There was a new update to Vermont guidance issued on Friday. What does it mean for ski training? Read on.
The new guidelines allow for outdoor exercise conducted with a maximum of 2 people at a time, 6′ apart and wearing masks. You can read a press release about the updated guidance here.
For MNC, that means that training in pairs is allowed provided the guidance is followed. Please be aware that we will still not be holding any official training or practices as this would constitute the “organized recreational sports” that is still not allowed under current guidelines.
However, you may call or text a training friend to put in some exercise with…this should come as a huge relief to many who are not a fan of just going it alone! Please keep in mind, though, that even if this training is not official club time, you still represent Mansfield Nordic Club and the sport of Nordic skiing.
There was a great interview with Sun Valley coach Rick Kappala recently on the Toko page (which I recommend parents and coaches listen to…thanks for sharing Rosemary!) and while the interview covered many awesome topics, one relevant point that applies to us right now was this [paraphrased] statement from Rick:
“When are Nordic skiers, and when is our sport, MOST visible to the general public? It’s not when we’re out on the ski trails…because only other skiers see us. It’s when we’re out ROLLERSKIING and DRYLAND TRAINING that our presence is seen and felt by the communities we live in.”
What a simple and well-put concept. Not only do we need to be wearing hi-viz clothing for vehicular and hunting safety…it also shows others who don’t ski that we are still responsible and focused. When we move over for cars it shows them that skiers are aware and attentive. When we wave to others on the trail it shows that we’re all excited to share the outdoors together.
So…with that said:
Please be aware of this guidance, but take the opportunity to communicate with a friend or teammate who you’d like to train with. Ski or run a session and work hard together. But always remember the bigger picture!
Thanks-
-Adam
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