Avsnitt
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Jason Cork has spent the last two decades quietly shaping some of the most successful athletes in American cross-country skiing. As the longtime coach of Jessie Diggins and a key figure behind multiple Olympic medals, World Championship podiums, and Crystal Globes, Cork has built a reputation as one of the sport's sharpest minds. In this rare long-form conversation, he joins Andy Newell and Brian Halligan to discuss his journey from coaching juniors in Colorado to leading athletes on the World Cup stage, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why simplicity often beats complexity when it comes to endurance training.
The conversation dives deep into the training philosophies that guided Diggins from a talented high school graduate to one of the most decorated skiers in history. Cork explains why consistency matters more than hero workouts, how he approached building training volume over the long term, the role of threshold training in elite performance, and why he believes many athletes make the mistake of training too hard too often. He also shares stories from Diggins' early years, her remarkable resilience, and the qualities that made her stand apart from the crowd long before she became an Olympic champion.
Andy and Brian also pick Cork's brain on some of the hottest topics in endurance sports today, including the Norwegian double-threshold model, speed development, training intensity distribution, and what a truly effective training week should look like for endurance athletes. Whether you're a skier, coach, or serious endurance athlete, this episode is packed with practical insights, thoughtful debate, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build championship-level performance over the course of a career.
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This week on the Race Ready Podcast, Brian and Andy tackle one of the most common questions in endurance training: how should beginner athletes structure their intensity distribution when they only have three or four days per week to train? Drawing on both coaching experience and emerging research from Norway, they break down why low-volume athletes may actually benefit from a higher percentage of intensity than elite athletes, how to balance threshold work with easy distance, and why many masters skiers make the mistake of turning every workout into a moderate-intensity grind. If you've ever wondered how to get the most out of limited training time, this episode provides a practical roadmap.
The conversation then shifts into some of the hottest topics in endurance sport right now, including double-threshold training, ski-specific training percentages, and the growing influence of Norwegian training methods. Brian and Andy explain why elite-level training concepts often get misapplied by developing athletes, discuss when double-threshold sessions might actually make sense, and share their thoughts on how much roller skiing, ski walking, running, and cycling should make up your annual training volume. Along the way, they offer valuable insights for junior athletes, masters racers, and coaches trying to build smarter, more sustainable training plans.
The episode wraps up with an engaging Q&A covering fitness testing, max-strength training, and the value of incorporating other sports into your training program. From 3,000-meter running tests and VO₂ max assessments to soccer games, roller ski hockey, and strength progression, Brian and Andy explore how athletes can develop speed, power, athleticism, and long-term durability. Whether you're a beginner skier, an ambitious junior, or a seasoned masters racer looking for an edge, this episode is packed with actionable training advice and thought-provoking discussion to help you train with greater purpose this summer.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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After stepping away from the World Cup circuit, missing the Olympic season, and disappearing from competition, Sophia Laukli sits down for an exclusive and remarkably candid conversation on the Race Ready Podcast. One of the most successful American cross-country skiers and trail runners of her generation opens up about the difficult decisions, physical struggles, and mental battles that led her to walk away from the sport she had spent years climbing to the top of. In this tell-all interview, Sophia offers listeners an unprecedented look behind the scenes of a career that seemed unstoppable from the outside.
From World Cup podiums and Golden Trail victories to chronic fatigue, missed goals, and the heartbreak of watching the Olympics from home, Sophia takes us through the two-year journey that ultimately forced her to hit pause. She reflects on the warning signs she ignored, the culture of high-performance sport, the realities of overtraining and under-fueling, and the lessons she learned while trying to chase success in both skiing and trail running. The result is one of the most honest conversations you'll hear from an elite endurance athlete about what happens when the pursuit of excellence goes too far.
But this isn't a story about quitting, it's a story about rebuilding! Sophia discusses her recovery process, the coaches and support system helping her find her way back, and how this experience has completely changed her perspective on training, performance, and what it truly means to be a professional athlete. Whether you're an Olympian, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who has ever struggled with burnout, this episode offers powerful lessons in resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to start over.
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This week on the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive deep into the realities of early summer training. From rebuilding training rhythm after spring downtime to understanding why your heart rate suddenly feels sky-high on roller skis, the conversation breaks down the physiology behind those frustrating “out of shape” feelings that almost every skier and biathlete experiences in May and June. The guys explore concepts like blood volume, sports anemia, fluctuating training zones, and why the transition back into structured training is more nuanced than simply “getting fit again.”
