Category: XCFeeds

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

POTS

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome is what the Cardiologist told me I have.

I have been struggling with fatigue since the beginning of the summer. At first it was between my training sessions, then it was while I working with the kids, then it was on my off days and then it started to affect my training as well. I was so busy I figured that the fatigue would end when I had a little break between programs and a rest week of training. It didn’t!

I couldn’t figure out what was going on and, I was way too busy to see it coming, but once it did I knew I had to do something. After a few days off and a number of easy sessions I started to feel better and shrugged it off as just a period of too much going on in my life. I started the next week feeling alright but by the end I knew something was up. I entered a local 5k and was 1-1/2 minutes off my usual pace for this time of year! I immediately began to review and rethink what I had done leading up to these feelings.

I couldn’t figure it out. Nothing was different from a typical summer of training for me. As I proceeded with a cautious attitude I focused on my training zones and other daily routines. I thought it was hydration so I started drinking more sports drink, I thought it was hunger so I started eating a bigger breakfast, and I stayed very low in my training zones at all times. Then one day out of the blue I was lifting at the gym and after a set of squats I felt the world begin to spin beneath me.

I quickly removed myself from the gym and put my feet above my head. I managed to avoid passing out and got a ride from my boyfriend to the ER. After a lot of tests I was sent to see a cardiologist. What! How could there be something going on with my heart?

The Cardiologist preformed a number of tests as well and determined that my heart was showing signs of Orthostatic Intolerance, which means that when I stand up my pulse jumps over 30 beats but my blood pressure also drops significantly! It is this drop in blood pressure that causes me to feel light headed and pass out!

I told him it was probably just over-training! Unfortunately he shook his head and told me it wasn’t. He said no one knows for sure what POTS is from but it wasn’t from training. I have few more tests this week, one is on a tilt table where they will try to make me pass out (or come close anyway) and a few other tests to rule out anything else more serious.

So for now I have the all clear to train as usual and just ignore my heart rate. I have taken a number of days off now and I am feeling really fresh. I went for a fun urban rollerski with Jojo Winters and Brian Gregg today and although the pace was very easy my heart rate was easily 150+. I have to learn to train by feel and leave the monitor at home for a while. I did some lactate testing with a coach and sure enough I am in the right zones just not the right heart rates. This is so strange and after years of hearing about the importance of heart rates for training it will take some time to get used to.

From what I have been told POTS often develops after an illness or trauma and will progress for months getting worse and worse before it suddenly begins to subside. The last time I was really sick was at US Nationals and if I have been through the fainting period and other symptoms I should be in the clear! Right? I am keeping my fingers crossed and spirit high. I have to admit that this would be a lot harder if I didn’t have other team members and ITA members who have faced adversity and set backs and climbed right back up to keep me inspired and optomistic! So I guess now it is my turn to just stay positive and focus on the process.

August 16, 2009
POTS

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome is what the Cardiologist told me I have.

I have been struggling with fatigue since the beginning of the summer. At first it was between my training sessions, then it was while I working with the kids, then it was on my off days and then it started to affect my training as well. I was so busy I figured that the fatigue would end when I had a little break between programs and a rest week of training. It didn’t!

I couldn’t figure out what was going on and, I was way too busy to see it coming, but once it did I knew I had to do something. After a few days off and a number of easy sessions I started to feel better and shrugged it off as just a period of too much going on in my life. I started the next week feeling alright but by the end I knew something was up. I entered a local 5k and was 1-1/2 minutes off my usual pace for this time of year! I immediately began to review and rethink what I had done leading up to these feelings.

I couldn’t figure it out. Nothing was different from a typical summer of training for me. As I proceeded with a cautious attitude I focused on my training zones and other daily routines. I thought it was hydration so I started drinking more sports drink, I thought it was hunger so I started eating a bigger breakfast, and I stayed very low in my training zones at all times. Then one day out of the blue I was lifting at the gym and after a set of squats I felt the world begin to spin beneath me.

I quickly removed myself from the gym and put my feet above my head. I managed to avoid passing out and got a ride from my boyfriend to the ER. After a lot of tests I was sent to see a cardiologist. What! How could there be something going on with my heart?

