All About Ski Preparation

New Products for 2023/24 Season

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:07:40 -0600

This podcasts gives a quick overview of all new Toko products for the 2023/24 season. We have been busy developing exciting new products for you!

Using Diamond Files: How and Why

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 13:57:12 -0600

This episode goes over the different diamond files that we offer and what each is best used for. Then I also go over some commonly asked questions and answers.

Estimating Snow Temperature: An Essential Skill

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 13:25:37 -0600

This episode explains why the ability to estimate snow temperature for a future event is so critical to being a good waxer. I then explain how to do it and what the most common mistake is.

Liquid Paraffin Questions and Answers

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:50:38 -0600

This episode includes 3 excellent listener questions about Toko liquid paraffins and our answers. The questions are can you mix liquid paraffins, can you iron liquid paraffins, and if I use liquid paraffins do I still need to hot wax?

How to Race Wax for Cold Conditions with Best Results

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:11:08 -0600

This podcast describes how to race wax for different types of cold conditions with best results. All cold conditions are not the same but can be classified effectively such that the best wax can be selected for best results.

Successful Waxing with Toko Liquid Paraffin

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 13:26:57 -0600

This episode illustrates some key points in how to be successful waxing with Toko Liquid Paraffin. Attention is given to different amounts of drying time depending on the snow conditions.

Hand Brush Selection: What, When, and Why

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:39:14 -0600

There are a ton of hand brushes out there. There are even more recommendations as to what to use when. This episode clearly outlines what hand brushes to use when and why. Ian talks about the differences between the Oval and Rectangular brushes and why they are made that way. 3 distinct Oval and 3 Rectangular brushes are recommended (either or) and an explanation is given as to why. The Toko hand brush system is very simple yet effective.

Hot Waxing Skis and Snowboards: Why and How

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:08:20 -0600

This episode explains why and how to hot wax skis and snowboards. I make recommendations as to the best practice and also comment on a common technique that I think should be avoided.

Thoughts on Current Post Fluorine Race Waxing

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:49:33 -0600

Especially now there are more forms of race wax than ever including buff on block, pastes, hot waxes, powders, and liquids. I give my thoughts on how to manage and prioritize these forms for best results and predictability.

Interview with former USST Alpine Tech Neil Lande

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:47:02 -0600

Neil talks about what it is like to be a Alpine ski serviceman for the USST including thoughts on the personality traits that would be good for a serviceman to have, life on the road, long hours in the wax room, the pressures of the job, and his new job with Toko

Initial Wax Preparation of New Skis or Freshly Ground Skis (Alpine and Nordic)

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:20:23 -0600

Describes the recommended steps when waxing new skis or freshly stoneground skis. Explains why these steps are important and what the goal is of each of the three steps. For both Alpine and Nordic.

Nordic Race: Preseason Fleet Evaluation, Structure, and Considerations

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:17:35 -0600

Describes many of the considerations when evaluating a Nordic Race ski fleet preseason, what base structure to start the season with, and other thoughts.

What’s New for 2022/23 Winter Alpine

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 14:15:08 -0600

Ian Harvey gives a quick 6 minute summary of new exciting products that we will be offering this winter. Highlights include Soelden 15 Powder, a new Rotobrush system, and a Ski Holder/Rack. Ian also quickly covers the Toko philosophy. (Audio only).

Interview withToko Chemist Stefan Jung on the development of fluorine free race waxes

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 06:09:32 -0600

This is an interview with Toko Chemist Stefan Jung about the development of fluorine free race waxes. Stefan relates some of the stories and challenges that he has faced as well as talks a bit about what he expects in the future.

2022/23 Winter New Products Preview (Nordic)

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:36:32 -0600

Ian Harvey gives a quick 10 minute summary of new exciting products that we will be offering this winter. Highlights include a new vastly improved Structure tool, Soelden 15 Powder, Rotobrushes, and a Ski Holder/Rack. Ian also reports on our inventory status which is very positive.

Marty Hall Interview

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 13:17:54 -0600

Marty Hall was the first full-time paid US Cross Country Ski Coach and a true pioneer and innovator. Marty coached for the US Ski Team from 1970 through 1978 and for Cross Country Canada from 1981 through 1992. Most notably from my perspective are the many innovations and solutions that Marty found to common problems leading to breakthroughs in training and technology. This is a problem solver and man of action who changed the landscape of Nordic ski racing. If you want to be inspired by an animated interview full of great stories and by a uniquely capable person not afraid to share his opinions and ideas, this is your great opportunity. I present to you the iconic Marty Hall.

Beijing Olympic Roundtable Discussion

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 18:46:15 -0600

How are the Olympics different from a World Cup? Generally speaking the waxing and racing is the same but some other aspects of the Olympic Games are very different from that of a World Cup event. Here is a discussion with Olympic athletes Caitlin Gregg, Andy Newell, Ida Sargent, and John Bauer to explore this topic hosted by Olympian Ian Harvey. Some of the topics discussed include the Olympic clothing issue from the USOC, eating in the cafeteria with all of the athletes from other countries and disciplines, Olympic village security, the opening and closing ceremonies, increased media interest, supporting the team, and if the Olympics are more or less competitive than a World Cup.

