Race Ready

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, host Andy Newell sits down with Dr. Lauren Loberg, a performance psychology consultant whose experience spans the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team, the NFL, and elite winter sport athletes. Together, they explore the mental side of high-performance sport — from stress management and emotional regulation to the importance of mental “prehab” for preventing burnout and injury. Lauren shares her own journey from Division I athlete to sports psychologist, revealing how personal setbacks inspired her mission to help athletes build resilience and self-awareness both on and off the field.The conversation dives into the evolution of sports psychology into what Lauren calls performance psychology — a holistic approach that extends beyond competition to everyday life. She explains how modern mental training isn’t just for fixing problems but for strengthening the mind before challenges arise. Topics include reframing negative thoughts, balancing recovery with motivation, and cultivating mental toughness through awareness and repetition. Andy reflects on his own experiences as an athlete and coach, highlighting how mental fatigue, self-talk, and visualization all influence performance during the racing season. In the final part of the episode, Lauren and Andy discuss the power of visualization, flow states, and positive self-talk in unlocking an athlete’s best performances. They unpack what really goes through an elite skier’s mind during high-pressure moments — such as Olympic races — and how athletes can learn to focus on what they can control, even amid chaos. Whether you’re a developing skier, coach, or parent, this conversation offers tangible insights into building confidence, managing anxiety, and approaching sport — and life — with a healthier, more sustainable mindset.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive deep into the benefits and challenges of altitude training. They share insights from observing world-class athletes like Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Emil Iversen training in Park City, and discuss how altitude adaptation varies from athlete to athlete. The conversation covers what it means to be an “altitude responder,” why timing and duration matter, and how to maximize gains without overloading the body.From there, the discussion shifts to the role of cycling in modern ski training. The hosts compare philosophies from international coaches—some favoring running for its ski-specific benefits, others increasingly turning to cycling as a lower-impact way to build volume. Drawing from their own coaching experience, they explore how athletes can strategically add cycling into their plans, whether as early-season base work or as a recovery tool during interval-heavy training blocks.The episode rounds out with listener questions on fall training topics, including how to adjust workouts when sick, best practices for strength phases, and creative solutions for athletes without access to long training hills. Andy and Brian emphasize practical, real-world advice: prioritize recovery when illness strikes, focus on technique before heavy lifting, and adapt training creatively to your environment. Packed with actionable takeaways, this conversation offers both athletes and coaches tools to fine-tune their approach heading into the race season.Linked study about Max Strength

In this episode of Race Ready, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan welcome three-time Olympian and World Championship medalist Susan Dunklee for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey from Vermont ski racer to international biathlon standout. Susan reflects on her early days growing up in a skiing family, her transition into biathlon through the early days of "Project X", and the pivotal advice from her father that set her on the path to competing at the highest level. She shares stories of racing in front of massive European crowds, breakthrough performances on the World Cup, and the psychological challenges of balancing ski speed with precision shooting.The discussion also dives into Susan’s training philosophies and the adjustments she made throughout her career to remain competitive over 11 seasons on the World Cup. She explains how she tackled weaknesses on the shooting range, developed resilience through process-oriented racing, and found balance by embracing her community at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center. The hosts highlight her 2017 World Championship silver medal performance as a career-defining moment and explore what it meant for American biathlon to achieve international success. Susan also offers perspective on longevity in elite sport, emphasizing the importance of keeping training fun and building supportive team cultures.Now serving as the Director of Biathlon at Craftsbury, Susan reflects on her transition into coaching and mentoring the next generation. She shares insights on teaching fundamentals, fostering a learning mindset in young athletes, and even creating lasting traditions like the “silver bib” for older competitors. The conversation rounds out with Susan’s work supporting para athletes and her passion for growing inclusive communities in sport. This episode is both an inspiring look back at a decorated career and a forward-looking exploration of how one athlete’s legacy continues to shape the future of biathlon.