I was in Alta Badia, Italy, in December speaking at a ski-racing conference during the men’s World Cup GSs and had the opportunity to speak at length with Lucas Braathen (how’s that for name dropping?) after his first-run DNF in the second race. He is a bright, down-to-earth, and open guy (and he had smiley [...]
A racer I’m working with recently won the first run of a big race, but he struggled in his second run and missed out on a potential victory. His race day reminded me of a similar experience in my first college carnival as a freshman at Middlebury. I won the first run of the UVM [...]
Have you ever thought about how incredibly difficult it is to be a ski racer? So many factors affect how well and how fast you can ski a course, whether in training or races. And, one small mistake or failure in any one of those many areas will result in a disappointing run with little [...]
It’s late September which means two things. You are in the middle of the fall training block in which you are engaged in an intensive physical conditioning program or are starting to get on snow in Europe for early-season skiing, or both. The next few months before race season will be physically and mentally challenging [...]
The fall, and this all-important prep period, is now officially under way. You should now be laying the foundation for your success next winter making your final push of preparation before hitting the slopes in a few months. Though getting miles on snow is very important (if you’re that fortunate), a key focus of the [...]
I suppose it goes without saying (though I’m saying it anyway) that what you do during the prep period that has just begun will largely determine how your 2022-23 race season goes. What you do related to your ski racing in the spring, summer, and fall will either make or break whether you achieve your [...]
The 2021-22 race season is now well behind you and you’ve likely storage waxed your skis and stored all your gear till you get back on snow (perhaps this summer). You’ve probably also pulled out your favorite non-skiing toys, whether mountain bike, golf clubs, tennis racquets, surfboards, or what-have-you. And the last thing you want [...]
Over the last few years, I’ve established great relationships with some outstanding sports companies. I’ve partnered with them because they embody what I value in sports-related products: innovation, superior quality, and leading-edge performance. In a series of posts, I’m re-introducing these exceptional companies and people to you so you will consider adding what they have [...]
Mikaela Shiffrin’s results at the Beijing Olympics were not what we were all hoping for (least of all Mikaela herself!). At the same time, I have no doubt that, after some sadness and soul searching, she will be back stronger, better, and faster than ever. It’s easy in these situations to analyze, evaluate, and critique [...]
I was talking to a top junior from back East I work with last week over Zoom about his race season so far. He was really excited about his results to date, but also expressed how he was already starting to feel a bit “cooked” from all of the racing he was doing. I asked [...]
