No, I did not race in the Junior Olympics but after the fun filled week here at Theodore Wirth I feel like I did!
I heard that the Twin Cities was in contention for the Junior Olympics in 2011 a few years ago. When they were awarded the event everyone here in the Twin Cities were pretty excited and ready to show the country what we've got here!
Countless hours and labor went into making the JO's go off without a hitch. The courses were ready, the volunteers were ready and all of the other events and accommodations were in place, the only thing left was the snow. Every effort was made to get a snowmaking system and loop that would accommodate such a major event if mother nature was not cooperating.
Thankfully, Minneapolis was blessed with the most snow we have seen in the past 7 years I have been living here. The week of the event came and the temperatures remand cold making the snow absolutely perfect yet warm enough for the spectators to enjoy.
I had the honor of being recognized for my achievements in the past couple of years, and recognizing the outstanding achievements of the racers throughout the week, by presenting the medals at the awards ceremony.I spoke to the audience of parents, coaches and athletes about never assuming you cannot achieve something without even attempting it first.
The highlight of the event was watching the J1/OJ Girl's relay where the Midwest team took first. Not only was it great to see the Midwest succeeding but it was even more special because of my connection to the girls who won. I have spent time with each of them over the past year and I hope that they have learned a lot from training, racing, living and just hanging out with me.
I am so proud of Jessie, Libby, and Elizabeth!!! I can't wait to see what they can do in the future :)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Nailed it!!!
This past weekend was the 38th annual American Birkibeiner in Hayward, WI. I am very fortunate that Brian has been living in Hayward for the past 5 years. Brian and I arrived on Saturday evening after a bumpy flight from Aspen and a changed ticket into Minneapolis on Friday. We were originally scheduled to fly into Madison, WI to race the Capitol Square Super Tour, however the race was cancelled due to 100,000 protesters expected on the Capitol Square. Brian was able to negotiate with the airlines and get our flight changed for free! So we went back to Minneapolis and I got to see some friends and visit with Lahti for about 12 hours.
Once we got to Hayward we planned out our busy Birkie Filled week. I knew I was racing the Birkie over a month ago and so my training was all geared towards the goal of finishing my first 50K in over 6 years. Brian and I planned two intensity days and lots of easy days. There are times in the year when I absolutely love the "peaking plan" I use. I train hard for three weeks and then get a week to "rest" and rebound back stronger for my key event. The truth is that the plan is much more complicated then that but I have been using the same training pattern for the past couple of years before a target event and I knew it would work.
I went into the Birkie believing in my plan, feeling great about my preparation, and excited about my support team and equipment. What I couldn't control however, was the weather. I watched as the forecast got colder and colder for Birkie morning. I prepared my clothing and feeding plan to best meet the chill. I filled seven feed bottles and wore mole skin on my face. The morning of the Birkie the temperature was still -12 at the starting area before the race. By the time the race was started and my wave was preparing to take off the temperature rose to -6. Any other Super Tour or National race would have been delayed or canceled unless the temperatures rose above -4.
Earlier this winter I have had a few races to practice for my longest race in a long time. At Nationals we had a 20K skate, at the City of Lakes it 30K, then the Owl Creek Chase was only 21K (but at 9,00ft!). I had everything in those races go wrong. I filled my feeds, I broke a pole, and I crashed at the start and bonked.
On Birkie Morning everything went right! I nailed my warm clothing and face protection, I nailed my ski selection, I nailed my warmup, I nailed my start, I nailed my strategy, and I nailed my training and feeding. When everything comes together the sky is the limit!
I skied to my first American Birkie win setting a new course record. I couldn't believe it and best of all Brian was waiting for me on the far side of the finish line. How could I not have skied my heart out towards is smiling face and open arms.
The Day was perfect and it feels good to have everything run so smoothly!
Once we got to Hayward we planned out our busy Birkie Filled week. I knew I was racing the Birkie over a month ago and so my training was all geared towards the goal of finishing my first 50K in over 6 years. Brian and I planned two intensity days and lots of easy days. There are times in the year when I absolutely love the "peaking plan" I use. I train hard for three weeks and then get a week to "rest" and rebound back stronger for my key event. The truth is that the plan is much more complicated then that but I have been using the same training pattern for the past couple of years before a target event and I knew it would work.
I went into the Birkie believing in my plan, feeling great about my preparation, and excited about my support team and equipment. What I couldn't control however, was the weather. I watched as the forecast got colder and colder for Birkie morning. I prepared my clothing and feeding plan to best meet the chill. I filled seven feed bottles and wore mole skin on my face. The morning of the Birkie the temperature was still -12 at the starting area before the race. By the time the race was started and my wave was preparing to take off the temperature rose to -6. Any other Super Tour or National race would have been delayed or canceled unless the temperatures rose above -4.
Earlier this winter I have had a few races to practice for my longest race in a long time. At Nationals we had a 20K skate, at the City of Lakes it 30K, then the Owl Creek Chase was only 21K (but at 9,00ft!). I had everything in those races go wrong. I filled my feeds, I broke a pole, and I crashed at the start and bonked.
On Birkie Morning everything went right! I nailed my warm clothing and face protection, I nailed my ski selection, I nailed my warmup, I nailed my start, I nailed my strategy, and I nailed my training and feeding. When everything comes together the sky is the limit!
I skied to my first American Birkie win setting a new course record. I couldn't believe it and best of all Brian was waiting for me on the far side of the finish line. How could I not have skied my heart out towards is smiling face and open arms.
The Day was perfect and it feels good to have everything run so smoothly!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Birkie Fever
Every year on the last weekend of February in Cable, WI the largest cross country ski race in North America is held every year. The race is the American Birkebeiner and it is a really big deal in the Nordic Ski comunnity especially in the Mid-west.
This year will be the first time in six years that I will have the opportunity to get my taste of what is a amazing event and a wonderful milestone for many to achieve. I am racing this year for the win and therefore everything since learning I was not going to be competing at the World Championships in Oslo, Norway has been focused on the Birkie. I qualified to race in Oslo but realized that there were women in the country who were racing faster then me and deserved the opportunity to represent our country as I had for the previous 4 years at an international championship. Staying back in the US has meant that I have visited many different cities throughout the US and work with kids from all walks of life.
Last weekend I was at the City of Lakes Loppet in my hometown of Minneapolis, and skied with the inner-city kids in the mini Loppet and this week I was training with the Aspen Valley Ski Club here in Aspen, CO. I have learned that no matter where the kids or from or what their situation is when the are out on skis they are all the same.
I am in Aspen this week, staying with the Hoffman family for my high altitude training before the Birkie. I have been putting in a lot of volume training and race two races at 9,000 ft this weekend. Needless to say the combination of altitude and volume training left me off the podium in a very competitive field of women. I was disappointed but also know that this week and this weekend's races will leave me fitter and faster for the Birkie in two weeks!
Tomorrow I will be going through my photos from the past few weeks and uploading some of the best.
I am tired and ready for a day off! Here's to the final two weeks until the Birkie!!!
This year will be the first time in six years that I will have the opportunity to get my taste of what is a amazing event and a wonderful milestone for many to achieve. I am racing this year for the win and therefore everything since learning I was not going to be competing at the World Championships in Oslo, Norway has been focused on the Birkie. I qualified to race in Oslo but realized that there were women in the country who were racing faster then me and deserved the opportunity to represent our country as I had for the previous 4 years at an international championship. Staying back in the US has meant that I have visited many different cities throughout the US and work with kids from all walks of life.
Last weekend I was at the City of Lakes Loppet in my hometown of Minneapolis, and skied with the inner-city kids in the mini Loppet and this week I was training with the Aspen Valley Ski Club here in Aspen, CO. I have learned that no matter where the kids or from or what their situation is when the are out on skis they are all the same.
