Monday, 3 March 2025

Week of March 3 - Youth Champs

 

Great Job Team Hardwood

What a fun time in the sun to wrap-up another great weekend of racing.  Congrats to everyone for strong races at Youth Champs in Huntsville.  Those that stayed at HSB got to challenge themselves to some longer distances at the Fischer Loppet on Saturday.

As we wrap-up the final week of the 2024/2025 Team Hardwood Junior program, the Coaches wanted everyone to reflect on how much you’ve all improved.

The improvement that we want you each to focus on is how you’ve become better than you were when you started in the fall.  That means how you’ve become fitter, how you’ve become stronger, and how you’ve improved your technique.

The Coaches want you all to reflect on those improvements, knowing that the results that you achieved this year are because you were fitter, stronger, and a better skier than when you were last year.

As you look forward to next summer, ask yourself how you can become fitter, how you can become stronger, and how you could become a better student of skiing technique?

But the season isn’t done just yet and there is still more fun to be had this year!  There is one last SOD race on Sunday to wrap-up the formal program for the year.

Having said that, ski season is certainly far from done as the conditions are Hardwood look to have us skiing clear through to the end of March or further!

Tuesday - Ski Cross Practice

We will work on our Skate technique - both uphill, downhill and JUMPS - on some of the steeper hills around the Teaching Flats

Please arrive by 5:20PM and practice will run until 7PM.

You WILL need a HEADLAMP and this is a MUST to ski safely in the DARK

Please also wear rain gear, both Jacket and Pants, as it's due to be raining and you WILL fall down at least once;)

Saturday – Distance Classic Ski with Sprints

Pack some snacks in your water bottle belt for this one.  We will do a longer steady Classic Ski on a series of loops around the trails at HSB.

Come prepared to move steadily for 90min with some sprints mixed in along the way

Arrive by 9:20AM so that we can get moving by 9:30 AM.  Meet at The Chalet and practice will run until 11:30AM.

Bring your Grip Wax skis so you can practice on a waxable ski.  We will send a recomendation on Friday night.  If you need help with Grip Waxing, please arrive by 9:10AM.

Sunday – Midland Ski Cross

We will send out an email later this week about the Ski Cross with the final details.  Midland also still has LOTS of SNOW, so it should be a fun course!

For the rest of the week be sure to:
  • Get Out and SKI as much as reasonably possible!!  Try to get to HSB for at least one more ski on your own
  • Be active every day, get enough sleep, and be sure to always eat healthily
  • Running – Try for 20-30min.  Treadmills are okay this time of year if you don't have a steady surface with all this snow!
  • Cycling – Try for 20-30min, indoors on a Spin Bike while watching your favourite show
  • Strength Training – Keep up with the exercises that we did at practice in the Fall on your own.  We would encourage everyone to keep up with doing one Run/Strength session each week.
  • Be sure to keep working on your mobility either through stretching, yoga, pilates, etc.  There are LOTS of great resources online
  • We know that most of you are quite active between practices, just be sure you are doing something for 45-60min most every day.

Team Hardwood Provincial and National Program Blog - http://teamhardwood1819.blogspot.com/?m=1


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Monday, 24 February 2025

Week of Feb 24 - Racing Hits its Peak

   

And we are going to Ski FAST

It was great to see you all in action on Saturday at Georgian Nordic at the Team Sprints.  You've all come so far and are skiing so well.

Hopefully, those of you whose parents raced were kind and attentive to their needs for the rest of the weekend as we got to race the furthest - just sayin'

Do take a moment and watch the video that was posted in WhatsApp - you were all REALLY moving FAST.

Tuesday - Steep Skating Hills at HSB

We will work on our technique - both uphill and downhill - on some of the steeper hills on the DVP and the Bowl Loops.

Please arrive by 5:20PM and practice will run until 7PM.