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with Chris Grover, longtime U.S. Ski Team coach and current program director for cross-country skiing. Grover shares his perspective on what it takes to bring more World Cup events to the United States, the financial and logistical hurdles behind them, and how climate change and global economics are shaping the international race calendar. From Lake Placid’s 2026 World Cup Finals to new race formats at the Tour de Ski, listeners get a rare look at the forces shaping the future of World Cup skiing.Grover also reflects on his journey from an Anchorage high school skier to Dartmouth racer, to decades of coaching at Stratton, Sun Valley, and the U.S. Ski Team. Along the way, he highlights the mentors who shaped him, the shift toward a “servant leadership” coaching philosophy, and the importance of building strong support networks for athletes. The conversation dives into the growth of American skiing over the past two decades—from early podium breakthroughs to the U.S. becoming a top-five nation on the World Cup circuit.Finally, the discussion turns to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Grover shares insights into managing Olympic quota spots, the evolution of national team staffing, and the collaboration between U.S. Ski Team and club coaches across the country. With the looming retirement of Jessie Diggins and the push to develop the next generation, Grover explains what it will take to keep U.S. skiing moving forward. It’s a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, culture, and the ongoing journey of American cross-country skiing.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive into the lessons learned from Andy’s recent experience at UTMB and how they translate to building resilience as an athlete. From the challenges of fueling and sodium balance to the mental process of evaluating performance after a tough race, Andy shares candid insights into the realities of long-distance competition and what it takes to bounce back stronger.The conversation explores the concept of durability in endurance sports, often referred to as the “fourth pillar” alongside aerobic capacity, economy, and threshold efficiency. Andy and Brian discuss how athletes can cultivate durability not just physically, but mentally, through consistent training, technique work, and maintaining a problem-solving mindset. They connect these ideas to both master skiers and competitive runners, offering practical takeaways for anyone striving to improve.Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or someone signing up for your first big race, this episode highlights the importance of resilience in sport and in life. With stories from the trail, reflections on biomechanics and physiology, and a healthy dose of humor, Andy and Brian provide inspiration and actionable advice for athletes looking to push their limits and “blast” their next challenge.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with Olympian and legendary coach Jim Galanes for an in-depth conversation on training philosophy, athlete development, and the evolution of Nordic skiing in the United States. The discussion begins with the “dog days of summer” training block, where both coaches reflect on the heavy training loads their athletes are absorbing. Jim shares stories from his own Olympic career in the 1970s and 80s, highlighting the massive training volumes of that era and how his perspective has shifted toward smarter, more sustainable approaches to building endurance today.The conversation then turns to the state of U.S. skiing development. Jim details his transition from athlete to coach, his role in pioneering club-based programs like APU and Stratton, and his philosophy on keeping young athletes engaged in sport for as long as possible. He raises concerns about the high financial cost of skiing, early specialization pressures, and the way current systems risk “selecting out” athletes too young. Instead, Jim argues for strengthening community-based skiing, providing consistent coaching, and building a culture of lifelong participation—lessons he believes are critical for long-term national success.Finally, the episode dives into science-based training tools and recovery strategies. Jim explains his use of HRV (heart rate variability), EPOC, and other metrics to balance stress and recovery, helping athletes avoid overtraining and maximize adaptation. He and the hosts discuss fueling strategies, controlled intensity, and the importance of technique and strength development for juniors. From practical tips for everyday athletes to reflections on the Norwegian training model, this episode blends history, science, and coaching wisdom into a compelling conversation for skiers, coaches, and endurance athletes alike.