FasterSkier

Category: XCFeeds

A collection of live feeds from cross-country ski blogs around the web.

  • Be it an Olympic venue or your local parks….

    …get involved to ensure the sustainability and viability of these important parts of our communities.divbr //divdivFriend, fellow skier and Olympic Medalist, Bill Demong, just passed this Climate Bill Petition on to me to sign and pass around:span class=”Apple-style-span” style=”color:#000099;”b /b/spanspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=” border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;”

  • Post Sprint.  Fort Kent. 

    img src=”http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l02pcxOjPm1qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/pPost Sprint.  Fort Kent. /p

  • Volunteers @ Fort Kent.  This is where the magic happens….

    img src=”http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l02pbhMNG81qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/pVolunteers @ Fort Kent.  This is where the magic happens. (MWphoto)/p

  • “Yeah, waxing was super easy because the snow is colder than the air.”

    ““Yeah, waxing was super easy because the snow is colder than the air.””br/br/ – emOverheard at the Gold Rush on a 45 degree day.  (via AH)/em

  • Super Tour Finals

    The Super Tour finals concluded yesterday with the 5/6k hill climb. The format for the finals this weekend included a 5/10k classic race on Friday, a classic sprint on Saturday and a 5/6k skate hill climb on Sunday. To add to the fun, preems, both in the form of cash and time, were given to racers who crossed preem lines first in the classic race and racers who finished in the top 30 of the classic sprint. Depending on your finish time and the possible preems that were acquired, each racer lined up pursuit style for the final hill climb. This meant that since Kikkan had won all the races and preems the previous two days, she had a starting time of 1 min 23 sec ahead of the next racer, Rebecca Dussault.

    I started with bib 10, a few places further back than I anticipated. I had a unfortunate mishap in the classic sprint, resulting in a low placing and a 1 minute penalty. After skiing a strong qualifying round that put me in 6th place, I entered the quarterfinals feeling good and ready to ski fast. As I was approaching an icy corner, with a little bit of a lead, my ski slipped from underneath me and I fell on my pole. I quickly got back up, after everyone had passed and realized that my left pole was broken in half. I did my best to ski up the long climb with one pole but I quickly lost more and more ground. Once I finally got a pole, at the top of the hill, it was too late to make up lost time. I ended up 6th in my quarterfinal, which put me in 26th place overall. Bummer!!!!

    I went into Sundays hill climb fired up and ready to ski fast! After the first kilometer, I had already passed three girls…I was on a mission. Once I reached the 1000 meter climb straight up the alpine area, I did my best to catch the next girls in front of me. Whoa, it was a tough climb but I managed to catch another racer. With only 1k to the finish I gave it everything. I ended up 6th!

    For some reason, 6th place was MY number for the week! I finished 6th in the 30k skate, 5k classic, sprint qualifier, and in the overall supertour final…all I can say is, at least I was consistent.

    The season is officially over and I am already excited for next season…after a little break of course. I am headed back to Sun Valley where I will enjoy some R&R and will resume my work at the YMCA.

  • Pictures!

    It’s been a busy three weeks of racing. Cross-country Jr. Nationals, Biathlon Nationals, and cross-country Super Tour Finals all up in The County! You can view pictures from all the events at http://gallery.me.com/mwscdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6813061107698506856-2411477390345951458?l=mwscbiathlon.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Super Tour Wraps Up With Hill Climb