You WILL need a HEADLAMP and this is a MUST to ski safely in the DARK

Saturday and Sunday - Youth Champs in Huntsville

Please read the Race Notice that you should have received this evening from the organizers.  After you have read it over, please feel free to ask the Coaches any questions about the event.

Start to think about packing as the weather on Saturday and the weather on Sunday will have a marked difference!

Start to think about ski prep too.  Make sure your glide zones are clean and that your skis have some liquid wax on them.  We will have the Wax Trailer up there this weekend, so there will be a nice warm place to do final ski prep!

More details to follow, but there will be a pre-ski on Friday afternoon led by Sarah and Bronwen.

Lastly, many of the best U10, U12, and U14 skiers in Ontario will be attending this weekend.  What you can control is how well you know the course, how smoothly you ski, and how hard you work.

You CANNOT control your results, so only judge how good your race was by how well you skied.  Ask yourself whether you prepared well and followed a good race plan, ask yourself whether you used your best technique, and ask yourself if you worked as hard as you could.

If you can say YES to all of the above, then you had a good race - full-stop

Don't look at any results or ask anyone about your placing until you've had a chance to reflect on how well you skied.  Even then, expect that there will be plenty of other kids who are good skiers doing the very same thing!

In the end, you are racing who you were yesterday.

  • Get Out and SKI as much as reasonably possible!!  Try to get to HSB for at least one more ski on your own
  • Be active every day, get enough sleep, and be sure to always eat healthily
  • Running – Try for 20-30min.  Treadmills are okay this time of year if you don't have a steady surface with all this snow!
  • Cycling – Try for 20-30min, indoors on a Spin Bike while watching your favourite show
  • Strength Training – Keep up with the exercises that we did at practice in the Fall on your own.  We would encourage everyone to keep up with doing one Run/Strength session each week.
  • Be sure to keep working on your mobility either through stretching, yoga, pilates, etc.  There are LOTS of great resources online
  • We know that most of you are quite active between practices, just be sure you are doing something for 45-60min most every day.

Team Hardwood Provincial and National Program Blog - http://teamhardwood1819.blogspot.com/?m=1



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Monday, 17 February 2025

Week of Feb 17th - We Love You Snow

  

And I think it Loves us Back!!!


Happy Family Day Team Hardwood!

We are looking forward to another great week of skiing, and there is more snow in the forecast.  To date HSB has received 4m - and counting - of snow this year!

This will be one of those years you'll brag about, or reflect fondly upon, 20 years from now.

Skiers - You'll be able to tell your kids about the winter when the snowbanks were twice your size!  And you'll tell that story when you're twice your size;)  Those will be some BIG snowbanks!

Back to the topic at hand, being your skiing.  We continue to see more and more improvements in your technique.

Keep working on the changes in your leg action as you switch from One-Skate to Offest in your Skating and keep working on the "gears" of your Double-Pole in Classic.

Tuesday - Classic at HSB

We will switch back to working on striding this week.  We will work on the "gears" of striding, from a "Gliding" Stride to "Running" on steeper hills.

Please arrive by 5:20PM and practice will run until 7PM.  Bring your Grip Wax skis done with a cold Blue Wax so you can practice on a waxable ski.  If you need help with Grip Waxing, please arrive by 5:15PM.

You WILL need a HEADLAMP

Saturday – Team Sprints at Georgian Nordic

We will send out an email later this week about the Team Sprints with the final details

PARENTS - This is a super straightforward race for the kids, so we're hopeful to see ALL parents on the Start Line in the Adult races.  You can ask those who have done the event before, but it is a really fun vibe, and the "team" atmosphere is unique.  The whole thing takes 15-20min MAX and you get breaks between short bouts of skiing - easy money:)

Sunday – Distance Classic Ski with Sprints

Pack some snacks in your water bottle belt for this one.  We will do a longer steady Classic Ski on a series of loops around the trails at HSB.

Come prepared to move steadily for 90min with some sprints mixed in along the way

Arrive by 9:20AM so that we can get moving by 9:30 AM.  Meet at The Chalet and practice will run until just a bit after 11:00AM.

