Week 3: Getting On Snow!

QHS Skiers,

I hope your Thanksgiving was a great one!

In preparation for the week ahead, carefully look over the plan posted below the pictures.  Note the location and activities for each day in order to be prepared.  

Tomorrow (Sunday), the North Creek Ski Bowl will be open again all day for skiing! Here are some pictures from the last couple days.  Great to see many QHS skiers at the HURT camp!!!

Monday, November 28th
- Announcements
- Core/Agility
- Goals Introduction
- Pole Run/Run (have classic poles!!!)
- Weight Room

Tuesday, November 29th
- Rollerski at Bikepath (Varsity Classic!)
- Bus leaves at 2:55
- Bring in any school issued rollerskis

Wednesday, November 30th
- Core/ Strength
- Goal Meetings
- Bound (have classic poles)
- Wax room relocation and set up.
- Weight Room

Thursday, December 1st
- Rollerski at Bikepath
- Bus leaves at 2:55

Friday, December 2nd
- Saturday Information
- Wax Clinic
- Final Equiment Prep: those who need to sign out equipment from the school- Wax Skate skis / prep for Saturday

Saturday, December 3rd
- Team ski at North Creek Ski Bowl.  We will be skate skiing!!
- Bus leaves at 12:15 pm
- Schedule of Events
    - Arrive around 1:10 pm ish
    - Ski practice ~ 1hr. 15 min.
    - Informal Races (skate)
        - 2:45 - 'Advanced' race
        - 3:30 - 'Beginner' race 

Week 2 - Thanksgiving Week

Skiers!

The Thanksgiving Week Nordic Plan is below,

But first, a picture of the fresh flying snow out there...

Second, congrats to some solid rollerski performances by those at the HURT rollerski race yesterday!  

And third, details for the week...

We will only be together as a team this Monday and Tuesday, but there are a lot of training opportunities to be had for the later part of the week, running all throughout Thanksgiving weekend. Take advantage of as much as you can! So…. get together with a teammate, or several teammates, (as many as you can) and make something happen!

Notice:
The Gore Mountain Ski Bowl WILL BE open throughout Thanksgiving weekend, starting this Friday at 8:30am!!! Get your passes and come up for a ski!! Pass Application is here.This is an incredible early season opportunity so close to home. The HURT Thanksgiving camp will also be going on throughout the weekend at the Ski Bowl…

Also, for any of you purchasing a pass at the Gore Mountain Nordic Center, I would be happy to collect your application and payment and submit it to Gore Mt (I am there every day). However, I will need to have these items collected no later than this Tuesday (the 22nd) at practice.

Monday, November 21st
- Meet at 3:00 in cafe
- Announcements, details, week in brief…
- Strength
- Run with poles/bounding workout (have classic poles)

Tuesday, November 22nd @ Bikepath
- Bus leaves at 2:55
- Rollerski at bike path.
- Have poles and boots. Varsity have classic poles and skis. Also, bring personal rollerskis or any rollerskis borrowed from school.

Wednesday, November 23rd - On your own.
- Run: 40 – 50 minutes
or…
- Rollerski: 60 – 70 minutes
- Core (core guide sheets available on blog under ‘training’ page)

Thursday, November 24th – Happy Thanksgiving!
Run on Turkey Day!
James P. Hinchliffe 5K details here 

Friday, November 25th. - On your own.
- The Gore Mountain Ski Bowl in North Creek will be open at 8:30am.
For those not on snow…
- Run/bound: 40 – 50 minutes
or…
- Rollerski: 60 – 80 minutes
- Core

Saturday, November 26th - On your own. Distance.
- Ski!!!
For those not on snow…
- 50 – 60 minute run
or...
- 90 – 120 minute rollerski (any technique)

Week 1

The plan for the week!  Look this over carefully to make sure that you have what you need for each practice. Note: pick up your Blue Cards tomorrow (Monday) and have them along with your signed Code of Conduct forms.  We will collect these at the beginning of practice.

Monday, November 14th
- Meet in cafeteria at 3:00
- Announcements, attendance, etc...

- Blue Cards and Code of Conduct

- Core work
- Run (w/poles - if you have them, bring em’)!
- Stretch and equipment maintenance for Tuesday's rollerski.
 

Tuesday, November 15th 

- Bus to bike path for rollerski.  Have all rollerski gear. Will return around 5:00.

Wednesday, November 16th 
- Meet in cafe at 3:00
- Goals Introduction
- Strengthy strength
- Pole run / bound (Have classic poles).
- Stretch

- Weight Room

Thursday, November 17th 
- Bus to bikepath for rollerski. Have gear.
 

Friday, November 18th 
- Meet in cafeteria at 3:00
- Pole run/bound (Have classic poles)
- Soccer vs. Alpine

Saturday, November 19th (Optional)

HURT Rollerski Race at Saratoga State Park.  Looking for a chance to get in a fast pace Rollerski workout? This is it!

Information and Registration here!

Getting Started!!!

As we enter the last weekend before Nordic begins on Monday, a few things to consider...

1 -  This Sunday (November 13th), Garnet Hill Lodge in North River is offering an opportunity for Section 2 skiers and coaches to get a free season's pass - A trail work day.  I believe lunch is offered at this event... Sign up through the link below.  More details for the event are given...

Garnet Hill Trail Work Day

2-  Just so everyone is clear about next Tuesday when we travel to the bike path, please look this over carefully.  This is what you will need…

- Helmet!

- Ski Boots (NNN): If you are a new skier, now is the time to purchase boots!  Get boots that will fit NNN bindings as this is what fits the school rollerskis.  Again, combi boots (good for both classic and skate) are a good choice for beginner skiers.  If it is impossible for any of you to get boots by Tuesday, see one of your coaches at Monday’s practice and we will let you borrow a pair from the school.  For any skier who has separate skate and classic boots, bring skate. 

- Poles: Bring both sets of poles if you plan to use your own.  If you have road tips available and can change them, now is the time.  For new skiers who do not have poles yet, the school does have a stock of rollerski poles available.  We will take care of distributing school issued poles on Monday.         

- Rollerskis: The school will provide these.  If you have your own, bring them (skate).

Also, for those of you who have school issued rollerskis and poles, bring these in either Monday or Tuesday to ensure that everyone will have skis and poles for Tuesday.

Let it Snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coach Allison

Meet the Coaches and Code of Conduct Meeting

Skiers and Parents! 

A couple of important announcements -

This Monday (November 7^th) is the Mandatory Code of Conduct / Meet the Coaches Night for all winter sports teams at QHS.  At 7:00 PM all student athletes and parents will meet in Auditorium for an overview meeting with the Athletic Director, Rich Keys.  Around 7:20PM we will break into smaller groups (by team) for the ‘Meet the Coaches’ portion and to sign and return the Code of Conduct.  Also, during this time coaches will be covering specifics regarding the season ahead.  The Nordic team will stay in the Auditorium for this. Spread the word!

Second -

Our Nordic start date is Monday, November 14^th at 3:00 PM. Meet in the High School cafeteria!  Take the time now to prepare because it is going to come fast!

Coach Allison 

Nordic Ski Sign-Up and Informational Meeting!

Attention Nordic Skiers and Future Nordic Skiers!

This Thursday (November 3rd) we will be having our Nordic sign-up and informational meeting at 2:15 pm in the QHS cafeteria.  Please attend this brief meeting for a handout packet containing important information about the upcoming season.  Spread the news, get excited, and we'll see you Thursday!

Sign-Up Flyer

Night ski in October!

Kinda looks like mid-winter skiing!?! The early season craving set in this week thanks to some recently fallen white stuff...

Rescheduled Banquet and More

All,

A reminder that our rescheduled banquet is set for this Wednesday at 6:00pm in the cafeteria.  If you are planning to bring food, please respond to Mrs. Blood's Facebook post or email to ensure that we have enough.
See you there.

Spring training option - For those not doing a spring 'endurance' sport, or for those not doing a sport at all, this is especially for you.  Even if you are a track runner, it would be beneficial to look at this for ideas... say you are bored on a Sunday and are looking for an alternate endurance activity or something... I'm posting the plan HERE!!!!!

Lastly, I will be in touch later this spring about a day to meet for those interested in borrowing rollerski equipment for the summer.  I realize that several already have borrowed, and that is great!  Just keep close tabs on the stuff.  Also, this would be a great time to go over possible summer training options and opportunities!!!  

