Podcast
Race Ready
Hosted by Nordic Team Solutions · EN
Race Ready is the go-to podcast for Nordic skiing and biathlon coaches, athletes, and endurance sport enthusiasts. Hosted by Olympian Andy Newell and U.S. Biathlon coach Brian Halligan, each episode dives into technique, training, race strategy, and athlete development. Hear from top coaches, pros, and sport scientists as we explore what it takes to perform at your best—on and off the snow.
Contact us with questions or topic requests: contact@nordicteamsolutions.com
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S2 E4. Emma Albrecht: From Broken Spine to the World Cup
4d ago00:59:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, we sit down with rising American cross-country skier Emma Albrecht to unpack one of the most unique development stories in U.S. skiing right now. From elite-level gymnastics and career-threatening back injuries to becoming the 2026 SuperTour overall leader and qualifying for the World Cup, Emma shares how she went from barely skiing as a teenager to racing against the best athletes in the world. Her story is a powerful reminder that there’s no single path to success in endurance sports.Emma opens up about the realities of navigating college skiing, transferring schools, dealing with overtraining, and learning how to build confidence after years of setbacks and self-doubt. The conversation dives deep into mindset, goal setting, race evaluation, technique development, and the importance of finding the right coaching environment. Whether you’re a junior athlete dreaming big, a college skier trying to break through, or a masters athlete chasing improvement, Emma shares practical lessons on how to stay motivated and continue progressing in the sport.We also explore the training philosophy and habits that helped Emma make the leap from a “mediocre college skier” to a national champion and World Cup athlete. Topics include training progression, recovery, nutrition, technique work, strength from gymnastics, balancing a professional career alongside elite training, and the mental strategies that keep her improving year after year. This episode is packed with insight for anyone passionate about endurance sports, long-term development, and unlocking athletic potential.
Transcribe →S2 E3. Is Hawaii Secretly a Perfect Training Location for XC Skiers?
2w ago01:21:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Race Ready, Brian Halligan and Andy Newell answer listener questions centered around one of the most important times of the year for endurance athletes: the transition into summer training. The conversation focuses heavily on building the right foundation for long-term development, including how athletes should approach equipment, strength work, training structure, and recovery during the early offseason months. The hosts break down why proper gear matters more than many athletes realize, discussing roller skis, poles, boots, running shoes, watches, and heart rate systems. The proper equipment is not just for performance, but critical for injury prevention and training quality.Brian and Andy also dive deep into ski-specific offseason training strategies, including bounding, roller skiing, speed development, and strength training for both elite and masters athletes. They explain how athletes can create highly effective home gyms without expensive setups, using tools like kettlebells, TRX systems, pull-up bars, roller boards, and plyometric work to build ski power and durability. The episode also explores the importance of training specificity during the offseason, why ski walking and bounding remain underrated tools for developing classic technique, and how athletes can manipulate roller ski speed and training environments to improve both technique and group training quality.One of the biggest themes of the episode is managing stress and training load intelligently during the month of May. Responding to a listener question from a college athlete navigating finals week, Brian and Andy discuss the concept that “stress is stress,” emphasizing that academic pressure, work, and life responsibilities must all be considered when planning training. Rather than obsessing over hitting huge training volume immediately on May 1st, the hosts advocate for consistency, smart recovery, and maintaining ski-specific movement while gradually building fitness. They also explore the idea of introducing speed and neuromuscular training earlier in the offseason than many traditional endurance programs typically recommend, arguing that spring can be one of the best times of year to improve athleticism, power, and movement quality before summer volume ramps up.Video of young Andy on the Roller Board: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvFHIn4IUas
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S2 E2 Zak Ketterson on Why Training Harder Isn’t the Answer.
3w ago01:03:20Tap to summarizeThis episode of the Race Ready Podcast dives deep into the journey of rising U.S. cross-country skier Zak Ketterson, fresh off a breakthrough season that included a top-10 World Cup finish and Olympic qualification. Zak opens up about the mental side of high-performance sport, particularly the imposter syndrome that can follow major results, and how learning to trust his fitness and execute “normal” races at a high level was key to his success. His perspective offers a powerful reminder that breakthroughs aren’t always about doing something extraordinary, but rather doing the basics exceptionally well.The conversation then explores Zak’s development pathway, from a humbling college experience at Northern Michigan University to becoming one of the top American distance skiers. He reflects on the influence of teammates, especially Norwegian athletes, in reshaping his understanding of training, moving away from the “just work harder” mentality toward a more calculated, sustainable approach. Listeners will gain valuable insights into training progression, the importance of controlled intensity, and how long-term consistency, not big swings, drives elite performance.Finally, Zak breaks down the evolution of his training philosophy, including the role of threshold work, double sessions, terrain specificity, and the balance between strength and aerobic development. He shares practical takeaways for athletes looking to improve, from managing early-season intensity to building race-specific strength through terrain and technique. Whether you're chasing World Cup starts or just trying to train smarter, this episode delivers a masterclass in modern endurance training from one of the sport’s most thoughtful athletes.