I am in Aspen this week, staying with the Hoffman family for my high altitude training before the Birkie. I have been putting in a lot of volume training and race two races at 9,000 ft this weekend. Needless to say the combination of altitude and volume training left me off the podium in a very competitive field of women. I was disappointed but also know that this week and this weekend's races will leave me fitter and faster for the Birkie in two weeks!
Tomorrow I will be going through my photos from the past few weeks and uploading some of the best.
I am tired and ready for a day off! Here's to the final two weeks until the Birkie!!!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Skijoring with Lahti
This past week Lahti and I had the chance to get out for a ski with the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation's Anwatin Ski Team. This is a team that I worked with in the fall. The kids usually meet after school at the Anwatin Middle School, which conveniently abuts the City of Lakes Loppet/Theodore Wirth Trails, and ski from there. On Monday however there was no school but a few of the more committed girls showed up for the Skijoring practice.
Lahti has been staying at a Husky/Skijoring boarding kennel while I have been off racing from November through January. I am always sad to leave him but I know he is in very good hands. He gets to hang out with other huskies and pull all kinds of objects alone and with a team of dogs. As far as huskies go, it is like summer camp in the winter. He has a kennel mate named Bjorn and the two of them get along great!
Lahti, who is a rescue dog from the humane society, has become a very lovable guy. He has finally opened up and shows a great fondness for children. He is used by the skijoring kennel as a demo dog and now has quite a following.
Next week is the Skijoring National Championships at Theodore Wirth Park. Lahti and I have been out training together A LOT and I have to say it is some of the best skiing I have ever done! I am looking forward to the event and will update about how we do!
Here are some photos of the kids training with Lahti!
Lahti has been staying at a Husky/Skijoring boarding kennel while I have been off racing from November through January. I am always sad to leave him but I know he is in very good hands. He gets to hang out with other huskies and pull all kinds of objects alone and with a team of dogs. As far as huskies go, it is like summer camp in the winter. He has a kennel mate named Bjorn and the two of them get along great!
Lahti, who is a rescue dog from the humane society, has become a very lovable guy. He has finally opened up and shows a great fondness for children. He is used by the skijoring kennel as a demo dog and now has quite a following.
Next week is the Skijoring National Championships at Theodore Wirth Park. Lahti and I have been out training together A LOT and I have to say it is some of the best skiing I have ever done! I am looking forward to the event and will update about how we do!
Here are some photos of the kids training with Lahti!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
More Racing Ahead
After a mixed group of results at US Nationals. I was 4th in the 20K Skate, Qualified 3rd in the Sprint and finished 12th, and a 29th in the 10K Classic (just a bad day). I got the news that I would not be selected for the 2011 World Championship Team. I was dissapointed but also a bit refreshed. This would be my first year without a Championships or the Olympics in a long time. This will be my first year home in the month of February since 2006!!! I think it is important in the career of an athlete, to have both good and not so good years. They help balance not only results but also your competitive drive and your expectations. I think a year "off" is exactly what I need.
So as I prepare for my next races I am also preparing for a major event happening here in the Twin Cities. I have a number of Super Tour Events, a number of local marathons and of course the Birkie!!!
But the biggest event will be the 2011 Junior Olympics taking place at Theodore Wirth Park. I am really looking forwrad to helping and inspiring the next generation of skiers in the country!
Lots of racing this weekend on te JO Courses. More updates to come.
So as I prepare for my next races I am also preparing for a major event happening here in the Twin Cities. I have a number of Super Tour Events, a number of local marathons and of course the Birkie!!!
But the biggest event will be the 2011 Junior Olympics taking place at Theodore Wirth Park. I am really looking forwrad to helping and inspiring the next generation of skiers in the country!
