div style=”text-align: left;”Two needed days off back in Antholz will conclude my week of racing in Ruhpolding. The sprint on Wednesday was a good effort and I was very satisfied with my shooting. I am quite tired from holiday travel and training over the past few weeks, so stretching, sauna, jogging, napping, movie watching and reading is in order for the weekend./divdivdivbr //divdivspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-size:large;”bAnd now UPDATED with photos from the week:/b/span/divdivbbr //b/divdivbspan class=”Apple-style-span” style=”font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; “img src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_k1DHbqzFvCE/S1izdfruneI/AAAAAAAAAwk/3-QtgWa9jg0/s320/IMG_0187.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429286670097620450″ style=”display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; ” //span/b/div/divdivbr //divdivThe scene when you head into Ruhpolding’s Cheimgau Arena packed with fans ready for the night’s event./diva onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k1DHbqzFvCE/S1izevaTSmI/AAAAAAAAAxE/PAnk6bERxok/s1600-h/IMG_0196.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k1DHbqzFvCE/S1izevaTSmI/AAAAAAAAAxE/PAnk6bERxok/s320/IMG_0196.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429286691499362914″ //abr /divDuring training, the coaches are lined up behind their scopes watching shots and monitoring training. Our coaches are not hard to miss in our bright turquoise suits. /divdivbr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k1DHbqzFvCE/S1izebNPzJI/AAAAAAAAAw8/lcREUOn-KBg/s1600-h/IMG_0194.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k1DHbqzFvCE/S1izebNPzJI/AAAAAAAAAw8/lcREUOn-KBg/s320/IMG_0194.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429286686075899026″ //aRuhpolding is a fairly small venue that packs its fans in tight. These stands are not far from the shooting range, so that they can get a close up experience of the drama of biathlon race. As you race, weaving around large crowds, you are likely to get whaffs of brats and beer, be ushered along by massive waving flags hung on fishing poles, and even a receive a deafening blow from the loud, loudspeakers positioned throughout the course providing race commentary and Euro tunes, or even the numerous noisemakers and whistles favored by the die-hard German biathlon fans. /divdivbr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k1DHbqzFvCE/S1izeBHxbzI/AAAAAAAAAw0/qhvXehFAoEM/s1600-h/IMG_0193.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k1DHbqzFvCE/S1izeBHxbzI/AAAAAAAAAw0/qhvXehFAoEM/s320/IMG_0193.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429286679073615666″ //abr //divdivLooking down range as one the Canadian women shoots during training./divdivbr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k1DHbqzFvCE/S1izdlr7FgI/AAAAAAAAAws/y00Pwt9xl5g/s1600-h/IMG_0192.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k1DHbqzFvCE/S1izdlr7FgI/AAAAAAAAAws/y00Pwt9xl5g/s320/IMG_0192.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429286671709050370″ //abr //divdivRacing at night is fun in and of itself, but when your trail is lit up bright has day, the excitement is elevated to an even higher feeling. Unfortunately, I did not benefit from the uplifting atmosphere as much as I would have liked, but that’s okay – next time. BUT – bour
Category: XCFeeds
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Team for Tomorrow Sends Aid to Haitian Olympic Committee!
One of the neat things about this year is the opportunity to become a part efforts that are not focused on a result, a qualification, a record, but rather on helping others around us in greater need. divbr //divdivI am a part of bTeam for Tomorrow/b, and will work among other Olympians to promote the ideals of the Olympics and as ambassador’s of the the USOC’s humanitarian relief fund. I just recently found out that this team will be sending donations to bHaiti /bthrough its Olympic Committee as soon as possible after this week’s devastating earthquake:
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Just the tip…and a whole lot of delam. (Chase Marston, SLU…
img src=”http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwb5ua2O0E1qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/pJust the tip…and a whole lot of delam. (Chase Marston, SLU carnival, 2010)/p
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24 Hours of Telemark
The first of the ultra-marathons hits the season early, the second weekend in January!
This event gives a plethora of racing options: ranging from 3, 6, 12, or 24 hour events and from Solo up to 8-person teams, freestyle or classic.
This was my second time competing in this event in the 24-hour Solo catagory, feeling much more matured and ready than before. I wasn’t, however, expecting the temps to be as cold as they were- virtually putting an end to my goals. The snow was cold and abrasive- providing little glide during the wee hours of the night. I had two pairs of skis ready, hoping to not have to stop and rewax an any point during the race. My ‘primary’ skis were done with LF moly, HF Blue/cold powder, then Jetstream blue ironed in. My ‘warm’ skis were LF Moly, HF blue, then Jetstream blue rotocorked.
