Zak Ketterson
Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota
Date of Birth: 04/02/1997 (age 26)
Pro Since: 2021
College/Country: Northern Michigan University / USA
Follow on: Instagram, Strava, Facebook, www.zakketterson.com
Favorite place to visit in Minnesota?
Target Center, the home of the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). My dad and I went to a ton of basketball games there when I was growing up and I have remained a huge Wolves fan to this day. Now, if only they could make the playoffs…
Favorite pre-race breakfast?
Oatmeal with a variety of toppings. I have had oatmeal for breakfast every morning for the past four years and it has never let me down. On race mornings, I try to eat my breakfast three hours before the race starts.
Favorite workout?
6x8 minutes L3 (medium/hard) rollerskiing intervals. I really enjoy the challenge that comes with having to remain really focused for longer periods of time.
What keeps you motivated?
Staying focused on improvement and progress. I get a lot of motivation from knowing that if I am better than I used to be, I can also be better than I am now. This approach also helps me deal with the day-to-day ups and downs because I am more concerned with my long-term improvement.
Tips for recovery?
It is equally important to recover your mind as it is to recover your body. Oftentimes a mental “chill” period is just as important as a physical one. Things like school, work, and life stress have a huge impact on your body’s ability to handle your training load. Don’t be afraid to adjust your training to better accommodate your life stresses.
How can you make your community better?
I recognize that some of the privileges that I have enjoyed in my life are not a reality for so many others in my community. I strive to use my position as a professional skier to help make Nordic skiing more accessible to people from underprivileged backgrounds. Living in Minneapolis gives me the unique opportunity to work with skiers from all different ages and backgrounds. I challenge myself to be a mentor and positive role model for everyone who looks up to me.