    a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7C83DRwj8I/AAAAAAAACrw/PWBfuup9F8Q/s1600/IMG_3488.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/S7C83DRwj8I/AAAAAAAACrw/PWBfuup9F8Q/s400/IMG_3488.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454066802704289730″ //aHere is Ivan Babikov at the start of the hill climb race. Racers started based on their results from the classic mass start and the sprint race. These three started 1:20 behind Andy and 1:05 behind Torin and the chase was on!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7C7XnQHzUI/AAAAAAAACro/sdqSMeAs5U0/s1600/IMG_3495.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/S7C7XnQHzUI/AAAAAAAACro/sdqSMeAs5U0/s400/IMG_3495.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454065163093658946″ //aMagnus starting the final stage. He had a tough first race, but bounced back in the sprint and the hill climb.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7C5M8q4OcI/AAAAAAAACrg/NdPsPsG1MLc/s1600/IMG_3496.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/S7C5M8q4OcI/AAAAAAAACrg/NdPsPsG1MLc/s400/IMG_3496.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454062780841212354″ //aThe race started with a 4 km loop and then hit the hill. Here is Ivan leading the chase pack with Andy and Torin on the first switch-back above.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7C352kx-WI/AAAAAAAACrY/p6th3Ikckkk/s1600/IMG_3502.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/S7C352kx-WI/AAAAAAAACrY/p6th3Ikckkk/s400/IMG_3502.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454061353275881826″ //aIf you click on this (or any) picture, it will enlarge and you’ll be able to see that Torin is right behind Andy with Ivan closing fast.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7C2pmUxumI/AAAAAAAACrQ/yNaWt9NKO9I/s1600/IMG_3511.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/S7C2pmUxumI/AAAAAAAACrQ/yNaWt9NKO9I/s400/IMG_3511.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454059974524254818″ //aBridger hits the hill.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7C05-l6CjI/AAAAAAAACrI/3H2TCID5JHE/s1600/IMG_3519.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/S7C05-l6CjI/AAAAAAAACrI/3H2TCID5JHE/s400/IMG_3519.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454058056893205042″ //aRachel raced with a cold all weekend. Normally we wouldn’t have her race when sick, but this was the end of the season so she lined up and gave it her best.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7CyZGnyW4I/AAAAAAAACrA/ixf_cUE0yPo/s1600/IMG_3523.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/S7CyZGnyW4I/AAAAAAAACrA/ixf_cUE0yPo/s400/IMG_3523.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454055293089635202″ //aIzzy and Taz battling it out. They were both “running on fumes”, but they gritted it out and gave great efforts. br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7CoCdTdSbI/AAAAAAAACq4/lIcMNqtBJIQ/s1600/IMG_3525.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/S7CoCdTdSbI/AAAAAAAACq4/lIcMNqtBJIQ/s400/IMG_3525.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454043908925114802″ //aGage whips around the corner. She finished as the 6th Jr overall (also 4th American, 3rd SMS).br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7Cl8ogj_EI/AAAAAAAACqw/M9gYgHtwNZY/s1600/IMG_3526.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/S7Cl8ogj_EI/AAAAAAAACqw/M9gYgHtwNZY/s400/IMG_3526.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454041609830399042″ //aCambria and Elena approach the big climb. Cambria pulled away on the hill and finished close behind Gage as the 7th overall Jr. Great skiing!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7CkC7wVEWI/AAAAAAAACqo/cB0yOjqaHPs/s1600/IMG_3530.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/S7CkC7wVEWI/AAAAAAAACqo/cB0yOjqaHPs/s400/IMG_3530.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454039519052763490″ //aAndy, Ivan and Torin take the overall. The hill climb provided good drama in this one as Ivan caught Torin and Andy at the top of the hill and they battled it out over the last 2 kms. At the finish, Andy had enough left to take the gold!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7Ci3us0UJI/AAAAAAAACqg/ttVA-Lg2HoY/s1600/IMG_3531.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7Ci3us0UJI/AAAAAAAACqg/ttVA-Lg2HoY/s400/IMG_3531.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454038227058184338″ //aWomens overall winners, Kikkan, Rebecca and Holly. Kikkan was impressive and clearly the class of the field, but Rebecca had the fastest time in the hill climb.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S7ChWdJOBWI/AAAAAAAACqY/xyK1Yyk6wQg/s1600/IMG_3534.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/S7ChWdJOBWI/AAAAAAAACqY/xyK1Yyk6wQg/s400/IMG_3534.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454036555898160482″ //aCaitlin P, Heather and Isabel take the Jr podium for the series. These three were impressive all series as they mixed it up well with the Senior skiers.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-3042043144389926064?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • 10 Races in 18 Days

    It has been a busy March. 10 races in 18 day including 2 50km and a trans-atlantic flight. I am thankful that I was able to stay relatively healthy and felt good through all the races. br /br /div style=”text-align: center;”a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M9ps8F85nS0/S7COs8c3uVI/AAAAAAAAArM/B2OQUyeTn4U/s1600/Hill+Climb+045.JPG”img style=”cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M9ps8F85nS0/S7COs8c3uVI/AAAAAAAAArM/B2OQUyeTn4U/s400/Hill+Climb+045.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454016051538278738″ border=”0″ //abr /br /div style=”text-align: center;”span style=”font-style: italic;”One of the reasons I race all the races at Super Tour finals was to defend my Super Tour Distance Lead. The title includes a cash prize which translates to a new car for me./spanbr //divbr //divdiv style=”text-align: center;”a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M9ps8F85nS0/S7COsotS0SI/AAAAAAAAArE/wEGRzvVFOmc/s1600/Hill+Climb+038.JPG”img style=”cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M9ps8F85nS0/S7COsotS0SI/AAAAAAAAArE/wEGRzvVFOmc/s400/Hill+Climb+038.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454016046238454050″ border=”0″ //abr /span style=”font-style: italic;”Thanks Coach Fish for a great season… my best ever… so far/spanbr /br /div style=”text-align: left;”Understandably, fatigue is starting to set in. I am looking forward to a little ‘vacation’ and change of pace in Vermont and New York City./div/divdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8083254037538554650-7709489197933993977?l=in-the-arena-brian.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Rumor has it that Lindsey Lohan is a hell of a wax tech,…

    img src=”http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l00nflW0CT1qzt3xbo1_400.jpg”/br/br/pRumor has it that Lindsey Lohan is a hell of a wax tech, especially with powders. (Check out her feet.)  Either that or she’s coked out of her freaking mind./p

  • Time to pack up and go home…like Pietro Piller Cottrer….

    object width=”400″ height=”336″param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/x06lpKN8hJcrel=0egm=0showinfo=0fs=1″/paramparam name=”wmode” value=”transparent”/paramparam name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”/paramembed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/x06lpKN8hJcrel=0egm=0showinfo=0fs=1″ type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”400″ height=”336″ allowFullScreen=”true” wmode=”transparent”/embed/objectbr/br/pTime to pack up and go home…like span class=”description”Pietro Piller Cottrer. (viaBB)br//span/p

  • New SNS Propulse Classic Bindings

    a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T8lplfcx_Ro/S7AW8FbmZKI/AAAAAAAAAeU/pXMtJzFyj7U/s1600/propulse2.JPG”img style=”float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 320px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T8lplfcx_Ro/S7AW8FbmZKI/AAAAAAAAAeU/pXMtJzFyj7U/s320/propulse2.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453884370251572386″ border=”0″ //aOkay, so it’s not exactly span style=”font-style: italic;”stop-the-press/span news that Salomon has a new classic binding for the 2010/2011 season. The new SNS Propulse binding is a greatly improved version of the old Profil classic binding. That’s right – a single bar and an elastomer return spring.br /br /Depending on who you talk to, this new classic binding is either a replacement for the Pilot Classic, or simply an alternative. I can tell you that while I was working at the Olympics in Whistler, I saw very few skiers using the Pilot Classic bindings… …most skiers who are still on SNS bindings were using the new SNS Propulse. And for good reason.br /br /I had a little bit of trouble getting a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T8lplfcx_Ro/S7AZKmF4nXI/AAAAAAAAAek/n3bKEh6s1RA/s1600/rubberbumper.JPG”img style=”float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 273px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T8lplfcx_Ro/S7AZKmF4nXI/AAAAAAAAAek/n3bKEh6s1RA/s320/rubberbumper.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453886818560286066″ border=”0″ //amy hands on a set for testing, but thanks to Rick Halling at Atomic, I got a set of the Atomic version (same binding, in with Atomic labels and colors). I received them mid-week, and did some quick tests and mounted them on a set of Atomic WorldCup classic skis for some weekend klister skiing.br /br /First of all, you should know that the new SNS Propulse binding comes in two versions (RC1 amp; RC2). The RC2 is the “normal looking” version, while the RC1 has a very minimal design that ditches the heel plate and just has the central ridge screwed down to the ski. I was testing the RC2 version as shown in the photos.br /br /The ProPulse RC2 is a bit lighter than the Pilot Classic. The ProPulse RC2 weighs in at 251 grams per pair (measured), which is a little lighter than the Pilot Classic. A savings of about 10 grams. a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T8lplfcx_Ro/S7AWjp4wnqI/AAAAAAAAAeM/MShJXGhNr9U/s1600/propulse_acculab.JPG”img style=”float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T8lplfcx_Ro/S7AWjp4wnqI/AAAAAAAAAeM/MShJXGhNr9U/s320/propulse_acculab.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453883950540824226″ border=”0″ //abr /br /It was noticeable to me that the new Propulse bindings are a bit wider than the old Profil (or Pilot) bindings. The new bindings are 46mm wide, which is about 15% wider under the ball of the foot than the old bindings. br /br /The new SNS Propulse has an improved rubber bumper that seems less likely to pop out of place over time, compared to the old Profil bindings. And the new latch mechanism is low profile and seems to be easy to grab, and also latches securely.br /br /These new bindings also have a big spacious notch in them to allow plenty of room for that unused 2nd bar on the newer generations of SNS classic boots that were originally designed for Pilot Classic bindings. Even with lots of sticky snow, there won’t be a problem with it clogging up. Nice. I think it’s really great that Salomon made the new Propulse classic binding backward compatible.br /br /I got these out on snow on Friday, March 26th, at

