Thursday Jan 31, 2013 – NO MNC SKIING TODAY. Due to the recent warm, wet weather The National Guard has shut down the ski trails today. The areas around the trails and buildings are very muddy. As far as we know the races are still on at Trapps and Craftsbury this weekend but keep checking their websites or the NENSA site for updates.
Archive | Junior Blog
Pole Length – Jim Galanes
From Jim Galanes Galanes Sports Lab Institute jimgalanes.com
As with all aspects of ski technique it is not possible to discuss and isolated issue because all of the movements in skiing are integrated. Modifications in one area can have an effect in other areas and the same applies to the poling movements and pole length. Having said that, I think the typical pole length recommendation of 83% and 90% of individual body height is a good range to maintain good balance between all movement patterns. I use poles at 85% for classic and 90% for skating. These lengths feel about right for me at this time and I would caution against going more than a two to two an d a half centimeter longer or shorter as it may have both technical and physical impacts on other aspects of ski technique.
There are multiple factors to consider when determining pole length. The primary considerations should include the whole body muscle activation patterns, the ski terrain, individual strength, technique, and the body height and position. There is most certainly a range of pole length that may work for an individual. But there is also a length that will be too long or too short that will limit the ability of the poling forces to produce power. Also remember, too long or too short a pole length can alter body position and technique in a way that may alter muscle activation patterns and other aspects of technique.
There are many interesting studies on poling forces and pole length that analyze muscle EMG activity and horizontal, propulsive and vertical poling forces. These studies are too complex to summarize in a short response but they can be captured in what we have experienced and feel on skis. Both the vertical and horizontal reactive forces play a role in the poling movements. So I believe there are good reasons to maintain a nearly vertical pole plant to load the poles and carry the body weight. Long poles may require a greater angle at pole plant! When skating first came along there was a significant push to use far longer poles thinking it would increase poling and gliding time. This did increase both the poling and glide time but did not increase the power output or the speed.
I believe we need to think in terms of the efficient production of power, fast force production, from the poling movements. A longer pole may make you feel strong in the poling movements but there is a big difference between exerting force on the poles and producing power efficiently. To increase speed we need to think about decreasing poling time. In short, the longer the poles, the longer the poling time.
Jim
WAX CLINIC at the SKI RACK 1/28/13
Free Toko Wax Clinic
Monday, January 28, 2013
6:00-7:30 pm
6:00-7:30 pm
Murray Banks from Mansfield Nordic Club and the Toko Tech Team
will share 5 tips for fast skis and bomber kick in preparation for the
Craftsbury Marathon and Eastern Cup races the following weekend.
6 wax benches will be available for hands on learning.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own skis and tools.
Attendees will receive 15% Off Toko wax purchases.
hosted by Skirack
Juniors: Mountain Top Eastern Cup pics/recap
This past weekend was the 2nd Eastern Cup event of the season. Athletes raced in sprint races on Saturday, and classic distance on Sunday. The Eastern Cup series are the most competitive races in the region, and some of the more competitive races in the country. Junior racers (under age 20) use this series to qualify for Junior National Championships at the end of the season.
MNC had approx 8-10 athletes racing each day. While our numbers are small compared to some teams/clubs, we are growing and we are strong. One really neat thing is that many of the MNC athletes are juggling their high-school race schedule in addition to the Eastern Cups — which is a challenge to say the least! Thanks to the athletes for being a pleasure to work with, and thanks to all the parents that contributed to the weekend: waxing, running errands and carrying gear, giving splits, taking pictures, and keeping me energized with coffee and brownies!
Congrats to all the athletes and good luck to our BKL crew with the MNC Duathlon Race this coming weekend in Jericho!!
Following are some great photos that were contributed by Gary Solow (father of J3 Will Solow), and a few comments:
Ben Hegman (to the left) skiing in the J1 boys sprint heats. Ben was 2nd J1 in the classic race the following day!
Bill Harmeyer finished a strong 3rd both days in the J2s
Cally Bruan (j1) working the flats
Emmett Peterson in the 10km classic. Watch for Emmett’s name in the college ranks in another couple years!
J2 Forrest Hamilton eeked out a win in the J2 Boys sprint heats…at the lower-right side of this pic you can see the ski tips of the 2nd place racer
Henry Harmeyer en route to his win in the 5km classic.
Nathanael Kuzio is one of the best J2’s in the region! He finished 6th in this classic race.
Parker Francis showing his strong double-pole
Sam Longenbach fighting through a tough-day
J2-1st year Tatum Braun racing in her first-ever Eastern Cup
J3 Will Solow had an opportunity to see just how fast these athletes are!!
MNC Generator Fund Raising
Thank You to everyone that has donated towards our new Honda Generator. We are very close to covering the cost but still a little short.
The Honda generator is capable of running wax irons allowing us to help athletes with both glide and kick waxing at important events. This can be used at BK, Jr and Masters events. Don Harmeyer checked out the options and selected the Honda EU200i. He also contacted a local business that matched the best price available (approx. $1000.00) If you would like to donate please send a check to MNC C/O Rick Costanza 24 White Pine Rd, Fairfax, VT 05454. Thanks!
