Sunday, December 18, 2016

December 19-January 1, 2017.

Congratulations to all the athletes who raced in Hinton! What a great weekend of racing and athleticism by all of you athletes!! I'm so proud of you all! Thank you to all the parents too who helped out with various jobs- each one of you helped to make sure that everyone made their starts and raced really well. Thank you!!!

For the next two weeks, I thought it would be easier if I posted the blog for the next two weeks so everyone can plan ahead.

6PAC races have come up in conversation a few times- we cannot have a race until we get more snow. Perhaps a 6PAC can happen on New Years Day- however, I cannot predict when we will have snow- so keep your snow dances happening please!!!

Tuesday- Dec 20- Skate ski. Bring your headlamps please- I will leave you in the lodge this week if you don't show up prepared- Everyone needs one!

Thursday- Dec 22- Christmas party!! Athletes to bring something for food. Appies, snacks, desserts- nothing fancy and store bought preferred! Bring a $10 item wrapped and ready to give out- Junior Team included!

Saturday- Dec 24- No practice enjoy time with your families and Merry Christmas

Sunday- Dec 25- No practice. Merry Christmas.

Tuesday- Dec 27- I know you're all off of school but I'm working- so training times stay the same. Come prepared for both techniques- If it's colder than -12 we will classic, otherwise we will skate. I will update the blog on Monday most likely.

Thursday- Dec 29- Come prepared for both techniques again. Headlamps!!

Saturday- Dec 31- 10-12 practice. Classic- we need some daylight technique time!!

Sunday- Jan 1- No practice- there still isn't enough snow, nor time to prep if it does snow between now and then. :(  Please go for a ski with your families! Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas everyone! Love and peace to you all during this wondering time of the year. 

Sunday, December 11, 2016

December 12-18, 2016.

Well, warmer temperatures are coming in the forecast, sort of… but we all need to be diligent in dressing appropriately for the weather still and buffs, water bottles and headlamps need to be worn.

Please read all the notes:

1. Please register for Hinton no later than Wednesday evening. Registration closes at 11:59 on Wednesday. https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=14297&lan=1&cartlevel=1

2. Please email me if you're attending Hinton or not. Mika is the only athlete registered so far… It makes for a lonely weekend with only 1 kid!! :D PARENTS: If you can help out and volunteer- please email: hnsvolunteers@gmail.com

3. Team suppers- please check on the online form that Mary-Ann Lynch sent out prior to Canmore and see if you've signed up. If you haven't, please do so. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044ea4a822a2ff2-team 

4. 6 pacs- we've officially missed 2 races now due to snow conditions and cold (ironic I know) and need to make these up- or we call it a 4 pac… I'd like feedback on this please.

5. This year's Christmas Party… due to a lack of amazing ideas on behalf of the athletes (no, sleeping outside on the deck is NOT an option…) we will have a team party during/after practice on Thursday, Dec 22. Bring a goodie (peanut free) and a $10 secret santa gift item.
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Tuesday- Classic ski on the forest trails as there's a track. Come prepared. The lodge should be open but if it isn't, I should be there close to 5pm and recommend waxing your race skis with rex blue if you can come out earlier. PS- Claire has to leave early for Mika's Christmas concert...

Thursday- Classic ski- shortened practice so that we can get waxed and ready. IF you have your skis done early, please offer to wax someone else's for them to speed up the process. I may know our race wax choice by Thursday evening as well… TBD still. As we will be waxing outside, I ask you to please respect my choice, based on previous experience and knowledge, to wax some skis prior to the races. Scrape all of your skis please.

Melissa will becoming out to the ski club on Thursday to sell the ski team WNSC buffs. They're $20 if you'd like some. They make great gifts. She will be there around 7pm. 

Friday- Meet at Hinton ski club for 2-4pm training. I'd like you to ski over your course and will have you skate ski please. Waxing will be done outside- so picking our wax ahead of the races for some athletes will be done solely for the purpose of having less skis to wax outside.


