10th Week, Diagonal Stride beginnings, #langrenn

Even though I was not there Laura and Mary Ann taught the class.

The lesson that was taught has been a long time in coming, since getting on a grid with tracks set has been out of the question because of lack of snow. 

You started on the grid with 4 lanes with one ski on and no poles

You then practiced landing on the ball of the foot and pushing yourself down the track not scootering, but stepping and pushing with the ball of your foot making sure of a complete weight transfer as you pushed yourself down the track

You then switched to the other foot and practiced the other side. You probably found out that you have better balance on one ski versus the other ski. There is likely hood of about 80% of the time the left leg being the better leg to balance on.

Once mastered some of you were challenged to balance as long as possible on one ski down the track.

You then did the 'gimping' ski exercise where one ski was in the track and one out of the track with the ski out of the track doing the pushing without gliding.

Finally with both skis in the tracks you then practiced skiing without poles.

There was a major focus on weight transfer by doing the nosekneeski exercise.

There was also the direction of falling forward from the belly button.

It was emphasized to have the foot come down beside or even ahead of the gliding foot while keeping the lean forward. If your ski is slapping it is because your foot is not being brought forward enough. The more you lean forward the further forward you will be able to bring your foot. 

Also presented was falling forward naturally brings the leg back and the ski off the ground.

Ski poles will be added another day.  :)

This picture has 3 ski skaters coming around the corner and they almost ski into the back end of the moose!!