Fasterskier Athlete Interviews

As part of the new fasterskier website, they have included interviews with many of the nation's top racers. If you ever wondered what drives that dedicated athlete or what your ski idol eats for breakfast, it's just a click away. Below are my responses to the interview that I had prior to the racing season.

When did you start ski racing, and what were some highlights of your young skiing career?
I learned to ski at age five, as a Polar Cub in Anchorage’s Junior Nordic program. By age ten I began practicing with Jan Buron and the Alaska Winter Stars. When I was twelve, I got to travel and race at the Arctic Winter Games, where I became convinced that Nordic skiing is the best sport out there.

Who has been the most influential person for you, whether as a skier or a person?
As a young girl my ski idol was Nina Kempell, a four-time Olympic skier from Alaska. I would write her letters and keep every newspaper article and picture of her that I could find. One of my most memorable days in sixth grade was when she agreed to come speak to my class—I thought she was the most amazing woman.
Nina may have been my childhood hero, but my parents have undoubtedly been the most influential people in my life. Without their unconditional support and encouragement I would not be where I am today, nor would I be in a position to chase down my current goals and dreams for the future.

Where is your favorite place to ski, where is your favorite place to race, what is your favorite part of the season, what are your favorite ski conditions?Favorite place to ski: The Snow Farm in New Zealand.
Favorite place to race: Anchorage, AK (either Kincaid Park or at Hillside).
Favorite part of the season: Spring time, in the last several weeks of racing.
Favorite ski conditions: fast, hard track conditions.

What drives you to succeed at the highest possible level, and what are your long-term goals as a skier?
One of my favorite quotes—which I found on a sticky-tab note in Nat and Kristina Anglem’s home in New Zealand—is, “I enjoy the sense of excellence I feel, when I conduct myself as an Olympian would”. This statement resonates with my current attitude towards athletics and drives me to become a better athlete and person. I get satisfaction out of figuring out how to reach my personal best. I think spending this chapter of my life toward sport, devoted to being as fit and healthy as I can be, is a worthwhile endeavor. I have long-term goals of competing in the Olympics and being competitive on the World Cup circuit.

What are your favorite race formats/distances, and do you try to specialize for these events?
My favorite race format is definitely sprint races, and classic sprints are probably my specialty. My favorite type of distance race is a 15k classic.
I have learned that with my body type and training background, I respond better to training when I focus more on L5 intervals and L3 pace workouts, rather than massive amounts of distance training and L4 intervals. Now that I am finished with collegiate racing, I will be able to put more effort into preparing for sprint events.

What are your overall goals for this season?
This season I have goals of winning a Supertour sprint race, medaling at US Nationals in the sprint or sprint relay, and racing well in World Cup sprint races. My dream goal for the year is to qualify for World Championships.

Do you have any consistent training partners? Do you prefer training alone or with others?
I enjoy training with others most of the time. Luckily, I am on a team with a group of talented women, where I can enjoy their company and learn from their individual strengths. When we don’t have team practice or when I’m not training on my own, Laura Valaas is usually my training companion.

What is your favorite on snow workout and favorite dryland workout?My favorite on snow workout is exploring new areas by crust cruising in the mountains on sunny spring mornings. My favorite dryland workout is hiking and mountain running through the wilderness to get to beautiful back-country places.

What do you enjoy doing besides skiing?
I love being outside with family and friends—especially when camping, telemark skiing, hunting, or taking our little boat out for fishing trips. I also enjoy trying new things, meeting new people, and creating functional art (which currently happens to be beading earrings).

In terms of employment, are you a 100% full-time athlete, or do you have another job besides training/racing? If so, what do you do?
As of June 2008, I have been fortunate enough to revolve my schedule around training and racing. I have been able to compliment my training this summer and fall by tutoring high school AP Chemistry students, coaching part-time for APU’s Master and Junior programs, and gaining patient contact experience by volunteering and job-shadowing at the Alaska Native Medical Center.

