FasterSkier
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Diane placed 15th overall (1st in her age group) among the women in the 2004 Birkie.
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 series.</p>
<p><B>What are your future racing plans?</B><br />
I intend to complete the ASM series next year. I'm planning on working (more) on technique because clearly the experts are leaps ahead (it's a good thing I have strong lungs). As far as training hours I will train what my coach<br />
John (Aalberg) tells me to train. I also intend to better listen to my body's feedback next season.</p>
<p><B>What is the best thing about XC ski racing?</B><br />
The best thing about my XC ski racing is the fact that I'm going to be great at it if my improvements continue! More important, I have inspired many mothers, students (I teach HA Sciences at our high school), and mainly our four beautiful daughters. </p>
<p><B>Can you give us an example of how you might have inspired your children?</B><br />
On the way to the Minaqua Winter Fest my little Alybell age seven said, ” You know Mom I'm gonna win today”. She did. The other three just have fun with it and that's really important for them. </p>
<p><B>What other sports have you been involved with?</B><br />
I was a professional water-skier throughout my college years. I ran indoor, outdoor (track) and cross country at SCSU. My husband and I are dedicated hunters also.</p>
<p><B>Can you describe how you experienced this years Birkie race?</B><br />
This year’s Birke was about survival and taking care of myself during the race. I went into the race not having done consistent training for a month, due to my illness. I still did not feel 100%, so I had no idea what to expect. I skied at a comfortable pace and kept it. My normal races start controlled, get faster and then end really strong. I am a classic “train aggressive”, race conservative with a fear of running the engine empty in competition.<br />
My husband took over waxing my skis after US Nationals because I had a real bad experience with my wax in the 30-kilometer in Rumford. My skis have been great ever since.<br />
The Birke is my kind of race. I believe based on the results that a lot of my competition this year underestimated the endurance challenge. The conditions couldn't have been ordered better with my technical level. </p>
<p>On a personal note: The huge factor with this race is the spiritual bond between me, almighty and the trail, I beg for mercy and pray more on that trail than at church, along with 1000s of others before me.<br />
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