JUNIOR RACERS:

See Thursday- above. As many of you indicated that you would be attending the races in Strathcona, coach Caroline will be joining us in Hinton, so there will be no practice on Sunday. I completely understand if you have a change of heart in regards to coming to Hinton for races or not coming- please email either way so that I know. See you all Thursday.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

December 5-12, 2016.

Winter is here!! And with it the weather is cooling significantly. In order to secure a place for us to train, I have to wait until Monday to speak with the proper individual. If anyone has any inexpensive ideas for us- please let me know!! In the mean time- I will send out an email regarding Thursday's practice- no later than Wednesday evening and I will update the blog as I find out.

All parents- please ensure that if you have any receipts from Canmore- that need reimbursing that they are submitted to Sharon, before Christmas! 

Tuesday- dress warmly and we will be skiing- bring classic rock skis as it will be too cold to skate. There is obviously no track- but we will make do. Practice will be from 5:45-6:45 outside with the last 30 minutes in the lodge (working out still). Bring water, HEADLAMPS, and warm clothing. MARCO bring $ for your t-shirt (I don't have change)- $12. 


Thursday- Regardless of the temperature, we will be meeting at the track in the Eastlink Centre- it's $2/person. 5:45-7:15pm.  



Kelan- you rebel- bring $12 for your t-shirt. Davis' crew- bring $12 for your t-shirts!!! Liam- bring $12 for your t-shirt!!!MOONER- I have your change in my blue jacket- remind me. :D 



Saturday- It's too cold to ski today- if you're interested, I'll be at the Eastlink for 10am on the track...

Stay warm everyone!!!
_______________________________________

Junior Ski Team


Thursday- Regardless of the temperature, we will be meeting at the track in the Eastlink Centre- it's $2/person. 5:45-6:45. See you there!!

Sunday- Just as we get started… IF it's colder than -20 (environment Canada, not including the windchill) at 12noon- then we will unfortunately have to cancel practice- stay inside and play some family games instead. :D IF it's warmer- then we will be classic skiing on the revolutions (at the lodge) they're wax- less and won't wreck the kids race skis.

Monday, November 28, 2016

November 29-December 4, 2016

We are up and 'skiing'- insured and everything.

What an amazing weekend of racing!! LOVED watching you all learn how to ski in a few minutes of practice to then be tossed onto the race course! You ALL did amazing and raced SO incredibly well!! SUPER PROUD OF YOU GUYS!


PRACTICE IS 5:45-7:15PM FROM NOW ON!


Tuesday- Crawford will pack some snow for us- not sure what it will look like but come ready to ski, headlamps, water and rock skis! Meet inside the lodge as I'd like a chat first off.

Thursday- Same as Tuesday- I'll know more when I have eyes on what we have. Patience is required for the coming few weeks please.

Saturday- Meet at the lodge- 10-12. I'm hoping that what little snow we have will stay. If there are any changes I'll text everyone.

____________________

Junior Racers

We are up and skiing!! Please note- the times posted are for the times that we are physically working out. If you think you need 45 min to get ready to be on snow on time- then please show earlier. The change in time is to accommodate the need to prepare and be on snow.

Thursday- 5:45-7pm at the lodge- headlamps and water bottles please!!

Sunday- 2-4pm at the lodge. Please come early so that we can get skis and gear going- some of you haven't skied yet!!!

WNRT Notification effective immediately!


EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

It has been brought to my attention that the WNSC executive has not paid annual dues to CCA yet this year and thus coaching cannot be provided to the WNRT until this has been rectified. I, and my volunteer coaches, require this CCA registration for insurance purposes to be able to coach the 30 athletes that we currently have on the team. I have requested confirmation from the executive when the club has registered us with CCA so that we can continue with coaching. Until this takes place, I have no other option than to suspend the Wapiti Nordic Race Team program. I am also expecting this be dealt with immediately so that athletes don't lose out on training and that this does not wait until the next executive meeting in December. 

I sincerely apologize for this HUGE inconvenience! :(

Claire Richter
Head Coach, WNSC

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Nov 21-27

It's race week!!! I can't believe racing season is starting!

Just a reminder of a few things- please re-read last weeks blog- about poles, etc. Team t-shirts are in and will be $12/shirt. Cash or e-transfer is great- password is: wapiti.

Canmore race notice: please read. http://www.canmorenordic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2016-17-AB-Cup-Race-Notice-V1.pdf AND register: https://zone4.ca/reg.asp?id=13652&lan=1&cartlevel=1

If you're a MIDGET athlete (born in 2003 or older)- you will need a race license this year. You can apply for it here:  http://www.cccski.com/Events/License-Applications.aspx

You will need the following information:
Club: Wapiti Nordic
Club Official: Grant Bourree
Coach Name: Claire Richter
Coach Level: T2T 
Coach NCCP #: 636201


ALL ATHLETES NEED DAY LICENCES FOR FRIDAY (purchased that day by family- please have cash for this) SATURDAY & SUNDAY (purchased online with registration)= $7.50/day. If you're athlete is 2004 or younger- you do not need to worry about a license but when registering you will need a day license- $7.50/day of racing in Canmore. DO NOT pay the day license of $5- this is for older than 2004 athletes only. 

While in Canmore- I can be reached by cell phone. Also- car pooling- who needs a ride and who has room for others to come with them? Let's try and be a bit economical with our vehicles. Please email me how you/your athlete are getting down to Canmore- I have 2 that need a ride as of right now.
_________________

Tuesday- Meet at the lodge for 5pm. Training times will change next week. We will go for a ski on rock skis for a bit and then start waxing our skis for Canmore. Rex Blue with a top wax (TBD). I will have wax at the lodge for 5pm. As the lodge isn't opened as of yet- you will have to wait for me to get there which is usually 4:55. Supper will be provided but let's be quick as we can so that we can all get a good night sleep. Claire and Mallory will be switching off between waxing inside and on snow outside.  

Please remember that we HAVE been training and although the first few times on skis feels like you're the most out of shape that you've ever been- this really isn't the case and all the courses are nice and short so don't worry too much about these races- basically you're giving your bodies a crash course on remembering how to ski… on race day- so let's focus on having fun out there and getting as much time as we can on snow!

Thursday- Driving to Canmore; aim for a 30min jog this day please.

Friday- Meet at the main Lodge in Canmore for 1:00pm having eaten and ready to ski. We will hit the trails and go over the courses as best as we can… recognizing that there will be lots of other athletes out on course as well. 

Saturday- Skate- individual starts; Team dinner- it's been booked and details to come on time and place.

Sunday- Classic- mass start. Safe travels home.

*Thursday for Junior skiers there WILL NOT be a practice for those who aren't coming down to Canmore. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Nov 16-Nov 20, 2016.

I'm BAAACKKK!!!!! :D And I look forward to hearing how the past two weeks went/seeing your fitness increases!

There are a few key features in this blog- please read it all. A response is required.

1. Although there isn't any snow on the ground, the evenings are cooler and the weather no longer permits wearing shorts or short sleeves. Please show up dressed appropriately- your body needs to be covered head to toe with clothing- it's also cold/flu season and if you're not dressed appropriately you will get sick. A thin toque/head band and thin gloves, jacket, long sleeve, t-shirt, long pants, headlamp, and water bottle are a requirement. This should go without saying… but apparently a reminder needed to be sent. If we feel that you're not dressed appropriately, you will not be working out… it's not worth you getting sick over.

2. Racing in Canmore is quickly approaching and we still haven't been on snow. Jake informed me that Hinton got a dump of snow yesterday and is in line for some more over the coming few days. I propose a day trip on Saturday or Sunday to Hinton (Saturday I will have to leave by 2:30pm though) to get on some snow before we race next weekend. An email has been sent out about this- but I need a response by Friday 10am if it's a go or not- check your emails please!

