Run Club

It's been great to be home this spring. Brian and I have been busy organizing the house and getting the yard ready for the summer months. Although the weather has been a bit crazy, like 6 inches of snow on May 2nd!, we have been staying busy at the Boys and Girls Club with our newly formed group called "Run Club."

A few of the Run Club crew! Ready to run!

The idea for Run Club came from our host family who we stayed with in Marquette for my Hall of Fame induction. Their daughter, who is in 3rd grade, showed off her necklace that had many little plastic foot charms on it. She told us that each foot represented a mile and that she had run over 26 miles already that year! She was very proud and you could tell the accomplishment gave her confidence and encouraged her to keep setting new goals.

I immediately looked up the program called Fitness Finders and ordered a booklet that described how it worked. Within two days I had the information packet and  brought it into the Boys and Girls Club to see if there was any interest from the kids. Destinee loved the idea and helped me organize an official sign up. The first meeting was mostly to explain how the program worked and have everyone start setting goals. We decided to set the mark at completing a marathon (26.2 miles) throughout the spring and summer. We looked up how many laps in the gym equaled a mile (20 laps!) and how many laps around the nearby park equaled a mile (3 laps).

The next Run Club meeting was spent creating a bulletin board for inspiration, motivation and a tally board to track laps and miles. We cut out pictures of healthy activities and exercises as well as healthy food choices that would help us achieve our goals quicker!

Our awesome Bulletin Board of Motivation and Inspiration! The club became so popular we had to add another tally chart to keep track of all the members! We are up to 35 kids!!!

With the tally board ready to go we started running laps. To keep track of our laps we used Popsicle sticks. For each lap the kids would collect their Popsicle sticks. Everyone holds onto their sticks until the end when we count them and put the totals on the board. There can be quite a bit of math involved between converting outside and inside laps into miles for the board!

Daveart (as he likes to be called) showing off his Popsicle sticks!

Helping to keep the laps motivating! The Run Club Popsicle stick queen :)

Their first day had 5 kids complete a mile. I was thrilled and we didn't even have the necklaces or charms, just Popsicle sticks! Their only motivation was to collect Popsicle sticks and hand them in to get a number and a sticker on the board next to their name. I was so excited!

Stretching before our run!

Everyday the kids showed up and wanted to run laps. Some ran 2 laps and some ran 16 laps. When the kids got tired we would do fitness exercises like sit-ups or push-ups until they were ready to do another lap. Not everyone could run the whole time so walking counts too. The only requirement is that you finish the lap entirely and collect your Popsicle Stick!

Everyone heading out on the course.

Day after day the laps added up! We now have two kids over 10 miles!!! and 25 with at least 1 mile completed. I had no idea what a success Run Club would be!

Handing out Popsicle sticks in the lap zone.

We had our first awards ceremony last week when the necklaces and charms arrived. The requirement is to complete a mile before you can earn your necklace and get your first charm. The interest in Run Club is so high right now that everyone wants to join!

Counting laps for the awards ceremony!

Various running stores and shoe companies have been generous and donated lightly used shoes to Run Club. We have set the bar high at completing 10 miles before you can earn your new shoes. Unfortunately the shoes have been a bit too big so we need to find some smaller sizes to award.

High Fives all-around!

 I have been very pleased with the both girls and boys being interested in Run Club and ages ranging from 6 to 13 years old. Our goal is to see how many kids can complete the 26.2 miles but we have also been talking about running in a local race! We gad one day when it was raining a getting late and I thought we should wait until the next day to run...so many kids wanted to run we decided to hold run club in the gym and not let the streak end. Another 7 kids completed a mile that day!

Erriana showing off her necklace during a science day.

Terrell has been the top performer so far. He has run over 13 miles!!!

NMU Hall of Fame Induction

I think this is the funniest thing ever! Look how nice my hair is!

Last weekend I had the honor of being inducted into my collegiate hall of fame. I was nominated and honored for both Cross Country Running and Cross Country Skiing. This was a special weekend for me and I am very glad that Brian was able to make the trip to Marquette and NMU with me.

Brian and I after his awesome finish in the Hill Climb!!! I was so proud.

After two busy weeks of racing at Canadian Nationals and Super Tour Finals Brian and I quickly sped off to the Reno Airport for a 4PM flight back to Minneapolis. We left the same day as Brian's 50K and the day after my 30K. These were warm weather slush fests at 7,000 ft and needless to say we were a bit exhausted.

Once we boarded the plane I thought we would sleep but we were both too excited. We landed in Minneapolis at midnight to fresh snow and frigid temps. We managed to get to our house at about 1 AM only to find a puddle of water in our basement. After an hour of mopping we climbed into bed and tried to fall asleep.

We woke up around 9 AM which felt like 7 AM and started the drive to Marquette in yet more snow! & hours later we arrived just in time for the open house event at the NMU Athletic Director's home. His name is Forrest Karr and it was wonderful to hear about how he has been running the athletic department and his excitement for the NMU ski team!

NMU Athletic Director Forrest Karr and NMU President David  Haynes.

Sten and Pam Fjeldheim!

 At the Meet and Greet we met up with my former College Coach Sten Fjeldheim and his wife Pam and made arrangements to meet up with the NMU ski team for their last ski of the season. Early (well it still seemed early because we were still on California time) we met the team at the ski room and headed out to Forrestville to ski on the Noquemon Ski Trails. It was mid-winter conditions and both Brian and I were blown away by the amazing skiing and grooming still available in the Upper Peninsula! What a great place to go to school ;)

After a bite to eat at the NMU Market Place (Thanks ski team!) and a quick 3 hour nap, we headed over to the ceremony on campus! The dinner was fantastic and the event was amazing. I spoke briefly about how much my time at NMU has shaped me as an athlete and person. I also made note of the influence Sten had on me to share my unyielding passion with others. I noted that the greatest accomplishment in my life has not been my Olympic success or even collegiate All-Americans but my opportunity to share my passion with the youth I work with and see the impact it has on the trajectory of their lives.

Ingrid and Kirsten Fjeldheim. 

Steve and Lisa Bigeck!

Don and his wife. Don Hurst was the first NMU ski team coach

Assistant Coach Jenny Ryan and Vicki and Tom Asmus who hosted us for the weekend.

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After another two full days of visits and traveling Brian and I finally made it home from a long season. We only had two days before it snowed 8 inches in the Twin Cities and we were back out skiing and smiling :) We are so lucky to do what we love and so grateful for all those who help support our pursuits of excellence!

Last Races of the Season! Still lots of Energy!!!

This time of year has traditionally been tough for me. I am usually pretty tired and each races presents a new opportunity, yet my body never seems ready for action. This year has been totally different! My energy and enthusiasm has been through the roof and I am very excited about each race and the challenge it brings.

Tomorrow is no exception. It is the final race of the Super Tour Finals and that means that it is an uphill skate race!!! Two of my favorite types of skiing :)

As the season draws to an end I am almost sad rather than relieved like most of my competitors. I am not sure if my happiness is because I am fresher than other years, having not started training until August, or because Brian and I have become experts at living on the road!!!

I have spent less then 2 weeks at home since Finals Week last August and as much as I want to go home with Brian by my side it never feels like I am sacrificing any other part of my life.

As the season draws to a close I think back to the awesome accomplishments, journeys and people Brian and I have experienced throughout the past year.

Although we did not get married, buy a house or speak at a commencement this year...We made other significant steps in our lives. I went back to school after 13 years, Brian returned to the Methow to work with a coach who he has known since high school, we planted many gardens, we helped an entire family get bicycles, we shared our story with new faces and inspired others to lead healthier lives, we lived together in a  300 sq/ft Yurt! and we had a wonderful time along the way!

Next Thursday when our races are over, Brian and I will head straight to Marquette, Michigan for my induction into the NMU Hall of Fame. I am honored to be receiving this recognition and I look forward to emphasizing how much my college education has positively impacted my life and how much being an NCAA athlete positively impacted my education.

In just over a week I will be back in Minneapolis and working with the Harrison Track Team again! Spring has Sprung back home and their are a lot of fun programs I have lined up for the next month!

Back at Whistler Olympic Park

It feels great to be racing again at the Whistler Olympic Park.  I haven't been back to Whistler since the 2010 games and what better way to kick it off than with my favorite event the 5km Freestyle.  In the Oympics we raced a 10km Freestyle but I like 5km even better.

Thanks to Brian's Mom for setting us a little cooking kit so that we can eat like kings even living out of a hotel room

I miss finishing my morning jog and coming to the meal room with every possible option in the world laid out before you.  We are actually staying down in Squamish where lodging is a bit less expensive, but we have a really nice setup.

One of the thing Brian and I have really tried to embrace while on the road is making everywhere our home.  We have a hot plate so we can cook just about anywhere and we take it on as a game to make it awesome!  We cooked up our favorite pre-race meal of salmon, quinoa and spinach salad with just a microwave and a hot plate.

Our corner room has a view of the beautiful snow covered mountains but the grass is green on the lawn.

The Stadium

Super happy to be on top!

A huge thanks to my wax technicians and coaches Andy and Igor.  My skis were fantastic and I really appreciate you guys being here.  This trip was not part of the team's original budget so we are covering it out of pocket.  Andy and Igor offered to come to help support us for free.  Thanks guys!

Preparing like never before...

 

My Birkie Sweater!
The 2013 American Birkebeiner was a great race and I couldn't have asked for a better outcome! I knew heading into the race that my preparation and fitness were both great but in 50K anything can happen. In the past I have spent a fair amount of time pulling the group, mostly to prevent sprinters from hanging on too long, but this year I was told to be patient and wait. I did have some confidence in my sprinting after successful Bozeman and US Nationals Sprints  earlier this season. On the Thursday before the Birkie I participated in the Elite Sprints placing 3rd which also gave me some confidence to relax in the pack a bit!

Success! I am very happy to have such great support from my husband!

I honestly couldn't have waited a second later to start my final sprint down Main Street. After 50K of racing 10K of which were at a pretty fast pace my sprint felt more like a slow-motion movie but it was just enough to secure my 2nd American Birkebeiner Win! A huge Shout Out and Thank You to all the Volunteers and Organizers who make this race possible!!! A huge thanks to all my family, friends and supporters who were there to share the awesome outcome of the day!!! The winnings will go directly to help pay for some quality training and racing over the next summer to help us qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia!!!
Winning two American Birkies has only been done a handful of times and I am very honored to be among some amazing skiers and women from the past!

Hanging out with the Rochester, MN kids we visit in the summer. It is so great to share my victory with so many people Brian and I work with throughout the year!

Onto the next adventure!!!Welcome to California!

Psyched to be in Truckee, CA

After the Birkie Brian and I had to make a tough decision. We had to decide whether we were going to fly over and compete in Europe or stay stateside and train for Spring Series in Truckee, CA. Thankfully I have and uncle who lives in Truckee and has been an amazing supporter of my skiing over the past few years.
He and his girlfriend Fran welcomed us and have been providing the best training support I have ever received. We have a fantastic place to stay, a vehicle, great food, perfect company and my uncle has taken to coaching us while we are out. We have video, lactates and times that Kelly, my uncle, has dialed in for us.

Getting extra encouragement and coaching from my uncle Kelly!

 I just finished up a volume block of almost 150 Kilometers of Classic Skiing. Most of the races at the end of the season will  be classic so I am working harder than I ever have to become very proficient. Today was my last day and after 6 days in a row of only classic skiing my legs are a little fried and I welcome the day off tomorrow.

Enjoying the beautiful sunshine after a hard workout.

The Staff at the Tahoe/ Donner Ski Center have been absolutely amazing!!! Brian and I will be hosting Clinics for them in exchange for free skiing during the month we are here! Opportunities like this add up to huge savings for us and also give us the chance to interact with the local ski community on a more intimate basis! So far we have done two lessons and we look forward to a Women's Only Clinic and a Free Open Clinic in the weeks to come! Stay tuned for details!

Strength is an important component for my training throughout the year. We typically don't do much strength during busy racing periods, but when we get a few weeks between races we take advantage of a local gym to maintain our power and strength. Yesterday I got to train at Julie Mancuso's (Olympic Gold Medalist) gym here in Truckee. It was an awesome place with everything an athlete could want ie...lots of strength toys and torture devices! Despite few strength sessions I am feeling very strong and ready for the next races to start in a couple of weeks. It's been exactly one year since my concussion at the Engadin and I am feeling MUCH better than I did at the last spring series! Here's to more good preparation!

Strength training old school!

Thanks again for all the congrats and kind words after the Birkie! It means so much to Brina and I to have such a great support network!

Colorado Altitude Training

Brian and I flew out to Eagle, CO a day after the Tour de Twin Cities ended. As hard as it was to leave my own bed, I knew it would be a good decision for my training and racing over the next couple of weeks. Brian found us a great flight from Minneapolis to Chicago and then from Chicago direct to Eagle, CO. We had a bit of a bumpy landing in Chicago but our next flight was the best flight I have ever been on. Our captain came out from the cockpit and introduced himself to the entire cabin of passengers. Fortunately we only had about 15 people on the 757 so Brian and I had an entire row to ourselves which we loved after our 4am wake up.

During the flight the captain would occasionally come on the intercom and tell us about different land features or cities we were flying by. As we came into the Vail Valley to land the pilot again told us about the maneuvers and "tricks' he was going to use to get the massive 757 to land amongst the high mountains of Colorado. I felt like we were on a tour bus! It was so much fun!

 After the flight I asked to say hello to the pilot because it certainly seemed like he loved his job. The pilot got out of his seat told me to sit in it and then put his hat on my head! I couldn't believe it! I have never been in the cockpit before and I was amazed at the number of buttons, levers and gauges that were there.

The pilot escorting me out of the plane.

 Brian and I have been staying at his Aunt and Uncle's house for the past two weeks and have had a fantastic time training in the sun and mountains again. We have been very focused and so most of our adventures have involved training. We found some great trails through the canyon nearby that we backcountry skied and we have been traveling to Vail to hang out with the local Ski and Snowboard Club Vail kids too!

Our racing has started and it started off great with a double victory for us at the Vail Mountain Games at the Vail Golf Course.

Local skier Sharon meeting her first Olympian.

 Today was the Owl Creek chase and despite feeling great my race was not as stellar as Brian's. I struggled with some slower skis and found myself pushing really hard just to get 5th. Sometimes that's how racing goes. The best part is...that at every race we have twice as much opportunity to have a win in the family :)

Enjoying the trails of Eagle, CO at night!

Hard to imagine it ever gets cloudy enough to snow!

Ski with the Stars!

On Top of the Podium!

This past week was the Tour de Twin Cities. Unfortunately there wasn't much snow but fortunately the best man-made snow loop is right out our back door here in North Minneapolis. Brian and I love nothing more than racing close enough to home so that we can run and bike to the start!!! Talk about "being green." We had a blast all week and despite a cold weather delay on the classic sprint day we ended the week on a great note! Both Gregg's Won a Super Tour on the same day! This was certainly a first for us but hopefully not the last time it happens.

I was able to move up to 2nd overall in the Tour!

We both started the day with one goal. To win and it feels great to make the top of the podium for the first time this year together :)

Despite the multiple competitions, 5 all together, there were still a few "training days" in the middle of the week that gave the Super Tour athletes a chance to give back to the local ski community. On Wednesday night Brian and I were able to gather up a total 26 Super Tour athletes for a "Ski with the Stars" event. 32 kids from the local Minnesota Youth Ski League came out and paired up with a super tour athlete for a team sprint event. The night was frigid, with windchill values approaching -35F but the kids and athletes had a blast.

Matt, Brian and Jennie racing in their puffy jackets!

My teammate Garret and I at the tag off!

Kids and Stars getting ready for their leg of the relay.

Brian and I go an Apple Pie for organizing the event! The Best thank you ever!

After the event most of the super tour athletes were treated to dinner at a local Thai restaurant. It was a great night to get together with athletes from different teams and hang out together during the season.

The Super Tour athletes after a fun evening and warm dinner.

Brian and I are now relaxing for one day, and helping to shovel the newly fallen snow for the upcoming City of Lakes Loppet, before we head out west for the next super tour events.

We have also been in the process of redefining our own blog www.xcskilife.com. We decided that there is more to our story then just training and racing and we wanted to share the other parts of our lives with our fans. We hope you visit to learn how we make skiing and our work in the North Minneapolis community work so well together.