Welcome to the 25th episode of the New England Endurance Podcast! To mark this milestone, and the coming winter season, we explore one of our favorite endurance activities: cross-country skiing! We chat with two leaders from the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA): Isabel Caldwell, Community Development Director, and Ben Theyerl, Competitive Program Director. Together, they explore NENSA's mission to make Nordic skiing accessible and enjoyable for skiers of all ages and abilities, while sharing insider tips and hidden gems that even seasoned skiers might not know.

Episode Highlights:

• Nordic Skiing Essentials: For newcomers, Isabel and Ben give a rundown on Classic vs. Skate skiing and offer advice on choosing the right first-time experience.
• They break down the accessibility of NENSA’s programs, like the Bill Koch Youth Ski League, which combines fun and community to help young skiers develop a lifelong love for Nordic skiing. Listeners will be inspired by stories of athletes who began their journey in NENSA programs like the beloved Bill Koch Festival, a must-attend event for young skiers that celebrates community spirit and friendly competition.
• Isabel and Ben discuss how NENSA promotes both grassroots participation and elite-level achievement, balancing support for competitive athletes with initiatives to bring new people into the sport.
• The Impact of Nordic Rocks: NENSA’s Nordic Rocks program recently received a Share Winter Foundation grant to expand access for youth across the region. Ben and Isabel share a peek into a Nordic Rocks session and describe the reactions of kids trying cross-country skiing for the first time—pure joy and discovery.
• Hidden Gems of New England Nordic Skiing:* Curious about where to find the region’s best-kept skiing secrets? Isabel and Ben reveal some lesser-known spots that offer unique trails and stunning scenery:
  • Quarry Road Trails in Waterville, ME, known for its pristine trails and varied terrain.
  • Wild Wings Ski in Peru, VT, a picturesque location with cozy, tree-lined trails.
  • Trapp Family Lodge
  • Marlboro Nordic Ski and Prospect Mountain in Woodford, VT, both offering fantastic experiences for intermediate and advanced skiers.
  • Gunstock’s Valentine’s Paintball Biathlon in NH, a quirky, fun race combining skiing with paintball! In a delightful twist, Ben introduces the *Gunstock Valentine’s Paintball Biathlon*, a playful take on the traditional biathlon where participants swap out rifles for paintball markers, adding a fun and unexpected layer to the experience. This event exemplifies how NENSA creates unique, inclusive spaces for skiers to enjoy the sport without the intensity of competition.
  • Tour de Stowe, an event featuring some of Vermont’s finest ski trails, ideal for those seeking a mix of scenic touring and challenging terrain...with soup and beer at the end!
  • Rikerts Outdoor Center, a versatile venue with trails that accommodate everyone from beginners to seasoned Nordic veterans.

Join us for an inspiring episode that highlights the trails, traditions, and hidden gems of New England’s Nordic skiing community. Whether you're a competitive racer or simply looking for a scenic winter activity, Isabel and Ben’s stories will make you want to hit

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we’re spotlighting Connecticut’s cycling scene and introducing you to two standout leaders shaping its future—brothers Ben and Brian Wolfe! Join us as we dive into their work with the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP), a dynamic organization founded to make youth cycling accessible across the state. Brian Wolfe, CCAP’s Executive Director, shares his vision for building one of the nation’s premier youth cycling programs, fostering a supportive, lifelong community for young riders. Meanwhile, Ben Wolfe, a senior coach at Charles Coaching & Nutrition Services and a former Jelly Belly pro, talks about his data-driven, personalized coaching philosophy that elevates endurance athletes of all levels.

Tune in to hear Ben and Brian share their favorite Connecticut cycling gems, including the thrilling Tuesday Night Criterium at Rentschler Field and the action-packed New Haven Grand Prix. Discover the challenges and triumphs of growing youth cycling in New England, the importance of mentorship, and how a balanced, resilient approach can unlock an athlete’s full potential. This episode is packed with insights for cyclists and endurance athletes alike, as we explore the hidden gems and race stories that make Connecticut’s scene one to watch and visit.

For more about CCAP and Charles Coaching & Nutrition Services, check out the links in our show notes and follow us on Instagram at @newenglandendurance.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

In this episode, we chat about the vibrant New England running culture with Matt Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Tracksmith, a brand that’s reshaping how we celebrate endurance sports. Matt shares the story behind Tracksmith’s foundation in 2014, how it captures the Amateur Spirit, and its strong connection to the region’s rich running history.

More than just an apparel company, Tracksmith has become a movement within the endurance community, fostering local grassroots running culture and celebrating the grit and tradition of New England athletes.

Matt also discusses Tracksmith’s involvement in the community through weekly workouts—Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and Friday mornings—at their store locations in Boston, Williamsburg, NY, and London.

We also explore some hidden gems in the New England running scene including:

• the Dole 3 Miler, a wonderful race in memory of George Dole
• the legendary Plymouth-to-Provincetown Relay Run (now defunct but forever cherished)
• the scenic Vermont Overland Trail Run

Whether you’re running along the coast or through the trails, there’s something special about this region’s races.

Tune in as Matt shares his personal endurance journey, thoughts on the future of running, and why New England is the greatest region for endurance sports. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or someone just beginning your running journey, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights.

Don't miss this exciting conversation with a true icon of the New England running community!

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.