  • Spring Series – US Distance Nationals

    a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_oE8T7BI/AAAAAAAABc0/XAN-I8CqZKc/s1600/ssemily.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_oE8T7BI/AAAAAAAABc0/XAN-I8CqZKc/s400/ssemily.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453788369011338258″ border=”0″ //aToday was the final event of the three stage Spring Series/US Distance Nationals. Emily Stitt had the best result of her season finishing the grueling 5km climb as the third Junior in a field packed with some of the countries strongest skiers.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_hLmk56I/AAAAAAAABcs/VzjqnpUTWQk/s1600/ssnew:bab.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 247px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_hLmk56I/AAAAAAAABcs/VzjqnpUTWQk/s400/ssnew:bab.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453788250540140450″ border=”0″ //aThe men’s overall series winner was truly an international caliber event. Andy Newell used his time advantages from the sprint yesterday to overtake Ivan Babikov in the rolling terrain above the hill climb. It was amazing to watch. Babikov wins hill climbs on World Cup. Andy podiums in World Cup sprints. Andy had 1:20 lead to work with and work with it he did!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_gx0fuuI/AAAAAAAABck/cEfsYLDqoXo/s1600/ssFSv.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 238px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_gx0fuuI/AAAAAAAABck/cEfsYLDqoXo/s400/ssFSv.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453788243619199714″ border=”0″ //aIn another amazing duel — of brain and brawn — fasterskier’s Nat Hertz was brave enough to challenge NENSA’s Abby Weissman in an arm wrestling match. Stay tuned to fasterskier for the full press report (note the ST Climbers Bib and the Overall Leader Bib).br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_grTFeRI/AAAAAAAABcc/Rl2upAZZoso/s1600/jbsprints.jpg”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_grTFeRI/AAAAAAAABcc/Rl2upAZZoso/s400/jbsprints.jpg” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453788241868454162″ border=”0″ //aCoach Beckwith even got in the mix for the Sprint. At 1.3km the course was short enough 🙂 A couple seconds out of qualification and good enough to hit the podium of the Masters Race. My eight minute warm-up plan is available for a nominal fee. Please direct questions to Rob Bradlee or Santa Claus.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_gGKVvxI/AAAAAAAABcU/YwzlVZW_7u8/s1600/caitlin:emily.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_gGKVvxI/AAAAAAAABcU/YwzlVZW_7u8/s400/caitlin:emily.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453788231899660050″ border=”0″ //aEmily had a ball getting to know some of the Superstars out there. Here she poses with a past GMVS alpine skier, Warren born, and 2010 Olympian, Caitlin Compton. She will be at the Big Picture Wednesday. Hope you can make it!!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_f2YOLoI/AAAAAAAABcM/GDk8JXCLY-M/s1600/babikov.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-_f2YOLoI/AAAAAAAABcM/GDk8JXCLY-M/s400/babikov.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453788227662917250″ border=”0″ //aMore greatness. Russian born/Canadian National Team Member and 2010 Olympian, Ivan Babikov with Daniel Moore and Elena Luethi. Ivan was the fastest man in this years Tour de Ski hill climb (and also today).br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–4v8tnBI/AAAAAAAABcE/VFSKDm_jyc4/s1600/sselena.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 314px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–4v8tnBI/AAAAAAAABcE/VFSKDm_jyc4/s400/sselena.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453787555922025490″ border=”0″ //aLuethi has had some good skiing here at the end of the season. She is already plotting for the summer and her goals for next year.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–4bv5mwI/AAAAAAAABb8/8LQdAR07nnU/s1600/sshans.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–4bv5mwI/AAAAAAAABb8/8LQdAR07nnU/s400/sshans.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453787550499576578″ border=”0″ //aHans in the 10.9km classic race.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–4MDYBeI/AAAAAAAABb0/YGCt720gmmU/s1600/sshans1.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–4MDYBeI/AAAAAAAABb0/YGCt720gmmU/s400/sshans1.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453787546286294498″ border=”0″ //aAnd rounding the final corner in today’s hill climb. Most of the racers didn’t know where the finish was so I was able to catch them as the made visual contact with the stadium — which was a true arena and drag strip for sprints all morning.