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• Brian Gregg 9:46 am on March 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  Falun World Cup Crash 

  Excerpt from http://www.xcSkiLife.com

  If video does not appear, try this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ts7UYQXxts

  The entire pack was more or less together at 4.5km going into the bridge. Then things got messy.  This made me so mad.  I have been feeling really good in my classic skiing and had great skis.  I was sitting around 40th and skiing comfortable. I am usually pretty good at anticipating the flow of traffic in a mass start race, but everything went down very quickly.  Someone went down near the top of the bridge and I didn’t have time to get around the side of the group.   You can see Newell just sneaking by on about an inch of snow. Standing at a dead stop, I lifted my poles up so that they would have less chance of getting broken.  The next few seconds are kind of hard to remember,  someone hit me hard from behind and my pole snapped. The worst part was that we were so tangled up that we had to wait for everyone to ski around us before we could untangle.  It was a real mess.  Then I had to actually move the Sweedes ski because of how tangled we were.  We had some colorful discussions. I received a new pole within 400m but I lost contact with the group. I was able to chase down Teo Peterson (Sweeden)(who as you can see was the one who really caused the damage) and Noeckler (Italy) the OPA Cup Leader.  I skied the remainder or the race myself again trying to limit the time gaps for the 15km handicap start.
   

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• Brian Gregg 3:12 am on October 27, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  2nd Annual ActivEdge CXC/Birkie Strength and Agility Clinic and 350 Campaign 

  

  My favorite clinic of the year was last weekend.  Garrott and I held a strength and agility clinic at ActivEdge in Seeley.  I enjoy traveling and meeting new people but there is something special about an event at home.  An enthusiastic group of 23 made fresh tracks in the snow on a beautiful Saturday morning.  The weather has been pretty poor and I know I am not the only one who responded well to a little sunshine.

  

  Warming Up and Working on Dryland Technique

  

  Garrott Demonstrating Low Skate Walking: Focusing on Full Weight Transfer

  

  Isometric Core Strength

  Strength has made a considerable difference in my ski racing the past few years and I enjoy sharing favorite exercises.  Garrott and I started with drills on coordination and balance, progressed to leg and core strength and finished with a variety of jumps and agility exercises. Everyone picked up a few tips and found some things they needed to work on.

  Before the soreness settled in we made our way over to the Sawmill Saloon for some delicious Chili.  Thanks to Jay Tapper of ActivEdge for donating the Chili.  Garrott and I put together a little slideshow from last season and this summer’s training.  It was fun to share stories and chat with everyone.

  Oh yeah, What is the Deal with 350?

  350 parts per million is what many scientists, climate experts, and progressive national governments are now saying is the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. Scientists have concluded that we are already above the safe zone at our current 390ppm, and that unless we are able to rapidly return to 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and major methane releases from increased permafrost melt.

  Check out 350.org to view our photo and over 16,000 simlar ones from around the world.  There are some pretty cool shots.

  I have read on the web that some of the highlights from the day included a planet-scale game of Scrabble, with citizens in Wellington and Sydney forming giant human 3s,

  London and New Delhi enormous human 5s, and Quito and Copenhagen massive 0s. “The point was you had to put them together across global borders if you wanted to solve the puzzle,” said 350.org media coordinator Jamie Henn. “Just like the climate negotiations set for Copenhagen in December.

  We are ready for snow here in Northern Wisconsin
   

• Brian Gregg 3:03 am on October 19, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  2nd Annual: CXC/Birkie Get Your Nordic On! Ski Agility and Nordic Walking Clinic 

  Presented by AcivEdge

  

  Need a little motivation to get ready for the upcoming ski season?  Back by popular demand, CXC Vertical Limit Team skiers Brian Gregg and Garrott Kuzzy will be hosting a Ski Agility and Nordic Walking clinic on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

  The two-hour clinic will start at the ActivEdge Fitness Studio, located in the Lenroot Lodge in Seeley, Wisconsin, at 9am sharp.  The first hour of the clinic will focus on ski specific balance, coordination, and strength training.   The second hour will be a group hill workout session with poles on the Seeley Hills Trails.  There will be individual instruction and workout ideas for everyone, beginner to advanced.

  Join Brian and Garrott afterwards at the Sawmill Saloon in Seeley for a chili feed fundraiser lunch

  hosted by Jay Tapper of ActivEdge.  The cost of the chili feed is $25 with all proceeds going to Brian and Garrott’s Olympic quest this winter.  The chili will be donated by ActivEdge.

  Schedule

  8:30am – Registration at ActivEdge in basement of Lenroot Lodge, Seeley, WI

  9:00 – 9:10: Warm-up

  9:00 – 9:20: Stretching with Jay Tapper of ActivEdge and “Fitness in 5” radio show

  9:20 – 10:00:  Ski specific balance, coordination, and strength training.  “Something for everyone” beginner to advanced.