Banquet, Ski Clean Up, Spring Announcemets...

Hello!!!

I hope everyone's early spring is moving nicely. A few things... Our banquet date has been set for Thursday, March 31st at 6:00pm in the QHS cafeteria.  Be there or be square!  If skiers and families could bring light foods that would be great. 

For anyone who still needs to return school skis, clean classic skis, apply summer wax to personal skis, etc... the dungeon will be open next Wednesday at 4:30 (the 23rd). There are several of you who still have school issued skis/poles that need to be returned! Make this happen.

Best of luck to everyone doing a spring sport. As everyone is going different directions for springtime activities, it is never too early to be planning ahead for the next season. Yes, even though next season is over nine months away, that leaves nine months to take advantage of off season training opportunities (especially the summer) to become a stronger racer. I'm hoping this season in some way left a desire to take action to become a better skier.  The off season is when major strides can be made. I will be in touch with both summer training plans/opportunities as well as spring training plans for those not doing a spring sport.

JN's in Cable Wisconsin.

Some pictures from the Junior Nationals Nordic competition last week. The theme of the week was the high temperatures and big bright sunshine. This quickly deteriorating snow conditions left race organizers and volunteers in a scramble to shovel lots of snow onto the thin covered course. Despite race delays, reformats, and lots of running water, they pulled it off.  It was a great experience for our five racers (Eliza, Maggie, Daniel, Nino, and Brian) and myself as a first time coach.   

Unlike many of the other JN venues from year to year, Cable was by far the most remote one I have ever seen.  Not much to see but woods, more woods, and some wildlife. Somehow I didn't feel far from home.

1st training day - lower stadium area

Day 2 - here comes the warm weather

The QHS gang at the opening ceremonies

Sprint heat finals

Local wildlife of the Northwood Lodge 

State Meet Information

State Racers and Parents:
Here are details for the state meet.

Video of the State Meet course!

 

Saturday, February 20
- Meet at 3:00 in dungeon to wax race skis
- Bring signed Code of Conduct to turn in to me

Sunday, February 21
- Depart for Lake Placid: see full schedule attached above for details

Monday, February 22
- Individual Skate Race: see full schedule attached above for details

Tuesday, February 23
- Classic Relay: see full schedule attached above for details

Thursday, February 25
- Equipment Return and Ski Clean-up day
- Bring in all skis/poles/gear borrowed from school to return
- Meet in Dungeon waxing room at 3:00 

Pre - State Meet Week

Skiers,

Happy Vacation!

Below is the schedule for this week.  Please look it over carefully - Lots of exciting stuff.  Even though the emphasis for this week is to prep state racers for next week, these practices are open to anyone wishing to continue skiing! For non-state racers doing the U-16 Championships or the Eastern High School Championships, these practices will serve as great training!

About the U16 and Eastern HS Championships - 
Any qualified athlete wishing to compete at these events - please review the following for trip information and sign-ups.  EasternHS and U16 Championship Information
These are two great opportunities to race at awesome New Engand ski venues.  You will travel and be part of the NY team made up of skiers from all around the state.  If you have any further questions please email your trip leaders. (EasternHS: Dave Kvam dakvam06@gmail.com, U16: Yours truly pallison@queensburyschool.org)

Week's Schedule -

Sunday, February 14 
- Optional Practice at the North Creek Ski Bowl (skate)
- Meet at 2:00 (this looks to be the warmest time of the day!)
- Predicted temps are looking to be very cold so dress warmmmmm
- Distance with technique stuff

Monday, February 15
- 11:00 am Section 2 practice at the North Creek Ski Bowl. We will not have a bus for this day as it is a Holiday, so plan rides accordingly!
- Skate 

Tuesday, February 16
 - Location and time to be announced (depends on predicted storm/weather).  I am looking to have a classic practice, ideally in the Queensbury area. 

Wednesday, February 17- 
- Section 2 practice at the North Creek Ski Bowl. Skate. If Tuesday's storm provides enough white stuff it will be held at QHS.  Otherwise the plan is to bus up to North Creek.
- Bus leaves QHS at 8:10

Thursday, February 18
- Section 2 backcountry (classic) ski into the Santanoni Great Camp, Newcomb NY
- Items to bring for the trail
   - small pack
   - food/liquid
   - extra layers/dry layers, etc...
   - those waxless skis and classic poles! 
- Bus leaves QHS at 7:30.  Please be at the school a few minutes before!
- Also, bring like 15 dollars for the bus ride home.  The bus will be stopping at Izzi's Market in North Creek for a late lunch. 

