Ketchum, ID – If spring has sprung, and my flowers are in bloom, then why is there snow in the forecast? Regardless of the weather, the town feels the season change and is gearing up for the next sport.
For me, spring means mountain biking, trail running, swimming and strength training. I ride for a local woman’s team, Mud Honey and the trails are already clear down in Hailey! For a full report of local trail conditions for riding and running, check here.
More on my mind and lots of cool stuff starting up here in Idaho so stay tuned. Girls on the Run is in full swing and practicing for our 5k that will occur on May 22nd so mark your calendars for that one!
a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://www.webskis.com/uploaded_images/fischer-xelerator1-792442.JPG”img style=”float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://www.webskis.com/uploaded_images/fischer-xelerator1-792438.JPG” alt=”” border=”0″ //abr /br /How often is “new and improved” just marketing hype? I love it when people are thinking and actually improving a product. That is my sense of the revised Rottefella Xelerator NIS binding. It was tested and approved all winter on the World Cup and at the Olympic Winter Games. You will see the binding branded with Rottefella, Madshus, Fischer etc, but it is the same binding with a different label.br /br /First, the mechanism that holds the boot to the ski is simplified, stronger and lighter. It is a lever/hook system that contains no moving parts, cams or springs. Two hooks engage the bar on the sole of the boot at the edges of that bar. this provides a more secure grip than the old NNN system. It also “punches through” any snow that might build up on the boot sole. The hooks are the back end of a front throw lever that is simply pushed down on a slot on the binding plate. Easy to close and open.br /br /Second, the new binding fits all your old boots with NNN soles. No need to change out the boots that fit the R3 or R4 NIS bindings. It also fits on the same NIS plates that have been on the skis for a couple seasons now. The NIS plate is unchanged and the new Xelerator bindings slide right on and off those plates. You retain the same binding movement flexibility as always and can swap the bindings between those favorite skis.br /br /Third, these bindings are light. Lighter than the NNN R4, or R3 or any SNS binding. Couple these with a new Fischer Hole ski or the new Madshus Nanosonic skis and you can be flying light.br /br /I know that all sounds like a sales pitch, but those are the facts. Pretty cool bindings that work.br /br /Have a good spring. Stop in Bend, OR if you can and enjoy the fantastic spring skiing.br /br /Bertbr /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://www.webskis.com/uploaded_images/dani+bert-above-Todd-LK-773078.JPG”img style=”float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;” src=”http://www.webskis.com/uploaded_images/dani+bert-above-Todd-LK-772378.JPG” alt=”” border=”0″ //adiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589659500745667109-4484945836693310241?l=www.webskis.com%2Fwebskisblog.html’ alt=” //div
Last Wednesday, the 2010 U.S. Winter Olympic team had the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama at the White House. Although the trip was short and sweet, it was the one of the highlights of my Olympic experience.
All 250+ Winter Olympians and Paralympians were invited to the visit which has been a tradition for decades. For my roommate on the trip, bobsled coach Brian Shimmer, President Obama was the 5th President he’s gotten to meet as an athlete and a coach (starting with Regan in 1984). Not wanting to make him feel old, I pointed out that I was only two when he met his first president! Needless to say, there were a variety of expectations from everyone in the group.
Simi Hamilton makes it past security
Unfortunately, we awoke to rain the morning of our visit. Bummer. The initial plan for a big team photo with the President and kids from the community was not going to happen. Not knowing what to expect, we were bused like cattle to the White House and only had to show our ID about 6 times. We arrived to an afternoon reception in the White House foyer with drinks and snacks. As “Guests of the President” we were given access to much of the White House usually off limits to tourists. The line was drawn, however, when I tried to get to the White House bowling alley way down in the third basement.
White House Bowling Alley
In the end, because the front lawn of the White House was wet and rainy, it was decided that each sport would get to meet the President individually. Like the President, athletes were briefed on procedure. Our group, the Olympic and Paralympic cross country team, was lined up on the stairs in the main foyer where we waited for the President to make his way to all the teams.
Briefing the athletes
Finally, we got the word: “Positions eveyone, he’s coming!” The excitement was palpable when suddenly Vice President Joe Biden entered the room. It was like seeing one of Santa’s elves when you’re expecting to see Santa. Biden’s quick wit immediately made everyone laugh, saying if he’d been blessed with hair like Torin Koos’, he might actually have been elected President.
