Dryland

· Running Shoes: Replace your shoes regularly. Twice yearly at a minimum.

· Skate Rollerskis: Necessary for the skate rollerskiing (attempting to skate on classic rollerskis will both destroy the wheels and be frustrating; it can also contribute to poor technique). In the absence of dedicated classic skis, skate rollerskis can also be used for double pole workouts. We recommend Marwe and Swenor brand rollerskis (for ordering information see below).

· Skate Rollerski Poles with Road Ferrules: Rollerskiing will quickly destroy on-snow baskets. Normal tips also do not effectively grip the pavement. Might as well start with road ferrules which have superior performance in all areas.

· Bike Helmet: No matter how good the skier, accidents and equipment malfunctions will happen. Helmets are required for all rollerskiing.

· Safety Vest: During the autumn, when daylight is limited, these will be necessary for rollerskiing. Will also be used for trail runs during hunting season.

On Snow

· Classic and Skate Boots: Dedicated boots for each technique will improve performance.

· Classic Race Skis: You need appropriately flexed race skis that are “just right;” neither too soft nor too stiff. If you gained or lost weight, get your race skis flex tested.

· Classic Rock/Training Skis: Although we encourage skiers to train on their race skis as much as possible, a second-tier pair of classic skis will be needed for training in marginal conditions.,

· Skate Race Skis: For skate races, at a minimum, you will want a medium flex pair with a standard grind (I hesitate to call it a grind for “normal” conditions—it’s the East Coast after all—but you need a grind that can be adjusted for both warmer/humid and colder/dryer conditions). If your bases are concave, convex, or uneven, please have them stoneground: Flat bases speed up waxing and allow hand tuning; uneven bases heat unevenly and make it difficult to press in structure.

· Skate Rock/Training Skis: A second-tier pair of skis will be necessary for training in marginal conditions.

· Classic and Skate Poles: Poles of the proper length are conducive to effective technique.

Miscellaneous

· Watch with Timer and Stop Watch: Will be used extensively in interval workouts.

· Water Bottle and Carrier: We will be doing unsupported overdistance workouts; a comfortable way to carry water and food makes this possible. If running with a water bottle carrier is uncomfortable, look into camelbaks or other alternatives.

· Passport: We will take advantage of training opportunities in Canada during the fall and winter. A valid passport is needed.

Strongly Recommend

The following equipment will vastly improve the quality and enjoyment of training. We strongly encourage that you consider investing.
The team will provide wax on race days or when the conditions are unusual. For day to day training, however, you will be expected to own the basics. Relying on the team or your teammates is disruptive: Waiting to use a cork takes valuable time away from training. As an independent athlete we expect you to have most, if not all, of the following: