Cross-country skiing: Alex Harvey's tips
Be well prepared and you’ll have more fun
A collaboration with Alex Harvey, Olympic cross-country skier.
Over the next few months, I’ll have the opportunity to share some tips and advice that can be applied during your cross-country skiing season. The idea is not to make you future professional cross-country skiers, but to provide you with some tricks of the trade to increase your enjoyment on the trails!
In preparation mode
Whether your goal is just to enjoy a few outings this winter or to take part in competitions, good preparation in the fall can lead to great results. If you've kept fit this summer by running, hiking, or cycling, now’s the time to transfer your fitness to cross-country skiing.
If you have the chance, do some roller skiing or even try skiing as soon as it snows. This will allow you to adapt more quickly once on your skis. Also do exercise sessions to improve your balance and prevent injuries.
In competition mode
If you have more specific objectives in mind, try to vary your periods of effort with periods of recovery. Establish cycles so that you can be in the best possible shape when it comes time to compete in certain competitions.
High-volume periods of training or of intensity should not overlap with times in the season that you have identified as moments when you want to perform better. So plan for a few days of recovery before and after your competitions. Your body will thank you profusely.
Thought of the day
Remember that no matter what your level, goals, experience, or skier profile, you should always hit the trails with the idea that first and foremost you’re out to have fun. The rest will come naturally.
