About Dana

Dana is one of the original members of the Athletic Directions Ski Team and competes as a Senior Man.

Competitive Background: By the standards of many competitors, perhaps most, Dana started skiing late, beginning a cross over from competitive soccer at age 15 that took 3 years to complete. He was first coached by Ken Philips of the Kanata Racers (SC) and later by both Ken and Bruce Jefferies. Dana began training with Pavol as part of the NADC (Ottawa) and raced for two years with Carleton University. He now trains and races only for the ADSC Ski Team while continuing his full time university education.

Dana’s steady improvements may be measured by his XC Nationals performances over the past four years that reflect his long-term approach to training and competition. They are based on sustained improvements first in fitness, then in technique, then in performance mastery.

Training Environment: Dana trains year-round in the Ottawa region, mostly in the Gatineau Hills. His annual training hours profile have grown from 300 to about 800, reflecting both a significant, sustained increase in his overall fitness capacities and the care taken through his coaching to avoid physical breakdown. The time spent in developing a base though low-intensity activities is beginning to allow an increasing proportion of time to be spent at the higher levels.

Competitive Status:

Best Racing Abilities: Dana’s classic racing has improved significantly over the past few years, but his best performances continue to be in freestyle categories. His results in last years Atomic Cup (Mt. Orford, QC), where he raced a ‘complete’ 30 Km Classic race, indicate that his capacity to compete is now very high, and still rising. To race a complete race an athlete first needs to learn how to race each part of a race - learn to race the parts before you race the whole.

Ultimate Goals for 2006-07:

The Nationals at Mt. Ste. Anne, QC in March.

Background:

In his own words: Straight from the suburbs and a culture of low activity and obesity, Dana, luckily enough, was born to parents who are considered by many to have a screw loose, was able to break free from the aforesaid culture, and embraced an active heathy living lifestyle. Under the power lines out

back in the woods Dana learned the art of classic skiing, which he quickly employed in his first school race the next day. That first race was like an awakening.

The competitive spirit began to stir and he begin to hunger for more. The next few years were a ruff ride of learning about training, racing, and more importantly how to live a healthy lifestyle. Not all of it was productive, but none of it was negative. This process continued until fortune would bring Dana under the guidance of Pavol Skvaridlo. Although it was not seen at the time, it can now be said with confidence that it was a turning point. From that moment on Dana learned about what it takes in terms of sacrifice, determination, intelligence, and patience. Although it has been 4 years since that point the learning process is constant and rewarding.

Other Sports Interests:

Rock climbing, cycling, cyclo cross, wakeboarding, snowboarding,

camping, trail running, and any other outdoor adventure activities.

Other Interests:

School - between school and training there is not much time for other interests.