Koos showing off his hair "fit for a President"
Vice President & "Second Lady" – Joe & Jill Biden make the rounds with the Paralympic Sledge Hockey Gold Medalists
We were still laughing at Biden’s humor when the President and First Lady entered the room. In person, Obama looked identical to the way he does on TV. He gave our small group a brief speech about representing our country. I was especially impressed when he thanked the women on our team for being such strong role models for his two daughters and women across the country. Pretty cool. Michelle also talked briefly about her Let’s Move campaign. Of course, there were handshakes and hugs with the President and First Lady all the way around.
The day ended with a reception at the Supreme Court, complete with Senators, Congressmen, and athletes. As Vermont congressman Peter Welch’s right-hand-man, my former Middlebury teammate Andrew Savage was on hand as well.
"The Night Train" Steve Holcomb and Savage
Midd Men: Congressman Savage, Kuzzy, Simi, and coach Matt Whitcomb
Checking out the Supreme Court
US Olympic Women: Compton, Kikkan, & Brooks
Needless to say, the 2010 White House visit was a monumental experience. Will Obama be the first of five Presidents I meet? Only time will tell!
img src=”http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1fm9zGEqg1qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/pSports Beauty? Not a lot of people know this but back in the day, Rob Bradlee was actually Burt Reynolds. Mustache wax provided by Toko. (viaJD)/p
div style=”text-align: justify;”a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T8lplfcx_Ro/S9R2RXsWVlI/AAAAAAAAAfk/cpC133xSon4/s1600/HolmenkollenBib.JPG”img style=”float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T8lplfcx_Ro/S9R2RXsWVlI/AAAAAAAAAfk/cpC133xSon4/s400/HolmenkollenBib.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464122288697136722″ border=”0″ //aBrian Gregg was in town for the weekend to attend a wedding. He stopped by the house this morning to say hello.br //divbr /div style=”text-align: justify;”Brian never stops working on his skiing and training, and spent a good part of the morning discussing the upcoming summer’s training plans, and general chit-chat about the past season. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious and motivating.br //divbr /div style=”text-align: justify;”While he was here, he gave us a signed race bib from Holmenkollen. These bibs are a real cherished momento for anyone who races in one of these prestigious events, and it really leaves me almost speechless to have him give one to us. The new bib will certainly go up on the Ultratune “Bib Wall” at the shop. It’s a real treasure!br //divbr /Like other racers, Brian is already making plans to get his quiver of skis prepared for the upcoming ski season. We’ll be working to make sure he has the right grinds on the appropriate pairs of skis so that he’s got coverage for all the conditions he’ll face for the first half of the 2010/11 season.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7250441303676475856-7535878836042050734?l=blog.ultratune.net’ alt=” //div
a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9RAf63QAeI/AAAAAAAACus/KjbjZrW4cxo/s1600/IMG_3876.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 312px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9RAf63QAeI/AAAAAAAACus/KjbjZrW4cxo/s400/IMG_3876.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464063165028368866″ //aWe love all of the seasons. Spring tends to bring clear blue skies, mild temps and the chance to do a wide variety of activities.br /We are doing a bit of a biking focus (some races, team 100 mile ride), but we are also doing general strength twice a week and throwing in some running, hiking, tennis and skiing.br /Austin Cobb is on the lax team so he is enjoying that too.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q_oqKfLuI/AAAAAAAACuk/MErWyKLLV_I/s1600/IMG_3878.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q_oqKfLuI/AAAAAAAACuk/MErWyKLLV_I/s400/IMG_3878.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464062215652847330″ //aHere are a couple of pictures from the last two days. You can click on any picture to enlarge it.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q-0i3wx_I/AAAAAAAACuc/zQn36a_uG_o/s1600/IMG_3887.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q-0i3wx_I/AAAAAAAACuc/zQn36a_uG_o/s400/IMG_3887.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464061320342063090″ //aAfter hiking the mtn, we enjoyed a great ski down.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q97FkNZWI/AAAAAAAACuU/iWL33VgTQ8I/s1600/IMG_3885.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q97FkNZWI/AAAAAAAACuU/iWL33VgTQ8I/s400/IMG_3885.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464060333222880610″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q9Ik6IF9I/AAAAAAAACuM/_xpthCsHAeA/s1600/IMG_3891.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q9Ik6IF9I/AAAAAAAACuM/_xpthCsHAeA/s400/IMG_3891.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464059465462978514″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q8XvG2GNI/AAAAAAAACuE/yshdiiu5eqQ/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q8XvG2GNI/AAAAAAAACuE/yshdiiu5eqQ/s400/IMG_3906.