3. Ski pole length- for Skate Skiing- with boots on, your poles should come up to your cheek bones and min height is your chin. Please check this out before heading onto snow- it's so difficult to work on technique when those poles are the wrong length. For Classic Skiing- although CCA has not issued a statement regarding the FIS ruling that came out in mid September… it is recommended that all classic poles be 83% of the body height of the athlete WITH their ski boots on and to the top of the strap- where it enters the pole. For those that had your gear checked at the gear check night mid October- you're fine. IF YOU DID NOT HAVE YOUR GEAR CHECKED- please do this and ensure that your poles aren't too tall- they will have to be cut down 9-12cm which is significant…

4. Team t-shirts are in and will be $12/shirt. Cash (I don't have change) or e-transfer is great- password is wapiti.

5. Canmore race notice: please read. http://www.canmorenordic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2016-17-AB-Cup-Race-Notice-V1.pdf AND register: https://zone4.ca/reg.asp?id=13652&lan=1&cartlevel=1

6. If you're a MIDGET athlete (born in 2003 or older)- you will need a race license this year. You can apply for it here:  http://www.cccski.com/Events/License-Applications.aspx

You will need the following information:
Club: Wapiti Nordic
Club Official: Grant Bourree
Coach Name: Claire Richter
Coach Level: T2T 
Coach NCCP #: 636201

ALL ATHLETES NEED DAY LICENCES FOR FRIDAY (purchased that day by family- please have cash for this) SATURDAY & SUNDAY (purchased online with registration)= $7.50/day. If you're athlete is 2004 or younger- you do not need to worry about a license but when registering you will need a day license- $7.50/day of racing in Canmore. DO NOT pay the day license of $5- this is for older than 2004 athletes only. 
_______________________

Thursday- Both Juniors and Seniors- Meet at Muskoseepi pavilion outside. Headlamps and water bottles. See #1 above as well.

Saturday- See emails- if we're going to Hinton- great, if not we will be roller skiing 10-12pm. Bring runners and both sets of poles just in case their is too much frost.

Sunday- See emails.

Canmore info- next week. Waxing night is Tuesday in the lodge.

Sunday, October 30, 2016

November 1-17, 2016 Inclusive

Please pay attention to the details and CHANGES in this email. While I'm away, training will occur in town only…


*Please note- we will not be getting snow in the next few weeks (I know it's pessimistic but it's sadly the truth) and therefore I highly recommend registering for the Lake Louise camp which gives you the benefit of getting on snow before we head out to Canmore. As things look weather wise- we may not get onto snow now until we get to Canmore. Technique and experience wise- this makes it difficult to race. IF you can go to Lake Louise camp- please register on zone4.ca (type in Lake Louise) BEFORE midnight Nov 3- it's a low cost camp with high benefits for the beginning of our racing season, given the meek outlook on snow for us this month.

__________________________________________

Tuesday- Nov 1- training at the ski lodge with Claire and Mallory. This is the last build week of this cycle- it's a doozey!!! :D

Thursday- Nov 3- training at Muskoseepi- guest coach with Mallory- show off for them and work hard!! Bring lots of water.

Saturday- Nov 5- Dunes for roller skiing practice. Bring both sets of poles (long ones if the trails are dry and you're roller skiing; short ones if it's too wet for running and bounding- don't assume you know- just bring them both please).

Tuesday- Nov 8- TIME CHANGE = BRING A HEADLAMP; Meet at Muskoseepi there are two guest coaches- no complaining and yes, it's rest week- but you still have 2 hard workouts to do- the "rest" comes from the rest of own life- do less this week- this does NOT include chores. :D 

Thursday- Nov 10 Meet at Thrill Hill. Bring a headlamp- water breaks are to be infrequent and quick- the point to this workout is to keep moving and work hard for the whole time without stopping. 

