Most of you started your 2021 training season this week – some might be testing, others getting back on rollerskis or enjoying time on the bike. Despite not being able to gather in groups your resourcefulness and focus are inspiring to us! And we thank all of you for participating in our Virtual Programming – whether it was the Video Challenge or our ongoing #25KinMAY. It’s clear to me whatever the next weeks, months and even years look like we will get through it together!
**Next Wednesday evening we are psyched to announce our second live conversation with Andy Newell and Will Koch**
Speaking of Video Challenge – we received over 20 entries from across New England – with clubs and individuals coming together to share the spirit of their team culture, training and lifestyle. It was hard to pick a winner but, David & Mathew Northcott from Putney XC impressed both the NENSA judges and our social media followers by combining rock n’ roll, skillful skiing and a HUGE fun factor! We look forward to hosting a Rollerski Event in Putney of David and Matthew’s choice, when we can all get back together! Hats off to Declan Rogers and to Dublin XC ski club who were named our two Runners Up! You can find all the videos here.
This month we are well into #25KinMay Rollerski Challenge with close to 100 participants so far — from Alaska to Michigan, North Carolina to Ontario, and even Taiwan! The premiss is simple: challenge yourself to get out and ski 25 kilometers (or more) in May! The goal of the event is to provide excitement to our broader cross country skiing community and continue the momentum of NENSA’s Rollerski Programming despite our current travel and social distancing restrictions. For event specifics read here. We’re getting close to skiing 500km together already! We’ve added a fourth category: Rockstar, Speedy Repeater, On My Own and #KeepUpWithBeckwith – whether you want to ski 25 or 200 km there’s something for you and each category will be eligible for raffle prizes from Swix, Enjoy Winter and Salomon.
In June our Virtual Programming will turn towards community wide testing – with some historic tests including a 3000m run, a SkiErg and rollerski test and a strength component. There will be categories for junior athletes, recreational skiers and prizes will be awarded to clubs. Stay tuned as we roll out that program.
July we will be focussing on a “World SuperSprint Virtual Championships.”
As you continue to plan your training and adventures stay up to date with our developing programs on our Virtual Resources tab.
Be in touch and have a great weekend!
Justin Beckwith