The Cardiologist preformed a number of tests as well and determined that my heart was showing signs of Orthostatic Intolerance, which means that when I stand up my pulse jumps over 30 beats but my blood pressure also drops significantly! It is this drop in blood pressure that causes me to feel light headed and pass out!

I told him it was probably just over-training! Unfortunately he shook his head and told me it wasn’t. He said no one knows for sure what POTS is from but it wasn’t from training. I have few more tests this week, one is on a tilt table where they will try to make me pass out (or come close anyway) and a few other tests to rule out anything else more serious.

So for now I have the all clear to train as usual and just ignore my heart rate. I have taken a number of days off now and I am feeling really fresh. I went for a fun urban rollerski with Jojo Winters and Brian Gregg today and although the pace was very easy my heart rate was easily 150+. I have to learn to train by feel and leave the monitor at home for a while. I did some lactate testing with a coach and sure enough I am in the right zones just not the right heart rates. This is so strange and after years of hearing about the importance of heart rates for training it will take some time to get used to.

From what I have been told POTS often develops after an illness or trauma and will progress for months getting worse and worse before it suddenly begins to subside. The last time I was really sick was at US Nationals and if I have been through the fainting period and other symptoms I should be in the clear! Right? I am keeping my fingers crossed and spirit high. I have to admit that this would be a lot harder if I didn’t have other team members and ITA members who have faced adversity and set backs and climbed right back up to keep me inspired and optomistic! So I guess now it is my turn to just stay positive and focus on the process.

August 16, 2009
POTS

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome is what the Cardiologist told me I have.

I have been struggling with fatigue since the beginning of the summer. At first it was between my training sessions, then it was while I working with the kids, then it was on my off days and then it started to affect my training as well. I was so busy I figured that the fatigue would end when I had a little break between programs and a rest week of training. It didn’t!

I couldn’t figure out what was going on and, I was way too busy to see it coming, but once it did I knew I had to do something. After a few days off and a number of easy sessions I started to feel better and shrugged it off as just a period of too much going on in my life. I started the next week feeling alright but by the end I knew something was up. I entered a local 5k and was 1-1/2 minutes off my usual pace for this time of year! I immediately began to review and rethink what I had done leading up to these feelings.

I couldn’t figure it out. Nothing was different from a typical summer of training for me. As I proceeded with a cautious attitude I focused on my training zones and other daily routines. I thought it was hydration so I started drinking more sports drink, I thought it was hunger so I started eating a bigger breakfast, and I stayed very low in my training zones at all times. Then one day out of the blue I was lifting at the gym and after a set of squats I felt the world begin to spin beneath me.

I quickly removed myself from the gym and put my feet above my head. I managed to avoid passing out and got a ride from my boyfriend to the ER. After a lot of tests I was sent to see a cardiologist. What! How could there be something going on with my heart?

The Cardiologist preformed a number of tests as well and determined that my heart was showing signs of Orthostatic Intolerance, which means that when I stand up my pulse jumps over 30 beats but my blood pressure also drops significantly! It is this drop in blood pressure that causes me to feel light headed and pass out!

I told him it was probably just over-training! Unfortunately he shook his head and told me it wasn’t. He said no one knows for sure what POTS is from but it wasn’t from training. I have few more tests this week, one is on a tilt table where they will try to make me pass out (or come close anyway) and a few other tests to rule out anything else more serious.

So for now I have the all clear to train as usual and just ignore my heart rate. I have taken a number of days off now and I am feeling really fresh. I went for a fun urban rollerski with Jojo Winters and Brian Gregg today and although the pace was very easy my heart rate was easily 150+. I have to learn to train by feel and leave the monitor at home for a while. I did some lactate testing with a coach and sure enough I am in the right zones just not the right heart rates. This is so strange and after years of hearing about the importance of heart rates for training it will take some time to get used to.

