Our fall update.
October 2022 Newsletter
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Great weekend at the Kimberley camp
The Fernie Nordic Racers participated in the Teck Regional Fall Dryland Camp in Kimberley from Friday September 30th to Sunday October 2nd. We had some beautiful weather all weekend and we all had lots of fun.
The camp started at 9 am on Friday morning. The older athletes started with some team bonding activities while the younger ones were doing a core workout and then they switched. Later the older athletes did some ski striding up to the top of the ski hill by the cat track and came down by the ski runs. It was fun. During this time, the younger athletes conquered Mountain Hill Climb. Then everyone had lunch and some rest time.
After lunch, the older athletes did classic roller skiing in little groups to work on their technique and skills, while the younger group had an introduction to skate roller skiing and played some fun games. Later in the afternoon, the older and younger athletes played Ultimate Frisbee in separate groups. Then there was a dinner at the Nordic Center for everyone.
On Saturday morning, the older athletes met up at the start of the Rails-to-Trails in Kimberley and did a 30 minutes warm up before heading to the start line of their time trial. They did a 3.8 km uphill skate time trial starting in town and going all the way up to the Nordic Center. Everyone did very well. After the time trial, the older athletes did an obstacle course on roller skis. The younger athletes split in two groups, one group did some team building activities while the other group did balance drills on roller skis and games, then all switched. After that, everyone had a well-deserved lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, the older athletes did a challenging workout with Shenoa Runge while the younger ones did an orienteering activity. Then the groups switched. The older group had a different orienteering course, and the younger athletes did their workout. All this took place at the Kimberley Nordic Center. The orienteering was organised by the Kootenay Orienteering Club. Later all athletes had dinner at Kimberley Nordic Center.
On Sunday, the older athletes met at the Rails-to-Trails at 9 am to go for a long roller ski. The Fernie athletes skied about 40 km in 3 hours. The younger athletes had a choice between a trail run at the Nordic Center or a bike ride. After the morning activities the camp was over, and it was time to go back to Fernie.
In conclusion, we thank all the volunteers, coaches, and parents for all their help and for making this event possible. It was a great opportunity for the athletes to improve and get stronger. Everyone had a lot of fun and is excited for next year!
Article by Louison Dubief and Aurélie Smithson
September 2022 Newsletter
Micheline Picard’s Interview
Where are you originally from? And how many children and grandchildren do you have?
I was born in Hull (now called Gatineau), Québec. Once married, I moved around quite a bit: Québec to Ontario and then west to Edmonton in 1970 with four daughters under 6 years old. I added a 5th daughter in 1986 and my first grandson was born in 1989. In 1998, we moved to Halifax and six years later we headed to the Middle East. In the meantime, seven more grandchildren came along, with our latest granddaughter born this in July.
What brought you to Fernie?
After more than six years in Qatar it was time for us to retire. Our daughter Annie and her family were living in Fernie. Since all the children and grandchildren where mostly out West, we thought Fernie would be a nice place to live and visit all the family members. We also liked the ability to join the FNS family and help any way we could.
When did you start cross country skiing?
I did some cross-country skiing in Jasper, Banff and Kananaskis while living in Edmonton. When we moved to Fernie in 2011, Annie’s family was very involved in the Fernie Nordic Society. Our three grandchildren participated in the Skill Development Program, and later on were on the Race Team. Once we moved to Fernie, I took the beginner coaching courses (on-snow and the dry land) and did assist/sub for some ski lessons. We also participated in the Teck ski races throughout the Kootenays to help the Race Team and to earn points for the Kootenay Cup, which we won 4 times!
What do you love about cross country skiing?
I love the idea that cross-country skiing is the best exercise to keep you in shape. I love the peacefulness that comes with that and love that this is a family sport. This is something both my husband and I love to do together!
Do you prefer classic, skate or both styles of Nordic skiing and why?
I do enjoy both styles of skiing and I’m very grateful that we have the choice of a more demanding terrain as well as a flatter course. The golf course offers that last option for all of us older people who are trying to improve our skate ski skills. But don’t get me wrong, I love the challenge of the hills at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre. That’s where I practice my classic ski techniques or just go for a leisure ski.
Aside from Nordic skiing, what other hobbies/passions do you enjoy?
Up until now I have been an avid gardener (both vegetable and flower). However, now I want to be on the road with our new RV named “La Belle Carmen”! It allows me to wallow in my other passion: knitting! My husband enjoys driving “La Carmen” while I knit to my heart’s content! The RV gives us the freedom to visit our families down east and all the way to Vancouver Island. I also enjoy reading fiction, biographies, anything knitting and listening to knitting podcasts.
What drew you to becoming involved with the FNS as a Director?
I was involved with the membership, one way or another, since our move to Fernie. I helped Annie laminating the cards along with the distribution. When the club moved to plastic cards, I also helped to print them. Once Annie moved away, Sam Sedlowsky took over this responsibility, but I continued helping until Sam stepped down in 2019. At that time, I officially became a member of the board as I took on the director hat.
Now, I’m grateful for Laurie who came out and volunteered to take on this position.
Who is your favourite Director? … Trick question 😉
Every member of the board is a special, hard-working person! Of course, I do have a penchant for our Treasurer/webmaster/helper wherever he is needed … who happens to be my dear husband.
What will you miss the most about your Membership Director role?
I will miss being on the board. I loved sharing all my ideas, meeting and greeting our members by their name. I also loved chatting with those who need help entering information in Zone4, especially when I recognized I could speak French with them! A definite bonus!
Even though I’m stepping away from my role of Director of Membership, I’m still involved with the newsletter. I do enjoy sharing my ideas with our newsletter volunteers and with the help of my subcommittee we are always on the lookout for new sponsors.
Although I started the 50+ Mellow Mountain Rangers group aimed at motivating our ageing population to stay active, I wouldn’t mind passing the baton to someone with ideas and energy to spare!
Interview by Alisha Rella
Edited by Susan Partridge
August 2022 Newsletter
July 2022 Newsletter