Sten Fjeldheim Interview

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 14:05:26 -0600

After 35 years of coaching the Northern Michigan University ski Nordic ski team, Sten Fjeldheim retired in the spring of 2021. Wining 4 NCAA Nordic Ski Team National titles, coaching 12 skiers who represented the US in the Olympic games, and guiding 7 NCAA individual champions since NMU joined the NCAA in 1993 is amazing and impressive. So is being named the United States Ski Association coach of the year 6 times and being awarded over 30 times some type of coach of the year award. However, to me, none of these accolades capture why Sten is a true legend. His athletes and community revere him not only for amazing achievement but also for the profound change he has made in them.

This interview was so wonderful to do. I'm sure that any passionate Nordic skier would regard it as the treasure that it is and would enjoy every minute of it.

Chris Magerl Interview (Important for understanding Toko Race Wax Tips)

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 13:15:41 -0600

Chris Magerl has been the Toko Race Wax Tip Coordinator since 2008 as well as a Toko Tech Team member. Additionally, Chris has been a groomer at the Mountain Dell Nordic Course since 2002 and has been running the grooming crew since 2006. In addition to having had worked Nordic ski retail and been a Nordic ski instructor, Chris has also been a photo journalist and a newspaper editor. Chris is a key and long time member of the Toko US team. Toko Race Wax Tips are the most important thing that we do as pertains to the US Nordic ski market. We talk specifically about his role as the Toko Race Wax Tip Coordinator and what goes into the generation of a Toko Race Wax tip.

Dani Aravich Interview

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 17:25:02 -0600

Dani Aravich is on the US Paralympic team for Nordic skiing and Biathlon. She was a member of the US Paralympic team this past summer in Tokyo in track and field. Her goal is to compete in the Paralympic games this winter in China.

We spoke about any differences there might be for a paralympic athlete compared to an able-bodied athlete, any technique adjustments that she might make or consider as a para-athlete, and a bit about the program and coaches.

Nancy Fiddler Interview

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:28:54 -0600

Nancy Fiddler came late to elite ski racing having had started skiing in college. Her world cup career started when she was 31 years old. Despite this Nancy won 14 US National Championship titles. She participated in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympic games. At the 1991 World Championships she finished 15th place. Nancy also coached and worked in the ski industry at Mammoth Mountain. Recently Nancy in a collaboration with others finished the book Trail to Gold which tells the story of the US Female Olympic Nordic ski racers.

The interview exposes how things were in the US and elite ski scene in the late 80s and early 90s. Nancy also gives her thoughts on many topics and some really valuable advice at the end. I think this is an important interview with an amazing athlete and person. I hope you think so too.

Head Toko Chemist Stefan Jung Interview

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 11:43:19 -0600

Stefan Jung started working for Toko as the head chemist in January 2021. He is an avid telemark skier and also participates in other outdoor sports such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The purpose of this interview is to introduce Stefan and give him the opportunity to explain about new Toko High Performance, Performance, and Natural Waxes. My opinion is that Stefan is the most important person in the company and I think that any passionate skier and anyone who waxes skis or snowboards will find this interview enlightening and highly interesting.

We discussed the new wax ingredients, a bit about application process, ECO friendliness vs Peformance, and also the currently developing fluorine free topcoats which are coming soon.

Sydney Palmer-Leger Interview

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:50:49 -0600

Sydney Palmer-Leger won both races at the 2021 NCAA championships as a freshman in college. Sydney is on the US Ski Team B Team and is the 6th ranked US distance skier. She is also a 5 time US Mountain Bike National Champion. Sydney is just 19 years old and skis for the University of Utah and Sun Valley SEF.

We talked about a wide range of topics. I'm sure listeners will find this an important and interesting interview.

Ben Ogden Interview

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:41:13 -0600

Ben Odgen has 5 individual top 10 finishes at World Juniors as well as 2nd, 1st, and 1st in the Junior relay. Also 11th in 2021 U23 Classic sprint after finishing 3rd in the qualifier. Ben finished 17th in the 2021 World Championship Classic sprint. Clearly this is one of the most talented and capable young racers we have ever had. Ben is John Ogden’s son against whom I used to race and is the brother of Katharine who skis World Cups and Charlotte who is a promising young skier. Ben, 21, skis for Stratton and is a senior in college also skiing for UVM.

This interview has a lot of wisdom in it ranging from focusing on a total approach rather than a ski only approach and also how to keep things fun and light while in the pursuit of excellence.

JC Schoonmaker Interview

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 21:39:00 -0600

JC Schoonmaker finished 26th in last winter’s World Championship Classic Sprint in Oberstdorf, Germany. His top World Cup results are 14th, 18th, and 18th. He was also 13th in World Juniors the Classic Sprint in 2020. JC is a US Ski Team A Team member and is from Tahoe City, CA and is just 21 years old.

Gus Schumacher Abilica Treadmill Interview

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 16:30:56 -0600

Gus Schumacher is the 3rd ranked U23 skier in the world and a US Ski Team A Team member. In an interview a few months ago, Gus brought up how excited he was to have gotten a new treadmill and all of the training possibilities that it will afford him. I asked him if we could do an interview to flush this out once he had a chance to get to know the treadmill and how to best take advantage of it. This is that interview.

Laura McCabe Interview

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:09:53 -0600

Laura McCabe got a late start to Nordic ski racing having had started Nordic track skiing and then racing in her early 20s. However, despite her late start, she made the 1994 and 1998 Olympic teams. Laura was on the Factory Team for 11 years and during that time dominated the US ski marathon racing circuit including the American Birkebeiner. Laura has coached for the Methow Valley Nordic Ski Education Foundation for 25 years and continues to. Laura has multiple medals at World Masters Championships both individually and in the relay and continues to be a world leading skier in her age group. In this interview Laura gives her perspectives on a variety of topics such as coaching juniors, team dynamics, being present, and being grateful.

