Gus Schumacher is a professional cross country skier for Team USA. Born in Madison, WI but raised in Anchorage, Gus shares a little bit about his life living in Alaska. 

Gus has been on the National team and racing on the World Cup for many years now, but this year he’s sharing a little more upfront about his goals for the season. He recently wrote a blog about it on his website: https://www.gusschumacher.com/blog

Gus also shares his experience with the Men’s USST and how it has evolved over the years. He talks about Protect Our Winters, an organization that he is passionate about and a working advocate for the cause.

You can continue to follow along with Gus’s season on his social media: https://www.instagram.com/gus.schumacher/

This episode is sponsored by Gear West Ski & Bike Shop. Gear West is having it’s 8 Days of Deals sale. Now through Dec 5th you can get 20% off a select collection of items including Swix baselayers, Craft baselayers, Salomon boots, Bliz Eyewear, wax & tools, and so much more! Use the code 8DAYS at checkout when you shop the collection of 8 Days of Deals: https://www.gearwest.com/collections/eight-days-of-deals

On this Women Led Wednesday I welcome Abby Drach to the Extra Blue podcast. 

Women Led Wednesday occurs annually on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The campaign was launched in 2018 with the intent to bring more awareness to business women and female entrepreneurs through the holiday season. Women are only 25% of executive and senior-level officials and managers, only 20% of board seats and only 6% of CEOs. In 2015 there were more CEOs named John than there were women of any name. If you're interested in supporting Women Led Wednesday you can learn more at: https://womenledwednesday.com/.

Abby is the founder of Indura Athletic, a female owned and inspired company that is on a mission to create ethically sourced athletic apparel that empowers and supports athletic women’s bodies. Rather than asking women to fit into clothes, Indura Athletic apparel fits clothes to women – making space for powerful lats, broad shoulders and strong legs. Through artfully designed, sweat-tested, and well-fitting apparel, women can tackle their workouts while feeling confident in their physique - whichever shape it takes. Abby is the perfect guest for this Women Led Wednesday! You can shop (sale) Indura Athletic at: https://www.induraathletic.com/. 

Julia Kern is a professional cross country skier for Team USA, my own teammate on the SMS T2 Ski Team, and my friend. She has many podiums to her name, from eastern cups in New England, to Junior Nationals, to World Juniors, and even on the World Cup. Despite her many accomplishments in the sport, Julia’s love for sports doesn’t end with skiing - an avid basketball player, surfer, mountain biker, rock climber, backcountry skier, the girl can do it all! On this episode, we chat about her story, growing up in Boston but learning to ski in Germany with her German grandparents. She also tells us about her first international race experience as a 14 year old, the obstacles she’s had to overcome from injuries, the effects of the Covid pandemic, and what she’s looking forward to as the season approaches.

I couldn’t think of anyone I would be more excited and comfortable with bringing on as my first podcast guest. I feel like Julia and I were chatting just the way we do when we’re training, traveling, or just hanging out together…. Please welcome, Julia Kern!

Welcome to Extra Blue! Extra Blue is a podcast about cross country skiing; sharing stories, race results, training insight, innovation in the sport, and inspiration for the next generation. Whether you’re an experienced racer competing at the highest level or a beginner getting out on fish scales, I hope to share with you the passion and love for this crazy sport.