From what I have been told POTS often develops after an illness or trauma and will progress for months getting worse and worse before it suddenly begins to subside. The last time I was really sick was at US Nationals and if I have been through the fainting period and other symptoms I should be in the clear! Right? I am keeping my fingers crossed and spirit high. I have to admit that this would be a lot harder if I didn’t have other team members and ITA members who have faced adversity and set backs and climbed right back up to keep me inspired and optomistic! So I guess now it is my turn to just stay positive and focus on the process.

August 16, 2009
POTS

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome is what the Cardiologist told me I have.

I have been struggling with fatigue since the beginning of the summer. At first it was between my training sessions, then it was while I working with the kids, then it was on my off days and then it started to affect my training as well. I was so busy I figured that the fatigue would end when I had a little break between programs and a rest week of training. It didn’t!

I couldn’t figure out what was going on and, I was way too busy to see it coming, but once it did I knew I had to do something. After a few days off and a number of easy sessions I started to feel better and shrugged it off as just a period of too much going on in my life. I started the next week feeling alright but by the end I knew something was up. I entered a local 5k and was 1-1/2 minutes off my usual pace for this time of year! I immediately began to review and rethink what I had done leading up to these feelings.

I couldn’t figure it out. Nothing was different from a typical summer of training for me. As I proceeded with a cautious attitude I focused on my training zones and other daily routines. I thought it was hydration so I started drinking more sports drink, I thought it was hunger so I started eating a bigger breakfast, and I stayed very low in my training zones at all times. Then one day out of the blue I was lifting at the gym and after a set of squats I felt the world begin to spin beneath me.

I quickly removed myself from the gym and put my feet above my head. I managed to avoid passing out and got a ride from my boyfriend to the ER. After a lot of tests I was sent to see a cardiologist. What! How could there be something going on with my heart?

The Cardiologist preformed a number of tests as well and determined that my heart was showing signs of Orthostatic Intolerance, which means that when I stand up my pulse jumps over 30 beats but my blood pressure also drops significantly! It is this drop in blood pressure that causes me to feel light headed and pass out!

I told him it was probably just over-training! Unfortunately he shook his head and told me it wasn’t. He said no one knows for sure what POTS is from but it wasn’t from training. I have few more tests this week, one is on a tilt table where they will try to make me pass out (or come close anyway) and a few other tests to rule out anything else more serious.

So for now I have the all clear to train as usual and just ignore my heart rate. I have taken a number of days off now and I am feeling really fresh. I went for a fun urban rollerski with Jojo Winters and Brian Gregg today and although the pace was very easy my heart rate was easily 150+. I have to learn to train by feel and leave the monitor at home for a while. I did some lactate testing with a coach and sure enough I am in the right zones just not the right heart rates. This is so strange and after years of hearing about the importance of heart rates for training it will take some time to get used to.

From what I have been told POTS often develops after an illness or trauma and will progress for months getting worse and worse before it suddenly begins to subside. The last time I was really sick was at US Nationals and if I have been through the fainting period and other symptoms I should be in the clear! Right? I am keeping my fingers crossed and spirit high. I have to admit that this would be a lot harder if I didn’t have other team members and ITA members who have faced adversity and set backs and climbed right back up to keep me inspired and optomistic! So I guess now it is my turn to just stay positive and focus on the process.

