September, 2010

Got out for some classic speed in Placid today.  Championship workout.

For words, check out: CXC Elite Blog.  All photos: Gus Kaeding.

Santi and Kuz

Melissa Schwarz

Kuz vs. Eric

Gregg

Gregg's flying double-pole

Cooling down

Just in time for the Fat Tire, we are getting some serious rain in Hayward.

Santi goes big during our plyometric strength.

Nice win for the Green & Gold in the season opener at the Eagles today too!

I’m finally getting back in the groove after the trip Down Under.  Sleeping well with a full training load.  The Michigan Tech team came down to Hayward for a weekend of training in God’s Country.  We all got out for a skate speed workout in the rain this morning.  It was cool to have a big crew of new athletes to train with and fun to get some over-speed going on the roller skis.

Sondre Sandivk and Kuz (photo: Santi Ocariz)

On Wednesday, the CXC Elite squad made our annual pilgrimage to Kozeluh Family Dentistry in Minocqua.  As athletes on a budget with minimal health insurance, Dr Dave Kozeluh’s sponsorship of the CXC Team is perhaps the best sponsor we’ve got.  He cleans our teeth and keeps our smiles bright for when we stand on top of the podium.  If you live near Minocqua and are looking for a great dentist that supports skiing, be sure to give Dr Koz a call.

In return for the clean teeth, the CXC Team athletes hosted a roller ski clinic at Premier Physical Wellness in Minocqua for local skiers of all abilities.  Dr Jim Mullen always helps us draw a big crowd.  Coach Gus Keading set up a challenging obstacle course, similar to the ones that we practice on regularly.

Wayne Fish, father of legend Bryan Fish, tests out his balance and his new hip while skiing backwards through the obstacle course

Will has fun showing off his skills on the course

Resistance training

Gus set up three stations to work on various aspects of skiing: Gregg led the plyometric station, teaching the basics of the “V2 Hop Skate.”  Karl led the power station, working on resistance training.  Jenny helped work on balance, having contests to see how far skiers could balance on one ski.

Jenny Bender helped Tim prepare for the Birkie

The highlight of the clinic was Pam Schoville’s Apple Bars and Rice Krispie Treats.  She wanted to make sure that Dr Koz stayed in business, so she brought some extra sugary snacks to share with the group.  What a treat!

By popular demand: Scott Johanik working on his V2 Hop Skate at the Northland Endurance Camp in August.  Nice work, Scotty!

Back in town for less than a day and rejoined the CXC crew for trail clearing on the Birkie trail and Chequamegon course.  The trail is in some of the best shape I’ve ever seen in my life.  Looks like a golf course.  Felt good to take in the refreshing scent of a pine forest and get some sap on my hands after 3 weeks of eucalyptus and gum trees.  Lots of folks out pre-riding the Fat Tire trail for the race next weekend.  Rad to see so many riders.  If you  haven’t been up north lately, get up to Hayward and do some riding.  The trails have never been better!

Hucking trees wasn't enough work for Gus who hammered out 150 push-ups on the manicured trail.

Back in the USA.  Still traveling and will get out a more detailed update shortly, but for now, enjoy the kangaroos I saw on my last day in Mt Beauty.