Kikkan Randall Official Website

View Q & A Listings | Submit Question

Did you ever dream of going to the Olympics? Did you ever go to the Junior Olympics? If so, where were they and how old were you? I just bought the 30k from iTunes and watched it again. WOW.

By Jess From Portland, ME

"I started dreaming of the Olympics when I was 5 years old. I watched the 1988 Winter Olympics on TV and decided right then that I wanted to be an Olympian. But I didn't know what sport I wanted to do so I tried everything!! I first tried to make the Junior Olympics in alpine racing. But I was the alternate. The next year, when I was 15, I made the Junior Olympics in cross-country ski racing. I went to JO's in '98 (McCall, ID), '99 (Anchorage, AK), '00 (Jackson, NH), '01 (Ishpeming, MI) and '02 (McCall, ID).

Good luck!!"

be fore your race how do you relaxe in the oylmics what kind off music u listen to

By kent From valdez, AK

"Before some races I like to listen to some good pump up music, like Lady Gaga and Katie Perry. But other times I pick something more mellow, like Tracy Chapman, Alicia Keys and Norah Jones. I like lots of different kinds of music."

Hi Kikkan! I'm starting to get more into the more... intense ski training idea (I've been skiing for four years) and I was wondering what kind of training plan you would reccommend for a 12-13 year-old girl who thinks getting to the Olympic level would be AMAZING and not quite impossible.

By Tegan From Rochester, NY

"Hey Tegan!

It's great that you have a dream of being an Olympic skier someday! Let me tell you it is an awesome dream (worth all the work) and very possible. At your age I would recommend just having fun on your skis and trying lots of different sports. When I was 12 I was playing soccer, doing triathlons, running races, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, speed skiing, riding my unicycle, etc. Now is the best time to try everything and get lots of different skills. There is plenty of time for more serious training later! Mostly just get out there, be active and have fun!

Best of luck!

Cheers,
Kikkan :)"

Hi Kikkan, I need to get a new heart rate monitor and I was wondering what you have and how you like it?

By Sadie From Madawaska, ME

"I have a POLAR S625X. My favorite features are the comfortable wearlink chest strap, the large display and the file storage functions that allow you to go back and see your lap splits, average heart rate, max heart rate, etc. It also has speed and distance sensor capabilities and computer downloading, although I have not yet used those features."

If your favorite color is blue not pink why do were so much? I am a fith grader at college Gate elementary and I had to do a report and I chose you to do my report on.

By Allison Gonzales From anchorage, AK

"Allison-

Cool, I started Kindergarten at College Gate!! To answer your question, blue is my favorite color overall but I love wearing pink because it's fun and crazy and bright. I put pink stripes in my hair to show everyone how much fun I have being an athlete. What is your favorite color?"

Have you ever met Lindsay Vaughn, at the Olympics?

By Cassie N. From Madawaska, ME

"Yes, I have met Lindsay a few times. She is always fun to talk to. I tease her about alpine skiing and she teases me about cross-country. "

Hey, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

By David From , UT

"I like to listen to all types of music, especially music with good energy. Right now I am really into Katie Perry, Rhianna and the Black Eyed Peas."

I love XC skiing and wanted to ask you three short questions. 1. Were you ever in Alaska Winter Stars? 2. When did you join the U.S. Ski Team? 3. What is your favorite type of training? Thank You!! You're Awesome!!

By Gus Schumacher From Anchorage, AK

"Thanks for your questions! Here are some answers:
1. Were you ever in Alaska Winter Stars? I have never taken part in Alaska Winter Starts myself but many of my good friends skied with AWS. I think it's a great program.
2. When did you join the U.S. Ski Team? I first joined the US Ski Team as a development team member back in 2000. After the 2006 Olympics I was named to the A team.
3. What is your favorite type of training? I enjoy rollerskiing and running in the mountains in the summer, classic skiing on a clear cold day in the winter and crust skiing in the spring."