August 16, 2009
Day 1 at the BKL Camp

a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiyPegtk9I/AAAAAAAAAm0/i334bLZT8ZY/s1600-h/100_3465.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiyPegtk9I/AAAAAAAAAm0/i334bLZT8ZY/s320/100_3465.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370738534597366738″ //abr /We have a great group of kids at our BKL camp this summer. The 51 campers and 12 staff were welcomed with a sunny, hot day. We worked on ski bounding and leg strength on our woods trails (read shade) and then went to the gym and the snow making pond. Here are some pictures of the kids in action. Spirits are high and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/Soiwj1jB6YI/AAAAAAAAAms/NsuFheMgrwA/s1600-h/100_3472.JPG”img style=”float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/Soiwj1jB6YI/AAAAAAAAAms/NsuFheMgrwA/s320/100_3472.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370736685355231618″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiwY7yleaI/AAAAAAAAAmk/4YMKl5mpFoI/s1600-h/100_3485.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiwY7yleaI/AAAAAAAAAmk/4YMKl5mpFoI/s320/100_3485.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370736498052528546″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiwPjJQS7I/AAAAAAAAAmc/HpPI17gSNPk/s1600-h/100_3489.JPG”img style=”float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiwPjJQS7I/AAAAAAAAAmc/HpPI17gSNPk/s320/100_3489.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370736336817900466″ //abr /As always, if you click on a picture, it will fill the screen (and then some).br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiwC-y0tcI/AAAAAAAAAmU/3OtdxTxVyUw/s1600-h/100_3514.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiwC-y0tcI/AAAAAAAAAmU/3OtdxTxVyUw/s320/100_3514.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370736120901711298″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/Soiv1GGcHfI/AAAAAAAAAmM/j5OK7SVU8Lk/s1600-h/100_3520.JPG”img style=”float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/Soiv1GGcHfI/AAAAAAAAAmM/j5OK7SVU8Lk/s320/100_3520.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370735882344865266″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoivnpgdRcI/AAAAAAAAAmE/FNKDfSKOi5o/s1600-h/100_3517.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoivnpgdRcI/AAAAAAAAAmE/FNKDfSKOi5o/s320/100_3517.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370735651331065282″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/Soivd1WfIXI/AAAAAAAAAl8/diLqRJEP_Kk/s1600-h/100_3506.JPG”img style=”float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/Soivd1WfIXI/AAAAAAAAAl8/diLqRJEP_Kk/s320/100_3506.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370735482711777650″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoivTnEFd_I/AAAAAAAAAl0/5rUR59k5Yk4/s1600-h/100_3483.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoivTnEFd_I/AAAAAAAAAl0/5rUR59k5Yk4/s320/100_3483.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370735307077810162″ //abr /Following the trail run, we played some group games in the gym with the strong emphasis on getting to know each other.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiuyG-WqZI/AAAAAAAAAls/-tYeqDL0HXA/s1600-h/100_3459.JPG”img style=”float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiuyG-WqZI/AAAAAAAAAls/-tYeqDL0HXA/s320/100_3459.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370734731528153490″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiuiqVdfsI/AAAAAAAAAlk/Sr4K41XowrI/s1600-h/100_3528.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiuiqVdfsI/AAAAAAAAAlk/Sr4K41XowrI/s320/100_3528.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370734466142404290″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiuXL7j36I/AAAAAAAAAlc/TbuF-ZnynIE/s1600-h/100_3523.JPG”img style=”float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiuXL7j36I/AAAAAAAAAlc/TbuF-ZnynIE/s320/100_3523.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370734269002145698″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiuLNBovFI/AAAAAAAAAlU/rtvz2NfbiAc/s1600-h/100_3545.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoiuLNBovFI/AAAAAAAAAlU/rtvz2NfbiAc/s320/100_3545.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370734063137635410″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/Soitl-EvZgI/AAAAAAAAAlM/6QVkhv5dXqs/s1600-h/100_3541.JPG”img style=”float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/Soitl-EvZgI/AAAAAAAAAlM/6QVkhv5dXqs/s320/100_3541.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370733423468963330″ //abr /After dinner we had a great game of a capture flag variation, followed by balance drills and a monster game of knock out in which Hamish edged out Erik for the top honors.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoitWmfovhI/AAAAAAAAAlE/qJ0tQ0EJK9I/s1600-h/100_3557.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoitWmfovhI/AAAAAAAAAlE/qJ0tQ0EJK9I/s320/100_3557.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370733159441284626″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoitMtHoxWI/AAAAAAAAAk8/AK_PRt7bvOo/s1600-h/100_3559.JPG”img style=”float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoitMtHoxWI/AAAAAAAAAk8/AK_PRt7bvOo/s320/100_3559.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370732989420979554″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoitBjpZWlI/AAAAAAAAAk0/Q8sKKrX5DLM/s1600-h/100_3566.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/SoitBjpZWlI/AAAAAAAAAk0/Q8sKKrX5DLM/s320/100_3566.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370732797899659858″ //adiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-783075691736024042?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’//div

August 16, 2009
Think of this during the next spenst workout.

