WHAT TRAINING AT MOUNTAIN ATHLETE HAS MEANT FOR MY FREESKIING CAREER
by Hadley Hammer
When I decided to take a detour from a career path in hospitality and compete in freeride skiing, I knew that I would have a lot of catching up to do. I had spent the eight years in between high school and my first competition working in hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Although I skied when I could, I lacked the formal race training that many of my competitors had.
This meant that my time on the slope would be precious and I would need the strength and endurance to begin sport specific training the day the snow fell, not three weeks into the season.
Mountain Athlete has brought up both my base fitness as well as my sport specific strength. Rob’s focus on eccentric strength has translated into stronger turns, quicker reactions, and better balance.
When I am caught off guard with my skis above my head, I now have the strength to recover. My body has been completely reformed from it’s former weaker, sitting-at-a-desk self.
Beyond physical strength, training at Mountain Athlete has improved my mental strength tenfold. Rob’s workouts are tough, and some of them seem to be tough only to test his athletes abilities’ to fight through the pain.
Although Rob rarely discusses mental strength directly, I believe it is the highlight of his athletic programming. Throughout the past three years I have been able to push through injuries, ski scarier lines, and push past the fear of throwing new tricks.
The stronger I become, the higher my confidence is at the top of my line.
When I become frustrated trying to navigate the world of sponsorship and competition, I can take refuge in my workouts and know that if I continue to work hard, it will all come around.
Rob and Mountain Athlete have helped me become a professional. My physical and mental strength are stronger than ever, and keep improving. By being professional about training, I have been able to catch up to my competitors and play on their level, regardless of my background.