Saturday- Nov 12- OFF- yup it's true, you get a day off from training- I recommend a 30-45 min run, no stopping in zone 1. 

Tuesday- Nov 15- Meet at Muskoseepi- bring a water bottle- a headlamp isn't necessary for this workout. Coach Mallory will be back.

Thursday- Nov 17- Meet at Thrill Hill- bring your poles- short ones- and a headlamp. I'll be back for this workout and expect to hear great things and see even better things with your technique and fitness!!

Saturday- Nov 19- I don't know- maybe we will have snow. I will update the blog when I get back on the 16th.


Junior Team

ThursdayNov 3- training at Muskoseepi. Please make sure they have water bottles.
ThursdayNov 10 Cancelled- coach Caroline isn't available and I can't find anyone to cover this workout. My apologies on this! 
ThursdayNov 17- Meet at Thrill HillPlease make sure your athlete has a headlamp and is wearing brightly coloured clothing. Don't forget the water bottles too. I will be back for this workout- if you have any questions or concerns you can discuss them with me here. Thank you!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

October 24-30, 2016.

So we're sadly out of snow now until winter decides to really show up… back to runners and roller skis. :(

Tuesday- meet at the lodge- running shoes, water bottles and be prepared to be away from the lodge for the entire practice. Bring your shortest poles with you.

Thursday- Seniors and Juniors- Meet at THRILL HILL. Bring your shortest poles and be prepared to work hard. This is mid cycle for us- so one more week and then you can rest. Until then- bring your A-game!

Saturday- Meet at the correction line parking lot- come prepared to roller ski/bike/run/with short poles. Basically- it's a gamble as to how much ice/frost is out there vs. how dry it is vs. if there's any snow… be prepared for all of the above and something hard will come out of it!! :D

YEEEHAWW!!

Sunday, October 16, 2016

October 17-23, 2016.

Where oh where is the time going?! We are going to be racing in less than 5 weeks time!! Unfortunately, it won't be on snow for this week… and let's hope that this isn't it for the month!

Tuesday- ski club: if you have rock skis bring them and be ready to ski. Also bring runners and be ready to run. If you don't have rock skis (poor quality scratched up skis)- bring your skate boots, poles and running shoes- I'm not sure what we're going to be able to do. This practice will either be a ski practice or a workout on the deck practice.

Thursday- Muskoseepi: it's supposed to be warm and sunny with no snow. :( And so meet out front of the pavilion please.

Saturday- Meet for a roller ski practice- The weather says it should be dry and warm… also bring runners (everyone), water bottle and holder, snack and a bike if you haven't been on roller skis yet (but also bring your ski boots in case there is enough pairs to go around for everyone) and the kitchen sink if you have room… Just kidding- but basically bring what equipment you have and I'll know Saturday morning what we will be doing when it happens… Yay for shoulder season. :(

Junior Team- Meet at Muskoseepi with coach Caroline and please ensure you have your water bottle, and a warm jacket for after practice as it's getting quite cool in the evenings.

Monday, October 10, 2016

October 10-16, 2016

Rest week is over- hope you're all stuffed full of love and turkey cuz this week is the start of our next hard cycle.

Tuesday- meet at the ski lodge. If you're running late- text me as I'm not sure what trails we will be able to run on to do our warm-ups- I'll see when we're out there.

Thursday- READ ALL DETAILS PLEASE!

Ski swap/gear swap- please bring clothing that is laundered- see email for pricing suggestions.

SKIS MUST BE CLEANED ENTIRELY BEFORE SIZING. THERE CAN BE NO GLIDE or GRIP WAX ON THEM AT ALL (do this prior to coming please).

There is a parent meeting planned as well- please ensure that one of your parents is here for this meeting.

Athletes- come ready to run- I'm just not sure how much time will be needed for ski sizing/gear sizing.