The episode also tackles practical training advice that athletes can immediately apply to their own summer preparation. Andy and Brian discuss when to use fast versus slow roller skis, why now is the best time of year to make technical changes, and how building speed and power early in the season can pay huge dividends later in the year. The discussion includes detailed coaching insights on technique progressions, ski-specific strength work, uphill power running, and how elite athletes use early summer to lay the foundation for efficient race-speed skiing months down the road. Whether you’re a junior athlete, masters skier, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for smarter summer training.
To wrap up the show, the guys answer a listener question about balancing training with physical work and outdoor activity such as dog walking, yard work, shoveling gravel and landscaping. It sparks a thoughtful conversation about cumulative stress, recovery, fueling, and the realities of integrating endurance training into everyday life. Along the way, the episode keeps the classic Race Ready feel: high-level coaching insights mixed with trail running stories, mountain adventures, practical advice, and plenty of honest discussion about what actually works in endurance sport development.
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In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, we sit down with rising American cross-country skier Emma Albrecht to unpack one of the most unique development stories in U.S. skiing right now. From elite-level gymnastics and career-threatening back injuries to becoming the 2026 SuperTour overall leader and qualifying for the World Cup, Emma shares how she went from barely skiing as a teenager to racing against the best athletes in the world. Her story is a powerful reminder that there’s no single path to success in endurance sports.
Emma opens up about the realities of navigating college skiing, transferring schools, dealing with overtraining, and learning how to build confidence after years of setbacks and self-doubt. The conversation dives deep into mindset, goal setting, race evaluation, technique development, and the importance of finding the right coaching environment. Whether you’re a junior athlete dreaming big, a college skier trying to break through, or a masters athlete chasing improvement, Emma shares practical lessons on how to stay motivated and continue progressing in the sport.
We also explore the training philosophy and habits that helped Emma make the leap from a “mediocre college skier” to a national champion and World Cup athlete. Topics include training progression, recovery, nutrition, technique work, strength from gymnastics, balancing a professional career alongside elite training, and the mental strategies that keep her improving year after year. This episode is packed with insight for anyone passionate about endurance sports, long-term development, and unlocking athletic potential.
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In this episode of Race Ready, Brian Halligan and Andy Newell answer listener questions centered around one of the most important times of the year for endurance athletes: the transition into summer training. The conversation focuses heavily on building the right foundation for long-term development, including how athletes should approach equipment, strength work, training structure, and recovery during the early offseason months. The hosts break down why proper gear matters more than many athletes realize, discussing roller skis, poles, boots, running shoes, watches, and heart rate systems. The proper equipment is not just for performance, but critical for injury prevention and training quality.
Brian and Andy also dive deep into ski-specific offseason training strategies, including bounding, roller skiing, speed development, and strength training for both elite and masters athletes. They explain how athletes can create highly effective home gyms without expensive setups, using tools like kettlebells, TRX systems, pull-up bars, roller boards, and plyometric work to build ski power and durability. The episode also explores the importance of training specificity during the offseason, why ski walking and bounding remain underrated tools for developing classic technique, and how athletes can manipulate roller ski speed and training environments to improve both technique and group training quality.
One of the biggest themes of the episode is managing stress and training load intelligently during the month of May. Responding to a listener question from a college athlete navigating finals week, Brian and Andy discuss the concept that “stress is stress,” emphasizing that academic pressure, work, and life responsibilities must all be considered when planning training. Rather than obsessing over hitting huge training volume immediately on May 1st, the hosts advocate for consistency, smart recovery, and maintaining ski-specific movement while gradually building fitness. They also explore the idea of introducing speed and neuromuscular training earlier in the offseason than many traditional endurance programs typically recommend, arguing that spring can be one of the best times of year to improve athleticism, power, and movement quality before summer volume ramps up.
Video of young Andy on the Roller Board: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvFHIn4IUas
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This episode of the Race Ready Podcast dives deep into the journey of rising U.S. cross-country skier Zak Ketterson, fresh off a breakthrough season that included a top-10 World Cup finish and Olympic qualification. Zak opens up about the mental side of high-performance sport, particularly the imposter syndrome that can follow major results, and how learning to trust his fitness and execute “normal” races at a high level was key to his success. His perspective offers a powerful reminder that breakthroughs aren’t always about doing something extraordinary, but rather doing the basics exceptionally well.