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464058626387089618″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q7zIdXAZI/AAAAAAAACt8/izMg2fBm0O8/s1600/IMG_3910.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q7zIdXAZI/AAAAAAAACt8/izMg2fBm0O8/s400/IMG_3910.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464057997537247634″ //aFor strength, we incorporate balance to help the core.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q7SRuDD1I/AAAAAAAACt0/RjvhsJLsRbw/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q7SRuDD1I/AAAAAAAACt0/RjvhsJLsRbw/s400/IMG_3902.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464057433087479634″ //aThe goal is to build some total body strength without bulking up. In June we switch over and do much more specific strength on roller skis.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q6niDAJLI/AAAAAAAACts/jeEQ9f3oedI/s1600/IMG_3900.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q6niDAJLI/AAAAAAAACts/jeEQ9f3oedI/s400/IMG_3900.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464056698735961266″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q6LTnJgTI/AAAAAAAACtk/SEDVy8iFGnk/s1600/IMG_3892.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q6LTnJgTI/AAAAAAAACtk/SEDVy8iFGnk/s400/IMG_3892.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464056213824700722″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q4-q69s1I/AAAAAAAACtc/yxwjxxaz2sE/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q4-q69s1I/AAAAAAAACtc/yxwjxxaz2sE/s400/IMG_3922.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464054897231901522″ //aEach weekend we do a distance ride. This was our first week of biking so we only went 36 miles. Next weekend we will go 40-45, then 50’s and 60’s..then the team 100.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q4iXsFnNI/AAAAAAAACtU/wg34QMfM4bA/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Q4iXsFnNI/AAAAAAAACtU/wg34QMfM4bA/s400/IMG_3923.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464054411032894674″ //aCoach Boobar works on fine tuning a bike before the ride.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-1611108506748808381?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div
“I find it strange that I am more attractive than Marit Bjørgen. Butbr/
while it is good to know that you have something you can make moneybr/
too. This is my job and can not make money on something else. So it’sbr/
important..”br/br/ – emTerese Johaug. (viaPS)/em
There are some photo’s to the right of the link too that you can check out. This topped off one of the coolest couple days that I have ever been a part of. The US Olympic team got to meet President Obama, First Lady Michelle and Vice President Biden and his wife Jill. It was incredible. Michelle held my hand for the whole photo shoot, which must have lasted 30 seconds and I got to shake Barack’s hand. It was quite surreal and it was the first time in my life I have ever been “starstruck”. I have a lot to catch up on and will post pictures of my spring very soon so check back for more updates over the next couple days!
The springtime in the Midwest has been beautiful. I alway enjoy playing outside but the warm sun of spring draws you to do everything outdoors.
Get off the computer and play outside
The last few weeks I have had the chance to be at the Club everyday. It is great to be with the kids at the Boys and Girls Club regularly. My main goals are to get them active, preferably outside. This spring we have enjoyed all of our favorite games and a few new ones.
Last Man Standing– A form of kickball. The game starts with one pitcher (usually me) against everyone else. The pitcher works to get everyone out by tagging a base or hitting them with the ball. When a player gets tagged out they join the outfield until there is one person left standing.
Worlds Fastest Game of Tag*- everyone is it. If you tag someone they must freeze. If one or more people tag each other at the same time, they both freeze. If you tag a person who is frozen, they are unfrozen.
*I learned this game from Warren Elementary in VT. Thanks guys, everyone really likes it.
Soccer- Right to Play donated a mini-soccer ball for every kid. In addition to playing games, we are enjoying working on our juggling and passing skills.
Shana, Coral, and Zoe happy with their new soccer balls
Right to Play is an Organization working with volunteers and partners to use sport and play to enhance child development in areas of disadvantage. Learn more about Right to Play and how you can help at www.RightToPlay.com
Shana found the most clues in the Treasure Hunt. She won the Right to Play Ball signed by Beckie Scott
Gabe
Victor, Bahi, Joe and Koons
First Day of the 6-week Spring Run Series
Each Wednesday the Boys and Girls Club hosts the Spring Run Series. Over the next 6 weeks the community will build from running/walking 1 mile to 5km. It is great to see everyone out running. The top 15 in both the short and the long run won baseball caps donated by the Madison Winter Festival. Additionally, the winners of each race won a soccer ball signed by Olympic Gold Medalist Beckie Scott
Winner of Short Run- Steven
Winner of Long Run- Brandon
Thank You to Right to Play, Madison Winter Fest and Becky Scott for your support of the LCO Boys and Girls Club.