*What doesn't get sold can be taken out to the ski lodge on Friday and put in the kids ski swap occurring out there on Saturday. This may be a good place for you to look for gear prior to heading out to Ernie's or Edmonton.

Saturday- Meet at Bertozzi's front yard and wear old runners that you don't mind getting dirty. Bring your shortest poles you own.

Juniors: See Thursday's note- this pertains to you as well. Come ready to run. The parent meeting is more for the senior team but will also talk about traveling to AB Cup races. So if you're interested please stay.

Sunday, October 2, 2016

October 3-9, 2016

Welcome to a moderate rest week- meaning we're only training twice this week so you get 2 hours less of exercising with me. :) Ergo- rest week… practices are still focused on hard and harder.

Tuesday- Meet at the lodge- the evenings are cooling down quickly so please dress appropriately with gloves etc as you will most likely start to need them.

Thursday- Meet at THRILL HILL. Yup- meet at the top for training this evening. Bring water and such and again- bring warmer clothing for afterwards as the chill sets in. See you guys there. I'll try to remind everyone on Tuesday…

Saturday- There is NO practice- go for a 30 minute run on your own with no stopping and in zone 1.


JUNIOR TEAM

PLEASE NOTE YOU TOO WILL BE MEETING AT THE TOP OF THRILL HILL!!

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Sept 26-Oct 2, 2016

What a week and we're heading into October already!! I like some of the effort that was put in this week but need to see more. People are whining during workouts and then saying they're not tired or sore- these workouts that I'm providing you are self driven- you get out of this workout what you put into it. If you're slacking off and not going 110% then you can't expect yourselves to be getting better… rant off.

This week

Tuesday: Meet at the lodge, we are technically in a rest week but as we don't really have time for that- we're doing hills. You can rest on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you're running late you can meet us on Surprise. PLEASE WEAR YOUR WAPITI COAT IF YOU HAVE ONE.

Thursday: Meet out in front of the pavilion. Both teams will sort of be training together. If you're going to be running late you can meet us by the stairs. Juniors- bring your water bottles and we will be working on technique and building up your lungs- over by the stairs. :)

Saturday: I'm hoping to roller ski. If you have your own pair- please bring them. Come with a bike, poles, runners and helmet. It depends on how many show up to practice if you will be roller skiing or not.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

September 19-25, 2016.

What a week! You guys worked hard and in a few weeks you'll start to see the pay-off. Please bring lots of water to the practices- you're going to need it!

This week there we're moving things up a notch- so bring your energy.

Tuesday- out at the lodge- bring a rain coat if it's raining- we're still working out. :) If you're late, we will be out by cross-cross hill/fini.

Thursday- at Muskoseepi Park- if you're late you can find us on the other side of the bridge this time.
       *Please meet outside in the front of the pavilion so that everyone knows where we are- especially for the coach who may be late. :S

Saturday- Running/Ski bounding- meet at the Bertozzi's house (on the Dunes road). Off Wapiti Highway- turn left onto the dunes road (instead of right to the ski trails). Drive to the 4-way stop- go straight and take your third driveway on the right. Meet there for 10am. Bring runners, water bottle holders and short poles. Rain or shine- we will be there.


Juniors- See Thursday note above. More technique on sit-ups/push-ups, dips, lunges etc and running. So please make sure your athlete has their water bottle filled and ready with a snack for afterwards. See you there.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Second post of the season! Sept 12-19.

Who's paying attention and starting to read the blogs?? :) Don't forget water bottle holders and water bottles filled...

Tuesday- Meet at the lodge: we will be doing a group warm up and will go from there. We are starting on time as this is a timely workout that we won't have enough time to do it all if we wait around. I will need lots of support from the older athletes as well.

Thursday- Meet at Muskoseepi in the front of the pavilion. We will do a team warm-up and move over to the spray park and the skate board park areas if you're going to be late, after the warmup.