How long do you think you will ski at the elite level? What do you see yourself doing after you finish your ski career?
I plan on skiing at the elite level for as long as training day-in and day-out is fulfilling. When I am finished skiing at the elite level I will focus on my other life pursuits—such as attending a graduate school program to become a Physicians Assistant. Also, I would like to spend time working and traveling abroad.

Do you or did you ever attend college? How did you make that decision?
Yes, I studied and skied at University of Denver and graduated this past spring with a B.S. in biology. I made the decision realizing that the odds of having early success on the international racing scene would be more favorable if I stayed in Alaska, however I took advantage of DU’s scholarship offer because was eager to experience college life out of state. My personal racing results were less than I had hoped for in college, but the education, opportunities, and life experiences that I received in my four years at DU are invaluable to me. I still have a passion for training and racing, so I’m going to see if I can make it on the World Cup scene and pursue my skiing dreams.

Do you enjoy racing/competing in other sports during the offseason? Did you play other sports as a kid? What are some of your favorite non-skiing competitions?
Yes, growing up I bike raced, danced, and played soccer in addition to skiing. I still enjoy competing in other types of races—mainly cycling races and triathlons. I used to race over 50 times a year, but now that ski specific training is my priority I don’t do as many alternative\ competitions.
Spring weekends in college were split between teleskiing trips and racing with the DU Cycling team. My favorite non ski competitions are road bike criteriums—especially when there is a large field of women like what is seen at NCCA Cycling Nationals. I love the tactics involved in cycling and the feel of taking fast corners in a large pack.

What do you do with any spare time at training camps or on race trips?
On training camps and race trips, I enjoy spending time with fellow skiers, knitting, and playing cards.

What does your diet consist of? Do you have a favorite pre-race dinner and breakfast?
My diet is similar to any normal, healthy, diet—but I make sure I eat enough, so I can have fuel for the next training session and recover well. I am not a picky eater and I will enjoy just about any type of food. The night before races, I usually go along with a traditional spaghetti dinner. I used to eat oatmeal and fruit before races religiously, but I have learned that 3 eggs over bread, cheese, ham, and jam will hold me over better, so I prefer the latter for my pre-race breakfast.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
My first word was “Amuq”, which is the Yup’ik Eskimo word for “milk”. My early years were spent in remote Eskimo villages where my parents were village teachers.

How do you spend your weeks off?
If I have the opportunity, I am always in for a good outdoor adventure during my recovery week.

What is the best race or workout you have ever done?
I would have trouble picking the best training session I have ever done, so I will just pick out my favorite workout from the past couple weeks. Our coaches got pretty innovative and created some harnesses for us with climber’s webbing, ropes, and carabiners for a skate skiing workout. My teammates and I took turns dragging each other around the ski trails. In addition to the laughter and accompanying sled-dog noises, I felt the dynamic leg position I need to have for more powerful skating.

What race events are in your plan for this season, and which race are you are looking forward to the most?
In the early season I will race the Supertours, NorAms, and US Nationals. My travel schedule for January and February will depend on my early season results, with the consideration of what will be best for my long-term development. The race I am looking forward to the most is the classic sprint at US Nationals in my home town of Anchorage.

My Sanctuary

My favorite place on Earth is "flat, desolate, and muddy as sin" -JCL. The mudflats used to be my summer infatuation, but I have discovered they can be a playground in the winter months as well.
Mom running out to the ocean
to try a few yoga moves. Mt. Redoubt-- the volcano that's been in the news lately for its seismic activity-- is to the right of my right leg.
I guess it runs in the family. I hope I can be as fit as my Mom 30 years from now...or wait...maybe I should hope for mercy for the next time we do a bike ride over 3hrs together! I think a "really long ride" is 75 miles; her definition of a "really long ride" is 750 miles over 3.5 days (PBP '03 and '07).
This place makes me want to JUMP!