The conversation then explores Zak’s development pathway, from a humbling college experience at Northern Michigan University to becoming one of the top American distance skiers. He reflects on the influence of teammates, especially Norwegian athletes, in reshaping his understanding of training, moving away from the “just work harder” mentality toward a more calculated, sustainable approach. Listeners will gain valuable insights into training progression, the importance of controlled intensity, and how long-term consistency, not big swings, drives elite performance.
Finally, Zak breaks down the evolution of his training philosophy, including the role of threshold work, double sessions, terrain specificity, and the balance between strength and aerobic development. He shares practical takeaways for athletes looking to improve, from managing early-season intensity to building race-specific strength through terrain and technique. Whether you're chasing World Cup starts or just trying to train smarter, this episode delivers a masterclass in modern endurance training from one of the sport’s most thoughtful athletes.
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Kick off a new training year with a fresh perspective in this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, where hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive into the art and science of planning and periodizing endurance training. Framed around the “Nordie New Year” on May 1st, this conversation explores how athletes and coaches can reset, reflect, and build a smarter path forward. From post-season debriefs to goal setting, Andy and Brian unpack how meaningful progress starts with honest evaluation: Identifying both the wins and the gaps from the previous season to inform what comes next.
The episode goes beyond generic training advice, offering a nuanced look at how to structure a season for long-term success. The hosts discuss key principles like consistency as a lifestyle, the importance of balancing intensity (L3/L4), and why many athletes fall short of their potential due to poor distribution of training load. They highlight real-world coaching insights like how missed high-intensity sessions from illness can impact performance, or how early-season fitness spikes often signal flawed summer training. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to connect daily training decisions to peak race performance.
Finally, Andy and Brian explore evolving training philosophies, including lessons from the Norwegian model, the role of strength and speed work, and how to individualize training based on athlete type. Whether you’re a junior athlete building habits, a competitive skier chasing marginal gains, or a coach designing year-long plans, this episode offers actionable insights to help you train smarter, not just harder. If you’re looking to maximize adaptation, avoid burnout, and bring more intention to your training process, this is the perfect place to start your season.
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As the season winds down and the energy of World Cup racing fades into spring, this episode of Race Ready captures the unique transition point every endurance athlete knows well. Fresh off a high-energy weekend in Lake Placid, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan reflect on what it’s like to witness world-class racing up close. From the technical brilliance of elite skiers to the gritty reality of racing in unpredictable conditions, It’s a behind-the-scenes look at performance, preparation, and the small details that separate the best in the world from the rest.
From there, the conversation shifts into one of the most important (and often misunderstood) phases of the training year: the transition into spring. Andy and Brian break down how athletes should approach recovery after a long season, emphasizing that rest is not lost progress, but a critical part of long-term development. They explore how factors like age, training volume, and race load influence how much downtime an athlete truly needs, while also challenging the common fear of losing fitness during a break.
Finally, the episode dives into practical strategies for setting up a successful offseason. From season evaluations and training logs to maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout, this discussion offers a roadmap for athletes looking to improve year over year. Whether you’re a junior athlete, a seasoned competitor, or a coach guiding others, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you reset, recover, and get ready for the next breakthrough season.
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In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan catch up after a busy stretch of international racing, including the World Junior Championships for both biathlon and cross country. Brian shares insights from coaching in Arber, where the U.S. team battled tricky spring conditions and tough competition, while Andy reflects on the logistical chaos and technical challenges of ski preparation in Lillehammer. The conversation dives into what it takes behind the scenes: from waxing strategy and ski testing to navigating rapidly changing snow conditions in the modern non-fluoro waxing era.
The episode then shifts into a timely topic for athletes as winter winds down: how to train in March when the race season is nearly over. Brian and Andy discuss how athletes should approach the end of the season, balancing recovery with continued development. They share practical advice for junior and masters athletes alike, including when to take a short break, how to maintain aerobic fitness with fun ski sessions, and why late-season intensity sessions can still provide valuable physiological gains before transitioning to spring training.
Finally, the hosts answer a listener question inspired by the Jessie Diggins “Threshold” documentary, exploring when athletes should push workouts to exhaustion versus keeping interval intensity controlled. They break down how elite athletes manage high-intensity training, why most interval work is performed just below maximum effort, and how mental strategies help athletes access their top gear when it matters most. The result is a thoughtful discussion on training philosophy, recovery, and the psychology of pushing limits in endurance sport.