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–3gEiyTI/AAAAAAAABbs/xxlop99gblw/s1600/ssjack.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–3gEiyTI/AAAAAAAABbs/xxlop99gblw/s400/ssjack.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453787534480034098″ border=”0″ //aJack Hegman has been here racing with us all week. He had three outstanding races — especially considering he is still a J2! We look forward to training with Jack this summer and seeing him progress. Here he leads Tucker Murphy, former Dartmouth skier and Olympian for Bermuda in Whistler 2010.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–3dP_qGI/AAAAAAAABbk/u1gKt_uR4LI/s1600/ssluet.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–3dP_qGI/AAAAAAAABbk/u1gKt_uR4LI/s400/ssluet.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453787533722757218″ border=”0″ //aLuethi with about a half kilometer to go.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–VzW2S-I/AAAAAAAABbc/_TOS3chtK0w/s1600/sssin.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 249px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–VzW2S-I/AAAAAAAABbc/_TOS3chtK0w/s400/sssin.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453786955541531618″ border=”0″ //aSinclair and Austin Cobb started together and towed the line all the way. Over Cobb’s shoulder, GMVS alum, Doug Debold is eying the finish.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–Vk9AYpI/AAAAAAAABbU/gjy9d-Mxe1w/s1600/sssiner.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 249px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–Vk9AYpI/AAAAAAAABbU/gjy9d-Mxe1w/s400/sssiner.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453786951675044498″ border=”0″ //aSinner in the 10.9km. Hard tracks and death cookies to boot.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–VfttgnI/AAAAAAAABbM/iwvHrSdLfvc/s1600/sssinner.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–VfttgnI/AAAAAAAABbM/iwvHrSdLfvc/s400/sssinner.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453786950268715634″ border=”0″ //aSinner headed up the climb for the third and final lap.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–U9Sn6eI/AAAAAAAABbE/HcJz99g3K1Y/s1600/ssmoore.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 330px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–U9Sn6eI/AAAAAAAABbE/HcJz99g3K1Y/s400/ssmoore.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453786941028297186″ border=”0″ //aDaniel Moore sharpens up through each race series. Here he is showing really nice form as he enters the finish strip.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–Ugjae3I/AAAAAAAABa8/mG0damvwhSA/s1600/ssreynolds.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6–Ugjae3I/AAAAAAAABa8/mG0damvwhSA/s400/ssreynolds.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453786933314091890″ border=”0″ //aAlum, Tim Reynolds, now Craftsbury Green Team, has been here racing all week and looks forward to a visit to the Valley.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-95jmoR8I/AAAAAAAABa0/kJ-dnQh4xBQ/s1600/sskaitlin.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-95jmoR8I/AAAAAAAABa0/kJ-dnQh4xBQ/s400/sskaitlin.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453786470276417474″ border=”0″ //aKaitlin got a lot of good experience on this trip — her first exposure to high level racing. It’s certainly been a great season for her and I’m impressed with her desire and improvement every day.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-95M-QfvI/AAAAAAAABas/4vekWocXiCA/s1600/kaitlin.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-95M-QfvI/AAAAAAAABas/4vekWocXiCA/s400/kaitlin.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453786464201506546″ border=”0″ //aI guess she met Kikan Randall today!br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-94fXaqgI/AAAAAAAABac/nuhCd6V8218/s1600/dylan.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 190px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-94fXaqgI/AAAAAAAABac/nuhCd6V8218/s400/dylan.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453786451958999554″ border=”0″ //aAlum D.Grald on course in the 10.9.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-93iAypKI/AAAAAAAABaU/hTOk9vGXXtI/s1600/dylan1.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3c1Nv5NLyNg/S6-93iAypKI/AAAAAAAABaU/hTOk9vGXXtI/s400/dylan1.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453786435489539234″ border=”0″ //aAnd climbing to the finish to end the season here in Fort Kent, Maine.br /br /It’s been a blast. 2010 — Ride the Ski!!br /br /Stay tuned for camps and spring time fun.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1847564486460994594-472597330983119617?l=gmvsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Lake Placid Olympians in support of ORDA