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August 16, 2009
A Long Trip Home

August 16, 2009
An Alaskan Adventure

I am currently in Alaska, enjoying the “Great North” summer. Twelve hours after stepping off the plane, I found myself in one of the most beautiful landscapes ever!…on Kesugi Ridge. I surprised my sister for her 30th Birthday and flew up to Alaskaa couple days early to join her and her friends for a 2 day backpacking trip on Kesugi Ridge. This ridge is located North of Anchorage in Denali State Park and offers amazing views of Mt. McKinley! While the weather was nice, it wasn’t quite clear enough to see the entire mountain.br /br /div style=”text-align: center;”a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2GcZrQRI/AAAAAAAAAaY/TCm4VNXK-tI/s1600-h/P8090430.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2GcZrQRI/AAAAAAAAAaY/TCm4VNXK-tI/s320/P8090430.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370742777458671890″ border=”0″ //aspan style=”font-style: italic;”The scenery from the top of the ridgebr /br //span/divdiv style=”text-align: center;”a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2HkSaZkI/AAAAAAAAAao/CygYpOQ6suE/s1600-h/P8080387.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2HkSaZkI/AAAAAAAAAao/CygYpOQ6suE/s320/P8080387.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370742796755560002″ border=”0″ //aspan style=”font-style: italic;”The backpacking crew!br //span/divbr /To acsess the trail along Kesugi Ridge, it is a 1,500 foot hike up to the ridge. The ridge is fairly mellow with some gradual ascents and descents. span style=”font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;”The ridge trail follows a broad alpine tundra plane past ponds, across creeks and around granite boulders./span If you find yourself in Alaska and are looking for a good backpacking trip with amazing veiws, I definitely recommend Kesugi Ridge! It is beutiful!br /br /div style=”text-align: center;”a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi3fMFNj1I/AAAAAAAAAbA/N_X7ZTO1edk/s1600-h/P8090439.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi3fMFNj1I/AAAAAAAAAbA/N_X7ZTO1edk/s320/P8090439.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370744302086229842″ border=”0″ //aspan style=”font-style: italic;”Hiking the trail along the ridgebr //spanbr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2HKVtwoI/AAAAAAAAAag/OhK9jmxN-dA/s1600-h/P8080385.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2HKVtwoI/AAAAAAAAAag/OhK9jmxN-dA/s320/P8080385.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370742789790089858″ border=”0″ //aspan style=”font-style: italic;”Me, among the fireweed!/spanbr //divbr /August is a great time of year to go hiking and backpakcing in Alaska because the berries are bountiful! Within the first hour of hiking we found blueberries, watermellon berries, cloudberries, crowberries and soapberries! Yum, yum, yum! We picked a bag full of blueberries to make ourself some “camp-made” blueberry crisp! It was great!br /br /div style=”text-align: center;”a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2JAcZr9I/AAAAAAAAAa4/657xP3713oE/s1600-h/Summer+09+103.jpg”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2JAcZr9I/AAAAAAAAAa4/657xP3713oE/s320/Summer+09+103.jpg” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370742821493518290″ border=”0″ //aspan style=”font-style: italic;”Busy, picking blueberries for the birthday crispbr //span/divbr /div style=”text-align: center;”a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2IVMVX7I/AAAAAAAAAaw/4yf_PlDdS8U/s1600-h/Summer+09+076.jpg”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi2IVMVX7I/AAAAAAAAAaw/4yf_PlDdS8U/s320/Summer+09+076.jpg” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370742809883402162″ border=”0″ //aspan style=”font-style: italic;”Watermellon berries. They are very juicy!/spanbr //divbr /As for training, it is going well. I have been doing a majority of my training by myself since I’ve been in Alaska, but it has been good to focus on doing the “right” workouts for me. I have been doing a lot of classic rollerskiing and double-poling. I am trying to give my legs a little break to relieve some soreness and fatigue that has built up over the past couple weeks. Hopefully with the right training and the right amount of rest, they will be back to normal soon!br /br /div style=”text-align: center;”a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi4eoZPylI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/QLaCWfs3UJw/s1600-h/P8090446.JPG”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bfd1dFDmRWA/Soi4eoZPylI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/QLaCWfs3UJw/s320/P8090446.JPG” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370745392018213458″ border=”0″ //aspan style=”font-style: italic;”My sisters and Ibr /br //span/divI am in Alaska for another week and I am looking forward to a recovery week filled with some fun adventures in Homer, Alaska with my family. I will keep you posted!div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5903545846797966075-1364318447211947856?l=in-the-arena-nicole.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