What type of roller skis do you use?

By Kaylin From Avon, UT

"Marwe. The wooden shafts feel the most like real skis when you kick."

Hi Kikkan, I am an orthodontist and want to say that you have a great smile! I really enjoy the fact that you are happy and smiling even before your big races. You have a great attitude and are a great role model for our up and coming youth! By the way, did you have braces?

By gary chu From racine, WI

"Thanks. Smiling is the best way to ski fast!! I did have braces, from ages 14 to 17. I also had expanders on the top and bottom. Used to love getting my school colors for the big races."

What other sports would you recommend to people who don't like or find it hard to cross country ski?

By Kalli Randall From Anchorage , AK

"Nordic walking. It's a great way to keep your whole body in good shape :)"

Hi Kikkan: I forgot to ask this question with my previous submission: Why do most world class xc ski events only feature only one ski technique in sprints? While long distance, mid distance and pursuit races feature both classic and skate techniques. This is particularly puzzling in the recent winter Olymics which featured only classic technique in sprint races. How would the summer Olympics be if the 50 meter swimming races featured only one stroke in each Olympics? Is there a movement to change the Olympic format to include both classic and skate races in the sprint?

By Ron & Marilyn From Lake Tahoe, CA

"I know, the current format is a bit crazy. I was just at the FIS spring meetings and there was a discussion about replacing the team sprint with another individual sprint so that there can be both techniques. There were opinions on both sides of the fence. It was decided that a working group should discuss the issue further. So we see..."

Hi Kikkan, One of my friends was in Madawaska racing against you- I was wondering how you did? Do you prefer skate or classic, distance or sprint? I am a huge fan! Sadie:)

By Sadie James From Avon, ME

"I had a great time in Madawaska. My races there went pretty well. My favorite event is skate sprints. Although I really enjoy both skate and classic, and distance racing as well."

Hello Kikkan, i just wanted to know, how old were you when became an official CC Skier?

By joe From richmond, CA

"I started training for xc skiing year round when I was 16. "

How'd you like Maine?

By E. Collins From Madawaska, ME

"I had a great time in Maine. The spirit for skiing there is amazing. Nice trails, good people!!"

Congratulations with a great season. The American skiers caught my interest when you won the silver medal last year. This year you look more like a complete skier: winning everything at the US nationals, great results in different Olympic events and same in the mini-tour Falun. Will we see you in Tour de Ski some time? I have understanding for that the Americans want some time at home during a long European season, but I will love to see you in Tour de Ski and I am sure you will do very well. Good luck with everything and welcome back to Holmenkollen next year.

By Bjorn Simenstad From Vikran, Norway

"The Tour de Ski looks like a great event. I hope to try it out next year!"

What was the longest over distance workout (roller ski, run) you've ever done? Hadley Moreau YOU ROCK!! :D SO FAST!!

By Hadley M. From rochester, NY

"The longest over distance workout that I have ever done is a 5.5 hour trail run on a route called Crow Pass. You start in one town and run up and over a pass and then out a river valley to end in a different town. It's about 28 miles and you get to cross a glacier-fed river up to your waist halfway through. It's a great adventure!"

How long do you train in the summer? I was just wondering because I want to be an Olympic Cross country Skier. I usually train by running , but is there a better way for a 11yr. old to train?

By MacKenzie Rizio From Wilmington Vermont, VT

"I train a bunch in the summer. Usually 6 to 7 days a week, with many days including two training sessions. However, when you are 11 yrs old I think it is important just to be active every day and try lots of different activities. That way you can develop all sorts of strength and skills that will come in handy later. Mostly just get out there and have fun!"

Kikkan, How much time, if any, did you get to spend seeing the sights while you are racing in Europe?