Saturday- Meet for roller skiing- bring runners, a bike (if you're one of the younger athletes), helmets, dress brightly, water bottles and holders and ski boots and poles- Please don't assume that you will be roller skiing… we may not have enough sets if everyone decides to show up to the same practice. But as we discovered this past Saturday- we had enough for a few newbies to give it a whirl!


Junior Team:

Be prepared to run, water bottles and holders please and layers for the kids- SPUD will be played but some circuit work and running is also going to happen. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Claire- 780-933-0853.


Sunday, August 21, 2016

It's a new year, a new look!

Welcome baaaack!!!! 

This post is for everyone for the 2016-17 season. After this week- posts will be split between Junior and Senior Teams. Junior team info can be found on the bottom of the blog. IF you know any young kids who may be interested in the junior team- please encourage them to come with their parents to training on Sept 8.

Training will begin on Thursday, September 8 at Muskoseepi Pavilion. Fall Training times will be 5-6:30pm and once on snow the times will change to 5:45-7:15pm Tuesday and Thursday; Saturday's will always be 10-12.

Thursday, September 8 is a MANDATORY practice- it's where parents and athletes get the run down of the season and we all start on the same page. Parents please bring pen, paper and checks. Senior team athletes please bring your goals for the ski season on a piece of paper with your name on it. They don't have to be complex... just a starting point for me to work on. Athletes please come prepared for an easy team run afterwards.

See you all then!

Sunday, March 27, 2016

March 28- April 7, 2016.

Last post of the season… I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. For some of you, you won't read this until you're back from your various vacations… hope you had fun! Others- it's your nose to the grind!! :P Just kidding!!!

Tuesday- Skate- rock skis. Officially- this will be our last ski practice of the season. I will try to get out to the lodge early- but early for me now-a-days is 5:15… I'd like skis that are going to Canmore (race skis still) to be waxed with Rex Blue and scraped please. IF you haven't skied on your skis since Greenland- then they're Rex Blue waxed and only require scraping- this information will be handy for me prior to getting out on snow.

Canmore- I will be leaving GP on Wednesday evening around 5pm from the Davis' house. If you're catching a ride with me, please meet me there (Zach, I can pick you up on my way to picking up Mika around 4:30). I strongly suggest registering for the banquet dinner as it will mean one less meal for us to navigate. Once in Canmore- please meet me at the main lodge for 12 noon on Thursday, March 31. We will set up to wax and you can go ski on your rex blue skis to navigate your course. Team supper will be at the banquet. As there are so few of us (13 athletes I believe) maybe we can orchestrate a team supper otherwise- I will need a parent to take the lead on this one please.

There will be no practices otherwise but if there's snow by the end of this week… feel free to go out!;)

Thursday- April 7

Team Wind up party! It's a potluck and will start at 5:30 at the lodge. Bring rubber boots (I'm assuming here that there will be no new snow), extra socks, a jacket, a water bottle and a small backpack. And any ninja skills you can conjure up! See you all there!



Sunday, March 20, 2016

March 21- March 27, 2016.

Although it feels like it, the season isn't over yet. IF you're not planning on attending the final weekend of racing in Canmore- I still hope you can come out and train with the team… it's just not the same without you. :D

Team wind up is set for April 7 (this will also be pick up skis from Canmore as there will be no training on the 5th of April). Times etc to be determined- it will be potluck and the team has decided it would like a scavenger hunt- any ideas, send them my way! I'm also looking for two nerf guns with ammo to borrow for this event- let me know via email!

Canmore- there are a few people that I haven't heard from yet- please email or text me if you haven't done so. There are a few orphans that will require room and perhaps travel… if you have room, please also let me know!

Saturday practice was a surprise to most… let me be clear… we are still training for the alberta championships in Canmore… don't be surprised to be working hard at practice still! Hint hint…

Tuesday: Skate practice (we will use revolutions or your rock skis).

