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Opinions should force you to think, and thinking may result in learning.

There is something beautiful about the track. Over the years I have decided that the reason I like it so much is that it is a perfect place to come up with velocity. (Velocity = Distance/Time). The distances are marked on a track, and times can be figured to within half a second.

Is it my type 'A' personality that lends to this love for the track? Is it a history that draws me? I wonder if it's even the look of the track that makes me feel so at home on the tartan or Mondo surface (stay with me, that's the end of the technical names - promise).

I would have to say that my love for the track is all of the above. It is the place where I would go every cross country running season to build my confidence. After my first fall of running cross country in college I hit the track to set a new personal best in the 2 mile. Before my last track meet in college I ran a mile as a tune-up workout, and by comfortably running 4:33 knew I was ready to race. It is knowledge that gives us power, and after the track I always seem to know something more about my fitness level - thus making me more powerful.

Does the track lend itself to good ski training? I contend it does.

Early in the season the track is a wonderfuil place to let your legs go fast. If you've ever come thundering off the far turn of a track only to slingshot into the straitaway, you know what I'm talking about. Later on in the season the track will provide you a place to guage fitness levels, and build confidence. I would bet there are very few people who will run a slower 3000 after a good summer of 'ski training.' We may not set land-speed records on the track, we're not out to be fast RUNNERS. But we can always open our minds to the possiblity that one more tool in our quests to get faster is good to have.

You will have to make the decision regarding the track. When you get past the fact that you're "not getting anywhere," and you're "just running in circles" you might find this fun. If you ever see me on the track, say hello. I'll be the guy with really really white legs - I am, after all, a ski racer.

Gentlemen,
First off, I really enjoy reading skipost. Its a great resource.
I've been trying to track down a wind resistance trainer made in Canada for double pole training, but have been unable to find the manufacturer. Any ideas? I have found one made in Italy, but staying in North America would probably be simpler and less expensive. Thanks for any direction you can give and again, thanks for skipost. Cheers.

Hello,
It is a pretty good tool to have, but I would only add it if you have a rollerboard already. Otherwise, start with the rollerboard, rollerski specific strength, and those should improve your specific strength.

Below you will find instructions on how to build a rollerboard.

Enjoy,
Chad Giese
Subaru Factory Team

Salomon and the Subaru Factory Team are proud to announce the Subaru Factory Team has chosen to use Salomon Cross-Country Skis, Boots and Bindings exclusively for the 2005-2006 season and beyond.

"This is an awesome opportunity for Salomon Nordic", said Ted Wardlaw, Sports Marketing Manager for Hardgoods at Salomon. "The Subaru Factory Team is arguably the premier group of Nordic athletes in North America, and for the Subaru Factory Team to make the switch to Salomon skis in the coming Olympic year gives us a lot of pride in the job that our developers have done engineering our new ski line."

"The Team tested Salomon's off-the-shelf Equipe 10 skating and classic product against the very best Team skis in their large and proven quivers and came back smiling", remarked Subaru Factory Team founder and director Andrew Gerlach. "The Salomon Equipe skis tested so favorably against the Team's own proven skis, the Team committed to the new Salomon skis without hesitation".

Salomon has been the official Boot and Binding of the Subaru Factory Team since the Team's inception in 1994. During that span Subaru Factory Team athletes have won 11 consecutive American Ski Marathon Series titles and Salomon Boot and Binding systems have won 85% of all Olympic, World Cup, and World Championship Medals. Salomon is now the official Ski, Boot, and Binding supplier to the Subaru Factory Team. "We absolutely want to have the same impact with skis that we have had with our boots and bindings over the years," commented Wardlaw, "and with the great athletes and outreach, education and development programs that the Factory Team continues to develop, this goal is within our reach."

The Ski, Boot and Binding sponsorship, made between Salomon North America and the Subaru Factory Team's parent company (Endurance Enterprises, Inc) will allow the Subaru Factory Team athletes to continue their winning ways. It also guarantees that America's leading cross-county athletes and coaches will continue to gain unparalleled support through the Salomon Athlete Force; and ski enthusiasts across the country will continue to receive the knowledge they seek through SkiPost, the definitive cross-country skiing email-newsletter.

Thank you for your continuing support of SkiPost and the Subaru Factory Team. We are hopeful that you will have a chance to test Salomon skis and boots this season, and will become as confident in them as we are!

For biographical information on returning Subaru Factory Team athletes click on the associated name.

Ivan Babikov

Lars Flora

Justin Easter

Eric Meyer

Chad Giese

Rob Whitney

Caitlin Compton

Abby Larson

Kristina Strandberg

Kate Underwood

The Rocky Mountain Division's 3rd Annual June On-Snow camp has been expanded to include Seniors and Masters. Get a great start to the summer technique work by joining us in Crested Butte, Colorado June 17-19 for three days of on-snow skiing with some of the best coaching in the country. The camp is a fundraiser for RMD to help fund the expansion of programs to include seniors (age 20-35) and masters (35+).

Several RMD coaches and special guests will join the coaching staff to provide intermediate to advanced skiers with technique coaching, video analysis, and lots of
information about topics ranging from training and racing advice to technique clinics and dryland training. The camp is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and will combine significant technique work with a good amount of skiing and afternoon dryland training.

Discount lodging packages will be available and will include free breakfasts for those staying at Elk Mountain Lodge. A $30 trail grooming fee is included in the camp fee.

Morning and afternoon coaching sessions will take place on Friday and Saturday, with one longer morning session Sunday to allow for early departures (see schedule). Skiers will be grouped according to ability with no more than eight skiers per coach to provide the best coaching experience possible.

Skiers are encouraged to be prepared to ski both classical and freestyle techniques. Skiing will be in the morning with dryland sessions in the afternoon.
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Make sure to get rewarded!
Why not let your passion for fun get you free Subaru Factory Team merchandise? The Subaru Factory Team's enjoy winter-rewards program is designed to thank you for purchasing our Subaru Factory Team partner's products. Buy a Subaru; get a free Subaru Factory Team vest. www.enjoywinter.com/rewards.htm

Driving tips
Maintain a safe distance. Even with a good wet weather tire, be prepared for longer stopping distances on wet pavement. Since other cars may not have proper tires for wet weather driving, be extra alert at stop signs and red lights.

Buying new tires? Pick up a new set of Bridgestone tires and go to www.enjoywinter.com/rewards.htm, fill out the verification form and receive 700 reward points!

SkiPost is a cross-country skiing informational, educational and motivational service, brought to you through a partnership with the Subaru Factory Team and the Salomon Athlete & Event Force.

The goal of SkiPost is to make the sport of cross-country skiing easier and more enjoyable for all who choose to participate. If you have questions on Cross-country Skiing see www.skipost.com or email us at mailto:weanswer@skipost.com

If you wish to be removed email nordic-unsubscribe@mailman.montana.com
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Enjoy Winter,
Justin Easter
SkiPost Editor