How to Compete in Cross Country Skiing Events

Once you've mastered the basic strides of cross country skiing, you may be ready for more of a challenge. If you have a competitive drive, compete in cross country skiing events around the country.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coach
• Competition ski attire
• Cross country skis
• Boots
• Workout regimen
• Poles
• Entrance fees

Compete to Win in Cross Country Skiing Events

1. Start by finding a cross country skiing club near you. Not only will you have the opportunity to participate in group skis and training events, you will also have more access to upcoming races in your area and perhaps even team sponsorship to cover the cost of entrance fees.

2. Determine what kind of cross country skiing event you would like to try. You'll find competitive events in cross country relays, ski-skating, classic Nordic marathons and winter biathlons, where cross country skiing is combined with target shooting.

3. Focus your training on that specific competition. If you are interested in joining a relay team, make sure that you can commit to team practices. As a biathlete, you will need to invest in additional training in rifle shooting.

4. Check out the competition at major events like the American Birkebeiner on the Birkebeiner Trail, held each February in Wisconsin. This race, which takes place just outside of Cable, is the largest cross country skiing event in North America and draws some of the best and brightest skiers from around the world.

5. Compete at your experience level by participating in a training camp. This is an excellent way to develop a lasting relationship with a talented coach and other athletes with similar interests.

6. Find information about ski events throughout your state or region through its local ski racing association. These organizations not only sponsor several races a season but will also host training clinics for the various aspects of Nordic skiing events including biathlons, ski orienteering and ski-skating and jumping.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't stop training for cross country skiing events just because there is no snow on the ground. You can keep your endurance levels up and build more lean muscle mass by participating in an exercise regimen which stresses cardiovascular health and weight training for both the upper and lower body.
• Remember that many cross country skiing events take place at higher elevations. Because there it is more difficult to breathe in these conditions, it is important that you incorporate high-elevation training into your workout routine.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[Flundin]

on 12/21/2008 http://www.skipost.com/

great info