Ski racing question

SO I tried racing for the first time today.  It was much more fun than I expected.  I was 3.5 seconds from a bronze.  What tips are there for increasing my speed to lower my time.  My husband watched me and said compared to others that my start out was slower. So how does one increase that or is it something that comes with time. I remember another point on the track that I slowed down I think because I realized oh I am going fast and tried to force a turn earlier. 

I am going to keep at this so if anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it.

 

 

Starting from the top ...

Watch how many steps the better folks take when skating to the first gate ..... usually about three or so .. DO THAT

At the bottom, eye the last three gates or so and see where you can start to tuck.

Also at the bottom ... very important IMHO ... look at the shortest distance to the finish.  It may be to the right or left but it's not always down the center.  Think of it in terms of why go three or four extra feet.  So, your line from the last gates will be to the right or left.

Strip ...    take off yer' .... actually what I mean is get that heavy coat and get down to something that will not create as much drag as a jacket.  Have hubby mind your jacket and meet you at the bottom.  A sweater and windstopper type vest will shave some time off.

Be smooth, think smooth and roll the ankles ... nothing abrupt .... like you are carrying eggs don't charge a gate and ram on the brakes ...

I assume this is NASTAR

Yes this was a NASTAR race.  Thanks for the advice.

skate fast then go for it, you can practice skating on flat or slightly downhills but it all doesnt matter if your mind slows you down either by choice or by self perserving nature.


if your anything like your sister your afraid you cant be afraid and go fast, you have to go for it put the skis up on edge pressure the outside skis and go for it. The seven springs nastar hill can be done with out skidding once IE any active rotary is something you dont want the entire turn can be done though tipping and pressuriong.

your skis cant be as big as mine when I did 179cm PE 21 meter radius, I platinuimed against a much harder handicap. Basically trust the ski and dont slow down to cross the finish. Smaller skis will be easier to arc. I highly suspect your like your sister and scared for reasons that arent valid. Lose that fear and you will fly! :)

and like always video would help alot.....

Bushwacker is right on the money .... someone once said .... "start out and skate like your hair is on fire" .... 

Thanks BWPA.  I will probably have my husband video me next weekend.  I thought of it today but forgot. 

Oh, I use volkl fuegos 154

Get a good push from the gate - and a few more pushes while you skate toward the first gate.  If you lean out on your poles - and lift your boots up off the ground before going through the start gate - that will give you a slightly faster start than just pushing through flat - and the extra speed will carry with you and take time off your run.

Keep a high line.  That is - turn as high above the gate as possible - so that you pass the gate just below the gate as closely as possible.  In other words - don't ski up to the gate and then turn around it.  Pick a higher point and initiate your turn when you are directly above the gate - and carve a turn that takes you right back to the gate so that you pass directly below it - and maybe even rub your back or shoulder against the gate.

http://www.modernskiracing.com/images/Tactics_Fig_1.jpg
http://www.modernskiracing.com/road_not_taken.php


Buy some arm protections.  Spyder makes a shirt with flexible protoctors in the shoulder, back, elbows and forearms.  Once you get used to racing the course - you might start getting a bit more aggressive - and your shoulders or forearms might start hitting the gates.  This hurts and bruises without protection.

Good luck.

So I raced again today, and got a bronze.  27.99.  Now I am only 2.3 secs fro a silver, obviously this is the next goal!!!  I will try and get a video posting for critique.  Thank for all of the advice.