    Currently, the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) is facing severe state budget cuts. Fellow Lake Placid Olympians are lobbying for support, and concerned citizens are writing letters as the state budget is posed to pass this coming week.div

  • Koosed. (MWphoto)

    img src=”http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzz4se6rhc1qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/pKoosed. (MWphoto)/p

  • These guys are finishing their season and will now eat shit…

    img src=”http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzz4ppUrbE1qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/pThese guys are finishing their season and will now eat shit food. (MWphoto)/p

  • Shit food. (MWphoto)

    img src=”http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzz4o2FkZQ1qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/pShit food. (MWphoto)/p

  • 11 degrees colder than yesterday. Spring series rages on….

    img src=”http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzz4mcMyBf1qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/p11 degrees colder than yesterday. Spring series rages on. (MWphoto)/p

  • Kikkan does the elite-skier-role-model thing better than most….

    img src=”http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzz4khlVyW1qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/pKikkan does the elite-skier-role-model thing better than most. (MWphoto)/p

  • SMS Skiers Turn Heads at ST Sprints

    There was another great day of racing at Madawaska today. Great, hard tracks led to very consistent and fair sprint races. Kikkan Randall won everything again, but she was pushed by Ida Sargent. Torin outgunned Andy in the mens final with Simi coming in 3rd. The story of the day, however, may have been the SMS Jrs. Heather, Izzy and Skyler all qualified very well AND advanced to the open semi’s. Heather did it one better and made the A-finals!!! Amazing day, great races.br /Results can be found on the summit timing site.a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S653zyky8bI/AAAAAAAACqQ/yOtkh3ZAZn8/s1600/IMG_3428.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/S653zyky8bI/AAAAAAAACqQ/yOtkh3ZAZn8/s400/IMG_3428.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453427930425389490″ //aGage striding out in the prelims. She skied very well and made the open heats.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S653FXhkxuI/AAAAAAAACqI/SDDhfOYGedg/s1600/IMG_3443.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/S653FXhkxuI/AAAAAAAACqI/SDDhfOYGedg/s400/IMG_3443.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453427132890138338″ //aThe “SMS” 1/4 final included alums Patrick O’Brien and Andy Newell along with Skyler…toss in Babakov and Bjornsen and this looked like the real deal at the start.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S652lqUgRlI/AAAAAAAACqA/epNmrflORJA/s1600/IMG_3447.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/S652lqUgRlI/AAAAAAAACqA/epNmrflORJA/s400/IMG_3447.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453426588179777106″ //aAt the top of the hill, the three SMS skiers had broken clear and they all moved along into the semi finals!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S652Gjyd0fI/AAAAAAAACp4/2crIUtNRH20/s1600/IMG_3455.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/S652Gjyd0fI/AAAAAAAACp4/2crIUtNRH20/s400/IMG_3455.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453426053850452466″ //aAndy strides out of the start in his semi.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S651tyg7x6I/AAAAAAAACpw/laPV7ruJXwI/s1600/IMG_3461.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 354px; height: 400px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S651tyg7x6I/AAAAAAAACpw/laPV7ruJXwI/s400/IMG_3461.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453425628306720674″ //aIzzy battles in the b-final.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S651Y9dW8wI/AAAAAAAACpo/mnrKSwQXv4g/s1600/IMG_3469.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/S651Y9dW8wI/AAAAAAAACpo/mnrKSwQXv4g/s400/IMG_3469.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453425270467261186″ //aIt was a beautiful sunny March day…but cold! br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S6509fhZBfI/AAAAAAAACpg/S63nfyp63Tk/s1600/IMG_3473.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S6509fhZBfI/AAAAAAAACpg/S63nfyp63Tk/s400/IMG_3473.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453424798574642674″ //aSkyler getting after it in the open semi’s.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S650onyqyMI/AAAAAAAACpY/kQWlE7DTF2M/s1600/IMG_3476.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/S650onyqyMI/AAAAAAAACpY/kQWlE7DTF2M/s400/IMG_3476.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453424440017340610″ //aHeather, Izzy and Caitlin Patterson on the Jr Podium. Heather ended up 6th overall and Izzy 12th. Both of them beat several USST members!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S650A2GvNyI/AAAAAAAACpQ/tWE1uSQd2Ho/s1600/IMG_3479.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/S650A2GvNyI/AAAAAAAACpQ/tWE1uSQd2Ho/s400/IMG_3479.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453423756664846114″ //aSkyler celebrates the Jr win (he was 11th overall). It was a very impressive race for him. Not only did he beat several Olympians, he beat all 5 of the boys from the Jr World team who were here!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S65zvX0bhZI/AAAAAAAACpI/IXL8X2njLIQ/s1600/IMG_3480.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/S65zvX0bhZI/AAAAAAAACpI/IXL8X2njLIQ/s400/IMG_3480.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453423456477218194″ //aTorin, Andy and Simi. It went Andy, Simi, Torin in the prelims, but Torin blasted the A-final and beat out Andy in an exciting lunge finish.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S65zYSInFwI/AAAAAAAACpA/Z8E9ys7HFfI/s1600/IMG_3485.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/S65zYSInFwI/AAAAAAAACpA/Z8E9ys7HFfI/s400/IMG_3485.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453423059814258434″ //abr /Heather puts on the leader bib with 3 Olympians.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-8097343239461155432?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • In the County, Saturday morning

