The American Birkebeiner - the only race that matters in the North American cross country racing calendar. Maybe you've done it before. Maybe all your friends have and you finally lost that bet and you'll be toeing the line with them in February. Either way, you're scared, because you have barely any time to train. You're not in college anymore - you've got a family, or a high-stress job, and you know in your heart that 30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical 3 times per week and a few pushups isn't going to cut it.
The 2019 American Birkebeiner Skate No Time Training Plan will get you across the line, maybe even standing. It's simple, effective, straightforward workouts that will increase your aerobic capacity, get your technique dialed, and even allows for beers.
You won't find BS in this plan, just Badass workouts that make the most of your precious time. You don't need a fancy watch, you don't need to abandon your social life, you just need a can-do attitude. But you already have that - you're a cross-country skier![](<img src="https://i.ibb.co/M9XJZck/IMG-4387-ANIMATION.gif" alt="IMG-4387-ANIMATION" border="0">)
Now go knock out some workouts. Before you'll know it you'll be waiting for your friends at the finish line in Hayward sipping Wisconsin's finest.
Hey, I'm Matti. I spent 11 years at TrainingPeaks, where they trusted me to teach coaches how to coach at TrainingPeaks University. I raced Amateur Elite with Rio Grande Cycling Team and podiumed my age group at Unbound 200 in 2026. I have a degree in biology and exercise physiology from St. Olaf. I'm also a middle-aged dad of three, so I know training doesn't happen in a vacuum. I help gravel riders get stupidly fast without becoming the person who brings a food scale to a party