Thursday: Bring a friend to practice! If they've never tried the sport- no problem! You'll teach them. :D 


Saturday: There will be no formal practice this day as it's Easter BUT you are strongly encouraged to get out for a ski (the north trails will still be skiable- I hope) and do a minimum of 1.5 hours of skiing. I suggest showing up and skiing before 11:00am as the snow is transforming by then. 

Sunday, March 13, 2016

March 14-20, 2016.

We're baackkk!! And due to fatigue… this is a non inspirational post. ;D Welcome back everyone, excellent job of racing and team work! It's rest week this week and then back to the grind until Sharkfest. :) PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU'RE PLANNING ON ATTENDING SHARKFEST. I need to know numbers and names. Race Notice for AB Cup 7/8.

Tuesday- Is skate practice. We may or may not have skis by then… will see what happens. Boots will be there though. It's rock ski season- so please bring your old skis.

Thursday- Is our annual swimsuit edition ski!! Bring your swimsuit and camera. :D

Saturday- Skate.

Sunday- Loppet- 8:30am start. I believe it will be a skate race and may be cancelled. I'll know by Thursday practice. 

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Junior Race Team:

Please note that due to a lack of snow and Easter coming, this Thursday will be the wrap up for the junior race team. If you or your athletes are interested in going to the last Alberta Cup Races in Canmore, please let me know and we can make some changes for training.

Thursday- will be the swimsuit edition of our annual tradition of skiing in our swimsuits. Usually it's a great photo op followed by putting on clothes and going skiing. :) As this is the wrap-up for the team, there will be a potluck to follow, please bring something for the entire junior ski team. I apologize for the short notice- I was surprised to see how quickly the snow has gone in the past week and the forecast is very much in the favour of spring coming. :S 


Sunday- Is supposed to be the loppet. Check the website or Facebook for updates or we should know by Thursday if it will be a go. I encourage you to ski with your athletes if at all possible- this is a fun event for families. 

Sunday, February 28, 2016

February 29-March 14, 2016.

Happy Leap Year Day! We’re officially into our week of tapering… and as a few boys figured out today... we’re down to a one-hand countdown before heading off to Greenland! :D

Things to panic about: none! Things to prep: lots! We will be meeting on Tuesday to answer all your questions so write them down please and come with them.

Tuesday: Skate until 6:25/Team meeting at 6:30.
Please bring: a bag, and a $50 check (or cash) made out to Cross Country Alberta for the team jackets (you will not receive your jacket without this check); bring a bag to take home your XC Uniforms in please- there will be race suits (do not get to keep), relay tights (do not get to keep), race toques (you get to keep), team jackets (you get to keep). 

Thursday: Skate ski until 6:15 then waxing your race skis with rex blue on them and DO NOT scrape them. Please ensure that your classic skis are clean ALL OVER! I’ll have Megan and John checking your skis prior to packing them. If you have warm-up skis, wax them with rex blue as well.  Supper is for 7:00pm. Thank you to everyone who has helped organize that.

Friday: We fly out at 11:00pm- so be at the airport for 9:15 please. I will need assistance with getting our gear labeled and some athletes will be assigned a team luggage (ie: skis, pole bag, wax table, wax boxes…) this just takes a bit of time. Ensure you have your passport with you please.

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Junior Team:

*This is a 2-week Blog post for the Junior Team: February 29-March 14, 2016.

Practice will be with different guest coaches for the next two weeks. Parents, please ensure that if you’ve signed up for volunteering that you’re around, as the guest coaches will need your assistance in rodeo-ing up the kids. :D

For the next two weeks, as there is no new snow in the forecast, (other than the little bit that we’re getting this evening) you will be skate skiing, please ensure that you’re on time with your athletes and if you’re not able to come- please text Blaine  and he/Mika will hopefully let the guest coaches know.



March 25-31, 2024.

I am not really sure what happened to this season. It went by so quickly!! Thank you team for a great season and a very special thank you to...