    I was hoping to have some pictures to post of the racing so far, but I forgot to bring the cable to connect my camera to my computer, so I guess not. Anyway, here’s a little update from Maine, pre-sprint.

    Ten of us, plus Pepa, are crowded into a five-bedroom house. There’s a lot of room-sharing, and I am living on a futon mattress in the laundry room, which turns out to be unheated (leave the door to the rest of the house open, or else your water bottle will freeze overnight like mine did). We have no internet and no cell phone reception, so we’ve been doing a lot of reading and watching terrible TV. My favorite show that we’ve found so far is “Ninja Warrior” and its accompaniment, “Unbeatable Banzuke”, which are Japanese and basically entail making contestants complete obstacle courses by running on logs, jumping on things, climbing ladders, etc. Usually they fall into a pool of water or have spectacular crashes on unicycles or stilts. It’s kind of funny to watch and makes me think that Japan might be a really strange place…

    Luckily all of the lodges at the ski venues have internet, and we spend a lot of time there. For instance: this morning we arrived at the venue at 7:30. The sprint starts at 10. I’m pretty sure our whole team was here before most teams’ coaches even arrived! With ten of us to wax skis for, though, Pepa stays really busy and we need to give her plenty of time and help out with testing. So far we’ve all had great skis, which is quite impressive for a one-woman coaching staff – that’s probably part of the reason that Pepa was just named NENSA coach of the year!

    I didn’t race the marathon on Wednesday, opting instead to help Pepa test skis and do the feeds. It was fun to watch and cheer for everyone – marathons can be pretty crazy and a lot can change over 30 or 50 kilometers. I learned that there is a definite technique to handing out feeds, and by the end I think I was doing a pretty good job of holding the bottles by the top so there was the least amount of spilling. It was interesting to see people’s different strategies: a few of the CXC guys even ate bananas out there! We stuck to various mixes of gatorade, flat coke, and coffee – the skiers never knew exactly what they were getting.

    I think it was good I sat out the marathon because yesterday I felt terrible in the 7.5k. As has happened so many times this season, I felt okay in the beginning of the race (I even managed to avoid getting tangled in at least 3 crashes that happened in front of me), and then it was remarkable how quickly things turned bad. By 2.5k I was somehow completely bonked and most of the field had streamed by me. I dropped out of a race for the first time in my life, ever. While I had known that I probably wouldn’t do great in these races, I wanted to do them for fun – and yesterday, I was NOT having fun. It was frustrating but I’m trying to stay positive that at least one of the next two races might be fun.

    The silver lining here, though, was that I got to see my teammates finish! Ida’s second-place finish was absolutely incredible and so exciting to watch! Go Ida! And then to see Hannah in 13th with a great race of her own, and Lauren and Kaitlynn in 37th and 39th, wow. I might have had a pretty bad day but they all did great. It was very cool.

    We’re all excited for more racing on the fast, icy course today. I should probably go test my skis again so Pepa doesn’t yell at me!