Sven Johansson 30k Race

The Sven Johansson, the final race in the AMH Anchorage Cup, is nicknamed as "The Tour of Kincaid", because the course tackles just about every big climb in the park-- Stairway to Heaven, Hairpin, Ice Box, Elliots Climb, Burky's climb, Lekisch, you name it.

Several of the elite women got the honor of starting in the elite men's wave, which made for a more interesting and exciting race. Once the mayhem of the mass start simmered down, my APU teammates Taz Mannix, Kate Arduser, and I skied in a tight triad through the rest of the race. It was a rewarding experience cruising up and over the hills going faster together as a group. At times it felt like we were flying.

Long mass start races are pretty sweet in that there's much to be learned while racing. When skiing behind these ladies, I was able to make small adjustments with my technique and tempo and have immediate feedback on the most efficient way to ski for that particular terrain. I found that focusing on shifting my weight over each ski was far more efficient than trying to power up the hills with more upper body strength.

Similar to cycling, we worked together rotating through a pace-line and recognized the unwritten rules of racing etiquette. There was no surges when one of us was getting a feed, nor when one of us was in a vulnerable state due to an external issue. For example, Taz accidentally stepped on Kate's pole while we were hammering up Hairpin. Kate's pole completely came off so rather than using the opportunity to speed away, Taz helped Kate fetch her pole and I waited in front (and was thankfully able to catch my breath) before continuing onward. We had already made it 26k together and we were going to battle it out to the end together.

In the final 2k Taz put the stomp down, forcing me to focus on putting all my energy into the final climbs. My legs burned and my lungs screamed, but I made imaginary finish lines at the tops of the final hills to keep my motivation at it's max. I figured that if I could keep close enough contact and not let her gap me too much before the final downhill, I could muster up enough of a sprint for the finishing stretch to win the race. I felt stronger than ever, my theory worked, and I was able to pull off the win! It was a welcomed surprise and a gratifying experience after putting so much hard work into training. Taz, Katie, Kate post race (Barry Johnson photos).

Congrats to my APU teammates who took the top 6 spots in the women's race, the top 3 spots in the mens race, and the top spot in the mens 10k. It was also great to see so many citizen athletes there enjoying the day of racing, as well as Jan and Ben, my former AWS coaches, out there racing fast! The ADN article and results can be found HERE.

CONGRATULATIONS KIKKAN!

APUNSC's Kikkan Randall won a SILVER medal at WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS this morning! Congratulations Kikkan-- we are so proud of you! You are a source of inspiration for your teammates, the state of Alaska, and for America!
Kikkan will go down in history as being the first American women to win a World Cup GOLD and now also the first American woman to win a Medal at World Championships in Nordic Skiing. YEAH KIKK! (Podium shot from Jens Meyer, jumping shot stolen from Liz's blog-- thanks Liz and congrats to you too!)

Hayward Primary School Visit

I got the chance to be in Hayward, WI leading up to the American Birkebeiner and witness the anticipation and excitement around the race-- also termed the "Birkie Fever". Even though this is the largest ski race in the country, there are still many young children who haven't been exposed to cross country skiing. Brian Gregg of CXC organized an school visit to Hayward Primary school that was aimed at educating and inspiring the local youth about our sport. Kristina Owen, Heather Zimmerman and I had the opportunity to be included in the excitement. Ronsse getting to play ski "show and tell".
Kristina telling the history of how the American Birkebeiner race began while Brian and I "skiing" around the room with young "Prince Haakon" in tow.
Heather and Kristina racing around the room with a few volunteers while Brian and I joined the rest of the students in the traditional "Heiya" ski chant.

I was impressed with each of the 19 different classes that we saw-- the kids were very well behaved, considerate, and asked thoughtful questions. It looks like there was a successful Barnebirkie and there was some enthusiastic spectating.
APUNSC's Holly Brooks finishes runner up in the American Birkie by a fraction of a second. Photo courtesy of Andy Canniff at Swix Sport. Way to go Holly! Also, congrats to Carolyn (my host in Madison, WI) for completing her 30th Birkie.
The wide and pristine Birkie trail could be accessed from the the back door of Julie and Tom's house, where I stayed in Seeley. The Birkie will be an event I will definitely have to include in my racing schedule for an upcoming season. For now, I am home in Alaska where I am re-grouping after spending 5+ weeks on the road. The skiing, weather, and time I've been able to spend with family and friends couldn't be better.