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dig into listener questions and explore the nuances of summer training for cross-country skiing and biathlon. They kick things off with reflections on their own recent workouts, highlighting the contrast between long, steady L3 intervals and high-tempo double-pole sessions. This sets the stage for a broader discussion on how different workout modalities stress the body in unique ways—whether it’s durability in the upper body, aerobic efficiency, or technical precision.The first major listener question tackles training periodization. Andy and Brian unpack the Arthur Lydiard model, its emphasis on base building, and how those ideas align (and sometimes diverge) from modern ski training. They break down concepts like macro and micro periodization, meso cycles, and how coaches plan volume, threshold, and high-intensity work across the year. The conversation also branches into examples from top athletes like Noah Hoffman and Nils van der Poel, and the hosts emphasize the importance of knowing the athlete, balancing training loads, and planning recovery to avoid burnout.Later, the duo address practical listener questions about classic vs. skate roller skiing, the importance of double-pole training, and even equipment quirks like roller skis with extended wheelbases. Throughout, Andy and Brian weave in their coaching philosophies, personal experiences, and anecdotes from athletes at different levels. The result is an engaging, highly informative episode that blends science, coaching insight, and listener-driven curiosity, perfect for athletes, coaches, and ski enthusiasts looking to fine-tune their training approach and stay motivated through the off-season.How to Skate a 10K

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with U.S. Ski Team standout Ben Ogden for an in-depth conversation about his journey from small-town Vermont skier to World Cup podium contender. Ben shares how the ski culture in Southern Vermont, with deep community roots and role models like the Caldwells and his own family, gave him the belief that a professional ski career was possible. He reflects on his time at UVM, why he chose to pursue a degree in engineering while racing at an elite level, and the challenges of balancing NCAA competition with World Cup and Olympic aspirations.The discussion dives into Ogden’s development as an athlete, including his close relationship with coach Patrick Weaver and the way he now takes ownership of his training plans. He opens up about lessons learned from sickness setbacks, the importance of managing energy throughout the long World Cup season, and how he’s beginning to incorporate more self-directed decisions like altitude camps. Ben also shares how training at the Center of Excellence in Park City has helped him refine his strength work and prevent injuries, highlighting the importance of technique and intent in the weight room.Finally, the conversation explores the dynamic within the current U.S. men’s team, which Ogden describes as one of the strongest and most supportive groups in program history. From his battles and friendship with Gus Schumacher to the camaraderie that keeps the team motivated through the highs and lows of World Cup life, Ben emphasizes how essential teamwork is in what is often overseen as an individual sport. With insights into training philosophy, career balance, and the unique culture of American skiing, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the sport’s rising stars.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with Tim Burke — four-time Olympian, 2013 World Championship silver medalist, and current Director of Athlete Development for U.S. Biathlon. Tim shares his journey from growing up near Lake Placid to becoming the first American to wear the yellow bib on the Biathlon World Cup, including the pivotal coaching change that transformed him from a middle-of-the-pack skier into a podium contender. The conversation blends personal stories, career-defining moments, and a candid look at the mindset needed to compete on the world stage.The discussion dives deep into Tim’s transition from athlete to coach, revealing the challenges and surprises of working with the next generation. He explains how his approach has evolved to meet the unique motivations and needs of individual athletes, why avoiding early specialization is critical, and how the U.S. team benefits from blending American and European coaching philosophies. Tim also reflects on mental toughness — from handling the pressure of Olympic expectations to developing the ability to “stay in your lane” amid distractions — and offers practical advice athletes can use to build confidence and resilience.Rounding out the episode, Tim outlines the major initiatives he’s spearheaded at U.S. Biathlon, including the rebirth of the Junior National Team, elite development camps, and the highly successful “Project X” program that recruits top Nordic skiers into biathlon. He shares how these efforts are expanding the talent pipeline, why collaboration with college and club programs is essential, and what it might take to push U.S. Biathlon to the next level internationally. It’s an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how world-class athletes are developed — and the culture shifts needed to grow the sport in America.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with former U.S. Olympic cross-country skier Noah Hoffman for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges elite sport, personal growth, and advocacy. Hoffman shares his journey from growing up in Aspen and racing World Cup straight out of high school, to representing Team USA at the Sochi and Pyeongchang Olympics. He opens up about the pivotal moments in his ski career, including training collaborations with Canadian legends like Alex Harvey and Devon Kershaw, and how his early embrace of daily blogging helped him connect with fans and secure vital sponsorships.Hoffman dives deep into his training philosophy, from massive volume blocks to the thousand-hour training year that ultimately pushed him to the brink. He reflects candidly on the lessons learned from a career built on structure and discipline—sometimes to the point of rigidity—and how personal challenges, like a major breakup, intersected with his athletic performance. The