span class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px; “p style=”margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; “The springtime in the Midwest has been beautiful. I alway enjoy playing outside but the warm sun of spring is hard to beat./pdiv id=”attachment_201″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter” style=”display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); text-align: center; background-color: rgb(243, 243, 243); padding-top: 4px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px 3px; width: 490px; “a rel=”attachment wp-att-201″ href=”http://xcskilife.com/?attachment_id=201” style=”color: rgb(0, 83, 138); font-weight: 800; text-decoration: none; “img class=”size-medium wp-image-201″ title=”Right to Play 001″ src=”http://xcskilife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Right-to-Play-001-480×360.jpg” alt=”” width=”480″ height=”360″ style=”border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-color: initial; ” //ap class=”wp-caption-text” style=”margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 4px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; “Get off the computer and play outside/p/divp style=”margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; “The last few weeks I have had the chance to be at the Club everyday. It is great to be with the kids at the Boys and Girls Club regularly. My main goals are to get them active, preferably outside. This spring we have enjoyed all of our favorite games and a few new ones./pp style=”margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; “strongLast Man Standing/strong- A form of kickball. The game starts with one pitcher (usually me) against everyone else. The pitcher works to get everyone out by tagging a base or hitting them with the ball. When a player gets tagged out they join the outfield until there is one person left standing./pp style=”margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; “strongWorlds Fastest Game of Tag*- /strongeveryone is it. If you tag someone they must freeze. If one or more people tag each other at the same time, they both freeze. If you tag a person who is frozen, they are unfrozen./pp style=”margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; “*I learned this game from Warren Elementary in VT. Thanks guys, everyone really likes it./pp style=”margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; “strongSoccer- /strongRight to Play donated a mini-soccer ball for every kid. In addition to playing games, we are enjoying working on our juggling and passing skills./pdiv id=”attachment_202″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter” style=”display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); text-align: center; background-color: rgb(243, 243, 243); padding-top: 4px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px 3px; width: 385px; “a rel=”attachment wp-att-202″ href=”http://xcskilife.com/?attachment_id=202” style=”color: rgb(0, 83, 138); font-weight: 800; text-decoration: none; “img class=”size-medium wp-image-202″ title=”Right to Play 005″ src=”http://xcskilife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Right-to-Play-005-375×500.jpg” alt=”” width=”375″ height=”500″ style=”border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-color: initial; ” //ap class=”wp-caption-text” style=”margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 4px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; “Shana, Coral, and Zoe happy with their new soccer balls/p/divp style=”margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; “Right to Play is an Organization working with volunteers and partners to use sport and emplay/em to enhance child development in areas of disadvantage. 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April is here! In Alaska, this means blissful, scenic skiing of all types if you’re a skiing fanatic and just can’t get enough… Kikkan gets after it on Alpine skis too. This woman was destined to win World Cup medals on skis, no matter the variety she would’ve chosen. Matt Johnson, my childhood ski buddy and lifelong friend, about to make a descent of the “Headwall” look smooth and easy.It’s
Hej Från Sverige! (part II)br /br /Well, judging from all of the fan mail I got from writing the last blog, I better write another one to describe yet again the tales and foibles of my happenings in the beautiful land of Sweden. But foibles aside, I have to say that my experience in Sweden has gotten better and better the more I have lived here and the more I understand the language. Among the most exiting things that has transpired during my stay here was the Vasaloppet. br /The Vasaloppet is a 90k classic race that has to be something equivalent to the Boston Marathon in the running world. With 15,000 competitors, it took me five minutes to walk from the back of the starting line to the front. I shall recap the race thus: 90k to go: Wow! I’m skiing in a double poling tidal wave! 80k: Ok, the pack has thinned out. Hey, look, I’m skiing with the “elite” bibs that’s pretty cool! 70k: Hmm. They seem to be drinking twice and much as I am. Hope that doesn’t come back to haunt me. 60k: 2/3 to go. But do I have 2/3 left in me? 45k: Tied with the longest race of my life and half way there. 35k: Time for a huge mouthful of energy-bar… and then turn the corner and get to ski up a steep hill with a huge mouthful of energy bar. 20k: Well, elite bibs are gone. Why is it hard to breath? 10k+2 energy bars and 2 GU’s: Can’t… full… sentence. 1k: That wasn’t so bad. br /Suffice to say that I am doing it again next year, but this time with a crew to give me feeds. Mostly, life this winter has been traveling to different towns in northern and mid Sweden on the weekends and racing really tough competition in perfect snow conditions. So, in other words, heaven. I recall at one point I had to take a weekend off because I had raced every weekend for 2 months and was feeling rather worn. The season finally ended last weekend up in Bruksvallerna and I am now enjoying the long, lukewarm days of Swedish spring. I still have a month and a half before I come home but if that goes as quickly as April has gone, it should be no time at all before you hear my loud, obnoxious voice disrupting the serenity of the Vermont countryside yet again. br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9IqMNTTUPI/AAAAAAAACtM/v6wZsusBo10/s1600/DSCN0324.JPG.jpeg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9IqMNTTUPI/AAAAAAAACtM/v6wZsusBo10/s400/DSCN0324.JPG.jpeg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463475687171248370″ //adiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-5145414430609371324?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div