Transcribe →S2 E1. Stacking Bricks: The Real Path to Success is Consistency
4w ago01:10:30Tap to summarizeKick off a new training year with a fresh perspective in this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, where hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive into the art and science of planning and periodizing endurance training. Framed around the “Nordie New Year” on May 1st, this conversation explores how athletes and coaches can reset, reflect, and build a smarter path forward. From post-season debriefs to goal setting, Andy and Brian unpack how meaningful progress starts with honest evaluation: Identifying both the wins and the gaps from the previous season to inform what comes next.The episode goes beyond generic training advice, offering a nuanced look at how to structure a season for long-term success. The hosts discuss key principles like consistency as a lifestyle, the importance of balancing intensity (L3/L4), and why many athletes fall short of their potential due to poor distribution of training load. They highlight real-world coaching insights like how missed high-intensity sessions from illness can impact performance, or how early-season fitness spikes often signal flawed summer training. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to connect daily training decisions to peak race performance.Finally, Andy and Brian explore evolving training philosophies, including lessons from the Norwegian model, the role of strength and speed work, and how to individualize training based on athlete type. Whether you’re a junior athlete building habits, a competitive skier chasing marginal gains, or a coach designing year-long plans, this episode offers actionable insights to help you train smarter, not just harder. If you’re looking to maximize adaptation, avoid burnout, and bring more intention to your training process, this is the perfect place to start your season.
Transcribe →Ep. 46 Rest, Reflect, Rebuild: How Much Rest Do Endurance Athletes REALLY Need?
Mar 2901:07:10Tap to summarizeAs the season winds down and the energy of World Cup racing fades into spring, this episode of Race Ready captures the unique transition point every endurance athlete knows well. Fresh off a high-energy weekend in Lake Placid, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan reflect on what it’s like to witness world-class racing up close. From the technical brilliance of elite skiers to the gritty reality of racing in unpredictable conditions, It’s a behind-the-scenes look at performance, preparation, and the small details that separate the best in the world from the rest.From there, the conversation shifts into one of the most important (and often misunderstood) phases of the training year: the transition into spring. Andy and Brian break down how athletes should approach recovery after a long season, emphasizing that rest is not lost progress, but a critical part of long-term development. They explore how factors like age, training volume, and race load influence how much downtime an athlete truly needs, while also challenging the common fear of losing fitness during a break.Finally, the episode dives into practical strategies for setting up a successful offseason. From season evaluations and training logs to maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout, this discussion offers a roadmap for athletes looking to improve year over year. Whether you’re a junior athlete, a seasoned competitor, or a coach guiding others, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you reset, recover, and get ready for the next breakthrough season.
Transcribe →Ep . 45 What Should Skiers Do in March? End-of-Season Training Explained
Mar 1500:58:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan catch up after a busy stretch of international racing, including the World Junior Championships for both biathlon and cross country. Brian shares insights from coaching in Arber, where the U.S. team battled tricky spring conditions and tough competition, while Andy reflects on the logistical chaos and technical challenges of ski preparation in Lillehammer. The conversation dives into what it takes behind the scenes: from waxing strategy and ski testing to navigating rapidly changing snow conditions in the modern non-fluoro waxing era. The episode then shifts into a timely topic for athletes as winter winds down: how to train in March when the race season is nearly over. Brian and Andy discuss how athletes should approach the end of the season, balancing recovery with continued development. They share practical advice for junior and masters athletes alike, including when to take a short break, how to maintain aerobic fitness with fun ski sessions, and why late-season intensity sessions can still provide valuable physiological gains before transitioning to spring training. Finally, the hosts answer a listener question inspired by the Jessie Diggins “Threshold” documentary, exploring when athletes should push workouts to exhaustion versus keeping interval intensity controlled. They break down how elite athletes manage high-intensity training, why most interval work is performed just below maximum effort, and how mental strategies help athletes access their top gear when it matters most. The result is a thoughtful discussion on training philosophy, recovery, and the psychology of pushing limits in endurance sport.
Transcribe →Ep. 44 Olympic Takeaways: Skis, Strategy, and Split-Second Decisions
Mar 201:07:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan reconnect after an intense Olympic stretch, recording from an airport lounge en route to Junior World Championships in Europe. The conversation kicks off with behind-the-scenes Olympic reflections, including what viewers don’t always see on broadcast. From waxing strategy and ski selection decisions to the complex collaboration between athletes and technicians that ultimately shapes race-day performance. The hosts unpack key storylines from the Games, including Norwegian dominance, surprising performances, and the fine margins that separate podium success from disappointment. The discussion then shifts into deeper coaching insights, exploring how technique evolves based on snow conditions, terrain, and even equipment differences like carrying a biathlon rifle. Andy and Brian break down the concept of adaptable technique, why elite skiers need a “quiver” of movement patterns rather than one perfect form, and share practical coaching takeaways for athletes at every level. The episode also highlights mental resilience, using Olympic moments as powerful examples of how athletes recover from setbacks and turn adversity into breakthrough performances. Finally, the hosts dive into listener questions covering race tactics, drafting strategy, sprint heat selection, and marathon racing decisions like those seen at the American Birkebeiner. From elite World Cup strategy to actionable advice for masters racers, this episode blends high-performance analysis with practical lessons for everyday skiers, offering coaches and athletes alike a clearer understanding of how smart decisions, adaptability, and experience shape success on race day.