Ice Caves

While in northern Wisconsin, Donovan, Heather and I got a chance to venture up toward the Apostle Islands to check out the ice caves on the coast of Lake Superior. It's a phenomenal place.
H. Zimmerfest
Dun Dun Don Dums
Ronskizzle and orange icicle
Dums in his element. This guy used to chill in Antarctica-- no joke! Ronse, Ronsee, Ronsse, Ronnse, or Ronski?

Feather-less flying kiwi Heather

If you're one of the 7,000+ competitors that will be in Northern Wisconsin for the Birkie this weekend, then I highly recommend checking this place out if you get the chance!

City Sprints in Madison, WI

The city sprints in downtown Madison were all that I had hoped they would be. Some people had their doubts that the races would happen, because the temperature was in the mid-50's prior to the races, and when we showed up on Friday afternoon there wasn't any snow in sight. But, due to the hard work of Yuriy Gusev and all the volunteers, the "impossible" became POSSIBLE. Maria Stuber cruising around one of the 180 degree turns below the Madison's capitol building. The races were a total success and exposed many non-skiers and aspiring young skiers to elite-level racing.
Lars Flora sliding in the slush. We raced on snow that was stock piled and trucked into the city. We raced a 100m World Record attempt and two team sprints where athletes alternated racing 1k...3-4 times.
First leg leaders in the women's classic race. The course was fast and relatively flat, so it turned into a double-pole derby on skate skis and boots. Thanks to Renee Callaway for captivating the scene with her wonderful photos of the races!
3rd and final tag off in the ladies classic race.
Women's podium for classic team sprint. Strandberg/Deyoung (Saab/Salomon/Fischer), Dehlin/Williams (USST), Ronsse/Stursova (APUNSC/Rossignol). My APUNSC teammates are either home in AK or at World Championships, so I paired up with Stursova of Rossignol-- we made a great duo!
"Experienced" Strandberg vs. "rookie" Ronsse battling it out to the line-- experience was final victor.
Ladies podium for the skate team sprint. Stursova/Ronsse, Deyoung/Strandberg, Zimmerman/Owens.
Brian Gregg bringing home the win for CXC.
Dennis Kruse usually gave us something to laugh about when he was announcing at the Supertour races. The American skiing community is fortunate to have a guy like Kruse, who goes out of his way to support athletes in reaching their goals. Kruse built an additional cabin for his visiting friends to stay in. I get the impression that getting to stay there is right of passage for aspiring athletes since "all" the big time American skiers and cyclists have stayed in Kruse's cabin. Heather and I got to stay there during our week in Cable, WI...does this means we're going to be legit skiers now?
Exploring the capitol building after the race-- definitely the most scenic post-race warm-down I've ever done!

Mora Vasaloppet USA

This past weekend I got to race in the Minnesota's largest ski race, the USA Mora Vasaloppet. The event was incredibly well organized and exciting to be apart of. They also awarded the best prizes that I've ever seen-- including intricately painted Dala horses to age group winners and gigantic fresh wreaths for the overall race winners. Skatie Ronski post 35k skate race.
Linda (Spring Brook, WI) and Gretchen (St. Cloud, MN) of the "Ski and Tea" women's group were all smiles after winning their respective age classes. These ladies took care of Heather and I for the weekend-- we had a blast with them and spent much of the weekend in laughter.
Here's the lead pack pack during the 35k skate race. I loved getting to cruise around in a pack of skiers, where we took turns cycling through in the pace line. Thanks to skinnyski for the above racing photos. I hope to make it back to Mora for the featured event one of these days, the 58k skate race.