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In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan reconnect after an intense Olympic stretch, recording from an airport lounge en route to Junior World Championships in Europe. The conversation kicks off with behind-the-scenes Olympic reflections, including what viewers don’t always see on broadcast. From waxing strategy and ski selection decisions to the complex collaboration between athletes and technicians that ultimately shapes race-day performance. The hosts unpack key storylines from the Games, including Norwegian dominance, surprising performances, and the fine margins that separate podium success from disappointment.
The discussion then shifts into deeper coaching insights, exploring how technique evolves based on snow conditions, terrain, and even equipment differences like carrying a biathlon rifle. Andy and Brian break down the concept of adaptable technique, why elite skiers need a “quiver” of movement patterns rather than one perfect form, and share practical coaching takeaways for athletes at every level. The episode also highlights mental resilience, using Olympic moments as powerful examples of how athletes recover from setbacks and turn adversity into breakthrough performances.
Finally, the hosts dive into listener questions covering race tactics, drafting strategy, sprint heat selection, and marathon racing decisions like those seen at the American Birkebeiner. From elite World Cup strategy to actionable advice for masters racers, this episode blends high-performance analysis with practical lessons for everyday skiers, offering coaches and athletes alike a clearer understanding of how smart decisions, adaptability, and experience shape success on race day.
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What does it take to develop world-class endurance athletes — not just fast juniors, but Olympic-level performers who thrive for decades? In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Brian Halligan and Andy Newell sit down with legendary Stratton Mountain School coach Sverre Caldwell, whose athletes have produced junior national champions for over two decades and gone on to Olympic success. Sverre shares how his coaching philosophy evolved from “train hard and go fast” into a long-term, athlete-centered development model focused on love for the sport, technical mastery, and sustainable progress.
The conversation dives deep into the nuts and bolts of smart training. From building aerobic engines and using simple field tests to measure improvement, to teaching pacing, efficiency, and the “fast but relaxed” approach that helped produce some of the strongest skiers in the country. Sverre explains how consistent workouts, progression, and athlete education created confidence, ownership, and long-term performance rather than short-term results. You’ll hear how training logs, goal setting, intensity blocks, and even simple hill tests became powerful tools for motivation and development.
Beyond physiology and planning, this episode highlights the culture that made Stratton so successful, multi-generational training groups, mentorship between young athletes and elites, strong communication with parents, and a community-driven model that continues to produce champions today. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or endurance enthusiast, this conversation offers timeless lessons on building resilient athletes, smart training systems, and a performance culture that lasts.
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In this powerful episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Brian Halligan and Andy Newell sit down with Olympic gold medalist Kikkan Randall for a deep dive into life after elite competition — and the lessons that still shape high-performance athletes today. From her transition into Olympic governance with the IOC, to leading grassroots skiing in Anchorage, to working behind the scenes with NBC’s Olympic coverage, Kikkan shares how her career evolved after racing, including her journey through breast cancer and becoming a mom of two — all while staying deeply connected to the sport she loves.
The conversation shifts into an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to peak for the biggest races in the world. Kikkan breaks down how her best performances came not from over-specializing, but from building a massive aerobic base, trusting long-term training, and resisting the urge to over-taper. She opens up about the mistakes she made heading into the 2014 Sochi Olympics, how small changes in training load completely altered her performance, and what she learned that ultimately helped lead to Olympic gold in Pyeongchang.
Beyond physiology, this episode delivers some of the most valuable mental performance insights you’ll hear — from handling Olympic pressure and media attention to racing with purpose instead of fear. Kikkan explains how focusing on process over medals transformed her mindset, why setbacks often become competitive advantages, and how perspective can unlock peak performances when it matters most. Whether you’re an elite athlete, coach, or endurance sport fan, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on training smarter, trusting the journey, and performing when the stakes are highest.
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In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive deep into one of the most debated topics in endurance sports: peaking for championship events. Drawing from elite World Cup trends, Olympic preparation strategies, and real-world coaching experience, they unpack why peak performance isn’t something you chase in the final week — but rather something built intentionally through well-timed stress, smart tapering, and understanding how the body actually adapts. The conversation explores how modern athletes are shifting from traditional volume-heavy prep to intensity-driven race blocks like the Tour de Ski, and what that means for skiers and biathletes at every level
Andy and Brian break down practical peaking strategies for different types of athletes — from Olympic contenders and juniors heading to national championships, to masters athletes preparing for long marathon races like the Birkie. They explain how racing itself can be one of the most powerful training tools, why over-tapering often backfires, and how the balance of intensity, frequency, rest, and lifestyle stress can make or break performance on race day. Whether it’s when to add volume, when to pull back, or how close to competition hard efforts still matter, this episode gives clear, actionable insight grounded in both science and experience.