  10:00 – 10:45:  Hill workout with poles and individual attention.

  10:45 – 11:00:  Question and answer & wrap-up.

  11:00 – Chili Feed benefit for Brian and Garrott.  Enjoy lunch afterwards!  Sawmill chili provided by ActivEdge.  Cost: $25.

  Registration

  Pre-registration strongly suggested and can be done by emailing Jay Tapper of ActivEdge: JLTapper@cpinternet.com.  Questions?  Call Jay: 218-393-8767.  This clinic will be done on foot; bring your ski poles, running shoes, and water.  No rollerskis required.
   

• Brian Gregg 6:06 am on September 22, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Getting Lean 

  Sometimes you need to burn off a little extra fat. My most recent training partner and I have been working on this. After our September training camp I took advantage of a $59 Sun Country flight to Washington for my brother’s wedding. Pork is on the menu, we are down to one bag of food and the pig Chad and Alieta bought in the spring should feed about 140.

  

  My brother Chad taking the pig for a walk/run

  Pigs are intelligent animals and it is relatively easy to train them to walk, turn, and stop with a cane. Pork has a rather high fat content so taking a pig for a walk or run and leaning them up before they go to market can make a big difference.  Back in high school when we raised pigs we spent a lot of time with them.  This pig is a bit more wild, so taking it out for a run more or less meant letting it out and then trying to get her to go back in.

  
  Back in high school, the Gregg kids had a little known talent for raising, fitting, showing and selling hogs.

  
  These pigs gained about 200 pounds in 4 months (photo from June 1)

  
  My sister and I gave the newlyweds a RolyPig Composter to help ease the loss of the real pig. These things are pretty cool. Check out the demonstration video athttp://www.RolyPig.com
   

• Brian Gregg 7:27 pm on September 11, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Nordic Walking: A Lifetime Sport 

  The other week I led a CXC/Birkie Nordic Walking Clinic in Woodruff, WI at Premier Physical Medicine and Wellness Clinic. 42 people made the clinic ranging in age from 8 to 86 years old. It is one thing to hear about nordic as a lifetime sport but it is really cool to see both young and old enjoying the sport.

  
  Dr. Jim Mullen offering some advice on Nordic Walking. The hill behind him is a manmade playground with tunnels, paths, steps, tires and all sorts of fun things to climb on. Premier’s facility is really world class. Check out their website at http://www.premierPhysicalMedicine.com

  
  Uphill Technique

  The clinic went great. Everyone enjoyed the great weather and many are excited for the Birkie Trail Run and Trek on September 26.

  
  

  Unfortunatly when I got in the car to head back to Hayward. The ol’ Neon made no effort at all to start. Jim and I tried a few things before realizing it was beyond us. This could have been a rather stressful situation but thankfully the Mullens made it easy. Thanks for letting me stay with you, directing me to the great running trail, and helping me get the car fixed.

  
  

  I spent my Monday ‘rest’ day hanging out in Minocqua waiting for the mechanic to replace the starter switch. Not a bad place to be trapped. I wish every library had a bench like this.

  Pete Edwards is discussing. Toggle Comments

   

  • Pete Edwards 10:40 pm on September 14, 2009 Permalink | Reply

    Brian – GREAT job with your Nordic Walking Clinic! Nordic Walking is NO longer just for cross country skiers in the know.

    And just like all skiers know, one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking and/or flip-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

    At http://WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we carry 14 different lengths of Nordic Walking Poles. We use SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles – respected names in the ski business. ALL of our Nordic Walking Poles come with comfortable patented fingerless-glove type straps – patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

    Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back – better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

    Keep up the good work at CXC and have FUN Ski Walking!

• Brian Gregg 2:06 am on August 25, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Chicken Bingo 

  I enjoy a game of Chicken Bingo. I have never been much for gambling, but as far back as I can remember I have enjoyed this game

  

  My brother and Me placing our bets

  For those of you unfamiliar with the game here are the rules:

  

  How it Works:

  • Squares are sold for 50 cents. 
  • If the chicken poops on your square you win $10. 
  • There is one winner per card, leave your contact info and we will let you know if you win

  The Rules: 

  1. There are no ties, the most poop wins.
  2. The judge makes the final decision. 
  3. You may talk to the chicken but you can’t touch the cage or the chicken. 
  4. Anyone can play.

  

  Cheering is a big part of the fun.

  My brother Chad was one of the day’s big winners

  Chicken Bingo is a great way to attract people to any booth at a fair, festival or expo.  This particular contest is part of the Methow Conservancy booth at Wintrhop, WA 49ers Day.  Stop by the CXC booth at next years Birkie Expo to see if we brought chickens. 