discussion touches on his relationships with coaches John Callahan and Zach Caldwell, and how the pursuit of peak aerobic capacity shaped his racing strategy, particularly as a distance specialist.The conversation then shifts to Hoffman's extensive work in anti-doping education and advocacy. He recounts firsthand experiences racing against athletes later caught for doping, including the impact of Russia’s state-sponsored program at Sochi, and how these moments motivated his involvement with USADA and Global Athlete. From educating young athletes to pushing for systemic reform, Hoffman offers a unique perspective on the challenges of ensuring clean sport at the highest levels. This is a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersection of high-performance sport, personal development, and the fight for fairness in competition.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian dive deep into summer racing strategy, the value of time trials, and how athletes can sharpen both their physical and mental tools during the offseason. They discuss the timing and purpose of summer race series like the Jericho roller ski nationals, emphasizing the importance of high-intensity efforts at low altitude, building speed endurance, and using races as opportunities to experiment with technique and warm-up routines. Both coaches highlight how summer testing helps athletes prepare for winter without the pressure of results, focusing instead on development.The conversation then shifts to race-day execution. Andy shares stories from sprint time trials in Bozeman, unpacking how to build a professional pre-race routine that starts hours before the gun goes off. The duo explore best practices for warm-ups—including why shorter races need longer warm-ups—and how to avoid the common mistakes athletes make, like rushing intervals or skipping proper cooldowns. Brian relates this to the biathlon scene, describing the unique demands of shooting under pressure and how junior athletes can use process-based goals to improve performance.They close the episode by diving into the mental side of racing: regulating nerves, using internal and external cues, and building routines that help athletes switch between intensity and levity. From detailed warm-up strategies to mental resilience, this episode is packed with practical insights for athletes at every level looking to level up their summer preparation and show up sharper in the winter.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian sit down with Dr. Sharon Henry, Professor of Physical Therapy Emerita at the University of Vermont, to explore the intersection of neuroscience, balance, and athletic performance in Nordic skiing. With decades of research in neuromotor control and a unique perspective shaped by both clinical work and personal experience in the ski community, Dr. Henry offers an eye-opening discussion on how balance is developed, trained, and often overlooked in ski training programs. Her work emphasizes the importance of sensory integration—particularly the vestibular, visual, and somatosensory systems—as foundational to developing effective skiing technique.Dr. Henry shares insights from a groundbreaking cohort study tracking elite skiers through preseason screening and injury surveillance. The findings underscore that injury history is a stronger predictor of future injury than preseason movement screens alone, and point to a need for more nuanced assessments of movement competency. She argues that many training programs undervalue true balance development and calls for a systematic approach to training balance—treating it not as a static trait but as a skill that can be built and refined over time through targeted exercises and neuromuscular challenges.The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for coaches working with youth and masters athletes alike. From fun, developmentally appropriate drills for U14 skiers to perturbation-based balance challenges under fatigue for elite racers, Dr. Henry offers a clear, science-backed framework for integrating balance into regular strength routines. She also explores the effects of screen time, aging, injury, and travel on balance, leaving listeners with a powerful takeaway: balance is trainable, critical, and often the missing link between good athletes and great performers.More about Dr. Henry

In this episode, we welcome seasoned coach Rick Kapala, Program Director and Head Nordic Ski Coach at the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation since 1987, a three‑time US Ski & Snowboard Coach of the Year, and a long‑standing force in developing junior athletes and national racing programs.Rick shares his incisive perspective on the current landscape of junior development in the U.S., highlighting both the strengths and gaps in nurturing emerging talent. We dive deep into club development strategies, exploring how local and regional programs can create pathways for young athletes to thrive. His pragmatic insights, drawn from decades of experience building full‑spectrum ecosystems in skiing, offer listeners a compelling roadmap for effective athlete development at every level.