Beyond physiology, the episode also touches on the mental side of championship performance — from managing stress in high-pressure environments like the Olympics to building positive team culture and athlete confidence. Andy shares powerful team-bonding strategies and lessons from elite competition that highlight why athletes are people first and racers second. It’s a thoughtful, practical, and motivating conversation for coaches, athletes, and anyone chasing their best performance when it matters most.
Link to the study mentioned:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263010572_The_Road_to_Gold_Training_and_Peaking_Characteristics_in_the_Year_Prior_to_a_Gold_Medal_Endurance_Performance
Podcast episode mentioned:
https://www.fasttalklabs.com/fast-talk/reclaiming-success-through-mattering-connection-and-purpose-in-competitive-sports-with-sonya-looney/?_gl=1*168r43q*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-YvMBhDtARIsAHZuUzJIJQ8dB8y6cW7j7N-kVE0zI6RS0JaZx8jNYlQuKFsfSSeC9hCBmXsaAvAsEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAByunjsEDKL9FqERqoQQ6biDDDhZw
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In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with JD Downing, one of the most influential figures in U.S. masters skiing and a driving force behind XC Oregon and American Cross Country Skiers. With more than two decades of experience coaching, organizing, and leading Team USA contingents to the Masters World Cup, JD offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how masters skiing really works—from grassroots development to international competition.
The conversation dives deep into the evolution of masters racing, why participation has declined in some areas despite the sport’s overall growth, and what truly keeps athletes engaged for decades. JD shares sharp insights on coaching masters of all ages, explaining why customization, patience, strength training, and easy volume matter more than chasing intensity. From training templates and tapering strategies to technique fixes for fit but inefficient skiers, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for athletes balancing performance, longevity, and real life.
JD also previews the upcoming Masters World Cup in the Dolomites, describing the unique culture, challenges, and joy of racing on the world stage well into your 50s, 60s, 70s—and beyond. With stories ranging from jet-lagged race prep to 99-year-old competitors still toeing the line, this episode is a powerful reminder that Nordic skiing is truly a sport for life. Whether you’re a coach, a competitive masters athlete, or someone who just loves staying fast on skis, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian check in from opposite sides of the Atlantic as Brian joins the show live from Latvia during the IBU Junior Cup. The conversation opens with insight into international racing environments, athlete development at the Junior Cup level, and how these European competitions serve as a critical stepping stone toward World Juniors, World Cups, and ultimately the Olympics. Along the way, they reflect on how racing abroad compares to domestic competition and why these experiences matter so much for long-term athlete growth.
The discussion then shifts to a deep recap of U.S. Nationals in Lake Placid, highlighting the rising level of American racing and the unprecedented number of Olympic spots potentially earned through domestic performances. Andy and Brian break down what several standout athletes share in common non-traditional preparation paths that included time away from racing, dual-sport backgrounds, or forced resets due to injury or illness. Rather than seeing these disruptions as setbacks, they explore how mental freshness, perspective, and pressure management may actually be key ingredients for peak performance when it matters most.
Finally, the episode turns into a practical masterclass on racing and traveling in Europe. From jet lag, hydration, and fueling strategies to mindset, afternoon race preparation, and avoiding common first-time mistakes, Andy and Brian share hard-earned lessons from decades on the international circuit. They also tackle listener questions on ski prep, waxing resources, and why some athletes thrive overseas while others struggle. The result is an episode that blends storytelling, high-level analysis, and actionable advice for athletes, coaches, and fans who want a deeper understanding of what it really takes to perform on the world stage.
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In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with Ned Dowling, physical therapist at the University of Utah Orthopedic Center and one of the leading biomechanical minds working in endurance sport today. With experience spanning pro cycling, World Cup cross-country skiing, and ski mountaineering, Ned brings a unique, systems-level perspective to performance, injury prevention, and recovery at the highest level of the sport. The conversation kicks off in the middle of U.S. Nationals, setting the stage for a deep dive into what it really takes to stay healthy and fast through dense racing blocks.
Ned breaks down recovery in a way that cuts through the noise—explaining why sleep, nutrition, hydration, and intelligent active recovery matter far more than most “gimmicky” recovery tools. He unpacks what’s actually happening in the body after hard efforts, separating biomechanical, metabolic, neural, and psychological load, and explains how athletes should think about recovery between sprint heats, back-to-back races, and long competition periods. From spin bikes and massage tables to caffeine timing and nervous-system regulation, this episode delivers practical, experience-driven insight for athletes at every level.
The discussion then shifts into injury patterns specific to cross-country skiing, including low back pain, knee issues, and chronic exertional compartment syndrome—a condition that disproportionately affects skiers. Ned shares his evolving theory on why this happens, why traditional treatments often fall short, and how improving single-leg stability and hip-driven movement can make a real difference. The episode closes with a must-listen breakdown of neutral spine poling, explaining why “crunching” into the poles is inefficient, risky, and ultimately limiting for long-term performance. If you’re a skier, coach, or endurance athlete who wants to train smarter and stay healthy longer, this episode is essential listening.
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In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with elite skier and trail runner Erika Flowers for a wide-ranging conversation on training, racing, and life as a professional athlete juggling work, family, and competition. Recording from a snowy holiday break in Vermont, the discussion opens with reflections on East Coast skiing culture before diving into Erika’s unique background as a multi-sport athlete, NCAA All-American, World Cup racer, and North Face–sponsored runner — all while working a full-time professional job and raising a young child .
Erika offers an honest and refreshing look at how her training philosophy has evolved since becoming a working parent. Rather than chasing perfect plans or high training volume, she emphasizes flexibility, feel-based decision-making, and identifying just a few key sessions each week that truly move the needle. The conversation explores why “something is better than nothing,” how perspective can actually improve performance, and why many athletes race better when their identity extends beyond results alone .
The episode also dives deep into athlete development, coach-athlete trust, and navigating transitions — from college to post-collegiate racing, from skiing to running, and from rigid structure to adaptable training. Erika shares hard-earned lessons on patience, communication, and long-term thinking, offering valuable takeaways for masters athletes, young racers, and anyone balancing ambition with real-world demands. It’s a thoughtful, relatable conversation about staying competitive, resilient, and joyful in sport — even when life is busy and far from perfect.
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In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Brian Halligan and Andy Newell sit down with Gary Chambers, a fourth-generation Alberta grain farmer, CANSkI Level 4 instructor, Alberta Masters Association director, and Masters World Cup competitor to explore what makes masters skiing such a powerful and often overlooked part of the Nordic community. From Norway’s participation culture to North America’s event landscape, Gary offers a big-picture perspective on how masters racing thrives when community, mentorship, and meaningful competition intersect .
The conversation dives deep into the realities of masters training: balancing family, careers, physical labor, and recovery while still chasing performance. Gary shares insights on why learning to ski fast (regardless of race goal) can unlock better technique, confidence, and enjoyment on snow. He and Andy unpack common masters training pitfalls, including over-reliance on volume, fear of speed, and the challenge of adapting recovery and intensity as athletes age, all while emphasizing that masters deserve to be treated as serious athletes, not handled with “kid gloves” .
The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion on mentorship, cross-generation integration, and the role masters athletes can play in sustaining the sport. From supporting youth programs to showing up at start lines alongside elite athletes, Gary makes a compelling case that Nordic skiing is strongest when it refuses to operate in silos. The upcoming 2029 Masters World Cup in Canmore becomes a symbol of that vision, a homecoming where competition, camaraderie, and lifelong passion for skiing all meet on the same start line.
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In this episode of Race Ready, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan break down the biggest early-season takeaways from the Biathlon and Cross-Country World Cups, including surprising yellow-bib leaders, hot starts from U.S. athletes, and why it’s dangerous to draw conclusions too early in the season. They discuss how elite athletes manage training volume during the opening weekends, what it really means to “keep the pedal down” while racing, and how altitude venues like Davos can reshuffle the deck once again.
The conversation then shifts into a deep dive on training methodology, from VO₂ max development and double-interval days to the rise of highly specialized “engine” athletes (especially within the Norwegian system). Andy and Brian unpack what the data actually tells us about VO₂ max changes, survivorship bias in extreme training models, and why most developing athletes shouldn’t blindly copy what World Cup stars are doing. This section offers valuable context for coaches, juniors, and masters alike who want to understand how aerobic development really works.
Finally, the episode turns practical, offering actionable advice for coaches and athletes heading into the heart of the season. Topics include how to rebuild fitness mid-season, how to peak again after early races, pacing and technique strategies for altitude racing, and tips for running effective middle school and high school practices. Whether you’re coaching young athletes, preparing for a championship block, or just trying to race smarter this winter, this episode delivers real-world insight from two coaches living it every day.
- Visa fler