Bring your Grip Wax skis done with a warmer Blue Wax so you can practice on a waxable ski.  If you need help with Grip Waxing, please arrive by 9:10AM.

  • Get Out and SKI as much as reasonably possible!!  Try to get to HSB for at least one more ski on your own
  • Be active every day, get enough sleep, and be sure to always eat healthily
  • Running – Try for 20-30min.  Treadmills are okay this time of year if you don't have a steady surface with all this snow!
  • Cycling – Try for 20-30min, indoors on a Spin Bike while watching your favourite show
  • Strength Training – Keep up with the exercises that we did at practice in the Fall on your own.  We would encourage everyone to keep up with doing one Run/Strength session each week.
  • Be sure to keep working on your mobility either through stretching, yoga, pilates, etc.  There are LOTS of great resources online
  • We know that most of you are quite active between practices, just be sure you are doing something for 45-60min most every day.

Team Hardwood Provincial and National Program Blog - http://teamhardwood1819.blogspot.com/?m=1




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Monday, 10 February 2025

Week of Feb 10th - Keep it Up Winter

 


More Snow is Always Better!


All the coaches keep remarking on how proud we are of each of you for how much your technique has improved in the past few weeks.

From your progress in striding on Tuesday night, to your ablity to "shift gears" on your One-Skate on your pre-ski in Hepworth.

With the right amount of focus, your ski technique is something that you can continue to improve every time you take to the snow - keep it up!

Tuesday - Skiing at HSB

We will be working on some double-pole and step double-pole tomorrow night.  We'll post some good videos on WhatsApp for you to watch beforehand.

Please arrive by 5:20PM and practice will run until 7PM.  Bring your Grip Wax skis done with a Blue Wax so you can practice on a waxable ski.  If you need help with Grip Waxing, please arrive by 5:15PM.

You WILL need a HEADLAMP

Saturday – More One Skate at HSB

We will work on One-Skate if the snow will allow for it.  Depending on the conditions, we'll either do a trail ski or stick to a given loop that we can ski in.

Arrive by 9:20AM so that we can get moving by 9:30 AM.  Meet at The Chalet and practice will run until just a bit after 11:00AM

Sunday – Skiing at HSB

Adventure Ski!  We will look to do a ski on some trails we haven't done as frequently.  There should be plenty of new snow, so leaning towards Classic!  We might need a parent to join the ski to watch a section of the group.

Arrive by 9:20AM so that we can get moving by 9:30 AM.  Meet at The Chalet and practice will run until just a bit after 11:00AM

  • Get Out and SKI as much as reasonably possible!!  Try to get to HSB for at least one more ski on your own
  • Be active every day, get enough sleep, and be sure to always eat healthily
  • Running – Try for 20-30min.  Treadmills are okay this time of year if you don't have a steady surface with all this snow!
  • Cycling – Try for 20-30min, indoors on a Spin Bike while watching your favourite show
  • Strength Training – Keep up with the exercises that we did at practice in the Fall on your own.  We would encourage everyone to keep up with doing one Run/Strength session each week.
  • Be sure to keep working on your mobility either through stretching, yoga, pilates, etc.  There are LOTS of great resources online
  • We know that most of you are quite active between practices, just be sure you are doing something for 45-60min most every day.

Team Hardwood Provincial and National Program Blog - http://teamhardwood1819.blogspot.com/?m=1


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Monday, 3 February 2025

Week of Feb 3rd - Epic Snowpack

     



Nice Job Winter!!!

We're certainly due for this winter's amazing conditions after last year's snow drought and a few lean years before that.

Please take this time to get out and ski as much as possible as the more time you spend on snow the further you'll go:)

When you do ski, enjoy your time outside with your friends, on your own, or with your family.