  My workout on Sunday ended short after I took a spill mountain biking. Thankfully I had my Rudy Project helmet on.  The impact was great enough that my helmet cut into my forehead and cracked.  I still have a small headache which makes me belive I had a minor concussion.  In case you were wondering, my ‘concussion’ photo saved right next to my ‘chickenBingo’ folder and I though those pictures were more entertaining. 

  
   

• Brian Gregg 2:50 am on July 31, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Clear Day at 9000′ 

  Yesterday afternoon the clouds cleared out and we have been treated to some fantastic weather here on the Haig. This week will be a huge week. The mornings we ski 2-3 hours, plus 1-1.5 hours of hiking. Thankfully, the camp staff John and Joel keep us well fed so we can recover for an afternoon session and the following day.

  
  Thanks John and Joel for the excellent grooming

  
  The trail loops back and forth on the glacier for 7.5km

  
  Prepping skis for tomorrow

  
  Matt

  
  This has to be the coldest water I have ever iced my legs in

  
  John prepping the mussels for dinner.

  John and Joel have been treating us really well. I have never eaten so well at a training camp. My appetite has been suppressed with the altitude but everything is so good that I have been getting enough still. It is luxurious up here with great food and warm showers. I am off to see which movie is playing tonight.
   

• Brian Gregg 2:21 am on July 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  Beautiful Day of Skiing Today 

  Haig Glacier Skiing

  Yesterday the skiing was alright. Today it was unreal. The beautiful weather helped. Great conditions for a July distance ski. Matt and I put in a solid 2:45 ski in the morning. It takes 45 minutes up and 30 minutes down going really easy (HR 100) to travel to the trails.

  
  Looking back at camp 15 minutes into the morning hike

  
  Beautiful Conditions and Excellent Training.

  Today was my first day skating and first time on Nordic Ultratune’s new warm grind the PL3. Not sure where the name comes from but they ran really well. I was gliding away from Matt who even had JetStream on his boards.

  
  Matt testing out this years new Salomon boots

  
  We are skiing nice and easy up here. I have been trying to keep the heart rate low. The altitude 2700m makes it feel really hard up here. We did some lactate testing today and I am pleased to be at 1.0mmol for 130bpm. We are looking to stay under 1.5-2mmol.

  
  The afternoon the weather really cleared up and we enjoyed a nice run followed by a stretch on the heli pad. Not a bad view.
   

• Brian Gregg 9:19 pm on July 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  On Snow Skiing in July/August 

  Matt and I made it to base camp for the Haig Glacier. There were a number of logistics to make it in here.  Many thanks to The Sellars Family, Kit Richmond, Dave Battison, and Alain Parent for helping us with those. We are looking forward to a great volume block with eight days on snow.

  
  Enjoying a light dinner on the bridge in Canmore, Alberta

  
  Thanks to Steve for putting us up in Canmore. It was great to get to know your family.Your alligator is pretty cool too.

  
  Kit and Matt at the trail head ready to run in.

  
  The 18km run in to base camp is awesome. Several walking sections but a fair amount that can be ran at an easy pace.

  
  Matt Ready To Ski on the Haig Glacier (background)

  
  Brian

  
  Our home for the next week. 45 minute hike to the 7.5km groomed loop.

  More updates coming soon.  I meant to post pictures of skiing today but left my camera at camp.  The weather was wild today.  We started in slightly overcast weather, 15 minutes in we were soaked by a 5 minute downpour which broke into clear blue skies.  It rained once more before we completed our easy 2 hour ski.  I will have more pictures soon. Check out http://www.xcSkiLife.com for additional updates.
  
   

• Brian Gregg 1:13 pm on June 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

  LCO Boys and Girls Club 

  It is fun to be back with the kids again after being in training camps and the Pacific Northwest the past six weeks.  I have been working at the Boys and Girls Club on the Lac Courte Orielles reservation for almost a year now.  My first day back was a good one.  We joined the rest of the world in celebrating the birth of the modern Olympics on Olympic Day, June 23rd. We celebrated at ‘The Club by promoting the Olympic values and physical fitness. Tuesday was by far the hottest day of the summer so we spend most of our time indoors. We held our own track and field contests including a relay race around the gym, long jump, 50m dash, high jump, disc toss and softball toss. We talked about Chicago’s bid for the summer Olympic Games in 2016. It would be pretty cool to have the greatest world stage for sports to be just 5 hours away. I also talked about my Olympic quest in cross country skiing and the importance of sportsmanship.

  Adolfo, Dusty, Alex, Archie, Alana, Devon, Brian, Marie, Isaiah, Betty, Elianna and Paige

  Devon, Kiera, and Adolfo

  
  

  Devon and Dimitry getting ready for the relay

  
  

  Adolfo, Archie, Devon and Me

  
  

  Long Jump

  Hailey working on her slip and slide Limbo