By Justin Freeman
Salomon Athlete Force

It’s travel season again. It’s snowing in the mountains here, there are reports of skiing back home in New Hampshire, and tomorrow I fly to Fairbanks to get on snow for the first time since Spring Series. All of which is great, but it means I need to once again get myself organized to live on the road. Even as I write this, about twelve hours before my flight takes off, my apartment looks like a minor tornado hit it. Uniforms of various vintages cover the floor; hats, socks and gloves are arranged in piles by warmth and whether they actually fit me, and partial lists of what I need are scattered, hiding underneath the explosion of clothes.

My cell phone and charger are on the table where I hopefully can’t forget them. My E-ticket receipts and pre-printed boarding passes are on another table, neatly organized, waiting for me to figure out which backpack I am taking. I just got in from swapping the ferrules on my poles for actual snow baskets. My pursuit boots and my orthotics will travel in my carry-on, so I will definitely be able to ski when I arrive. My other boots go in my ski bag, along with a couple of jackets.

I will wear one pair of pants and pack two more. I will pack three t-shirts and the same number of long sleeves. Whether I go for two weeks (as I am tomorrow) or two months that is all the casual clothes I use. I will pack a couple pairs of running shorts for stretching or physical therapy, and a bunch of pairs of socks and underwear. I may skimp on some things but those need to carry me from today to laundry day, assuming I find the time, change, and motivation.

I have a couple magazines and will buy more at the airport—I have long since given up on being frugal when it comes to airplane reading material. And there is something about planes that makes it hard to read most books, I just don’t seem to have enough attention span on a travel day. I have two books picked out so far, Middlemarch should kill some time on my trip and Running with Scissors will be readable when my brain starts to turn to mush from too many days of the same routine, skiing morning and night. I still need to scan our bookshelves and pick another book or two.

I just got my wax kit together, a wide range of kick waxes and a few gliders. My team will provide me with race wax but I need to bring some of my own. I also used bleach to kill the rather scary black stuff that was growing inside my drinkbelt, so I can pack that as well.

Hopefully I’m not forgetting anything. Probably I am. But I have tomorrow morning to figure out what. I am going to leave my half packed bags and get some sleep!

Finding a routine always makes these last minute packing episodes seem effortless. Good luck.

Suunto has introduced a new system that is allowing athletes to watch their progress during workouts, as you would expect from a heart rate monitor, and with the help of analytical software. Above you are looking at a graph of a long workout done by Kristina Strandburg (Subaru Factory Team). This graph is comparing heart rate (top), level (colorful strips), VO2 (third down), and elevation changes (bottom). These are only a few of the data points you can find with the Suunto t6.

The Suunto t6 has the ability to assess your current fitness level, and help you set the right training load for yourself. You will know what you actually gained from exercise. The Suunto t6 measures the time interval between heartbeats and its variation. With the use of this precise calculation the PC software calculates seven different body parameters and tells you in a simple and easy way how your physical condition is developing.

This watch is ideal for teams, as they come in a 'team pack'. This will allow ten of your athletes to be working with this information, and will enable the coach to design workouts using the provided software. Go to www.suuntot6.com for more information about the t6 and its impressive technology.

West Yellowstone!

The Yellowstone Ski Festival
November 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26, 2005
West Yellowstone, Montana

The West Yellowstone Ski Festival is in full swing, and it's not too late for a last-minute trip. The trails are groomed to perfection every night, and the skiing is fantastic. Enjoy the end of your Thanksgiving vacation in West Yellowstone with the Subaru Factory Team, and the rest of the XC community.

If you have any questions or if you would like more information about the Yellowstone Ski Festival, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com or contact:

Jamie Greene, Yellowstone Ski Festival Coordinator
The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 458
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-9427
info@yellowstoneskifestival.com

Start your ski season in West Yellowstone, Montana!

When traveling to West Yellowstone the Subaru Factory Team recommends staying at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. www.doyellowstone.com

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XC Academy Clinic
When: December 3, 2005
Where: Billings, MT-Billings Deaconess Hospital
Time:2pm
Cost: FREE!

Justin Easter and Tim Weston of the Subaru Factory Team will lead a clinic (probably dryland, but dependent on conditions) in Billings on December 3rd. For more information, contact Justin at: justine@endurance-enterprises.com

http://www.xcacademy.com/clinics.htm ___________________________________________________________

Steamboat Springs Early Winter Nordic Camp
December 17, 18, 2005

Sponsored by:
Ski Haus, The Nordic Link, Steamboat Touring Center, and LakeCatamount.

Participants can sign up for one or two days of skate or classic instruction. All abilities welcome. Never-evers to advanced.

$125 for Saturday and Sunday (sign up before December1)
$135 for two days after December 1.
$75 for one day (either Saturday or Sunday)

Price includes:
Two clinics per day.
Trail Passes (Saturday will be at Lake Catamount, Sunday will be at the
Steamboat Touring Center.
Complimentary Demo of Salomon's new skis and boots.
Professional instruction
Lunch
Saturday Happy Hour
Industry reps on hand
On Snow video analysis (Sunday only)
Free Swag and Prizes

For more information or to register go to www.thenordiclink.com
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Lone Mountain Ranch
Women's Camps Winter 2005 - 2006

Do you want to improve your downhill control on all trails? Do you want to progress to the next level in your skiing? Are you interested in participating in a positive and supportive learning environment that will boost your confidence? Are you interested in camaraderie with women who share similar interests? If so, then join us for our Women's Camp, in the spectacular setting of Lone Mountain Ranch and Yellowstone National Park.

http://www.lmranch.com/lmr_content/winter/xc/womenscamp.htm

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24 Hours of Telemark!

The 24 Hours of Telemark is a cross-country ski relay race with teams of one to six members competing against each other in different age divisions and categories. The team, or individual, in each category that completes the most laps in 24 hours is the winner.

Held each winter since 2002, this x-c race is fun for cross-country skiers of all abilities. The race course is a short but challenging loop immediately adjacent to Telemark Lodge. With the course right out the door of the lodge, it's just a few short steps from skiing to warm rooms and changes of clothes, as well as Telemark's outstanding hospitality.

The 24 Hours of Telemark has grown in size and class each year. The prize list for 2006 (donated by our generous sponsors) looks to be huge... and much of it will be given away as door prizes. Maybe you should join us this year?

Please visit www.24hoursoftelemark.com for more info.

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.

For more information on Subaru's technically advanced all-wheel drive vehicles check out www.subaru.com

"Think. Feel. Drive."

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
If you wish to receive SkiPost email nordic-subscribe@mailman.montana.com

Enjoy Winter,
Justin Easter

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