Time Trial With Russell

This morning I did a sprint time trial with my MWSC teammate Russell Currier. Russell is on great form and really took it to me in the skiing. I had a tough day on the range and let my expectations and emotions get the better of me. I have another chance tomorrow, when Russell and I will run through the same workout again. Thanks to Katrina Howe for the awesome pictures. You can find her blog here: http://katrinahowe.blogspot.com/

Ramping Up

With the fall in full swing I have begun to ramp up my training. The hours, intensity, and specificity of my preparation have all increased. I have been focusing on volume training for the past week, and next week I will start a 10 day camp in Fort Kent with an intensity focus. During the camp I will be training with a few different people.I will be training with members of the strong Quebec Biathlon Club and my teammate Russell Currier. In addition I will be on hand for the Maine Winter Sports Center junior shooting camp. This will be a great opportunity to hang out with the next generation of biathletes from Maine. It’s hard to not be pumped for training when you are surrounded by motivated and enthusiastic young athletes.

Its a long drive...

Following my time in Fort Kent I will be heading out west for a 2 week training camp in Heber City, Utah. Utah camp will include lots of rollerskiing and shooting at the 2002 Olympic venue in Soldier Hollow, in addition to some long hikes in the high mountains. Since I live almost literally at sea level here in Southern Maine, it is important to spend some time at high altitude a few times a year in order to prepare for competitions at altitude, and to absorb some of the physiological benefits of altitude training.   

Fort Kent From the Air 

Fort Kent Camp #2

I just returned from a great long weekend camp in Fort Kent. While I was there I focused on rollerski combos in Level 3, (just below race intensity) precision shooting, and easy combos to hone my range procedure. I did two Level 3 workouts carrying my rifle and shooting. The first session was 5x16min with 2 shooting stages per interval. This workout is long and challenging, but it is a great opportunity to improve fitness as well as mental toughness. The second workout I did was less grueling (10x6min), but allowed me to ski a bit faster. In total I shot just under 1000rounds in 2.5 days. 

Most importantly I identified a few key parts of my shooting and skiing to work on before my next camp.

I saw some great improvement in my skiing from Jericho, along with better shooting percentages. One morning I headed out the door for training to find that it was -2 Celsius outside! The season is coming on soon, and I am looking forward to honing my race fitness and shooting throughout the fall.