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in endurance training: overtraining versus overreaching. Timed perfectly with mid-summer volume weeks, they discuss how athletes at every level—from juniors to pros—can recognize the signs of training stress and avoid the downward spiral of under-recovery. They also reflect on their own personal experiences with fatigue, including suppressed heart rates, poor race performance, and the emotional roller coasters that often accompany intense training blocks.The hosts share practical tips on managing high-volume weeks, emphasizing hydration, fueling, sleep, and recovery. They dive into how life stress outside of training—work, school, emotional stress—can compound the physical load and lead to burnout. This episode also answers listener questions about heart rate suppression, explains how to detect early signs of overtraining, and challenges common assumptions around training intensity for juniors and masters. Whether you're aiming for a 30-hour training week or just trying to balance skiing with your job and family, this episode offers grounded, science-backed advice to help you stay healthy, consistent, and race ready.Overtraining vs. overreaching vs burnout? Fast talk podcast CTS: Overtraining signs, symptoms, and solutions for athletes 

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian welcome Gus Kaeding, the Director of Performance and Analytics at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Gus shares his unique journey from competitive skiing and coaching to leading data-driven projects that are reshaping how the U.S. Ski Team approaches athlete development, Olympic criteria, and performance tracking. The trio kicks things off discussing the role of summer racing in athlete development, the balance between training and racing, and how athletes from Jessie Diggins to juniors are blending diverse modalities like trail running and gravel biking into their training.The conversation then dives deep into the world of data and sport science. Gus explains the methodology behind building athlete criteria, evaluating development pipelines, and the pros and cons of metrics like FIS points. He offers insights into how data helps remove bias from selection and funding decisions, and how prioritization at the National Governing Body (NGB) level influences everything from junior athlete support to Olympic medal performance forecasting. The episode explores the cultural and structural challenges the U.S. faces compared to dominant ski nations like Norway and how the U.S. can improve athlete retention and development.Finally, the discussion takes a turn into ski technology with an in-depth look at the "stone grind arms race" following the ban on fluoros. Gus breaks down how national teams are innovating ski bases for maximum glide, the role of hand structure, and the complexity of testing in changing conditions. Whether you're a data nerd, a wax tech, or just a fan of high-performance sport, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the tools, systems, and strategies driving U.S. skiing forward.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive into the world of Nordic sports broadcasting with guest Ryan Sederquist—voice of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Live, host of the Seder Skier Podcast, and longtime storyteller of endurance sport. They start with updates from their respective summer training camps, sharing practical insights into combi workouts, double-pole intervals, and the developmental goals behind junior camps in Park City and Bozeman.As Ryan joins the conversation, the episode takes a deep dive into how he became a voice of cross-country skiing—from childhood tape recorder broadcasts to commentating Holmenkollen 50Ks. His journey through coaching, sports journalism, and distance running reflects a deep love for sport, storytelling, and the community that surrounds them. His anecdotes bring to life the passion and hustle behind the microphone and the keyboard.The trio then explores the current state and future of ski racing media. They critique outdated broadcast formats, the lack of data integration, and missed storytelling opportunities—and propose bold solutions to elevate the viewer experience. From the potential of drone footage and real-time heart rate data to athlete press conferences and FIS-owned streaming platforms, this episode is both a behind-the-scenes exposé and a vision for the future of Nordic sport.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian dive into some timely listener questions and share their insights from a busy summer of training, testing, and travel. Brian recaps his recent certification at the IBU Academy and offers a behind-the-scenes look at US Biathlon’s June testing camp, including motion capture biomechanics, shooting analysis, and fatigue-based vision research. Andy previews the return of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup to Lake Placid and highlights the value of domestic World Cups for athlete development.The duo then unpacks the complexities of zone 2 training, addressing a listener question from a master's skier struggling to keep their heart rate low during roller skiing. Andy and Brian explore how perceived effort, recovery capacity, and training volume all influence heart rate zones—offering practical advice for athletes balancing technique work, fatigue, and the realities of life outside training. They also stress the importance of easy days and emphasize that not all gains come from grinding.The final segment dives deep into interval training strategies: How long should intervals be for marathon racers? What are the trade-offs between 3-minute reps vs. 15-minute threshold sets? The conversation covers emerging trends in high-quality, power-based interval sessions, the science of VO₂ kinetics, and why all endurance sports are trending toward speed and power as competition intensifies. Whether you're a coach, junior athlete, or master skier, this episode offers practical tools to fine-tune your training.Linked studies:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333007182_Energy_system_contribution_during_competitive_cross-country_skiinghttps://www.calibratedcoaching.com/blog/energysystems/vo2kinetics

