Training Camp in The Pacific Northwest

The past couple of weeks have been a lot of fun...but incredibly busy too. Brian and I headed out to Washington to compete in the Ski to Ski race and get a chance to ski on snow in Bend, OR.  We stopped by in the Methow Valley so we could work with Scott Johnston and move our second home, the fawn hut.

The very first day we arrived we started training hard. We met up early with Scott for technique and while Brian went to the gym...I got a run in before my race the next day.

The next morning I ran the Sun Mountain 25K trail race. I hadn't run very far yet this year so the 15 miles felt like eternity but on a brighter note, my injured hamstring is almost completely healed. It has taken two years of incredibly patience and diligence to get back to running full speed. The course was challenging but I loved it and felt great while earning my first victory in a trail race this season :)

After the running race I still had more racing to do. This time it was skiing though. Brian and I headed to Bellingham, WA to compete in the Ski to Sea race for our respective relay teams. I had a great race there too and came in 3rd overall with men. I got to meet up with another NMU alumni Kelly Ahern and we tested skis together and got ready for the event the day before!

After the race Brian and I raced back to the Methow Valley so we could attend a friend's wedding later that day. It was fun to be back in the sunshine and all dressed up after racing in the pouring rain and feeling like a drowned rat earlier in the day.

Once back in the Methow it was back to work the next day power washing the Fawn Hut we are soon to call home :) The hut was free because MVSTA no longer felt it was being used on the Rendezvous trail system, all we had to do was move it! After the move we have been busy cleaning and sorting all of the walls getting it ready for the re-build in a few weeks.

Brian and I are once again on the road. This time we are in Bend, OR looking forward to our biggest week of training coming up. I can't wait to start getting into a rhythm before we head back to Minneapolis and visiting with the kids at Run Club again.

The Best Yet!

 Every year at the end of the season instead of going on a roadtrip or vacation Brian and I rush home and start our projects with the kids at The Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club and Harrison Park. As much as I would love to head somewhere warm or hangout for a while with no responsibilities, I couldn't imagine a spring now without seeing the kids and telling them about our ski season and hearing about their winter.

Training and Smoothie Making!

That's not to say that Brian and I don't have fun...we just find ways to have fun in our own neighborhood. Last weekend we attended the Harrison Community Hang Out! I worked on the Harrison Neighborhood Board for a year and I learned so much about the City Planning Process and how many factors are involved in having a single business open up in the area. Harrison has had a rough time in the current economy and it is very obvious by the abandoned store fronts and boarded up homes along the main road, Glenwood Ave. In an attempt to bring the community together Harrison has been putting on events that promote friendship and joy for all the residents of North Minneapolis. There is a big push for bike commuting in the area, because it is a lot cheaper and cleaner than driving, and there were a number of stands promoting biking and bike share programs.

My proudest moment! The Run Club bulletin board and tally board filled with goals and  achievements

At the Boys and Girls Club I have been visiting Brian's kids because they are short-staffed and he has more regular attendees for our latest program Run Club. After a month we have had over 65 kids sign up and together they have run over 200 miles.

The kids are drawn to our energy and excitement for their accomplishments!

Everyday we are thrilled with the number of excited kids ready to run! Run Club is the "cool" program to be involved with!

The final day of Run Club...for now!

Julius has run 15 miles so far!

Happy to have Brian finish his workout during my race  so he could cheer me on!

Brian and I are now in the Methow Valley and I miss the kids a ton already. Today Brian skied an OD and met me at a trail race (the Sun Mountain 25K) I competed in. I won the race in a time of 1:59 and was 5th overall. I am so happy my hamstring has healed and I can run pain free again! Today's race was one of the first times I have been able to run with both legs :)

Working on the guns!!!

It's training season so after my 25K race I was back at it in the gym this afternoon for power strength and classic rollerskiing. I am feeling really good right now and I am ready to focus on "just training" for the next couple of weeks.

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!