Starting the race, my skis were fast. As it warmed into the teens in the afternoon, I switched to the ‘warm’ skis in order to preserve my ‘primary’ skis for the night, noticing no significant difference in speed. As the sun dipped beyond the Telemark hill, overmits froze into a solid shell, bodies chilled, and worst of all, skis got slow. Stopping for the first ‘break’ after 11 hours of skiing, I layered up, changed gloves and socks, and put my primary skis back on. They felt fast- considering the conditions. Back to zipping by other racers on the downhills. What a difference the cold powder makes!
6 hours later, temps. dipping below 0F and barely able to push any glide out of the skis going uphill (this is where I should have traveled with a pair of classic skis)- I had to stop to reapply some HF blue/cold powder. I’m sure fatigue had something to do with the sudden lack of ability to climb hills, but the skis were definitely dry. They had lasted about 150K in cold and abrasive snow(the warm skis had made it about 50K).
This is my personal attestation to the wide range, speed, and durability of the HF blue/cold powder combination that I trust for any race greater than a marathon. I have used it up in the low 20’s and obviously into the sub-zero’s, and have always had great results!
the24hoursoftelemark.com is a fun race at a great venue- recommend it to anyone!Now to get ready for the Susitna 100…
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24 Hours of Telemark
The first of the ultra-marathons hits the season early, the second weekend in January!
This event gives a plethora of racing options: ranging from 3, 6, 12, or 24 hour events and from Solo up to 8-person teams, freestyle or classic.
This was my second time competing in this event in the 24-hour Solo catagory, feeling much more matured and ready than before. I wasn’t, however, expecting the temps to be as cold as they were- virtually putting an end to my goals. The snow was cold and abrasive- providing little glide during the wee hours of the night. I had two pairs of skis ready, hoping to not have to stop and rewax an any point during the race. My ‘primary’ skis were done with LF moly, HF Blue/cold powder, then Jetstream blue ironed in. My ‘warm’ skis were LF Moly, HF blue, then Jetstream blue rotocorked.
Starting the race, my skis were fast. As it warmed into the teens in the afternoon, I switched to the ‘warm’ skis in order to preserve my ‘primary’ skis for the night, noticing no significant difference in speed. As the sun dipped beyond the Telemark hill, overmits froze into a solid shell, bodies chilled, and worst of all, skis got slow. Stopping for the first ‘break’ after 11 hours of skiing, I layered up, changed gloves and socks, and put my primary skis back on. They felt fast- considering the conditions. Back to zipping by other racers on the downhills. What a difference the cold powder makes!
6 hours later, temps. dipping below 0F and barely able to push any glide out of the skis going uphill (this is where I should have traveled with a pair of classic skis)- I had to stop to reapply some HF blue/cold powder. I’m sure fatigue had something to do with the sudden lack of ability to climb hills, but the skis were definitely dry. They had lasted about 150K in cold and abrasive snow(the warm skis had made it about 50K).
This is my personal attestation to the wide range, speed, and durability of the HF blue/cold powder combination that I trust for any race greater than a marathon. I have used it up in the low 20’s and obviously into the sub-zero’s, and have always had great results!
the24hoursoftelemark.com is a fun race at a great venue- recommend it to anyone!Now to get ready for the Susitna 100…
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Training today. 15km Classic tomorrow.
img src=”http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwasutXH2q1qzvvqho1_500.jpg”/br/br/pTraining today. 15km Classic tomorrow./p
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Pretty pumped about this photo
img src=”http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwasq4TFqJ1qzvvqho1_500.jpg”/br/br/pPretty pumped about this photo/p
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Otepää Preview
This weekend sees the last chance for many athletes to qualify to represent their country at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Some big names won’t be there as they will be resting up after the Tour de Ski. However, most of the athletes that skipped the Tour return to racing as they sharpen their form for Vancouver. The conditions will be rather cold and lots of the skiers will be making note to cover up those bare patches of sking. According the webcam the track conditions look immaculate. Both fields are fairly weak with a shocking TWO seeded racers (Bauer and Nousiainen)in the men’s field while the women’s field sees a slighty more respectable 12 seeded skiers hit the start line. With the small fields, it’ll be a great opportunity for new skiers to the scene to grab some valuable World Cup points.