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian are joined by Bozeman-based physiologist Tom Cuddy, founder of Calibrated Coaching. The conversation dives deep into endurance physiology, with Tom unpacking the nuances of altitude adaptation, hemoglobin response, and the distinction between “responders” and “non-responders.” Drawing on his graduate work in high-altitude performance and ischemic preconditioning, Tom explains how athletes can maximize the benefits of altitude training while navigating its risks—particularly with the upcoming Olympics in mind.The conversation then shifts to training zones and the evolution of performance testing. Tom discusses the pros and cons of lactate-based zones versus ventilatory thresholds and how wearable tech may revolutionize how athletes monitor intensity. He also breaks down the physiology behind zone 2 training, demystifying why it's hyped in endurance communities and how it differs across sports like skiing, running, and cycling. His insights help clarify when zone 2 is productive and when it might turn into “junk miles.”Rounding out the episode, Tom shares his approach to individualized coaching and testing through Calibrated Coaching. From VO2 max testing and biomechanics to heart rate zone prescriptions and race file analysis, he emphasizes a tailored approach that considers each athlete’s physiology, event demands, and training history. Whether you're an elite skier or weekend warrior, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to train smarter and build durable, efficient endurance.

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan take a high-level look at strength interventions for skiers and endurance athletes. They discuss how strength training has evolved from old-school approaches—like static core routines and generalized lifting—to a more modern, individualized method rooted in movement quality, stability, and sport-specific needs. Andy shares how his early strength coaches from football and rugby backgrounds shaped his holistic philosophy: build athleticism first, then translate it to better technique and performance on skis. Brian brings in his experiences from biathlon coaching and reflects on his own journey from basic lifting to incorporating functional movement and targeted interventions.Together, they break down the five key strength categories—general strength, max strength, power, velocity, and core—and explore how each can be periodized over a season depending on athlete age, training background, and goals. They also emphasize the importance of identifying and addressing individual weaknesses through functional screening, especially for young and developing skiers. The conversation is filled with practical tips for incorporating strength without a full gym setup, including ideas for playground workouts, band exercises, and core-integrated plyometrics.Listeners will come away with a better understanding of how to build strength plans that actually intervene—that is, strategically support each athlete’s path to better skiing. Whether you’re a coach writing plans for high schoolers, a developing athlete unsure where to start, or an elite skier refining your program, this episode is a valuable resource on blending strength with ski-specific movement and long-term development.Studys referenced: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9179959/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320315019_Strength_training_improves_double_poling_performance_after_prolonged_submaximal_exercise_in_cross-country_skiers

In this episode of the Race Ready podcast, Andy and Brian sit down with Matt Liebsch, co-owner of Pioneer Midwest, veteran World Cup skier, and legendary Birkie champion. Recorded while Matt was in Europe picking skis from top-tier race rooms, the conversation dives deep into the craft of ski selection. Matt shares his data-driven approach to picking skis, developed through years of engineering experience, testing, and fieldwork. He explains how no two skis are exactly alike, why flex matters more than brand hype, and what makes certain skis perfect for specific snow conditions.The episode then pivots into Matt's unique path in the sport, from picking up skiing late in high school to nearly qualifying for the Olympics, all while balancing a full-time engineering career, raising a family, and eventually launching a successful ski shop. His journey illustrates how passion, persistence, and curiosity can propel someone to the top ranks—even outside the conventional elite pipeline. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset and training philosophy that helped Matt become a perennial contender at America’s biggest ski race, the American Birkebeiner.Finally, Andy and Brian reflect on how Matt’s story is a powerful example of skiing as a lifelong pursuit, not just a fleeting Olympic dream. They explore the importance of self-guided training, maturing coach-athlete relationships, and finding motivation through personal goals like the Birkie. Whether you're a junior chasing national teams or an adult skier juggling family and fitness, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a healthy dose of ski geekery.