Catching up with Gus Schumacher 8.20.21 end of summer

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 15:34:46 -0600

Gus Schumacher is the 3rd ranked U23 skier in the world and a US Ski Team A Team member. This interview is to simply catch up and get his thoughts on how his summer training is going and some ideas he might have.

Catching up with Caitlin Gregg 3.3.21 post double Birkie

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 12:04:15 -0600

Caitlin Gregg has 5 American Birkebeiner wins, more than anyone in history. Additionally she is a bronze medalist from the 2015 World Championships. This 40 year old mother just competed in both the Birkie skate and classic last weekend and finished an amazing 3rd and 4th place. This podcast is to hear about her coaching and racing from this season as well as to see how husband Brian and daughter Heidi are doing.

There is a lot to learn from this podcast. We discussed training and nutritional principles in preparing for a double Birkie weekend including how to become fat burning while also keeping glycogen in the muscles. We also talked about recovery. Of course there was the race tactics and action rundown from both days.

Reid Pletcher Interview

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 17:33:56 -0600

Reid Pletcher is one of the most talented fun adventuresome guys you will ever meet or hear of. Despite adversity Reid squeezes as much juice out of life as possible which I love. A few highlights include racing Nordic ski World Cups, Racing road bikes as a professional U23, winning Nordic ski NCAA championships, falling when rock climbing and incurring a severe long term brain injury including losing much of his ability to speak English, winning SuperTour races, returning to World Cup racing, river rafting guiding, ParaOlympic athlete guiding, rollerblading through Europe, climbing Peru’s monster peaks, making the national finals on American Ninja Warrior, speed skating on the US national development team, and becoming a professional custom van building worker. If you want to be entertained, if you want to be inspired, or if you want your heart touched, check this out and get to know Reid better.

This episode speaks a lot about mental health and also tells an incredible story of loss and then amazing adventure while living the "new" normal. I find Reid is an inspiring example of triumph over the most difficult adversity where his strong spirit and will overcomes the weakness of the body (or in Reid's case an extreme traumatic brain injury). I hope this episode inspires others to live more courageously and to "seize the day".

Carl Swenson Interview

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 21:54:24 -0600

Carl Swenson has represented the US 72 times in World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic competitions. His best international result was 5th place in the 2003 World Championship 50k skate in Val di Fiemme, Italy. Carl, a 3 time Olympian, also anchored the US relay team to a historic 5th place at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002. Carl won 11 US National Nordic Ski Championships and had numerous top international races to go along with dominating the US marathon series circuit for years. Additionally, Carl was a professional Mountain Bike racer representing the US 5 times at World Championships, winning a silver medal in the Pan Am games in 1999, and winning the US National short track championship in 2000. Carl retired from international ski racing in the spring of 2006. He then attended the University of Utah law school graduating in 2009. Carl also served on the USADA and USSS board of directors in 2007 as well as was a FIS athlete’s representative 2004-2006. Today Carl lives in Portsmouth, NH with his wife Katie and daughter Quinn who is 5. Carl has worked as the public defender in Strafford County since 2009.

Reese Hanneman Interview

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 19:24:55 -0600

Reese Hanneman has represented the US 36 times in World Cup and Olympic Games. Reese has 4 US National Championships wins all in the sprints. He also won a NorAm race in 2016 in the Classic sprint. Reese has been on the US National Championship podium 9 times including a 2nd in 15k Classic and a 3rd in 50k Classic. Reese has 7 SuperTour wins. He retired from World Cup racing in 2018 but then did the Tour de Ski China in 2019. Reese was the feature athlete in the Toko Winter Warrior ads and thus is also known as the Winter Warrior. Since retiring, Reese has gotten his degree in Mechanical Engineering, focused on developing his marketing and PR firm, and also has a travel service start up. Reese and his brother Logan both were on the 2018 US Olympic team. Reese lives in Anchorage with his wife Jessica who is expecting their first child shortly. I loved every minute of this interview and hope you do too.

Catching up with David Norris 2.3.21 post Lahti and Falun World Cups

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 12:05:24 -0600

David Norris has 10 top 30 World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic individual finishes. He is also the 2016 American Birkebeiner Champion. He has been one of our top 2 distance men for the past 4 years anyway. David also got Covid-19 in November and recovered well but missed a lot of training. This interview is to catch up with him after the Lahti, Finland and Falun, Sweden World Cup events from the two weekends and to see what’s coming up.

Catching up with Gus Schumacher 2 Feb post Lahti and Falun and pre U23 Worlds

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 11:09:17 -0600

Gus Schumacher is the defending World Junior Nordic Ski Champion and US National Skate Sprint Champion. This interview is to simply catch up and get his thoughts on the recently finished World Cup raced from Lahti, Finland and Falun, Sweden where he had some outstanding races and to see what he has planned for preparation before the U23 World Championships that will be held in Vuokatti, Finland in about a week.

Gus spoke about how he tried to manage the mass starts in Lahti and Falun both of which were very tricky and congested. He also spoke about the mindset that he tries to have in the races.

