Happy Alpaca Farm Day!

This morning we loaded into cars for the last long workout of September, a combo classic rollerski and run, and headed out to Pownal. Though it was a little cold and foggy at school, by the time we reached the loop and parked on a dirt side-road, it had turned into a beautiful morning. As soon as we stepped out of the cars to get our rollerskiing gear on, we were enthusiastically greeted by six golden retrievers from the farm across the street. When the owner of the farm had to call them back to get them out of the road, she also told us that it was National Alpaca Farm Day, so the farm was open if we wanted to visit. Unfortunately, due to the time constraints, we had to decline her offer, and headed out to ski.

Kalle with one of the dogs

After the girls finished the rollerski portion of the workout, we headed up the dirt road towards the hills for our run, and ended up breaking out into a large field with a beautiful view of the surrounding hills. We found our way back through the maze of ATV trails with no wrong turns, caught a few leaves falling from the trees while running, and ended the workout back at the cars, where we were pleasantly surprised by a delicious lemon-glazed birthday cake for Isaac (Thank you!). All in all, a great early fall day in the Berkshires!

Basically just like the Sound of Music

Olivia wearing the leaf she caught

Alpacas!

Purple Valley

Happy Saturday everyone!! Today the team took to the running trails at the Purple Valley Invitational, racing the JV 5k. It was an absolutely beautiful day (think of the bluest sky you've every seen, and then keep going), and everyone left it all out on the trail. I skipped the racing due to sickness, but that means pictures!! And lots of them. 

Today was a good start to the hard training week we've got ahead of us. Everyone is looking strong and fit!! Finally, a shout out to the Hoenigs for bringing along two juicy and delicious watermelons for us at the end of the race. There's no better way to finish of a race day!

Rock the Cow!

 Stoked to race

And they're off!

 Eli hammers up the big hill

 Smile of happiness? Or pain?

 Hans just floatin' up the hill

 Definitely a smile of craziness...

 Tsaina crushing it

 Laura leading a pack up the hill

A comment on this picture can't not be

about the height discrepancy here

 Hannah B. becoming friends with the hill

 Liza leaving the rest in her dust

 Jenna killin' it

Jordan reaching the finish line

 Josh in the pain cave

Foot right on the line!

A glorious day for Russia

Lake Placid and 2 weeks until Testing Day

Last week I was given the opportunity to observe the USST NTG camp in Lake Placid. The vibe there was one of excitement and outstanding team camaraderie.  It was nice to see the US coaches in action and to share some training notes. Vanya was up there hanging with some of the best skiers in the country which was exciting to see! Below are a few pics from the trip:

Simi Hamilton really working the core exercises with a LOT of weight

USST Coach Matt Whitcomb explaining the agility portion of a speed workout

USST athletes Liz Stephen and Jessie Diggins squaring off

Men's training group getting briefed by USST coach Jason Cork

Back here on campus the team has been training very well and we are all currently enjoying some outstanding fall weather. 2 weeks from today is our Canadian Strength Test/King and Queen of the Cobble Testing Day! You can keep up with our training plans by clicking on the links at the right. From October 7th on Bud and I will be joining the team for all of the training sessions and we are excited to be out there supporting our awesome EPH SKI TEAM!!!

We're Back!!!!!!

Today was the first day of class and the men's and women's teams just took off from Rob's Strength and Conditioning Orientation for the traditional Taconic Crest run. It's a beautiful day in Williamstown and it is awesome to see old faces and new as the season gets underway. Keep an eye on the blog tomorrow for the updated 2013-2014 schedule and roster as well as other updates regarding fall training and ski team activities. Not much for pictures today except for this exciting news for all van drivers: no more Austin Powers approaching to the loading area:).

New van back up lane!!!!!