span class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; “span class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-size: medium;”Hi Class,/spandivspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-size: medium;”br //span/divdivspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-size: medium;”I just wanted to say hello, since I’ve been away for awhile now. How are all of you?/span/divdivspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-size: medium;”br //span/divdivspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-size: medium;”I am in Denver, Colorado right now, and will be here for one more week before I head back to Lake Placid. I have had a very nice break from training and skiing out here, but wanted to fill you in on some events and programs I’ve been looking in to. I just spent the last two days in Washington, D.C. The US Olympic and Paralympic Teams were invited to the White House to meet President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice-President Biden and Mrs. Biden. This was an amazing experience. I got a chance to shake Obama’s hand; star-struck, all I could say was “It is wonderful to meet you.” What do you say to someone who has done such super-human and heroic things? Instead of shaking hands with Mrs. Obama, she gave us a warm hug, after the couple joked about biathlon and made funny gestures of a skier and then a shooter. After meeting all of us individually, each team got to take a photo with both the Obama’s and the Biden’s. /span/divdivspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-size: medium;”br //span/divdivspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-size: medium;”Not only was it cool to meet the President, and perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime-/spanspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-size: medium;”wbropportunity, it was very special to meet Michelle Obama. I am very excited about her mission as First Lady and a leading mom. Among many initiatives, like growing a garden at the White House, she has started a new program called /span
The 2009/2010 racing season concluded with 3 back-to-back races in the Supertour Finals in one of the most northern areas of Maine. Since I had been living and racing on the road for the past 4+ months I knew I would be best prepared to race well if I went into the final races mentally and physically fresh. So, in my time between the European circuit and heading to the racing venue, I got a
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a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Bckf9LIBI/AAAAAAAACtE/pWR_6AMIxlM/s1600/100_3060.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Bckf9LIBI/AAAAAAAACtE/pWR_6AMIxlM/s400/100_3060.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462968130123538450″ //aSMS is continuing to run our summer program for our students and we are once again opening the program to a limited number of additional athletes. It is a great opportunity for those in the area without access to a summer training group or coaching. The group will be led by SMS coaches Sverre Caldwell, Matt Boobar and Poppet Boswell.br /Andy Newell will be around in late June and July and the SMS skiers will be there all summer. SMS’s goal is to have a dedicated group of high school and college age students training together for the summer with additional Elite skiers joining us when their schedule allows.br /Goals for the summer are to build an excellent aerobic base and work on technique and specific strength. Typically each week will include at least 1 group skate, 1 classic and 1 foot workout. SMS is ideally situated for summer training with easy access to great roller skiing and miles of trails. The fully equiped SMS gym and weight room will be available to athletes for strength training, lactate testing etc. Skiers should finish the summer prepared for great fall training.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Bb_LqVS-I/AAAAAAAACs8/s2_eImTi-GI/s1600/100_2724.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9Bb_LqVS-I/AAAAAAAACs8/s2_eImTi-GI/s400/100_2724.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462967489020644322″ //aThe Dryland program will offer Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning group training as well as 3 mini camps. The mini camps are scheduled to help encourage an influx of athletes every 2-3 weeks. This allows those in school or from further away to come and be part of the group for 2-4 days. We will start June 12th and finish with our SMS BKL and Jr Dryland Camps August 15-22.br /We are also offering a Development program for skiers aged 10-16. We coordinate the groups so that the Devo group gets exposure to the Elite group without compromising the Elite groups workout. It is an excellent way for the younger skiers to get some high level exposure and to work on their technique and fitness.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9BbRwXNwiI/AAAAAAAACs0/0xZdzPXn3mU/s1600/100_2763.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 373px; height: 400px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S9BbRwXNwiI/AAAAAAAACs0/0xZdzPXn3mU/s400/100_2763.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462966708598587938″ //adiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-1906985861447763890?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div
Ketchum, ID – If spring has sprung, and my flowers are in bloom, then why is there snow in the forecast? Regardless of the weather, the town feels the season change and is gearing up for the next sport.