Charley French Interview

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 11:27:16 -0600

I have a huge treat for you today. You know those “most interesting man in the world” advertisements that the beer brand Dos Equis does? OK, I have a true candidate for this title. Anyone who races the Boulder Mountain Tour, Yellowstone Rendezvous, or World Masters knows or knows of Charley French. This is one of the most inspirational and interesting people that I know. Listeners, you don’t want to miss this story!

Charley is currently 94 years old. He started Nordic skiing around 1975 when he was about 49 years old. Since then, Charley has participated in 45 Boulder Mountain Tour Nordic ski races. He dominates any age group competition that he competes in and has for many years. The includes at both the national and international level having had won as many world masters titles as he wants to compete in at both Nordic skiing and triathlon and anything else he wants to win. I guess he has 5 World titles in triathlon, 12 in Nordic skiing, and has national cycling time trial age group records as well as Ironman triathlon records. Basically, this man wins anything and everything that he wants to. In his 90s, he still races annually in the Boulder Mountain Tour and the Bogus Basin Hill Climb, a famously difficult road bike race up a mountain above Boise, Idaho. After competing in age groups younger than his in international masters competitions (and winning regularly), they finally created a 90+ age group for him which in itself is amazing.

Charley is also a famous personality, innovator for Scott USA, and has lived an amazing life. For example, he made the revolutionary areo bars that Greg Lemond won the 1989 Tour de France with in such legendary fashion.

Liz Guiney Interview

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 15:30:45 -0600

Liz Guiney has 8 individual World Cup starts and 1 World Cup relay start. Her best World Cup finishes were 13th in the Skiathalon and 24th in the Classic sprint in 2017 in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. Liz also finished 2nd in a North American Championship Classic sprint in 2016. She has been on the podium 7 times in SuperTours including one win in a 10k Classic in West Yellowstone. Liz finished 3rd in the US National Championship Classic sprint in 2015 and has 10 top 10 US Nationals finishes. Liz retired in the spring is 2020. She currently lives in Park City, UT where she coaches or teaches for three different ski programs and is taking online college classes.

One thing that was interesting that we discussed was coming from being an elite ski racer to coaching kids and to teaching people how to ski. There is a steep learning curve involved in knowing how to teach people to ski. This aspect of our discussion will be especially interesting to listeners I think.

Catching up with David Norris 1.19.21 after Covid-19 and pre Lahti World Cups

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 10:15:28 -0600

David got Covid-19 in November. This interview is to see how David is recovering, what protocol he followed, to hear any recommendations he might have, and to check in with him before the Lahti, Finland World Cups which will be held this weekend.

Alison Owen Bradley Interview

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 17:17:45 -0600

Alison Owen Bradley won multiple World Cup races, finished 2nd in the famous Holmenkollen ski festival race, competed in two Olympic games and 3 World Championships, and won 8 US National Championships. After competing, Alison went on to coach for 12 years in Sun Valley, Idaho very successfully and helped develop many US National Team skiers. This exceptionally successful ski racer and coach is also known for being a pioneer for women’s cross-country skiing in the United States. Alison won what was at the time was billed as the inaugural women’s Nordic World Cup which was held at Mount Telemark in Wisconsin. Alison also competed with the boys in the 1966 Junior National Championships because at the time, there were no girl’s races. There were the next year. Alison splits her time between Bozeman, MT and Boise, ID where she and her husband have a small farm.

I have done interviews with Bill Koch, Jim Galanes, Muffy Ritz, and Jim Fredericks for example all of whom competed at an elite level in the 70s and continued to inspire and influence for a great many years since including today even. This interview is in line with those others. Alison was not “just” a pioneer for women’s ski racing, but is also an exceptional athlete and coach. She has a sharp intellect and her perspective is one that you don’t want to miss. Our community should know Alison’s story and treasure her accomplishments and contributions.

We spoke about her vast and unique experiences competing in the early days, winning the first Women's World Cup and finishing 7th overall for the season, Rob Kiesel, her perspective and techniques in coaching, and asked her for her opinion on quite a few key topics that I think people will find informative and interesting. This is a must listen to if you are at all passionate about Nordic ski racing.

Catching up with Gus Schumacher 1.12.21 post Tour deSki

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:29:18 -0600

Gus Schumacher is the defending World Junior Nordic Ski Champion, US National Skate Sprint Champion, and currently 2nd world ranked under 23 skier. I did a series of 3 interviews with him earlier this year to sort of introduce him and give people a chance to get to know him. This interview is to simply catch up and get his thoughts on the recently finished Tour de Ski where he had some outstanding races. We spoke a lot about what he was learning and working on which was really interesting.

Jim Galanes Interview

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 13:07:35 -0600

Jim Galanes competed as a US Ski Team member from 1974 to 1984. Some of his top finishes include 5th place in Murmansk, Russia in 1984 and 6th place in Reit im Winkl, Germany in 1983 as well as a World Cup Relay victory in 1982. Jim finished 14th in the 30km in World Championships in 1984 in Oslo, Norway. A 3 time Olympian, Jim’s top individual Olympic finish was 17th in the Nordic Combined event in Innsbruck, Austria in 1976. Jim won 3 US National Championship titles between Nordic Combined and Cross Country skiing. After retiring as an athlete, Jim coached for the US Ski Team for 6 years, then for Stratton Mountain School, and then started and coached the highly successful Alaska Pacific University program. Jim then worked for Edgewise stonegrinding and waxing skis, and then managed Frisco Nordic Center. Throughout it all and continuing today Jim provides coaching services. Jim’s excellent skiing career and results are not only his only contribution to US skiing, but also his visionary creation of the APU program lead to some of our country’s best ever results and put the US on the path to long term excellence. Jim currently lives in Frisco, CO with his long time girlfriend Joyce Allgier.