Supertour Races at Telemark Resort

Last week's Supertour races featured a 1.2k sprint, a short distance classic, and a distance skate race.
Katie Ronsse(USA), Nicole Deyong(USA), Martina Stursova (CZE), Christina Groulx (CAN) in the semi-final.

The sprint was on one of the most excruciating courses I have done so far. We made a sustained climb up part of Telemark mountain, swept down for a hairpin turn, went up a toilsome climb to the high point of the course, rocketed down, and went over a steep bump before the finishing stretch. This race felt more like a V02max interval rather than a short "sprint", but grueling sprint courses seem to be the trend in World Cup races these days too.
Katie Ronsse (#2), Kristina Trygstad-Saari (#1), Kristina Strandberg (#3) on the ladies podium.

Trygstad was definitely the strongest lady of the day. She dominated the prelim and lead most of the final. I hung on for dear life until the high point in the climb, and then slung-shot around on the last long downhill after sitting in the draft; but in the lunge for the line she got me, along with the $900 in prize money. A well deserved win for Trygstad! The $425 for 2nd was still an exciting award for me, since it marked my first time winning prize money that I was allowed to accept and it is going to buy me A LOT of oatmeal! Colin Rodgers (#2), Leif Zimmerman (#1), Garrott Kuzzy (#3) on the men's podium.

The classic course was held old World Cup courses that were designed before skate skiing was invented-- which meant numerous steep herringbone hills and several narrow winding downhills.

The highlight of the races for me personally was NOT getting 2nd in the sprint as an onlooker might predict, but rather finishing THIRD in the Saturday's 5k Classic race! I have struggled so much with my distance racing in the past 4 years, so to make the podium in a Supertour distance race was a welcomed surprise. Men's and women's classic results can be found HERE.

Also, a HUGE thanks to Brian Fish and the CXC waxing team for assisting me with waxing. To have a rival team offer to help me while my coaches are unable to be here speaks of the character of CXC. Finding the perfect wax is a time consuming and secretive thing and without the help of CXC, I wouldn't have had a top coat. I could've easily been floundering in a assortment of kick wax where my "secret" would have been to pick the prettiest color (...joke)!
The men's mass start pack-- thanks to Tom Dunaway for the great photos.

The distance Supertour races were also collegiate races and Junior Olympic qualifying races for the central region, which meant there was a chaotic stampede of hundreds of skiers to get to the finish line as fast as possible. There were skis and poles flying in all directions at times...pretty sweet! Men's and women's skate results can be found HERE.

From Rossland, BC to the Midwest, US

Perfect skiing in Rossland, BC-- a town built in the crater of an extinct volcano of the Monashee Range. I'm told that Rossland has the highest per capita of doctors in Canada because the skiing, mt biking trails, and active community is so hard to beat.

Jeff Ellis, Laura Valaas, and I made our way over to Rossland for some NorAm races for Canada's final World Championship qualifier-- where the field was small but stacked with many of the nation's fastest skiers. (#1)Phil Widmer, (#2) APUNSC teammate Jeff Ellis, and (#3) hometown hero George Grey on the men's sprint podium. Laura also made the podium in both the skate sprint AND the classic distance race. Good luck to Laura at World Championships!

I was not sure how traveling and racing on my own would logistically work out, but so far I have been absolutely blown away by the support of other skiers. A HUGE THANKS to John Jaques and Dan Madlung of the Rocky Mountain Racers for the waxing support, Chris and Taneel for letting us stay in their home even though they were away for the weekend, Jonas for the use of a wax bench, Skeets for the ride to Vernon, and Andi for the hospitality in Silverstar! One of my favorite parts of being a nordic skier is all the incredible and friendly people you come across...I'm feeling lucky to be apart of North America's incredible skiing community.

The generosity of other skiers and coaches didn't end when I left Canada. I am currently in the Midwest racing on the Supertour circuit where I would not have had such a successful week of racing without the support of the people here. A Supertour update coming soon! An urban run from Jojo's apartment in Minneapolis-- the trail system and artwork that I saw in the city was quite impressive.