Rangeley Wrap

Sunrise in Rangeley

We got back from Rangeley yesterday, where we held our annual Fall Break camp. It was a great five days of training. We drove up last Tuesday night, after dinner on campus. A huge thanks to Connor and his family for letting the guys use their camp.
On Wednesday morning, we got things going with some lactate testing on the Saddleback access road. Everyone got some good info from the session, as well as a good rollerski in. In the afternoon, we ran the Uphill course, and then onto the trails for a bit.
Thursday had two tests on schedule. In the morning, we did the Uphill on Saddleback, and then in the afternoon, the double pole test. They were two great intensity sessions, and we followed up the double pole with some specific strength.
The 10 km classic rollerski time trial was on Friday morning. We took some video during it, and were able to do one-on-one video review with everyone before heading out for some classic technique work in the afternoon. Even after three intensity sessions in a row, everyone's energy remained high.

The Finish of the Classic time trial, snow on Saddleback in the background

Saturday morning, we headed over to Stratton, ME for a OD hike/run into the Bigelows. We had great weather, and we were rewarded with some spectacular views of the region.

Along the way

Summiting Cranberry Peak

The Crew on top of Cranberry

In the afternoon, the guys stacked a cord of wood, and then played a hotly contested Rangeley Bowl. Everyone got together for the Apple Pie making contest and some grilled chicken and burgers in the evening.

Rangeley Bowl action...

On Sunday, we capped of the training with a ski around the lake. It was another solid effort by everyone, and they were treated to a Sunday brunch cooked by Becky and Martin down at the Flynn camp.

Rangeley Camp

As we (Becky and Martin) sit here in the Rangeley Public Library, we realize what a great camp this has already been.
Yesterday saw great efforts in the Uphill run and Double-Pole test (800 meters). For the run, the podium for men was Sean, Jordan, and Captain Lucas. For women, it was Captains Nat and Megan, and then Beth. In the double pole, Jordan and Megan took top honors. Alex and Lucas rounded out for the men, and Beth and Nat for the women. After the test, everyone got some specific strength in on rollerskis. The highly valued sweatsuit awards were handed out after dinner last night to the male and female winners of both tests.
This morning, we saw the first snow flurries of the season as we headed up to the Saddleback access road for our 10 km classic rollerski time trial. Great efforts all around, especially as it was the third hard effort in as many workouts. Jordan and Megan once again posted the winning times. The trees on the mountain were dusted with a nice layer of the white stuff...
This afternoon, we'll head out to work on some technique stuff we saw in video from the time trial this morning. Should be another good session. Looking forward to a nice OD hike/run tomorrow. The Rangeley Bowl will be played tomorrow afternoon on The Field of Dreams.
As always, stay posted for more soon, and until then, check us out on Twitter @Bates_Nordic.

Fall Break is (Almost) Here

Its a busy couple of days here on the Bates campus, with midterm exams in full swing. The weekend was really productive. On Saturday, we drove out to do some threshold intervals in New Gloucester. Everyone got in the workout they needed, and then we headed back to campus for a weight room session. All around, a great morning.
On Sunday, we rolled out of the Alumni Gym parking lot just after 9 am, and skied all the way to the Fuller's house. A lunch of homemade lasagna and garlic bread was waiting for us there. After lunch we headed into Freeport for Trap Shooting at the LL Bean center. It was a long, but fun day of activity.
Check out some pictures (courtesy of Steve Fuller) from the day at: http://www.flyingpointroad.com/Photos/Skiing/Freeport-Rollerski-Trap-Shoot/
Now, we're looking ahead to putting in a great five days of training up in Rangeley. Its nice to have this Fall Break, and it will be a good opportunity for everyone to spend some quality time together. Looking forward to it, and we'll try and get some updates from up there.