June 2013, saw the first weekend of summer and it actually felt like summer - not a season to be taken for granted in Aberdeenshire - proved busy/exhausting for the British Nordic Ski Team members, their families and supporters.

 

Saturday was the main annual fundraiser - Ming the Merciless Endurance Challenge - a duathlon event where runners go through the absolutely spectacular Coynachie Glen, the forest trails in the Clashindarroch and then a bike ride through Strathbogie.

 

Revival was provided by an amazing tea and cake spread at the Tin Hut in Gartly and for those still able to move, a ceilidh rounded off the evening with some of our multi talented youngsters even providing some of the musical entertainment.

 

It's an event which seems to grow annually with many members of the Team new and old taking part as well those who come to give their invaluable support and 'dare to take on The Ming!' so well done and massive thanks to all - if this leaves you feeling inspired for next year here's the date for your diary:  Saturday 7 June 2014.

 

Sunday was a technical camp and new Team members day, with 5 new slightly excited/nervous youngsters joining.

 

A warm welcome was given to all then it was out for a warm up run before some team building games. It was then time to get serious and work on their classic ski technique.

 

Following lunch squad members were split with the youth/junior groups heading out to nearby Glass to train whilst development 1 (new members) & 2 groups stayed at HNOC where they were put through their paces on the rollerski track - this time it was their skate technique under the spotlight with some punishing 100m sprints. The day ended with a meet and greet for new parents before it was time to take some very tired looking athletes home - where they will recover and train during the week before taking on the Cairngorm Rollerski Races at Glenmore Lodge on Saturday and the Cairngorm Hill Climb on Sunday - Good luck to all.

 

More photographs from The Ming can be found on the athletes' Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/britishnordic