Friday, February 19
- 9:00 am practice at QHS
- Meet in the blue athletic lobby
- Short skate ski (easy) then ski prep.
- Have race classic and skate skis.  The plan is to clean classic skis and to apply the base glide layer on both skates and classics.
- Trip to Sports Page after to get kick zones marked! (if you do not have them marked already).  It is important to know the exact length of your kick zone!  Otherwise as waxers, we have to guess... The risk behind this is 1 - We might be overextending your true kick zone and be putting kilster/hardwax in what should really be your glide zone (which will make you super slow), or 2-  We might underestimate the length of your kick zone (in this case, if it is not long enough, you will have very little to no kick regardless of what wax is used).  Get this taken care of!

Saturday, February 20
- Meet to wax in PM.  More details soon.

Sunday, February 21
- Bus leaves for State Meet
- Course preview (have B skis)
- State Meet trip schedule and specifics to be posted soon
  
Go Spartan Nordic!

Sectional Week!!!

All,

Results from Friday's relay are posted under the Race Information tab of this blog. It was fun watching some great performances on the klistered up skis!  

I'll announce a date soon for everyone to meet up and clean our classic skis from Friday's race.  Also, even though the regular season high school schedule has wrapped up, there are still many skiing opportunities to be had.  The Ski Bowl will be an option for those wanting to ski on their own time.  Garnet Hill, Lapland, and yes, even Quensbury will most likely get snow before spring comes.  NYSSRA hosts various races every weekend throughout the state.  Their website and race schedule is here http://nyssranordic.org/   Definitely worth checking out some of these opportunities.  More time on snow makes better skiers!!!!    

Sectional Team Dinner - On Tuesday night at 6 pm (or following practice at school), The Manzella's will host the pasta dinner.  Boys should bring chocolate milk or bread, and girls can bring desserts.

Address: 6 Mohawk Trail 

Time: 6 - 830

Sectional Racers (and anyone else!) Here is the schedule for the week -

Monday, February 8th
- Short skate ski at North Creek Ski Bowl
- Sectional course preview / breakdown
- This should be a quick trip up North.  Bus is tentatively scheduled to leave QHS at 2:30 and return around 5:00.
- Leave race skis for Wednesday in Dungeon

Tuesday, February 9th
- Pre-meet Information
- Meet in cafeteria at 2:45!
- Wax race skate skis for Sectionals
- Team Dinner at The Manzella's. 

Wednesday, February 10t
- Sectionals at North Creek Ski Bowl!
- Excused at 10:40.  Bus leaves QHS at 11:00. (Eat an early lunch or bring lunch to eat on bus ride up).
- Racer Schedule
   - 2:00 Boys start, Girls to follow.
- Get Pumped!

Thursday, February 11th
- Post race activity at QHS.  Details to come soon.

Friday, February 12th
- Ski at ?  Will most likely bus if no snow in Queensbury.

Thursday, February 4th: 
- Bus to practice at North Creek Ski Bowl.  Skate ski. 
- Bus will leave QHS @ 2:30
- Return around 5:45. 
Back up plan if Ski Bowl is not skiable:
- Short jog at school then core
- Have running shoes!  

Friday, February 5th: 
- Classic Relay race at North Creek Ski Bowl
- Bus leaves QHS at 1:50.
- Will announce dismissal time tomorrow.
Racer Schedule
    - 4:00: Modified
    - 4:30: Varsity Boys, Varsity Girls, then JV Boys and Girls

Saturday, February 6th:
- To be announced for sectional racers!

Sunday, February 7th:
REST! 

Monday, February 8th: 
- Ski somewhere. 

Tuesday, February 9th:
- Pre-race practice for sectionals.
- Wax skate skis for sectionals
- Rest

Wednesday, February 10th: 
- Sectional Race at North Creek Ski Bowl
- Races Begin at 2:00.
- Dismissal time to be announced soon.