We discussed competing in the European Junior Championships, switching to special Cross Country ski racing, some of his more memorable races including winning a World Cup relay and 5th and 6th place individual race finishes, competing during the Cold War in Russia and Yugoslavia, his vision for the APU program which he created, creating a Nordic ski culture and community, training principles including most common mistakes, and being a life long learner. This was a memorable interview that was thankfully long.

Catching up with Gus Schumacher 12.29.20 from Seefeld, Austria before the Tour de Ski

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 12:15:53 -0600

Gus Schumacher is the defending World Junior Nordic Ski Champion and US National Skate Sprint Champion. I did a series of 3 interviews with him earlier this year to sort of introduce him and give people a chance to get to know him. This interview is to simply catch up and get his thoughts on the recently finished World Cup events in Davos, Switzerland and Dresden, Germany as well as the upcoming Tour de Ski.

Noah Hoffman Interview

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 14:36:47 -0600

Noah Hoffman, aka “the Hoff“ has 144 individual starts in World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic games. He has finished in the top 30 41 times with 3 top 10 finishes. His best performance came in Ruka, Finland where on the second day of a pursuit he skied through the pack for the fastest time of the day and an overall placing of 9th. Noah won the 2012 US National Championship in the 30km Classic Mass Start in Rumford, ME. Noah, a 2 time Olympian retired at the end of the 2018 season. Since then Noah has been attending Brown University where he is a junior. He is also doing anti-doping work for USADA traveling to training camps and competitions to educate elite athletes on their rights and responsibilities under the WADA code. Furthermore, Noah is a member of the Global Athlete startup team which is working to elevate the voice and power of athletes in international sport governance. Taking classes remotely this year, Noah is currently in Medford, Oregon. This is for sure one of the absolute best interviews that I have done. We discussed how Noah did things with having specific coaches for different things, his development process, some of his best races, healing from injury, US Ski Team culture, and his work with Global Athlete. The Global Athlete discussion lead to an in depth and nuanced discussion on doping and the situation and how to fix it. I think any fan of Nordic ski racing would be inspired, informed, and entertained by this conversation.

Jim Fredericks Interview

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:11:39 -0600

Jim Fredericks started Nordic skiing at Johnson State College and then became its head coach for all ski sports starting in 1973. As well as being one of the East’s fastest racers, Jim worked at Craftsbury starting their Nordic Ski Center. Jim then turned to coaching starting the successful Green Mountain Valley School Nordic program. From 1986 to 2006 Jim ran the Nordic Race Department at Rossignol which really defined his career. A Vermonter through and through, when Rossignol moved from Vermont to Utah, Jim remained in Vermont and took the role of the Catamount Trail Association’s executive director. Jim also started the Race to the top of Vermont, a run and bike up Mt Mansfield’s toll road. Jim and his wife JoAnne live an active life skiing, paddling, and running in northern Vermont near Craftsbury, VT. Jim has been a mentor for me as so much of my ski racing and professional career has been in cooperation with him. During the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, perhaps nobody was as influential as Jim Fredericks on the US Nordic ski racing scene.

Catching up with Gus Schumacher 12.8.20 after Ruka and before Davos races

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 11:05:11 -0600

Gus Schumacher is the defending World Junior Nordic Ski Champion and US National Skate Sprint Champion. I did a series of 3 interviews earlier this year to introduce him and give people a chance to get to know him. This interview is to simply catch up and get his thoughts on the recently finished World Cup mini tour called the Ruka Triple and on the whole world cup scene as it is now. This interview was on the Tuesday before the Davos world cup races.

Udo Raunjak Interview

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 12:06:09 -0600

Udo Raunjak has been the head of Toko Research and Development for the past 15 years. In addition to developing innovative new waxes, Udo also oversees quality control, production, and purchasing of raw materials. He is a straight talker who I think knows more than anyone in the world about ski wax. We discuss the development process of new waxes, the liquid paraffin revolution and what makes the Toko liquid paraffins different from others on the market, new fluorine free racing products, how to best waterproof skins, and ECO friendly waxes. If you are interested in ski racing wax or are curious about ski wax development, this is a great podcast!

Ida Sargent Interview

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:07:57 -0600

Ida Sargent has represented the US 159 times in WC, WM and OWG. She has 59 individual top 30 finishes including 9 top 10s. Her best finish was 3rd place in the preolympic World Cup Classic sprint in Pyeongchang. Additionally, Ida finished 3rd twice in World Cup team sprints. Ida, a two-time Olympian, won the US National Championship Classic sprint in 2019. Ida is retired after the 2019 season and is 32 years old. Ida lives in Kirby, VT and teaches at Burke Mountain Academy. Ida is clearly one of the most successful ski racers we have ever had in this country. We discussed growing up near Craftsbury, having a super strong training group, the Kuusamo WC, and a few of her favorite race experiences, the amazing progress of the women's team while Ida was on it.

Chris Cook Interview

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 11:49:38 -0600

Chris Cook has represented the US 45 times in World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic competitions. His best individual international result was 12th place in the Sovereign Lakes World Cup Skate Sprint in 2005. Chris finished 21st in the 2006 Olympics in the Skate Sprint. The 2006 US National Champion, Chris retired after the 2011 season. He is now 40 and living in Rhinelander, WI with his wife and son. We discussed the legacy that his parents have left, the 2010 Birkie, some of his most memorable races, how sprinting has changed, and enduro motocross racing among other things. This was an interview that was animated, entertaining, stimulating, and informative.

