Hello Nakkertok Masters,
First, let me congratulate all the skiers who have accomplished their goals of participating in and completing the CSM, (Heather, Sara, Cristina, Parham) and all those who competed in the Gatineau Loppets (Alex, Christa, Dave, Isabelle, John, Kumiko, Lisa, Marten, Michel, Tamsin)! Did I miss anyone? Well done everyone! You guys are awesome! I am so impressed with the dedication you have shown.
And to all those who missed out on the chance to be at the starting line this year due to illness or injury, next year is for you! Focus on getting healthy and you will come back even more hungry and motivated next time round. Take it from someone who has broken a vertebrae and cracked 3 ribs in two seperate ski accidents and came back stronger than ever!
Now, just because our major races are finished, the season is not over! Don't let your skiing fitness and technique go to waste. We have a lot of fun practices, skiing and events left. Here's what's coming up.
1) Tue. Feb. 23 Nakkertok Masters Practice
Time: 6:30 p.m. Warm Up, 7:00 Practic starts in stadium
Location: Nakkertok South
Technique: Skate for the Racing Group and Clasic for the Recreational Group
Focus: Quick technique review and fun relays
Coaches: Natalya, Stephan and Christa
Waxing recommendations: Please see the following waxwizards http://www.skiwax.ca/indexf.php, http://www.swixschool.com/web/wizard.html?langInput=lang2&menuInput=subM2
2) The Hans Weber Nakkerloppet is this Sunday, Feb. 28. Check out the information on the Nakkertok web site. http://www.nakkertok.ca/en/2010nakkerloppet
Registration is Online only at Zone4. Registration closes Thur., February 25, 2010 at midnight.
We should all do this fun 22 km classic backcountry event. It is a total blast! Agreat way to get to know the trails at Nakkertok. It's not a competition, just a great ski challenge to do with your friends and many other great skiers in the area. And if you can't do it, please volunteer. Contact Linda Payne.
3) Tue. Mar. 2 is going to be a ski potluck up to Owl Cabin at Nakkertok. So finally a little fun instead of me and the other coaches barking orders at you! You can classic or skate ski there. Bring your best potluck dish to share, plate, cup, cutlery, water, your other favourite beverage, candles, matches, headlamps, etc. and meet in the stadium to ski up to Owl Cabin together.
4) Nakkertok Masters coached practices will continue to Tue, Mar. 16. We'll do another video analysis session, hopefully with Barney Wainwright's camera skills and some guest coach commentary on technique! Pencil this in for Mar. 9 or 16.
5) There are some great races to enter in March including Thea's Race at Nakkertok on Mar. 7, Rangely Lakes Loppets in Maine on Mar. 6, the brand new Oka Loppet on Mar. 14, the Tour de Mont Valin on Mar. 19 and the Sugarloaf Marathon in Maine on Mar. 20. If you are interested in travelling to any of these races, please let me know. I'm always game for another race!
6) On March 3rd to11th 2011, Sovereign Lake, Silver Star and Vernon, BC is hosting the 2011 Masters World Cup of Cross Country Skiing. I would like to take a team of Masters to this event, share a condominium or house, hire a wax technician and assistant coach and spend a week doing world class xc ski races (and partying! Masters know how to compete, but they also know how to have fun!). These events are sooooo fun. I've been to a few and it's like going to the Olympics, but without having to qualify! If you are interested, please let me know ASAP so I can begin to search for accommodations. Check it out at http://www.mwc2011.com/index.php/
See you all on the trails soon!
Natalya