When you ski, look to challenge yourself to go faster, to climb bigger hills, or to ski consistently for a longer distance.  But when you do, always ski with your best technique, 

We will be training at HSB on Tuesday and Saturday, but then heading to Hepworth, which is just North of Owen Sound, on Sunday for the Suntrail Special.

Tuesday - Skiing at HSB

We will put your "bug squishing" skill to the test on Tuesday and we continue to work on our Classic striding.

We will play some no-poles ski tag to start, but then head out onto the trails to several of our favourite loops to work on our striding!

Please arrive by 5:20PM and practice will run until 7PM.  Bring your Grip Wax skis done with a Blue Wax so you can practice on a waxable ski.  If you need help with Grip Waxing, please arrive by 5:15PM.

You WILL need a HEADLAMP

Saturday – Team Fun Races at HSB

We will send a follow-up email with more details later this week on whether we will Skate or Classic.

Arrive by 9:20AM so that we can get moving by 9:30 AM.  Meet at The Chalet and practice will run until just a bit after 11:00AM

Sunday – Racing in Hepworth

Wax up your Skate Skis for this fun event HERE on the Sawmill Trails just North of Owen Sound.  More details to follow and be sure to think about carpooling with other families from your area.

As for the rest of your week, here are some suggestions for other activities should you need them:
  • Get Out and SKI as much as reasonably possible!!  Try to get to HSB for at least one more ski on your own
  • Be active every day, get enough sleep, and be sure to always eat healthily
  • Running – Try for 20-30min.  Treadmills are okay this time of year if you don't have a steady surface with all this snow!
  • Cycling – Try for 20-30min, indoors on a Spin Bike while watching your favourite show
  • Strength Training – Keep up with the exercises that we did at practice in the Fall on your own.  We would encourage everyone to keep up with doing one Run/Strength session each week.
  • Be sure to keep working on your mobility either through stretching, yoga, pilates, etc.  There are LOTS of great resources online
  • We know that most of you are quite active between practices, just be sure you are doing something for 45-60min most every day.

Team Hardwood Provincial and National Program Blog - http://teamhardwood1819.blogspot.com/?m=1


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Monday, 27 January 2025

Week of Jan 27th - Racing is in Fun

    


Packing to go Racing!!!

What a fun weekend in both Monora Park near Orangeville and Mountainview in Midland.

There was lots of great learning about how to ski faster, in both Skate and Classic, and great efforts on the trails.

Thanks to a great "Team Hardwood" effort, we were able to strongly support both events with pre-skis and waxing.

If you would like to take some time to chat with any of the coaches who have seen you race about how YOU can be better than YOU were before, we're always happy to chat.

We'll be taking this weekend to train, so make sure you are ready for LOTS of skiing in these great mid-winter conditions!

Tuesday - Skiing at HSB

Put on your dancing shoes as we will be doing some more Skate agility on Tuesday night.  Arrive by 5:20PM so we can leave right at 5:30PM to head-up to the Teaching Flats.

We'll do some agility there before moving out onto the Olympic side to tackle S-Turn, Snake, and a few other favourites.

You WILL need a HEADLAMP

Saturday – Team Fun Races at HSB

We will send a follow-up email with more details on the practice, including whether we will Skate or Classic, later this week.

It is our intention to run another Time Trial as part of the practice "Teaming Up" with the Seniors who are staying locally this weekend.

Arrive by 9:20AM so that we can get moving by 9:30 AM.  Meet at The Chalet and practice will until 11:15AM to 11:30 AM

Sunday – Exploring New Trails

After an energetic ski on Saturday, let's take the opportunity to explore some trails we haven't skied much this year.  Maybe The DVP Loop?  Maybe The Grind,  Or maybe someplace completely new!

We'll also make the call on Classic vs. Skate closer to the day, but this ski will likely be Classic

Arrive by 9:20AM so that we can get moving by 9:30 AM.  Meet at The Chalet and practice will run until at least 11:30AM. 


