Park City Bound Part One

This spring was the busiest I have ever had. I have a hard time spending 11 months of the year focused solely on my training and racing and not feel like I want to cram all 11 months into the one month when I am home. I have to say that despite this impossible undertaking, I did it this year! My day planner was crammed to the max with appearances, celebrations, presentations, talks, dinners, fundraisers, guest coaching, friends, family, girl's camp and even time to play with my Husky Lahti and take care of our house and yard after a long winter away! I LOVED IT ALL!!! Everyday I woke up with tons of stuff to do and tons of energy to do it (thank you fitness!). I got out for some runs, rollerskis, bike rides and even to the gym a few times but what I soon realized was how bad of an athlete I was being... I would run from one place to another with little rest, recovery or thought about my next workout or how I would feel. It was a refreshing look into the life of most of my friends, supporters and training partners who have full-time jobs, families and other priorities but still manage to be amazing athletes. I am lucky to be able to spend 11 months of the year as a full-time athlete and this past spring was a great way to check in with my enthusiasm for training and racing for the next couple of years!

Working with the Fast Kids and Anwatin ski team on outdoor circuit strength.

Training time with my favorite training partners! Alice Flanders will be entering the professional skier ranks this year after graduating from Michigan Tech this spring!

Ripping through North Minneapolis with the Husky!

Many months ago Nichole Porath contacted Brian and I about receiving a Stunt Puppy leash for Lahti! When I got home from the season it was waiting at our door step. The Stunt Puppy leash has been perfect for my injured hamstring and provided a great way to run with a "pulling" dog on a leash! Huge Thanks to Nichole for the awesome connection!

I had the opportunity to join the LNR Girlz Camp in Afton, MN for 3 days of BIG HOURS and of course BIG FUN! Kris Hansen, head coach of the Stillwater girls high school team and Jessie Diggins were awesome for letting us stay in Afton and coming out for the workouts!  The camp was a huge success and everyone was tired and even more inspired for the training season ahead!

On Snow Camp? 

Jessie telling us about the running route in Afton State Park.

Big Crew out for a run. 

Fun to have representation from LNR, NNF and USSA!

We biked over 60 miles on Saturday morning! This was the farthest most of these girls have ever gone. 

The Road Crew

Biking up the Afton River Road hill!

The last day featured a 2-3 hour classic ski on the incredible Afton roads.

My Thank You note :)

 With all of the happenings throughout the spring nothing made me as happy as the presentation day at Run Club. All spring over 85 kids came out and ran at least 3 miles. The club as a whole ran almost 700 miles. Our top runner this year was Gregory Wheeler. He ran 47 miles to edge out Lavonne who ran 46 miles. The award was the MN Timberwolves signed basketball that Brian won in the Crunch's 5K almost a month earlier.

Gregory and his new trophy!

Kim Jones has been coming out 3 days a week to participate in run club with her daughter Destanee. We are so grateful for Kim's support and very impressed with her new healthy lifestyle. Kim has ran over 12 miles herself!

After a solid month of working and community involvement Brian and I packed our bags the morning we flew out for Salt Lake City. We left a few days early so that Brian could attend the USSA congress that is held in the spring every year. We left about 40 minutes apart because I was on a direct Delta flight because my ticket was purchased by USSA for my Rookie Camp dates and Brian was on Southwest because it was cheaper. I arrived 3 hours before Brian and was upgraded to comfort plus thanks to a generous gift of Silver Status from a new sponsor (more on this soon!). Brian went through Pheonix and had to stay on the plane during his layover. I felt a little guilty while I ate my free snacks, enjoyed the front of the plane and watched my free entertainment knowing Brian had none of the same. By the time I got to Salt Lake City the rush and non-stop lifestyle that accompanied my spring this year caught up to me. I snuggled up to my ski bag and fell asleep in the middle of baggage claim only to be awaken by Brian kicking me and making fun of how "rough" my flight must have been :) The "crash" hit me hard and I took the next 3 days off and 5 of the 7 I was in Park City that week. Brian was fighting off a cold that he picked up at the end of our epic spring so the two of us sort of felt like lumps all week.

Passed out in the middle of baggage claim on the floor. It was a very busy spring.

Our first grocery bill in Park City!