Jan Guenther Interview

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:33:32 -0600

Jan Guenther’s runs and owns the largest Cross Country ski retail store in the US. Jan is an owner who is involved in all aspects of the business and along with a great staff is directly responsible for the great success of the organization. Jan Guenther has been and continues to be an elite runner, cyclist, triathlete, and cross country ski racer. Despite having had participated in 30 American Birkebeiners, Jan was still an amazing 27th overall in the 2020 Birkie winning her age group and this was after two long days of working in the expo. We spoke about what prompted her to drop everything and start a ski and bike shop, the keys to the success of Gear West, the biggest challenges in running Gear West, balancing her work, athletic endeavors, and family, dealing with injury and setback, and industry trends. This interview will give a different perspective of the Nordic ski industry than the other podcasts in the series.

Torin Koos Interview

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 13:23:22 -0600

Torin Koos has represented the US 76 times in World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic competitions. His best individual international result was a 3rd place in Otepaeae, Estonia Classic sprint in 2007. Torin also finished 4th in the Dusseldorf, Germany World Cup team sprint with Andy Newell in 2008. Torin has 34 top 30 individual results in WC and World Championships. He has won the US National Championships 7 times and the Canadian Championships once (not counting sprint relays). Torin retired from full time training and racing after the 2014 season. This 4 time Olympian now lives in Lausanne, Switzerland and is 40 years old. Since 2016, Torin has overseen the media and communications for the International University Sports Federation. We discussed being an exchange student in Norway, some highlight races of his career, experiences from the Tour of China, and what it is like living in Lausanne. This was a fascinating interview with an old friend who gives a great interview.

Patrick Weaver Interview

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 21:59:42 -0600

Pat Weaver has represented the US 16 times in World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic competitions. His best international result was 16th place in the 2002 Olympic 15k Classic. Pat, a 2 time Olympian and 2 time US National Champion, retired after the 2006 season. In 2010, Pat was named head Nordic coach at the University of Vermont. In 2012, he lead the Catamounts to their 6th NCAA championship. In 2011 he was named Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association coach of the year. In 2019 he was named both EISA and NENSA coach of the year. Pat lives in South Burlington, VT with his wife Coreen and two children Sylas and Kaisa. Pat has a unique perspective covering many years which yielded a stimulating and enlightening discussion. Some topics discussed are home field advantage (WC events in the US), coping with doping in the 90s, the 2002 Olympics, what he prioritizes as a coach, and communicating with the younger generation. SHOW LESS

Garrott Kuzzy Interview

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 13:13:35 -0600

Garrott Kuzzy has 21 starts between World Cup, World Championships, and Olympic Games. He is a 2010 Olympian. His best individual World Cup finish was 9th place in a skate sprint. Garrott has finished on the podium 17 times in SuperTour races including 8 wins. Garrott retired from ski racing in 2011. He started Lumi Experiences in 2016 which is the world’s premiere Cross Country ski travel company. Garrott lives in Innsbruck, Austria. Garrott and I discuss the development pipeline, his time with the CXC elite team, international racing, and the Engadin Ski Marathon. We also spend a lot of time discussing the Alps, what makes them so special for someone who loves mountains and the outdoors, Lumi Experiences and what he offers, and German dialects. Garrott is a thoughtful observant person and this was a rewarding and interesting discussion.

Rick Kapala Interview

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:22:16 -0600

Rick Kapala has been the program director and head Nordic ski coach for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation since 1987. He has been named the US Ski and Snowboard "Coach of the Year" 3 times. Rick has coached at both the senior and junior world championships levels. SVSEF has annually qualified 2 and sometimes even 4 athletes for the US Junior World Championship team. Despite this amazing success, Rick's true legacy is in how he changes lives for the better. There are thousands of skiers in the USA with a deep appreciation for how Rick has prepared them not only for elite ski racing, but also for life. Listening to this interview will give insight into why Rick is so successful. His perspectives are simple, pragmatic, and insightful.

Kikkan Randall Interview Part 2 of 2

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 15:40:28 -0600

Kikkan Randall is a 5 time Olympian, 17 time US National Champion, and is an Olympic Gold Medalist. She also won the overall Sprint World Cup 3 times and was World Champion. This is part 2 of a 2 part interview. If you haven’t seen part 1 yet, please watch that before watching this one. We talk about coming back from having her baby Breck and winning a World Championship Bronze medal, winning Olympic Gold in the team sprint, pink hair, what Alaska means to her, being a mother, dealing with breast cancer, and resilience. Listen and learn from a truly great person.

Kikkan Randall Interview Part 1 of 2

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:16:55 -0600

Kikkan Randall has 262 starts in World Cup, World Championships, and Olympic games. Of these international starts, she has reached the podium in individual races 31 times including 13 victories. Kikkan has won the overall Sprint World Cup 3 times and was 3rd in the overall World Cup in 2013. In the 2018 Olympic Games Kikkan won the gold medal in the team sprint with Jessie Diggins. In addition to her 17 US National Championship titles, this 5 time Olympian won individual silver and bronze medals as well as a Team Sprint gold medal in World Championships. Kikkan is also deservedly well known for the countless hours that she has devoted to Fast and Female in the past. In April 2018 Kikkan was diagnosed with breast cancer. A long time Alaska resident, Kikkan and her 4 year old son Breck currently live in British Columbia. We speak about Kikkan's childhood, how she got into skiing, her meteoric rise to the top of Nordic skiing in the US, the process that she undertook to reach the top of the world's elite, and dealing with disappointment.