August 16, 2009
New Zealand- Photos of the Day

img src=”http://19.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_koen3stI0G1qzvvqho1_500.jpg”/br/ br/img src=”http://18.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_koen3stI0G1qzvvqho2_500.jpg”/br/ br/img src=”http://18.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_koen3stI0G1qzvvqho4_500.jpg”/br/ br/img src=”http://9.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_koen3stI0G1qzvvqho3_500.jpg”/br/ br/img src=”http://21.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_koen3stI0G1qzvvqho5_500.jpg”/br/ br/img src=”http://1.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_koen3stI0G1qzvvqho6_500.jpg”/br/ br/pNew Zealand- Photos of the Day/p

August 15, 2009
This is what I like

August 14, 2009
This is what I like

August 14, 2009
This is what I like

August 14, 2009
Stoke High for Coaches Conference!

Sign up while you still can!
Speakers include H.C. Holmberg, Dan Jansen, Erik Flora, Dr. Jon Finnoff and more!
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Sept 25, 26, 27.
Contact Matt Whitcomb for more info and to register: mwhitcomb@ussa.org

August 14, 2009
Stoke High for Coaches Conference!

Sign up while you still can!
Speakers include H.C. Holmberg, Dan Jansen, Erik Flora, Dr. Jon Finnoff and more!
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Sept 25, 26, 27.
Contact Matt Whitcomb for more info and to register: mwhitcomb@ussa.org

August 14, 2009
Stoke High for Coaches Conference!

Sign up while you still can!
Speakers include H.C. Holmberg, Dan Jansen, Erik Flora, Dr. Jon Finnoff and more!
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Sept 25, 26, 27.
Contact Matt Whitcomb for more info and to register: mwhitcomb@ussa.org

August 14, 2009
Max Kraft

… was there…

First pass of the day – a few kinks to be worked out

Power up…

…and recover.

Repeat.

Nick C rallies the troops for one more.

August 14, 2009
Vacation

By Maria Stuber

After James and Kelly’s wedding in Colorado, I had a pretty bad ankle role and couldn’t train for a couple days. Bryan Cook and I spent some time in Boulder where our good friends Shane Mundt and Tami Kochen took excellent care of us. Shane made us tons of good food. There was lots of fishing and shooting guns. We played horseshoes, had campfires, and enjoyed the fresh mountain air. We also saw the new GI-Joe movie and met the newlyweds in Breckenridge where we stayed at the Ahern’s house. Tami, Bryan, James, Kelly, Kyle and Kevin Ahern did a 10 K running race at 12,000 feet. We also met Kelly’s Brother and sister-in-law (Ryan and Annie) in Denver to watch the Rockies play the Cubs. Getting tickets was a little harder than we expected so the girls got into the game while the boys watched from a bar across the street. We felt pretty bad leaving them, but our tickets were just a few rows behind the Cubs dugout.

Ramen by Chef Shane

Bryan shooting skeet after a run

Maria shooting skeet

Bryan and James throwing shoes

cooking sausages on the campfire

Bryan and Shane playing GI-Joe before seeing the movie

Our crew at the Breckenridge trail running race

A pack of runners at the start (Bryan is in there somewhere)

Kelly, Maria, Tami and Annie behind the Cubs dugout at Coors Stadium

During the first week of our Colorado trip we did a bunch of trail running and hiking. I took a few days off after my ankle role, but I was soon able to put on a ski boot and double pole. I had never roller skied out west before and the scenery was amazing. In Boulder, we went up the Left Hand Canyon where you need to ski up and drive down. Climbing for two hours is certainly not easy at that altitude. We also did an out and back near the Eldora downhill ski area, and used a gorgeous bike path in Breckenridge. I really enjoyed skiing with Tami again. We had a blast.

