Workout of the Week: First time on snow: steep uphill technique!
By: Megan McTavish (2006/11/14)
Workout Type: Technique
Exertion Level: Moderate
Skier Level: Any
Technique: N/A
Season: Pre-competitive
Terrain: Flats
Suggested Trails: Burma, Penguin, Montee McCarthy
Equipment: Description: Steep uphills that require offset and quick diagonal or herringbone are generally not found much when rollerskiing in the off-season. For this reason, it is a good thing to focus on the first few times you are back on snow during the early season.
At our recent training camp, our technique sessions focussed on these aspects of skiing. We picked a few key things to think about technically and did repeats of the hill with our coach, John, watching us. This is also a good time to get out the video camera.
One interesting drill that we did at the camp was to experiment with skiing up the hill with three different mind-sets and determine which felt the easiest.
- The first time up the hill, we began by closing our eyes and picturing ourselves sitting on the beach in a comfortable chair with the sound of the waves hitting the shore and a tasty beverage beside the chair. Once it felt real, we then opened our eyes and skied up the hill, trying to keep the relaxed feeling we had at the bottom.
- The second time, we pictured ourselves in the Keskinada climbing up Burma in a train of skiers. The key here was to feel like you were racing a long race as you climbed the hill.
- The final time, we were told to think about technique and the few things that we had been working on the day before.
After this, we were asked which felt the easiest. It turned out that it was different for everyone. The idea was to find out what frame of mind is the best for you. For the remainder of the session, we tried to ski the hill with that in mind.
Brian, Ed and Craig visualizing the beach.
Everyone testing the mental images up the hill.
Comments: Some short technique sessions are great during an early season camp, however, they should not be over done. It is important to get comfortable on our skis again by just skiing. A quick session at the beginning of a long ski is a good way of doing it.
Tom being chased by coach John doing technique analysis.