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Ep. 43 Sverre Caldwell’s Formula for Development Success
Feb 2201:05:11Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to develop world-class endurance athletes — not just fast juniors, but Olympic-level performers who thrive for decades? In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Brian Halligan and Andy Newell sit down with legendary Stratton Mountain School coach Sverre Caldwell, whose athletes have produced junior national champions for over two decades and gone on to Olympic success. Sverre shares how his coaching philosophy evolved from “train hard and go fast” into a long-term, athlete-centered development model focused on love for the sport, technical mastery, and sustainable progress.The conversation dives deep into the nuts and bolts of smart training. From building aerobic engines and using simple field tests to measure improvement, to teaching pacing, efficiency, and the “fast but relaxed” approach that helped produce some of the strongest skiers in the country. Sverre explains how consistent workouts, progression, and athlete education created confidence, ownership, and long-term performance rather than short-term results. You’ll hear how training logs, goal setting, intensity blocks, and even simple hill tests became powerful tools for motivation and development.Beyond physiology and planning, this episode highlights the culture that made Stratton so successful, multi-generational training groups, mentorship between young athletes and elites, strong communication with parents, and a community-driven model that continues to produce champions today. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or endurance enthusiast, this conversation offers timeless lessons on building resilient athletes, smart training systems, and a performance culture that lasts.
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Ep. 42 Kikkan Randall’s Honest Breakdown of Pressure, Pain, and Performance
Feb 801:02:11Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Brian Halligan and Andy Newell sit down with Olympic gold medalist Kikkan Randall for a deep dive into life after elite competition — and the lessons that still shape high-performance athletes today. From her transition into Olympic governance with the IOC, to leading grassroots skiing in Anchorage, to working behind the scenes with NBC’s Olympic coverage, Kikkan shares how her career evolved after racing, including her journey through breast cancer and becoming a mom of two — all while staying deeply connected to the sport she loves. The conversation shifts into an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to peak for the biggest races in the world. Kikkan breaks down how her best performances came not from over-specializing, but from building a massive aerobic base, trusting long-term training, and resisting the urge to over-taper. She opens up about the mistakes she made heading into the 2014 Sochi Olympics, how small changes in training load completely altered her performance, and what she learned that ultimately helped lead to Olympic gold in Pyeongchang. Beyond physiology, this episode delivers some of the most valuable mental performance insights you’ll hear — from handling Olympic pressure and media attention to racing with purpose instead of fear. Kikkan explains how focusing on process over medals transformed her mindset, why setbacks often become competitive advantages, and how perspective can unlock peak performances when it matters most. Whether you’re an elite athlete, coach, or endurance sport fan, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on training smarter, trusting the journey, and performing when the stakes are highest.
Transcribe →Ep. 41 The Peaking Episode
Feb 500:48:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive deep into one of the most debated topics in endurance sports: peaking for championship events. Drawing from elite World Cup trends, Olympic preparation strategies, and real-world coaching experience, they unpack why peak performance isn’t something you chase in the final week — but rather something built intentionally through well-timed stress, smart tapering, and understanding how the body actually adapts. The conversation explores how modern athletes are shifting from traditional volume-heavy prep to intensity-driven race blocks like the Tour de Ski, and what that means for skiers and biathletes at every level Andy and Brian break down practical peaking strategies for different types of athletes — from Olympic contenders and juniors heading to national championships, to masters athletes preparing for long marathon races like the Birkie. They explain how racing itself can be one of the most powerful training tools, why over-tapering often backfires, and how the balance of intensity, frequency, rest, and lifestyle stress can make or break performance on race day. Whether it’s when to add volume, when to pull back, or how close to competition hard efforts still matter, this episode gives clear, actionable insight grounded in both science and experience.Beyond physiology, the episode also touches on the mental side of championship performance — from managing stress in high-pressure environments like the Olympics to building positive team culture and athlete confidence. Andy shares powerful team-bonding strategies and lessons from elite competition that highlight why athletes are people first and racers second. It’s a thoughtful, practical, and motivating conversation for coaches, athletes, and anyone chasing their best performance when it matters most.Link to the study mentioned:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263010572_The_Road_to_Gold_Training_and_Peaking_Characteristics_in_the_Year_Prior_to_a_Gold_Medal_Endurance_PerformancePodcast episode mentioned:https://www.fasttalklabs.com/fast-talk/reclaiming-success-through-mattering-connection-and-purpose-in-competitive-sports-with-sonya-looney/?_gl=1*168r43q*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-YvMBhDtARIsAHZuUzJIJQ8dB8y6cW7j7N-kVE0zI6RS0JaZx8jNYlQuKFsfSSeC9hCBmXsaAvAsEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAByunjsEDKL9FqERqoQQ6biDDDhZw
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