Tami and Maria on a roller ski

Does this look funny to anyone else?

double poleing near Eldora

icing the bad ankle

Before heading back to Marquette, Bryan and I spent the night at the Eloranta residence in Pewaukee, WI. We went to one of my high school friend’s weddings on Saturday night, and went for a long roller ski on Sunday morning. It was super hot and humid; however, we were still able to recruit some friends to come along. One of my best buddies, Shane Hoelz, was home from dental school and joined us for half of the roller ski, and my little brother Thomas came all the way from Madison to roller ski with us in the heat. We were very temped to stay in Waukesha Sunday night to check out the Wisconsin State Fair with the Hoelz family but we had to get back to Marquette for work. Fortunately, Shane said that the chocolate covered bacon wasn’t as good as it sounds.

August 14, 2009
GSL FLOATERS CLUB

div style=”text-align: center;”I am going back in time a bit with this post, but certain experiences need to be shared sometimes. On my way to Vermont from New Zealand a group of very close friends picked me up at the SLC airport and we began to drive. We all knew where we were headed and we were giddy excitement, and mixed in for me, the sheer joy of leaving airports for a couple of hours. These 3 very good friends and I are members of the GSL Floaters Club. I am not exactly sure how we started this club, but I know the one thing that drew us all into the lake for the first time. Floating. The feeling of being able to enjoy water without inhaling large gulps while trying to stay afloat. The ability to float effortlessly in a large body of liquid, in fact to be able to relax in water! It was a concept none of us had ever even dreamed of, but yet, here we were doing just that. So we left the airport and drove to the spot where it all started. We pulled on our bathing suits, and walked towards the water. Again, that need to relax in water pulled us towards the shore, through the sand fleas, towards the smell of pollution and chemicals. And…./divimg style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 184px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ObMdc4mpVIg/SoXVErqtbjI/AAAAAAAAALo/DYQx18WkxBA/s320/LSB_SLCfloaters_1.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369932407127240242″ /div style=”text-align: center;”…we all jumped in./divdiv style=”text-align: center;”br //divdiv style=”text-align: center;”br //divimg style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ObMdc4mpVIg/SoXVFP2jfII/AAAAAAAAALw/twz7h9JCUcg/s320/LSBP_SLCfloaters2.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369932416840596610″ /div style=”text-align: center;”Pollution always enhances the sunsets…/divimg style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ObMdc4mpVIg/SoXVFbdUOaI/AAAAAAAAAL4/UjY8-MGNCGw/s320/LSBP_SLCfloaters3.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369932419955964322″ /div style=”text-align: center;”And then, we relaxed some more./divbr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ObMdc4mpVIg/SoXVEK_hKRI/AAAAAAAAALg/DUKk5n9PfVs/s1600-h/smac_tat.jpg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ObMdc4mpVIg/SoXVEK_hKRI/AAAAAAAAALg/DUKk5n9PfVs/s320/smac_tat.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369932398356146450″ //adiv style=”text-align: center;”Because we knew that tomorrow we would be back in the Saddle. (Sarah MacCarthy, “Smac”)/divdiv style=”text-align: center;”Photos Courtesy of: Pete Vordenberg and Barb Jones/divdiv style=”text-align: center;”br //divdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8313858291794282393-4529774794834180556?l=lizhstephen.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

August 14, 2009
Packrafting: Startin ‘em early (and a bit later)

Last month we introduced the kiddo to the wonderful world of packrafting.

And last week, we had three generations out in the rafts, paddling among the ‘bergs.

