly (in 2 weeks) and it's not clear who will be attending. Please let myself know, also there are a few hotels in Camrose and I'm assuming that they're filling up quickly, so please book yourself in- check for emails from Jake in case a team hotel has been picked. If you're staying with  family that's great and I will update everyone via text as per usual. I'm looking for a ride for Seamus please- is there anyone who has room for him? He will have family to stay with in Edmonton I believe and just requires a ride to and fro Grande Prairie. We will be meeting in Camrose on Friday around 1:30pm to go over the trails and the races etc. Please read the Vague Race Notice and register for this event!

Tuesday: because nature doesn't seem to realize that it's supposed to be winter… we will be on our skate skis this week doing a variety of different workouts… pray for snow and winter to come back please!!! :D

Thursday: Skate skis…

Saturday: Skate skis… there's supposed to be a 6 pac but am not sure if this will actually happen… keep your ears posted and I will let you know by Thursday… it'll be skate- surprise, surprise…

____________________________________________________________________________

Junior Team:

Please read the note above in Red and about Camrose… these are both important. As most of the team will be in Camrose on Feb 7/8, there will be NO practice in Grande Prairie that Saturday.

Thursday: Skate skiing- due to snow conditions and nature being slightly confused on what the season current is supposed to be…

Saturday: Same as Thursday- also please read the Saturday note above. :D

January 19-25, 2015.

Great weekend of racing everyone!!! There were ups and downs and hopefully everyone had fun and enjoyed the racing, card gaming, team hanging and friend making time!!! It’s rest week! Yup- I know you thought it would never get here… the catch is, it’s going to be not a full week. Camrose is in 3 weeks and we still have lots more to do!!!:D My apologies on not getting this blog out on time, I didn’t get home til the wee hours of this morning… Thank you for your patience!

Tuesday: We will be skating as the weather looks perfect for a fast night of skiing. I’m going to need a few parents to help with this practice please… I may or may not be able to be on skis by tomorrow (an epic fall has me nursing a sore ankle- Megan stop laughing) but I will still be there. Bring a headlamp.

Thursday: We will be classic skiing. Bring water bottle and energy to this practice.

Saturday: It’s a 6pac race!! Bring your skis (both as I’m not sure which discipline it will be) and be ready to race in the morning. Bring $5 for registration and I believe the hope is to have more Jackrabbits involved!   Not sure of the exact start time- we will discuss this over the week though. Stay tuned via emails or texts for updates regarding this practice. Please show up and be ready on skis for 10am.

Junior Racers!

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you guys! I hope you’ve had some good sessions with Coach Davis now that the weather is cooperating more!

Thursday: Classic skiing with Coach Davis! Bring a headlamp and water bottle.

Saturday: Please see the above note- this information applies to you guys too. See you out there!!

January 12-19, 2015.

Hello Crew!! Looks like the weather is going to cooperate with is this week! Having said that we will only be having one practice this week. There is a small group skiing on Thursday regular practice time.

Tuesday: team meal- potluck as usual. Skate practice if it doesn't snow for a while now.:) Practice from 5:30-6:15... Ski prep afterwards: Rex blue with LF4- scraped off. IF you have LF 5 please use this instead but unfortunately we don't have enough in the box right now for all of the skis. IF you're racing all three days please do both sets of skis. If you're only racing the weekend- just do your skate skis.

Thursday- meet at the lodge for 1:30pm if you're racing on Friday. No team supper this evening.

Friday- Classic Race
Saturday- Skate sprints; team supper (not confirmed yet- supper out or potluck?)
Sunday- Skate distance.

____________________________________________________
Junior Team

Thursday- Skate skiing, bring your headlamps and water. 

Saturday- Classic skiing. Meet upstairs in the back corner of the lodge. 10:15 on snow. 

January 5-11, 2015

Hoping everyone survived the cold!! It looks like the temperatures are going to be warming up towards the end of the week and we won't have to cancel any practices this week- we just need to dress warmly!

Gearing up for our next races- which include 1 classic and 2 skate races… we will be focusing more on skate, except when the temperature isn't in our favour (i.e.: Tuesday & Thursday) and we will be classic skiing. Please note the changes in training for the weekend. If you can't make the changes in the training time please call or text me and I will send you a workout to do on your own time.

AB Cup 5/6: REGISTRATION CLOSES MONDAY JANUARY 12!!! Zone4 This is earlier than usual. Also- please read the RACE NOTICE - midgets and older race Friday and/or, Saturday and Sunday… I will be in Canmore on Thursday at 1:00pm. Please email me your plans so that I know who/how many I'm prepping for, for the classic races on Friday. Many families have booked in at the Ramada Hotel (they have a good free breakfast with the room) please book you/your family in at your earliest convenience where ever you would like to stay. 

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE SKI TRAILS ARE IN USE THIS ENTIRE WEEKEND FOR BIATHLON RACES. THEY WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN THE LATER PART OF THE AFTERNOONS.

Tuesday- classic, dress warmly. :)

Thursday- classic- unless it warms up to -15… still dress warmly and bring a headlamp.

Saturday- Meet at lodge at 3:00pm-5:00pm. Skate practice and we will start inside the lodge for a pow-wow first. Bring notepad and pen/pencil for this practice. Again, if you can't make this time frame please let me know.

If you haven't yet, please contact Shelley West (587-343-6778) if you're able to volunteer this weekend on Saturday OR Sunday for the races. They're a few positions short still. 

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Junior Team

Thursday- hopefully it will be warm enough for a practice. It will be classic skiing and dress warmly. IF the temperature is below -20 at 4:45pm please bring a pen and paper with your athlete and Davis will go over some 'other' training things with the kids that they need to learn.

Saturday- unfortunately because of the races, Davis is unavailable to coach the crew on Saturday. I do recommend taking your junior racer out on the forest trails, or the North Blue trails (dog trail) though for a ski- all the other trails are being used for the Biathlon races this weekend.