Tough day on skies

The 2008 American Birkebeiner was awesome, every part of it except for actually racing it that is... that was hard work. I was sick with some kind of cold crud the week leading up to the race. I opted to do the race because the course conditions and weather were suppose to be optimal. They were, I wasn't...

The trouble is the Biekie does not allow for any easy way out. If you don't show up with what it takes you are in for some hard work. That is what I learned. The day was still awesome and I am glad I went but I have an all new respect for the American Birkebeiner.

It should be noted that each of my fellow Team Strong Heart teammates with the exception of Melinda who was sidelined with Pneumonia did the Birkie. It was John's first Birkie race and he started with the 10th wave and finsihed at 3:08 which is absolutely phenomenal! That should earn him a first or second wave start for next year. That is one hell of a performance, good work John!

Snowy Ski

I skied tonight with the snow coming down, that was fun! The effect the snow has in the trail lights is always cool. The trail probably received an inch of new cover while I was there. The new snow was light and fast. The best thing about this snow is it is going to run pretty much dead center over the Birkie course. From what I understand the trails were already in decent shape. I think this snow is icing on the cake for the Birkie folks, what a difference a year makes! This time last year you couldn't buy a snowflake. I'm feeling pretty lucky considering I registered back in October.

My training continues to tick along. I have had successful weeks being able get in the time that I need. I don't put in crazy amounts of time into training, in fact, I'm sure people would be surprised how few hours I actually put in per week. I am focused on hitting the mark each week and putting the pieces together bit by bit.