About Me

Hello.

My name is Brian Halligan and I love Nordic Skiing. My entire life has revolved around the sport. From my time training and racing as a Bill Koch skier to my years representing the U.S. at Jr. World Biathlon Championships in Europe I have always treasured and appreciated Nordic sports.

When I was young I would tag along with my father to afternoon ski sessions and weekend races. Although never experiencing a level beyond that of the state circuit, I fell in love with the sport and dreamt of one day becoming an Olympian.

This pursuit of excellence drove my training through high school and introduced me to some of the nicest and friendliest people. As a senior at Saratoga Springs High School I made a controversial decision to not run cross country in the fall and make the transition to full time biathlete. This move payed off as I eventually qualified for Jr. World Championships in Obertilliach, Austria and was exposed to a level of racing and competition that months before seemed like a distant daydream.

After graduation I decided to follow my passion and join what was then known as the Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC) now known as Outdoor Sports Institute. At MWSC I lived the life of full time biathlete day-in and day-out for three years. In total I represented the U.S. in 9 European countries and at 4 Jr. World Championships as well as 2 European championships.

While living my dream and learning the ways of an elite athlete I unexpectedly learned something far more valuable. Nordic sports are a metaphor for life. Life skills and values such as discipline, dedication, organization, positive philosophy and much more were the underlying themes that helped propelled me to my success.

Upon graduation from of the junior class I was faced with a difficult decision. To keep training and working toward my goal, or to refocus on school take a step back from the highly competitive and mentally taxing world that is elite athletics. After reassuring myself that endurance athletes don’t reach their peak potential until their late 20s into their early 30s I decided to hang up the rifle, for now.

Eager to share my valuable knowledge with younger skiers from my home state of New York I accepted the first coaching position at my original club team; the Hudson United Racing Team (http://www.hurtnordicskiing.com/).

Despite my new position, I felt there was more I could do give back to the Nordic lifestyle. After all, it has given me so much. Noting the lack of international success from U.S. teams I began asking myself why this was. I realized that for the Nordic powerhouses such as Norway, Germany, Sweden and France, Nordic skiing is just part of everyday life. Much like basketball in the U.S.

That’s when at the age of 21, with no experience, education or really even a plan I decided to start my own business; Kick Zone Media (http://www.kickzonemedia.com/). Guided only by the values learned in prior years I set out to promote the lifestyle which tough me these values.

This was originally the blog I kept while training, to keep my family and friends updated on how I was doing. After over a year of silence I have decided to start it back up again because sometimes I feel I just want to talk about how the whole entrepreneurial process is going. I don’t expect many to read or follow, but hopeful it will provide a little entertainment and a look into my brain as I set out down a ski trail I have yet to explore. 

Obertilliach

Obertilliach

Fort Kent, Maine

Fort Kent, Maine

Fort Kent, Maine

Presque Isle, Maine

Cheile Gradistei, Romania

My podcast which can be found at Kickzonemedia.com

Kick Zone Media. "Live the Nordic Life"