Birkie training program

Depending on which course you chose, the classic or skate race, you have When the race begins, you and 9, other skiers will take to foot-wide groomed trails that wind through the birch, maple, and pine trees around the towns of Cable and Hayward. Nutrition Guide. Training Plan. Cross-country skiing distances of more than ten miles demands two things: endurance and skill, the primary element of which is balance. Successfully skiing the Birkie on your first try takes one more thing: insider knowledge.

Sweat the Technique Since , the Birkebeiner has been divided into two races according to different cross-country skiing techniques, the classic and the skate.

Each race starts off on a separate course, then they come together about halfway through. The best way to test the techniques is to take at least one trip to the snow before the race. Two or three days will allow you to break in your equipment and get comfortable moving on skis. He also recommends checking in with a coach who can instruct you on basic technique and movement patterns.

To learn more about the classic technique, check out this video. Curious about skate skiing? Watch this video to learn more. Cross-country skis come in different lengths and flexibilities, so your height and weight will factor into your selection.

Hit up a local ski shop or check out Boulder Nordic Sport online. Reserve rental equipment in advance at Riverbrook Bike and Ski , located about eight miles from the race start. Our week training plan will give you the ski-specific strength and endurance necessary to finish. Practice by following the technique-specific workouts in the training plan, including running with poles. Arrive two days before the event to try out your equipment and technique. Paul, located about three hours from the race start in Cable, then rent a car.

Use this link for discounted rates through Avis. Make sure to book your lodging as early as possible, as this event sells out hotels within a mile radius of Cable and Hayward. Telemark Resort , located at the race start, is a good option. We know. Listen to what the race organizers recommend at bib pick-up for any last minute wax tweaks. Layer, Layer, Layer Start with long underwear, and steer clear of cotton. Wool or polyester works well. On top of that, wear ski tights or pants and a jersey.

Zuelsdorff says most racers wear either a cycling or ski jersey. Top if off with a hat or Buff headwear, glasses or ski goggles, and gloves.

Pace Yourself Coach Pierce advises you to start easy for the first 15K, then keep it steady for the next 15K. Make friends so that when you get to Hayward Lake, you can take turns pulling each other into the wind. Drafting without taking a pull or silently tucking in behind another skier is bad form.

There are no expectations, so you can just enjoy it. International Race Support. Other FIS events may be considered by staff. How to Support Team Birkie. Adopt an Athlete. General Donations. Sponsorship Opportunities. Training Camps and Race Schedule.

One of the main benefits of basing Team Birkie in the Twin Cities is to give post-college athletes the opportunity to gain work experience or internships in their fields of study, rather than putting their professional lives on hold.

Athletes can also easily continue their academic pursuits, with many colleges and universities within a small radius. Team Birkie members will have the opportunity to coach Loppet Foundation programming as well as volunteer for events and outreach programs that work to include people of all backgrounds into outdoor adventure.

Gregg placed third. The coaching staff will be led by World Champion medalist Caitlin Gregg. Caitlin will be supported by a number of other experienced coaches, including Jeremy Hecker and Leo Hipp. Caitlin Compton Gregg caitlincgregg gmail. Caitlin has also won the American Birkebeiner 5 times- more times than any other athlete, and has many City of Lakes Loppet wins under her belt as well.

A US Ski Team Alum and an 8-time National Champion, Caitlin has been living and training in the Minneapolis area for over 15 years and knows how to maximize every inch of terrain in our urban playground.

She has used her creativity to compete and succeed at the highest level in the sport of cross-country skiing. She and her husband Brian Gregg, also a Olympian, started Team Gregg in and have enjoyed pushing their limits to succeed in results and marketing on the World Stage. When not coaching or taking care of young daughter Heidi, Caitlin enjoys sharing her passion for health and the outdoors with the youth in her North Minneapolis community. I am originally from Forest Lake, Minnesota where I began skiing in Prior to trying out skiing, I dabbled with several sports but settled on cross-country running and hockey.

After ditching skates and sticks, I quickly began to enjoy having skis under my feet. With the help of my great high school coach Deno Johnson, I was able to experience success at the state and national levels. Following graduating from high school in , I was fortunate to be able to pursue my athletic and academic endeavors at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

Under the guidance of another amazing coach, Sten Fjeldheim, I was able to earn several conference and regional honors, and to most notably represent the United States at the Junior World Championships. Experiencing skiing a new capacity ultimately grew my passion for skiing, not just as an athlete but as a coach.