NASTAR NEWS: DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!
The fastest guy at this season's pacesetting trials was Keith Poore, of Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia. His 1.01 handicap puts him right up there with the elites.
In fact, the reason Poore isn't a famous ski team World Cup racer is the same reason some of the best talent in the U. S. doesn't get the chance to make their ski team dreams come true: luck and bucks.
"It takes a certain bit of money, and I never really had that. My parents helped me as much as they could, but it takes a lot, you've got to travel and ski during the summer, and that's difficult," the 27-year-old says.
He also describes himself as a "late bloomer." "I'm a lot better now than I used to be as far as technique and tactics go," he says.
Poore's knowledge can be useful to the NASTAR racer, especially where technique is concerned. In fact, he says that the serious NASTAR racer should develop a technique specifically for NASTAR.
"NASTAR courses are different from a Masters or FIS course, and you have to approach them differently. Normally, in a FIS-style course, your line is essential, which is why an inspection is important. But NASTAR courses are normally shorter, so line isn't as important, because it's more of a sprint," Poor explains.
He says that creates one of the major differences in technique: "You don't have to conserve your energy for the bottom of the course the way you would for a longer race."
Still, there's a technique mistake that both NASTAR and junior ski team racers often make, Poore says. "A lot of people forget about breathing, it's one of the first things people forget about when competing. I always recommend taking a few deep breaths just before you push out of the start, just to get centered and focused," he advises.
He adds, "You may have to remind yourself to breathe while on course, whether by taking notice that you're not breathing properly or by shouting "breathe" at each gate, whatever it takes. You may not even realize that you're short of oxygen and it's holding you back. You should be breathing hard at the bottom, but not gasping for breath."
But the best advice Poore has for NASTAR racers is: ask the pacesetter for help. "If the starter is also the pacesetter, ask for advice. If someone asks me to watch and critique their run, I am happy to do it, and I think most people in the start or finish shack will be happy to help and give you advice if you ask."
Remember, they know when you are coming down, and they are in the perfect position to see what you are doing and what you can do to improve. It's like having your own private coach. All you have to do is ask.