Jeff Courter Interview (Rossignol Nordic Category Manager US)

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:25:07 -0600

Jeff Courter is the Rossignol Nordic Category Manager for the US. We discuss a variety of topics including the development process of new ski models, the new EVO touring skis, the new Xium Premium skating skis, how to fit skating skis and the differences between the models, specific conditions where certain skis seem to perform exceptionally well (classic and skate), skin skis, getting the most out of your adjustable Rossignol bindings, how to get the most out of your racing skis with less hydrophobic waxes, the new Premium Course boots, and more. If you are interested in having a good understanding of ski fitting and how to get the most out of your skis, listen to this podcast.

Kaitlynn Miller Interview

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 10:35:31 -0600

Kaitlynn Miller is member of the 2018 US Olympic team. She has 33 World Cup starts, 5 US National Championship podiums, and one US National Championships win in the 2016 Classic Sprint. She retired in the spring of 2020 and is now working as the Youth and Introductory Program Direction for NENSA. Kaitlynn is 29. Kaitlynn talks about skiing for Craftsbury as a kid and then again as an elite skier, her job with NENSA, and the importance of not focusing on results but rather on all of the aspects of skiing and ski racing that are so attractive and enjoyable.

Kyle Bratrud Interview

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 17:05:40 -0600

Kyle Bratrud had 17 starts between World Cups and World Championships. His best finish was 25th place at the Cogne, Italy World Cup in the 15k Classic. Kyle skied all 3 World Championship relays for US (2015, 2017, 2019) and was the 3rd best American on distance points for much of the time. Kyle has 7 US Nationals podiums including 4 wins (all 15k, 3 skate, 1 classic). Kyle skied for Stratton T2 Elite. He retired after 2020 season. Kyle talks about starting skiing relatively late, what he learned skiing for NMU, race mentality on the World Cup, and a lot of other aspects to elite ski racing. Kyle doesn't waste words and this interview has a lot of value.

Ben Lustgarten Interview

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 16:58:58 -0600

Ben Lustgarten has represented the US 34 times in World Cup and World Championship events. He won the 2017 US National Championship in the 30k Classic Mass Start. He has 10 podiums and 4 wins on the Supertour. He retired from full time training and racing in the spring of 2020. Ben talks about the Tour de Ski, race experiences, strength training, and the need to move on after bad races.

Sverre Caldwell Interview

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 16:20:21 -0600

Sverre Caldwell coached the Stratton Junior Nordic Team from 1980 until he retired after the 2019 season. Sverre has been honored as USSA Coach of the Year 3 times, was a 1988 Olympic team coach, a World Junior Team coach 3 times, and was a US Ski Team regional coach. The Stratton Junior Nordic program has been very successful qualifying at least one junior athlete for World Juniors in each of the last 25 years and also 15 Olympians. This year and traditionally about ¼ of the US Nordic ski team is made up of Stratton athletes. That said, Sverre is a legend not because of his results but because of his personality, love of coaching and of those that he coaches, and the profound positive effect that he has had on so many skiers including me.

David Norris Interview

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 14:03:24 -0600

David Norris has 51 WC and WM starts including 10 top 30 finishes. 20th place 2019 WM 50k F MST and 24th Holmenkollen 50k C MST. 7 US National Podiums including a win in the 30k F MST 2019. 2016 American Birkebeiner Champion. Skis for APU in Alaska. Avid mountain runner and hunter. David is currently the top ranked US male distance skier. David talks candidly about specifically what he is working on to try to improve and his Alaska outdoor lifestyle.

Caitlin Patterson Interview

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 14:27:33 -0600

Caitlin has 72 World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic starts. She has 19 podiums at the US Nationals and has won the US National Championships 7 times. Despite seeming to be a pure distance skier, she has two US National sprint titles showing that she is a true all arounder (and in both classic and skate). Caitlin has 12 individual World Cup top 30 results and was 4th in Pyeonchang at the preolympic WC as well as 26th in Pyeonchang at the OWG. Her brother is US XC Ski Olympian Scott Patterson. Caitlin is 30 years old and is clearly in the elite echelon of Nordic skiers in the history of the USA. Caitlin talks about the Green Racing Project and many aspects of her training.

Antje Harvey Interview

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:53:12 -0600

This is one of the most amazing and inspirational stories that I have ever heard. Antje Harvey grew up in former East Germany. As a 17 year old she finished 11th in the senior World Championships in Seefeld, Austria and won bronze in the relay after a very strong leg for the East German team. After the season, her coaches and their bosses cornered her and confronted her about her unwillingness to take performance enhancing drugs. She told them that she would not. They kicked her off the team and blackballed her from sport even going to the point of physically stopping her from winning a World Loppet race in the Czech Republic. So she retired from sport and went to school. Around when the wall fell she decided to go for it in Biathlon (different people in charge) and amazingly eventually won 1 individual gold and 3 silvers in the 1992 and 1994 Olympic games. Since then she moved to the United States and became a US citizen in 2000. I am very grateful to be able to call this amazing woman my wife.

