SNOW

Push Pull and Drag

The last bounding session of November went out like a Lamb chasing a Lion. The temps were near 60 degrees for the 29 skiers taking in 29 reps and a monster Lactate Interval. Tee shirts and lace weather to be sure with colder stuff predicted later this week. Enjoy while we can.

We noticed a lot of newbies last night and with them (and some vets as well) some interesting [read that as needs work] technical styles. Arms in particular showed some creative ideas that may be useful in a Drunken Monkey Look-alike Contest but for skiing………………..? My arms got longer last night after being pulled up that hill. Like being pulled by a bunch of wild horses ye haw.

• With arms it is important to remember these rules.
• Arms must reach out but remain flexed yet rigid.
• Hands should be at shoulder width [only].
• Hands must imitate the angle you want the pole to be at. Poles only work when in the ground and pushing back.
• The compression of the upper body initiates the poling sequence. A forceful and rapid expulsion of air from the lungs allows for a better pole effort. BREATH! ---- HARD!

Speaking of breathing, I noticed a lot of folks doing what I call shallow breathing that is short, rapid and low volume breaths. Even during the LI there was less than optimum breathing going on. Remember: Even a simple thing like breathing becomes difficult when you are going hard. You have to train for that as well. Yea I know, "just when I thought I had this technique stuff down pat now I have to breathe as well".

All in all it was a good solid effort. The LI was particularly hard and next week we will have a very special twist in that regard. Never forget that these ARE tough workouts and yes they can suck at times but they also achieve a lot in short amount of time. Being in a big group makes it easier. This is a workout you do not want to do on your own. Good effort.

Next week we go at 5:28pm. Bring Halloween candy to burn off.