By Greg Curlo From Stockholm, Sweden

"I get to do a little sight seeing here and there. Many times were are staying in more remote places and concerned with staying rested for our races so we don't see much. But I have been able to visit Rome, Prague, Oslo, Stockholm, and Munich during ski trips. It's fun to meet the people where we are staying and get the local perspective."

If you weren't a cross country skier, what would you do?

By Mike Zellers From Amherst, OH

"I love computers. My friends call me a techno-weenie. I think if I wasn't an athlete, I would be a computer programmer."

how many medals have you ever won

By tiffany From springfield, IL

"I have won many medals over my career as an athlete. One of the medals I am most proud of is my silver medal from the 2009 World Championships. It was the first ever US women's cross-country medal in history, and a very good prize for staying positive and working back from the blood clot I had eight months before that."

Do you prefer classic or skating?

By Geoff Ward From San Franciso, CA

"When it's cold and the tracks are hard as rails I love classic. When the conditions are a little warmer and the snow is really fast, I love to skate. Pretty much like both a lot!"

is it hard to ski on the road in the summer?

By Sarah Lavertu From frenchville, ME

"We have pretty fancy rollerskis these days that make skiing on the road in the summer a great and enjoyable training tool. I use Marwe rollerskis because I like the way the wood core shaft feels closest to kicking on skis. I always wear a helmet and try to be safe around traffic."

dear Kikkan, I just wanted to know how many gold,silver,or bronze medals have you won in cross-country skiing? please wright back!

By Sarah Lavertu From frenchville, ME

"I have not yet won an Olympic medal of any color. That is one of my biggest goals for the next four years. I do have a Silver Medal from the 2009 World Championships and a World Cup gold medal from the 2007 Rybinsk sprint. I also have 14 national championship gold medals."

hi kikkan i just wanted to know have you ever been so tired that you feel like you are going to faint in the middal of racing or have you ever fainted?

By Sarah Lavertu From frenchville, ME

"Racing is hard and you definitely have to push your limits to the very edge for good performances. In one race a few years back, I started to get really tired with 1km to go. I started falling down and had a hard time skiing straight. I managed to push myself to the finish line but I collapsed and had to be carried off the snow. It took me several minutes to regain consciousness. I am proud of the days that I pushed myself so hard!!"

do you play in the summer olympics? and if you do what do you practice for? this is Sarah Lavertu from 4th grade. i go to school at Dr.levesque elementary school. Bye!!!!!!!!! please e-mail me!!!!!

By Sarah Lavertu From frenchville, ME

"I have not competed in the summer Olympics but I love doing many of the sports that are part of those games. I love to run and bike in the summer, as well as play soccer and tennis. "

Do you ever get stressed out when you are training for the olympics?

By Sarah Lavertu From Frenchville, ME

"Yes. Training for the Olympics is very hard sometimes. There is a lot of pressure to win medals. However, when I get nervous or find myself thinking too much about the pressure, I imagine the butterflies in my stomach flying in formation (like ducks or geese). I also think of all the hard work that I have done, and I keep working on the little steps that help me get better every day."

Besides getting to compete, what is your favorite thing about the Olympics?

By Abby Marion From Deltona, FL

"Getting to walk into Opening Ceremonies with many of the best athletes in the world is pretty cool. It's also fun to be able to represent your country!"

Hello! Why is your name Kikkan? Do you have any Swedish connection?

By Andrea From Stockholm, Sweden

"My parents made up my name. My Dad thought I should be named after Kiki Cutter (the first American to win a world cup) and my Mom liked the name Megan. So they mixed the two together and got Kikkan. When I race in Scandinavia I always seem to get more cheers, I think the fans think that I am Norwegian or Swedish sometimes!"

Hey Kikkan! Heard you were in the olympics. Way to represent! I remember skiing with you back in the day at Wendler JH! Nice work! Are you still doing the running thing too?

By Kyle Hardenbrook From Stewartstown, PA

"I still run quite a bit for training. I love to hop into the track every so often and jump into some running races in the summer."