Week 12 - Sectionals

Hi Team,  

Great skiing today up at the Ski Bowl! It was nice to get in some quality time on substantial ups and downs (without anyone taking a serious fall…)  

About the future - Next Wednesday is our last regular season race before the sectional race the following week. It will be a classic relay that I’ll know more about soon. After Wednesday (Feb. 5th), we will continue practices for those going on to ski the sectional race. Any skier (JV) is welcome to join these practices (and encouraged!), however, the emphasis will be on prepping varsity for the sectional and state meet races.  

Given that next week is our last full week of training before the sectional meet, and that the forecast is looking quite dismal for any possible snow accumulation near QHS, I have scheduled buses for Monday (Feb 1st), Thursday (Feb. 3rd), and Friday (Feb. 5th). I know this means a lot of time on the road, but I want to take advantage of any possible on-snow time as there is no substitute for this. In addition to next week, I have scheduled for sectional skiers to meet up on Saturday (Feb. 6th) at the sectional venue to do a race course breakdown and to ski the course. So… having said this – skiers: please plan ahead to balance out schoolwork, studying, and other activities accordingly… I know this may seem like a lot, but I do this because I believe we have something special to shoot for. Below is a practice / race schedule outline for the next week and a half. Please notice practice options for tomorrow as well as options for the weekend. Look this over carefully.  

Friday, January 29:
- On your own options to do in teams or groups. Yes, we will not formally be meeting at school. 
1 – For anyone who has private transportation: 70 minute ski (easy lower intensity) at the Gore Ski Bowl or the Allison Ski Trails. If you go to the Ski Bowl, please let me know as they charge 5 dollars per skier per visit. I will then take care of cost. 
2 – 20 - 25 minute jog (I would not recommend going longer than this as it will just make you sore and miserable). 
3 - Core session: You all know what to do here…

Also, I know several of you are racing this weekend in Lake Placid. I will be there both days for any support needed. For anyone who needs their race skis to be waxed (fast glide), I can pick them up from you tomorrow at 2:50 in the cafeteria. I will then have them the morning of in LP ready to race. There are a few of you who have already dropped off your skis to either Coach Frielinghaus or myself...

Saturday, January 30: 
- Lake Placid race or…
- Long distance ski. Lower intensity. 90 – 120 minutes. Get up to Mt. VanHoevenberg, Garnet Hill, The Allison Ski Trails, pick your poison… Someplace with hill exposure is preferable.

Sunday, January 31: 
- OFF (Unless racing in LP).

Monday, February 1: 
- Bus to practice at North Creek Ski Bowl. Classic technique! 
- OFF for anyone who raced both days in LP (Otherwise eassssy ski)

Tuesday, February 2: 
- Prerace. Wax those classic skis
- Race Information.

Wednesday, February 3rd:
- Classic relay at Ski Bowl.
- Bus leaves QHS at 2:20.
- Racer Schedule
   - 4:30 - Modified
   - 5:00 - Varsity Boys, Varsity girls, then JV boys and JV girls

Thursday, February 4th:
- Distance ski. Will ski at QHS if we receive a freak snowstorm. Otherwise bus to the nearest destination with snow.

Friday, February 5th:
- Bus to practice. North Creek Ski Bowl. Last workout before sectionals.

Saturday, February 6th:
- Sectional Course breakdown and ski. Will meet at the sectional course venue at 9:30. Currently scheduled for Lapland Lake. We will not have a bus for this day, so please plan ahead to find transportation.

Sunday, February 7th:
REST!

Monday, February 8th:
- To be announced. Base layer wax on race skis?
- Rest

Tuesday, February 9th:
- Pre-race practice for sectionals.
- Wax skate skis for sectionals
- Rest

Wednesday, February 10th:
- Sectional Race at Lapland Lake
- Details to come soon.

Week 11

Skiers/Parents/Spartan Nordic Community:

I hope all are having a great weekend!  First off, it was awesome to see so many great performances Friday between the Modified, JV and Varsity races.  Keep it going! A lot of information here about the upcoming week and more.  Please look this over carefully.

First Item: Section 2 Banquet
As Coach Frielinghaus and I mentioned last week, Section 2 will be hosting a Nordic banquet Thursday, February 11th at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga. A new event for section 2, this option is open for all Section 2 skiers (JV and Varsity) including family and friends.  The banquet will include a buffet style dinner, various team and individual awards, a guest speaker, and even a raffle.  The cost will be $25.00 per person.  On a side note, the guest speaker will be former U.S. Biathlete and Olympian Curt Schreiner.  Schreiner began his career in biathlon in the early 1980s while serving in the Army National Guard.  He competed in three Olympics (1988, 1992, and 1994) in addition to winning multiple National Championships.  He is currently the new coach for Hadley-Luzerne School and the owner of  the Saratoga Biathlon Club.  I would highly encourage anyone to sign up for this event as it should be an exciting event!

The section does need to know how many people plan to attend, so I will need all Queensbury folk to sign up on the Google Sheet below.
Banquet Sign Up    

Second Item
I understand this is exam week.  I know that you will all be busy studying as prep for exams.  Though not ideal, we will still be racing at Lapland Wednesday evening.  The bus will be leaving at 12:15 as it takes much longer for a bus to make the trip.  This is the second to last race before the sectional meet.  For varsity skiers, consider this the pre-sectional meet as you will be racing the same course, distance, and technique as sectionals.  If any of you have a conflict with a 12:00 exam and cannot make the bus at 12:15, you still have the option of arranging private transportation to get there by the 3:45 Varsity start time (JV to follow).  I know this is a tight schedule, but with a bit of pre-planning you could be ready to make this happen.

Schedule for the week

Monday, January 25
- Skate Practice at the Allison Ski Trails
- Bus leaves QHS at 2:20
- Workout

Tuesday, January 26
- Pre-race practice at QHS.  Meet in cafe at 3:00.
- Short Classic ski (waxless)
- Wax skate skis for Wednesday's race at Lapland

Wednesday, January 27
- Skate race at Lapland 
- Bus leaves QHS at 12:15.
- Racer Schedule
   - 2:30 Modified Start Time, Beginners race to follow
   -  3:45 Varsity Boys, followed by Varsity Girls, followed by JV Boys and JV Girls

Thursday, January 28
- Meet in cafeteria at 3:00
- Ski at School.   Technique dependent on conditions.
- Games
- Strength

Friday, January 29
- To be announced.

Saturday and Sunday, January 30 and 31
Lake Placid is hosting the Supertour JNQ / Eastern High School / U16 Qualifier races.  Saturday is a freestyle sprint and Sunday a 5/10K Classic.  Details are here. 

Even if you are not racing it would be great to go watch some awesome competition and to get out and ski lots of hills! Given the lack of snow in Queensbury this week we will not be able to ski any elevation, so this would serve as an awesome opportunity.  Varsity - as most of you know, the state meet is scheduled on a hilly Lake Placid course again.  The best way to get faster on hills is to get out and ski them! Group up, team up, and make this happen as it will greatly help down the road! 

That's it for now,

Coach Allison

Week 10

 Monday, January 18
- Classic and Skate practice at The Allison Ski Trails. Workout. Have equipment for both techniques! The school will be open in the am.
- Bus will leave QHS at 8:00.  Expect bus return around 12:30.  Bring some post ski food/drinks.
- Dress accordingly as it is going to be cold! 
- Parents are welcome to come ski!
564 Bird Pond Rd.
North Creek NY, 12853

Tuesday, January 19
- Skate practice at Crandall Park 
- Bus leaves QHS at 2:50.

Wednesday, January 20
- Skate ski at QHS.  Meet on field loop out near bus garage at 3:00.  Drive out, hike out, will be there.
- Workout

Thursday, January 21
- Meet at 3:00 in cafeteria. Dress for a shorter ski. 
- Prerace Information
- Short ski (classic) then wax classic skis for Friday's Race

Friday, January 22
- Guilderland Invitational at Lapland Lake Nordic Center (Classic)
- Bus leaves QHS @ 12:15
- Schedule of Races
    - 2:30 Modified Race
    - 3:00 Varsity Boys, Girls, followed by JV Boys then Girls   

Saturday, January 23
- Distance! Group up, team up, or get out on your own for a low intensity long distance ski!   If you can, do classic technique.  I will have kick wax for anyone who needs it.  Lapland is advertising solid snow conditions, Garnet Hill will have something, and like always, the Allison Ski Trails will be up and running!