First Blog from Breezy!

Fall. Leaves are gently sinking to the ground, the air is getting colder, and the occasional frost (or if you are lucky, a dusting of snow) coat the ground. Fall is a time of anticipation and butterflies about the coming season. We are all full of hope and apprehension about how the season is going to shake out.

As the days get shorter, ski racers put on their athletic shorts and sports bras and hit the gym, track or trail, because in ski racing fall=dryland. Each school year starts off with physical testing (which Stephan explained pretty well). From there we jump straight into weight lifting, running, games, balance and core exercises, and yet more running.

At Rowmark competition dominates dryland with teams, yelling and competitive spirit. This peaks at the Bear Lake Challenge! (see Bear Lake above) It’s the ultimate physical test. Over three days, Rowmark bonds together as four teams battle it out through physical, mental, balance -- but mostly physical -- competitions to decide the Bear Lake champions (we even have a trophy).

But really we just can’t wait for Loveland ski camp and ski season after that. The sweat, tears and blood are all in preparation for what we look forward to all fall -- the prospect of snow and therefore skiing! From Loveland, Colorado to Hintertux, Austria, ski racers everywhere are getting ready to ski.

.)) Breezy Johnson

Testing out in the great Northwest....

Hey guys! This past Sunday was the USSA Physical Assessment, and we all know how much we love that. There are multiple areas of strength that are tested. One of the tests is the "Pacer" which is running between two given points, increasing speed after each level. You run until you die. The other tests include a very unfair (in my opinion) abdominal strength test, vertical jump, and the horrifying Box Jump. In the Box Jump, you start on top of a roughly 20in high box and jump off the box to the left, landing on the ground. You then jump back onto the box and jump off to the right. You repeat this action for 60 seconds and try to get as many hits on top of the box as you can. This test results in death as well. Well, now that I've explained everything, here were my results!

Ab Strength- Level 4 (There are seven levels, my disproportionate body is at a disadvantage with this test)

Pacer- Level 13

Vertical Jump- 28.5in

Box Jump- 73 (Despite tripping over the box in the beginning of the test!)

I was pretty satisfied with my results and I seem to improve every year. How did you racers do? Goodbye for now!

.)) Stephan Splitstoser