Hello Kikkan, my sister Katelyn goes to the Madawaska Elementary School. She has told me that you are visiting there. I want to know why you have chosen Madawaska to visit?

By Abigail From Madawaska, ME

"You are correct, I am coming to Madawaska! The US Distance Championship and the SuperTour finals will be in Fort Kent in two weeks, so I am coming to do a little racing and also take part in a Fast and Female event in Madawaska on March 25th. Northern Maine has a great spirit for skiing, I am looking forward to my visit. Hope to meet you!"

I read online that you were born in Salt Lake. Is this true? How old were you when you left? Do you ever get back there? If so, where is your favorite place around Salt Lake to ski?

By Anne From Anchorage, AK

"Yes, I was born in Salt Lake City on December 31, 1982. My Mom was attending law school at the University of Utah at the time. We moved to Alaska when I was 3. I come back to Salt Lake often as the US Ski Team is based in Park City. It kind of feels like a 2nd home for me. It was especially cool to race in the Olympics there in 2002!"

Hi Kikkan- I am a lifelong distance runner, having completed 20 marathons over the past 21 years. I tried cross country skiing once and really liked it, but don't have the opportunity to do it much (and I don't really like snow). Anyway, I was wondering how much of your off season training consists of running? How much of that running is for endurance and how much is for speed? Also, what kind of weight training do you do? I would imagine there's a lot of core work. Do you do a lot of shoulder work too? Best of luck!!

By Saul From New York, NY

"Great to hear from an avid runner! I have always enjoyed running and still do a lot of it in my ski training program. About a quarter of my training is running. I use it for distance workouts during the off-season, as well as for recovery. Some of the running is done with poles uphill, sometimes at interval pace.

For weight training, I keep it fairly simple. Usually a couple big lifts for the legs, a couple for the arms, and a bunch of core. Shoulder work is important to prevent injuries."

what were all of the years you participated in the olympics? Allison ;)

By Allison From philly, PA

"2002, 2006 and 2010 so far..."

Do you train every day? How did you get so good?

By Allie From Denver, CO

"I train almost every day. During my heavy training periods, I may take one day off per week or one day off every two weeks. To be a top international skier takes a lot of hard work. But if you do a little bit everyday, it adds up!"

A few questions from a newbie in xc (although i'm a veteran of competitive cycling and tri's)... I saw your tweet that you're not going to do the 10K to focus on sprint. How hard of a decision was this for you? How much would the 10k take out of you (mentally and physically) and hurt your chances in your other events? And what other events will you be representing in? Best of luck!!!

By Steve From San Francisco, CA

"It was a hard decision not to race the 10km. I knew I was in good shape and there was a good chance that I could have done the 10km and still been totally fine for the sprint. However, in the days leading up to the 10km race, the conditions had been really soft. My coach and I were concerned that the soft snow would potentially take enough out of my legs that I would be compromised for the sprint. Since the sprint was my best event, I wanted to see what I could do totally rested and ready to go.

The sprint ended up going very well. I felt strong and skied the best classic sprinting that I ever have. I think being rested, and also getting a little extra time to do workouts on the course, were big reasons for being able to ski well.

I also skied well in the team sprint, the first leg of the relay and the 30km. The great thing about cross-country skiing is that when you're in good shape, you can be good across the board!"

Do you have any Fast and Female ski clinics in the midwest? I love to XC aki and would enjoy attending one. Hope you have your best race ever in the Olympics!

By Evelyn DeLong From Calumet, MI

"We have not done a Fast and Female clinic in the midwest yet, but we hope to have one there soon! Stay tuned to Fastandfemale.com for future dates."

Parade Magazine said you will only be skiing classical in the olympics. Is that true?

By Dave Kolesky From Anchorage, AK

"The sprint at the Olympics was only classical. The technique switches every games so 2014 will be skate again. The team sprint was skate. "

View Q & A Listings | Submit Question