Akeo Maifeld-Carucci Interview

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:02:17 -0600

Akeo Maifeld-Carucci is the 2019 American Birkebeiner Champion. He has been on the podium in multiple SuperTour races. Akeo studied at and skied for Harvard University and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He currently skis for the Green Racing Project where he can put his degree to work improving the efficiency of the heating systems on the Craftsbury campus. This interview discusses the mission of the Green Racing Project and Craftsbury Outdoor Center, his Birkebeiner exploits, as well as his emphasis in being well rounded as a person.

Bill Koch Interview

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 16:29:04 -0600

Bill Koch is the overall Nordic Ski World Cup Champion from 1982. He won the Olympic silver medal in 1976. He also won the Bronze World Championship medal in 1982. He was 3rd overall in the 1983 World Cup. The Bill Koch Youth Ski League was named after him. He was the flagbearer for the US Olympic team in 1992. Bill is a legendary pioneer and icon for US Nordic ski racing.

Ben Saxton Interview

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 14:35:25 -0600

Ben Saxton has finished on the podium 6 times at the US National Nordic Ski Championships including a win in 2019 in the US National Skate Sprint. He has 8 World Cup starts and 1 World Championship start. Ben skis for the Stratton Mountain T2 team. Ben is thoughtful and has a perspective beyond his years. Not only is he one of our country's fastest Nordic skiers but is also clearly a passionate fan of the sport.

Muffy Ritz Interview

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 12:20:47 -0600

Muffy was on the US Ski Team 1981-1984, has won the American Birkebeiner twice, holds the second fastest Race Across America time in history (the famous bike race which she did 3 times), has particpated in adventure racing at the highest level including the Eco-Challenge, has won 20 individual World Nordic Ski Masters medals over the past 10 years including 2 golds, and has completed adventures that most people only dream about (ski touring in Antarctica for example). Muffy is a uniquely inspiring person that anybody with a love for living actively and competing (on Nordic skis especially) should love to hear from.

Barry Makarewicz Interview

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:17:56 -0600

Barry is a 59 year old 4 time individual World Masters Nordic Ski Champion. He has also won many big marathon events overall such as the Yellowstone Rendezvous and Snow Mountain Stampede. He has been on the Toko Tech Team for the past 20 years. This is a great opportunity to learn from Barry about how to ski fast and be fit and healthy later in life. At this he is pretty much the best in the world.

Erik Flora Interview

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 18:38:50 -0600

Erik has been the director and head coach of the APU team since 2006. He has coached 13 recent Olympians and coaches 8 members of the current US Nordic Ski Team. The discussion ranges from catering to athletes' individual needs, avoiding and managing injuries, and body maintenance and care.

Rosie Frankowski Interview

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:47:33 -0600

Learn about Rosie's non traditional route to 21st place in the 2018 Olympic games. There is more than one way to go from start to excellence. Rosie is a great example of that and continues to find her own way.

John Bauer Interview

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:02:26 -0600

John Bauer is a 12x US National Nordic Ski Champion and finished as high as 5th individually in World Championships. Amazingly as a 50 year old he finished 12th in the American Birkebeiner. Learn how he trains and approaches life, work, and family with such success.

Andy Newell Interview 2

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 07:56:05 -0600

Andy Newell is one of the couple most successful Nordic ski racers in the history of the US. He has 247 WC/WM/OWG starts and was ranked 1st in the World for over a year. Additionally he finished 4th and 5th in the Overall Sprint World Cup. Andy is now a coach and has a unique understanding for the sport. If you want to learn about Nordic ski racing and training, watch this video. Part 2

Andy Newell Interview 1

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 21:21:39 -0600

Andy Newell is one of the couple most successful Nordic ski racers in the history of the US. He has 247 WC/WM/OWG starts and was ranked 1st in the World for a long time. Additionally he finished 4th and 5th in the Overall Sprint World Cup. Andy is now a coach and has a unique understanding for the sport. Lots of technique and strength discussion. If you want to learn about Nordic ski racing and training, watch this video and part 2 as well.

Team Gregg Interview including 5 time American Birkebeiner champion

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 21:24:06 -0600

Interview with the amazing husband and wife Olympic duo of Team Gregg. Learn about how they alternate prioritizing each other and how they devote so much time energy and talent helping others. Also contains much information about training and strength.

Erika Flowers Interview

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 19:27:47 -0600

Erika is a successful Nordic ski racer who transitioned from full time athlete to working and competing yet is doing extremely well including top US Nationals finishes and a Birkie podium. Learn about how she has adapted her training and even more importantly about her mindset. This is an inspiring video.

Interview with defending American Birkebeiner Champion Jessica Yeaton

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 19:21:14 -0600

Learn how defending American Birkebeiner champion adapted her training for school and living in Albuquerque, NM and still won the American Birkebeiner

Gus Schumacher Interview Part 3 (of 3)

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 20:31:08 -0600

This last part of the interview involves more personal questions and will enable the listener to get to know Gus' personality and character.

Gus Schumacher Interview Part 2

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 20:19:29 -0600

Learn more about and from Gus Schumacher the defending Nordic Ski World Junior Champion and US Senior National Sprint Champion. Part 2

Interview with Gus Schumacher Part 1

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 21:31:26 -0600

Interview with Gus Schumacher. Gus is the defending Nordic ski World Junior Champion, anchored the past two US World Junior relays to gold, and also won the US senior national sprint title last winter as a junior!

Get to know Gus better as he is a great guy and the best American junior ever.

Part 1 of 3