Czech long-distance skier Sandra Schützová experienced her best season ever. However, the exhausting winter schedule took its toll, and her spring recovery went differently than planned. What do her spring days look like, and what is she preparing for in her training?
This spring, the best Czech long-distance skier, Sandra Schützová, envisioned a different scenario, but ultimately, she was quite satisfied with how it unfolded. With years of experience, she knows that reality often diverges from the plans she hopes to execute.
“This spring, I managed the same amount as every other year – that was my first impression because I had so many plans, wanted to go to the sea, and mainly to unwind after a demanding season. However, after the last races, when I wasn’t 100% healthy, it lingered for three weeks. But I told myself that now is the time to fully recover and give my body what it needs,” Sandra says to Bezky.net.
However, her health break certainly didn’t stop her. She participated in a charity run at FTVS, where she studied, and attended a discussion with Olympians in Jilemnice. Additionally, Sandra and fellow Czech long-distance skier Karolína Grohová organized their first joint discussion titled “Hearts in the White Tracks,” where both athletes shared their journey. She also accepted an invitation to appear on Rádio Junior and managed a family trip to Germany.
“So, in the end, I managed a lot, just in a different way,” she adds with a smile.
Also Read: Learning from Norway pays off for Sandra Schützová
A new season on the horizon
Fans can look forward to the upcoming season – Sandra knows which team she will be racing for, but she doesn’t want to jinx it. “I have clarity. Nothing is signed yet,” she revealed. While she is keeping more details under wraps, the calmness in her voice suggests everything is on the right track.
Starting training
“I’ve slowly started training, but my body isn’t exactly jumping for joy yet. I need to ease into it a bit. Every spring, I hope it will be a little easier – and what a mistake that is,” Sandra laughed as she described her return to training after the rest phase.
Her favorite spring training has a clear form. “My favorite spring training is when I can head out and be outside all day. When I don’t have a set duration. During spring, I usually fulfill my desires, and then I have to listen a bit more – but sometimes I get carried away even throughout the year,” she admits with a smile.
Preparation without major changes
Regarding her training plan, Sandra and her coach, Martin Vrabec, do not intend to embark on any significant experiments. “From what we discussed, we don’t plan any major changes. So if there are any, they will be more cosmetic,” says the skier, who is sticking to her proven system with caution.
Sandra also hasn’t forgotten about summer racing on roller skis. “In recent years, I’ve been drawn back to the World Cup. I enjoyed that program. But on the other hand, it’s not entirely what I compete in during the winter. So I would like to participate in Blinkfestival, Trollhättan Action Week, and Lipnolopet, just like last year. And maybe again the national championship.”
Livigno remains the base
The faithful tradition of summer training in Livigno, Italy, remains. “Livigno is on the agenda, and we already have a preliminary plan on what we will do in preparation. We just need to put it on paper and finalize the dates. But as I said, it won’t differ fundamentally from last year,” says the Czech athlete.
Two competitors retiring
And what does the Czech long-distance skier think about the fact that two strong Norwegian competitors, Silje Øyre Slind and Anikken Gjerde Alnaes, have retired, potentially bringing her closer to the podium?
“On one hand, it’s nice that athletes of their caliber are off the results list, but on the other hand, I beat Silje several times this season. That feeling was much better than if they hadn’t been there at the start for some reason. Moreover, other names may emerge. The top ten is very competitive, and there will certainly still be plenty of rivals to race against,” Sandra concludes.
Author: Adéla Ročárková
Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus
