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Conor McGovern, Head Shot

Hello

​I am a cross country skier originally from Winnipeg and now skiing out of Thunder Bay for the Big Thunder Nordic ski club and the Lakehead Thunderwolves Varsity ski team. I have been skiing since I could walk and racing for the last 10 years.

My Story

 

I have previously competed in cross country running and soccer. I love spending time being active outdoors, and exercise physiology has always interested me, so I enjoy learning about training and why we do what we do and then going out and actually doing it. I’ve coached the track attack group in my home club (Red River Nordic) and the Steps and Strides adult lessons for Big Thunder, as well as done private lessons over the last few years. I recently graduated with an honours bachelor degree in Kinesiology and will be starting a Masters degree in Chemistry in Sep. 2022. 

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Coaching Philosophy:

It’s all about consistency, understanding the purpose behind each workout and finding the fun-especially in mundane workouts.

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Favourite race distance and why?:

30 km skate mass start. I like that it’s a test of endurance but also pretty intense the whole way… and lots of different tactics at play

 

Results:

  • 2019 Canada Winter Games- 3rd place, skate sprint

  • 2019 FIS “rising stars” Junior race- 7th place

  • 2019 National Championships- 4th place, Junior Men 30km classic

  • 2022 National Championships- 1st place CCUNC skate team sprint

  • 2022 National Championships- 2nd place CCUNC classic sprint

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A sports highlight:

Winning a bronze medal at the 2019 Canada Winter Games representing Manitoba with the coach I’d had from 5th to 12th grade. 

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Athlete Moment:

I don’t have a specific moment, but think that the collection of moments I’ve had with great people in cool places has been what’s made my journey in skiing rewarding.

 

Favourite place to ski:

Silver Star

 

Preferred training mode or favourite workout (type or a specific workout):

Longer threshold workouts and adventure runs.

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Coaching Moment:

Playing “shark attack” and “attack of the blobs” with our adult learn-to-ski group and seeing everyone’s inner kid come out.

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Work:

Research Assistant in an organic/radiochemistry lab.

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School: 

Lakehead University - started an MSc in Chemistry in Sep. 2022

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Favourites:

Book: What I Think About When I Think About Running

Podcast: Huberman Lab

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Quote:

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift” - Steve Prefontaine

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Personal:

Currently Residing (City/town) – Thunder Bay

Hometown - Winnipeg

Home Ski Club – Red River Nordic

Current ski team – Big Thunder Nordic

Ski Team – Lakehead Varsity Ski Team

Years in Sport - 20

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