August 14, 2009
Rollerskiing in Oregon

Most road surfaces in Oregon are “chip-seal” pavement. A chip seal is an application of a binder (hot liquid asphalt) in the form of an emulsion or hot spray and an application of an aggregate (small stones) as close to single size as possible. Chip Seals protect and preserve, and extend pavement life. This results in a pavement that is better to drive on, look at and will cost less in the long run. However, it is not much fun to rollerski on. The vibration is uncomfortable on the feet and legs and rolling resistance is considerably greater than a “hot-top” smooth pavement. Generally new housing developments have smoother pavement. The more expensive the houses, the smoother the pavement will be. br /br /Wherever you choose to ski, pick a time when the amount of traffic will be lowest. Often, early mornings before commuter time, or early evening after commuter time are good times to roll. Roads outside city limits are often pretty quiet after 6:30 PM. Early Saturday and especially Sunday are great choices.br /br /br /Corvallis Oregon : has stellar roller skiing. Oak Creek Dr. Several miles round trip. Nice pavement. Wide shoulder. The bike path to Philomath. Perhaps 15 miles round trip. Lots of good, paved farm roads. Rob Rootbr /Bend: Bend is the place to ski! Amazing hill climbing up 9th street to Awbrey Butte, although the descent will put hair on your chest and take skin off everything else. Or, you can ski up to Mt. Bachelor. It’s best to do early in the morning as the road gets way hot later ( at least in the summer ). The total distance is 22 miles, but there are lots of places that make for great natural stopping points. You do need a shuttle, unless you want to ski down which means real screamers. br /Submitted by Stuart Craigbr /br /Near the Central Oregon city of Bend is another good place, although a little short. It is the Skyliner Ranch/Tetherow road system. Access this west of Bend from Skyliner Drive. There are nice wide, smooth roads and with the current slow housing market, very few houses. There is a little construction traffic during the day, but early evenings are nearly devoid of cars. There may be more walkers, some with dogs, and bycycles than cars. The terrain is not exactly beginner friendly. There are significant ups and downs so your “snowplowing” skills should be sound. Be sure to not ski through the few gates that are closed. Gates that are open are fine and provide enough distance and variety to get a good workout. Starting at Summit High School it is easy to cover the whole road system in 80-90 minutes. The hills would be excellent for short, uphill intervals. br /Submitted by Bert Hinkleybr /br /East of the city of Bend, near the airport, is another low traffic area in which to roll. If you drive north, out Powell Butte Hwy, turn right on Larsen Rd, then park on a dirt island just south of the airport complex. You can ski out Nelson Rd, turn right or left on Waugh, go up and down it, then go right or left on McGrath, up and down it. Follow it out as it turns to Stenkamp. Cross Alfalfa Mkt where it turns to Bennett. Turn around at the Stop sign, or brave the rough chip-seal part of Bear Creek until you get to smooth, new pavement south of Hwy 20. But then you are far from where you started. br /Submitted by Hilary Garrettbr /br /About 18-20 miles east of Bend, north of Hwy 20 is George Millican Rd. To find this venue drive east on Alfalfa Mkt Rd to the junction with Millican Rd. It runs north through the desert with awesome views to the west of the Cascades. The pavement is new and pretty smooth. From the junction you can go south or north for an out and back workout. br /Bert Hinkley againbr /br /One of the best routes near Bend is the Sunriver Road, also known as Road #45. Start just west of the resort community of Sunriver and roll west and north toward Mt Bachelor. The road has a wide shoulder and is quite smooth. Views of the surrounding buttes and Mt. Bachelor are great and the traffic is fairly thin. Early morning is best for the traffic and the sun. Most of this road is out in the sun. From the junction of Rd #40 to Edison Butte sno-park it takes about an hour at a moderate pace on skate rollerskis. From Edison Butte to the Mt. Bachelor Rd takes another 40 minutes. If you are feeling more ambitious you could continue on up to Mt. Bachelor. It is about 2.5 miles from the junction Sunriver Rd and Mt. Bachelor highway up to Dutchman’s Sno-park. The whole route is uphill. br /br /If you know of other good rollerski routes in Oregon, or any place, drop me a note. Happy rolling!! bert@webskis.comdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589659500745667109-5249334519910037453?l=www.webskis.com%2Fwebskisblog.html’ alt=” //div

August 14, 2009