Lots of racing this weekend on te JO Courses. More updates to come.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Silver Star to Rossland
These past two weeks have been a whirlwind of travel and racing. We raced 5 races in 9 days and I loved every minute of it!!! I have learned that as long as I enter the season with a bit more gas in the tank and slightly below my ultimate race fitness, I can improve throughout the season and hold my peak through the bigger races of the year that are in February.
I came out West and to altitude almost 6 weeks ago. After many solid hours of training and racing I am finding my top gear again! Last week in Silver Star I had my first glimpse of newly gained fitness. I reached the podium in the 10K Skate race. I was 2nd. Although I was a bit off my friend (and Olympic Roomie) Holly Brooks pace, I knew I was tapping back into my race legs.
This past week we (the CXC Team) have been staying with a great family just down the road from the Black Jack Nordic Ski Venue in Rossland, B.C. This week's schedule consisted of three races in a row. We started with a Skate Sprint, then a 5K Skate and finished with a 10K Classic. Time bonuses were awarded for each event culminating with a pursuit style final race. The entire weekend was a blast! I managed to move into the B-Final of the Skate Sprint and finish 9th. The next day was my favorite event the 5K Skate and I was narrowly edged by .1 of a second by my teammate Jessie Diggins for 3rd Place. Today was the 10K Skate and I was able to hold onto my 5th position in the overall! The best news was that my teammate Jessie Diggins moved up from 3rd to take the mini-tour overall victory!!!
Jessie is only 19 and training with the CXC Elite Team year-round. She is a super talent and I look forward to watching her progress throughout her career. While she is on the team, I enjoy her energy and excitement to train with the rest of us. I know my results are improving after spending 6 weeks with her!
I have managed to improve immensely since my first races in West Yellowstone, MT. I am now within a few seconds of winning and I know I still have more in the tank! Our next event is U.S. Nationals in Rumford, ME. Until then I am looking forward to going to Brian's home in the Methow Valley of Washington and enjoying the Holidays with family and friends.
I came out West and to altitude almost 6 weeks ago. After many solid hours of training and racing I am finding my top gear again! Last week in Silver Star I had my first glimpse of newly gained fitness. I reached the podium in the 10K Skate race. I was 2nd. Although I was a bit off my friend (and Olympic Roomie) Holly Brooks pace, I knew I was tapping back into my race legs.
This past week we (the CXC Team) have been staying with a great family just down the road from the Black Jack Nordic Ski Venue in Rossland, B.C. This week's schedule consisted of three races in a row. We started with a Skate Sprint, then a 5K Skate and finished with a 10K Classic. Time bonuses were awarded for each event culminating with a pursuit style final race. The entire weekend was a blast! I managed to move into the B-Final of the Skate Sprint and finish 9th. The next day was my favorite event the 5K Skate and I was narrowly edged by .1 of a second by my teammate Jessie Diggins for 3rd Place. Today was the 10K Skate and I was able to hold onto my 5th position in the overall! The best news was that my teammate Jessie Diggins moved up from 3rd to take the mini-tour overall victory!!!
Jessie is only 19 and training with the CXC Elite Team year-round. She is a super talent and I look forward to watching her progress throughout her career. While she is on the team, I enjoy her energy and excitement to train with the rest of us. I know my results are improving after spending 6 weeks with her!
I have managed to improve immensely since my first races in West Yellowstone, MT. I am now within a few seconds of winning and I know I still have more in the tank! Our next event is U.S. Nationals in Rumford, ME. Until then I am looking forward to going to Brian's home in the Methow Valley of Washington and enjoying the Holidays with family and friends.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Yellowstone Adventure!!
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| Photo Toko USA First Skate Race of the Season in West Yellowstone, MT |
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| Photo Toko USA First Classic Race of the Season in West Yellowstone, MT |
4-1/2 hours of skiing! It was about 50K of skiing!!!
The CXC Team is off again on another road adventure this time to Silver Star, B.C. I love racing in Silver Star and look forward to racing feeling 100%.
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