Training in Heber

I’m quite happy to be in Utah again for our annual October National Team camp. This is my sixth year coming here with the biathletes. We aren’t here for the snow (although there certainly is some of that up high) but for the high quality dryland training at altitude. It is our last major block of dryland training before winter hits. The weather is usually beautiful and reliable here this time of year, unlike many other places in the country, and the terrain is fantastic for rollerskiing, hiking, and biking. Normally we run into a few of our USST and Paralympic peers on the trails, but this October it seems like every professional Nordic team in the US is in Utah. I love having so many of my biathlon, Craftsbury and Dartmouth College buddies all in one place!

Dartmouth Ski Team reunion at Rosie Brendan’s House (photo: Eric Packer)

The biathlon team is staying is staying near the Soldier Hollow range and we can rollerski right to the venue in minutes

Our neighborhood of giant houses

So far for training we have done a lot of rollerskiing, shooting and running. My favorite workout has been a lovely run/hike in the foothills of Mt. Timpanogos

Myself, Hannah and Annelies

We encountered some serious mud…

…but the views were spectatcular!

A few days ago, the National Team participated in an ambassador/media training through the US Olympic Committee, a requirement for all potential US Olympians. It is helpful to practice answering questions, to anticipate situations we may encounter, and understand the many, many rules involved with media at the Olympics. Brad Snyder also shared his incredible story with us. He is a blind swimmer who won gold in the London Paralympics exactly one year to the day after he lost his sight by stepping on an IED while serving in the navy. Talk about inspiring!

Next Tuesday and Thursday we have some rollerski races at Solider Hollow so stay tuned for more updates!