As for the rest of your week, here are some suggestions for other activities should you need them:
  • Get Out and SKI as much as reasonably possible!!  Try to get to HSB for at least one more ski on your own
  • Be active every day, get enough sleep, and be sure to always eat healthily
  • Running – Try for 20-30min.  Treadmills are okay this time of year if you don't have a steady surface with all this snow!
  • Cycling – Try for 20-30min, indoors on a Spin Bike while watching your favourite show
  • Strength Training – Keep up with the exercises that we did at practice in the Fall on your own.  We would encourage everyone to keep up with doing one Run/Strength session each week.
  • Be sure to keep working on your mobility either through stretching, yoga, pilates, etc.  There are LOTS of great resources online
  • We know that most of you are quite active between practices, just be sure you are doing something for 45-60min most every day.

Team Hardwood Provincial and National Program Blog - http://teamhardwood1819.blogspot.com/?m=1


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Monday, 20 January 2025

Week of Jan 20th - Polar Vortex

   


That's Brisk Baby!!!

What a fun weekend in North Bay and a great Team Hardwood effort all around.

The North Bay Nordic Ski Club did a fantastic job of changing the schedule for the weekend so you could race twice in the milder conditions on Saturday.

Sunday, for those that stayed, was a "Classic" winter's day with bright sunshine, brisk temps, but almost no wind!

If you would like to take some time to chat with any of the coaches who have seen you race about how YOU can be better than YOU were before, we're always happy to chat.

Tuesday - Skiing at HSB

We will look to Classic Ski again on Tuesday.  Please meet at The Chalet at 5:20 PM so we can get skiing by 5:30 PM and practice will run until 7:00 PM.

Projections right now are for around -15C at the time of our practice with snow in the air.  Be sure to leave extra time for travel.

Be sure to clean ALL the grip wax off your skis from Saturday as we used a VERY sticky wax that WILL pick up too much snow at the projected temps for Tuesday night.

A Blue Wax, maybe with one layer of Green on top, will be the ticket.

Bring a HEADLAMP as we will do some agility work on the Chalet and then WILL be heading out onto the trails

While on the trails, we will do some "intervals" and it will likely be cool and snowing, so please wear a good hat, gloves, and an outer layer that sheds snow well.

Saturday and Sunday – Racing around Southern Ontairo

Building on the experience we gained this past weekend in North Bay, we will have two racing options this weekend, but please note that skiers are NOT required to do both races below.

Saturday - Skate Race at Monora Park just north of Orangeville.  Jason and Jamie will support skiers at this race and you can register HERE.

Sunday - Classic Race at Mountainview Ski Club in Midland and you can register HERE.  Sarah and Bronwen will support skiers at this race.  We WILL need parent support for Grip Waxing at this event.  The trailer will be there, but we will also need a few parents to arrive early to set things up like last year as Jason will be away racing at the Muskoka Loppet

Families will also need to Glide Wax their skis for both events beforehand.

If you don't have any liquid glide wax, please pick up some from HSB this week.  Something in the -5C to -10C does fine in most conditions.

As for the rest of your week, here are some suggestions for other activities should you need them:
  • Get Out and SKI as much as reasonably possible!!  Try to get to HSB for at least one more ski on your own
  • Be active every day, get enough sleep, and be sure to always eat healthily
  • Running – Try for 20-30min.  Treadmills are okay this time of year if you don't have a steady surface with all this snow!
  • Cycling – Try for 20-30min, indoors on a Spin Bike while watching your favourite show
  • Strength Training – Keep up with the exercises that we did at practice in the Fall on your own.  We would encourage everyone to keep up with doing one Run/Strength session each week.
  • Be sure to keep working on your mobility either through stretching, yoga, pilates, etc.  There are LOTS of great resources online
  • We know that most of you are quite active between practices, just be sure you are doing something for 45-60min most every day.

Team Hardwood Provincial and National Program Blog - http://teamhardwood1819.blogspot.com/?m=1 


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