In aniticipation of Otepää, it was a bad week for the Fredriksson brothers as they were denied to travel with the Swedish team to race in Estonia. The veteran brothers had yet to qualify for the Olympics yet and this was their last chance. It’s a sad story considering how they received the news as Sweden’s head coach Jocke Abrahamsson text messaged Mathias telling him he won’t be traveling with the team. I find that extremely unprofessional on behalf of Abrahamsson especially considering the contributions of the Fredriksson’s for the Swedish team. And I’m not the only one who believes that the matter should have been handled differently. Abrahamsson says the reason is to give some World Cup experience to some young skiers. There’s a time and place for everything, and this wasn’t the weekend to bring in fresh blood. I agree with Kjell Erik Christiansen when he says that it was a bad decision to give the youngsters some experience in place of two veterans of more than 15 years trying to punch their ticket to their swan song Olympics as professional skiers. The youngsters who were chosen over the brothers won’t even be going to the Olympics so it seems like a moot decision.
Everything else seems a go, so without further adieu…predictions:
1. Marit Bjørgen
2. Justyna Kowalczyk
3. Kristina Smigun-Vaehi1. Lukas Bauer
2. Johan Olsson
3. Anders SödergrenTil Tomorrow.
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Otepaa at night
img src=”http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwaojuQbMA1qzvvqho1_500.jpg”/br/br/pOtepaa at night/p
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Estonia Travel Day
img src=”http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwaezuRSqW1qzvvqho1_500.jpg”/br/ br/img src=”http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwaezuRSqW1qzvvqho2_500.jpg”/br/ br/img src=”http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwaezuRSqW1qzvvqho3_500.jpg”/br/ br/img src=”http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwaezuRSqW1qzvvqho4_500.jpg”/br/ br/img src=”http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwaezuRSqW1qzvvqho5_500.jpg”/br/ br/pEstonia Travel Day/p
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Home for US National Championships
I made it home in time for Christmas and US National Championships after concluding our 5 week early season race circuit in Canmore, AB. I couldn’t have been happier to spend the holidays with family and friends and also loved getting to race on my home turf. After my first sprint heat Peter Valaas asked me, “Katie, were you smiling during your race?” I told him I certainly wasn’t trying to
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COE
One of the big perks to training in Park City and being a National Team member is having access to USSA’s new training facility, the Center of Excellence. The C.O.E., as it is known out here, is less than a year old and houses all of USSA’s sports administration and training facilities under one roof.
This afternoon, I did a little lifting at the COE, then ended my workout in the ice bath to help recover after two intensity workouts today. I’m not really into taking pictures from inside the weight room, but Bruce from skinnyski just posted a link to a Lindsey Vonn training video. This was filmed at the COE, where I was doing my lifting this afternoon. As those of you who’ve attended one of my clinics can attest, we do a very similar workout to what Lindsey is doing with ladders, hurdles, and med ball throws, but she definitely makes it look better than I ever will.
If you really want to see a Garrott Kuzzy training video, you can check out my interval session from this morning at USSA’s Dartfish site. This is a cool new program where National Team coaches can post video from US Ski Team athletes training.
This is one way my CXC coach Bryan Fish can stay up-to-date on my technique. Matt Whitcomb took this video today of me skiing up Hermod’s Hill at Soldier Hollow. Bryan can then watch the video and send comments on things I need to work on. This particular hill is pretty steep (the same hill Alsgard and Zorzi raced up in the infamous 2002 relay) and the intervals were meant to be pretty relaxed. If you want to see some hammer video, check out Liz’s freestyle speed workout.
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“Nice to see people in Park City still rockin’ the 2002 Roots beret. #worstheadwearever”
“Nice to see people in Park City still rockin’ the 2002 Roots beret. #worstheadwearever”br/br/ – em AJ (via Twitter)/em
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“The next 18 days include 9 race days, plus travel to Bozeman, Munich, Zurich, Hinterzarten, back to…”
“The next 18 days include 9 race days, plus travel to Bozeman, Munich, Zurich, Hinterzarten, back to Zurich, back to Munich and then back to Salt Lake. Aggressive.”br/br/ – em Abi Holt on her travel schedule. (via Facebook)/em
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RPS
Every time we have to go anywhere, we carpool. I’d say up to 7 people, we’ll take 1 car. Maybe once we had 8. So that means every time we drive we need to decide who drives and nobody ever wants to drive. We’ve settled this a number of ways, including MarioKart races, guilt trips, and (worst of all) taking turns. But mostly, we’re using rock-paper-scissors.
Because of the high stakes nature of the rock-paper-scissors (RPS) battles (losing means you have to drive, say, to the center, which is a total of 4 miles. Woof.) we’ve really gotten into trying to figure out the other person’s game so that we can guarantee victory and not end up in the driver’s seat. But that takes a lot of work.
All this RPS reminds me of the things I’ve heard in the past about the game. I heard there’s a professional sort of circuit. I heard they have different moves. And I wondered if its all true. Here’s what I found:
First, there is money to be won in RPS. A dude named Tim Conrad won 7 g’s playing RPS by throwing alternating rocks and paper while his adversary (and, in an interesting twist, best friend, Tom Butkin) continued to throw rocks.
Second, they’ve got moves. Pro-RPS is a best-of-3 match where a tie counts as a round. So that means if both players throw rock twice, then there’s a paper to rock, the player who threw the paper wins the round and the hole match. So that means in every round there’s three throws that you’ll use. Many pros preselect the moves. A three-throw set is called a gambit. And there’s only 27 of these. Some have names, some don’t.
At this point, I think it’d be a good idea for me to get a handle on all the gambits so that I can outplay my teammates. I found a few on worldrps.com, and those are the following with my thoughts:
RRR-Avalanche-makes sense, it’s a lot of rocks
PPP-Bureaucrat-same thing, but all about the paper
PSR-Crescendo-don’t get this
RSP-Denouement-don’t even know what this means
RPP-Fistfull o’ Dollars-should be self-explanatory
PSS-Paper Dolls-you cut the paper, then you cut it again!
PSP-Paper Sandwich-it seems like the scissors are in the sandwich?
SSS-Toolbox-I don’t keep scissors in my toolbox, but this is good enough.
So what about the others? Here’s the full list: Included is what I came up with, some replacements for some old ones, some of the ones above, and some I can’t think of anything good for. I’m warning you, some are pretty poor quality.
RRR-avalanche (above)
RRP-”The U2″-they rock twice, then they get their paper.
RRS-”Takeover”-Knife to fistfight? From Takeover by Jay-Z? Not really?
RPR
RPP-”fistfull o’ dollars.” I love this. From above.
RPS-”the namesake”
RSR-”Garage band”-all they do is rock and cut (class).
RSP
RSS-”the feeds”-rss feeds, get it?
PRR
PRP-”knuckle sandwich” this is one of my favorites
PRS
PPR-”the paperweight”-first you put down the papers, then you put the rock on top.
PPP-”Bureaucrat” from above
PPS-”paper chaser” Start with papers and then finish with something to mix it up. In honor of T.I.
PSP-I’m thinking PSP should be “PSP” or “Playstation”
PSS-paper dolls from above
SRR-”cutting rocks”-do with this what you will.
SRP-”The Goldmine”-you cut the rock to get your paper.
SRS
SPR
SPP-”Arts n Crafts”-a pair of scissors and lots of paper.
SPS
SSR-”The Miner”-they cut and cut at that rock.
SSP-”fiskars” Because someone makes paper off making scissors.
SSS-toolbox from above
So that leaves us with RPR, RSP, PRR, PRS, SRS, SPR, and SPS left to do. I can’t think of anything anymore. But if you can get anything, it’d be helpful. Let us know and I’ll put it up if it’s good. Also, please replace any of mine.
And yeah, I guess I do think this is a good use of my time.
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What to do while you’re waiting for the phone to ring…
Since the last USSA points list came out I am breathing a little easier. I’m ranked 4th and assuming that 4 guys will be named if not more things are looking promising. Even when you think that things are looking in your favor, if you are anywhere near the bubble, the week between the last races and the naming of the championship team is one of the longest weeks of an athletes life. So what to do with myself…
I have been trying to recover. Last week took way more out of me than I was expecting. Mentally more than anything last week was stressful. The emotional lows and highs were quite severe. To end it on a high note and know that I did more than I could have hoped for on my final day left me feeling like a content bowl of oatmeal. Mush. I did nothing related to skiing for two days, just relaxed with the family and enjoying the good times. Then it was time to go back to work and start skiing again. It took until Wednesday to start feeling a little more normal and now it is time to start training for real. I am going ahead and preparing like I am going and will be hitting the training hard starting tomorrow. Doing the prep work while I anxiously await Tuesday…
A few pics from last week…
