The Birkie and World Cup Starts

I have had a Midwest adventure the past two weeks. First stop was in Battle Creek Park. We had a 15k classic and then a 10k skate. I actually got quite worried after my 15k classic because I didn't feel very good. It just didn't feel like my body was where it needed to be for top-level racing. It was also very cold and I frostbit my big tie. I ended up 13th in the classic race. However, I turned things around the next day in the 10k with a win. I felt completely different than the day before and it was certainly refreshing.

Yesterday was my 4th Birkie and certainly not my best showing. For me, I need a couple of things to come together for long races like the Birkie. This includes the weather, snow conditions, and feeding. None of them were "my" ideal condition of 20-30 degree air, firm tracks and flawless feeding. I plan on doing the Birkie for the rest if my life so hopefully one of these years I'll figure it out. Pretty exciting to have Caitlin win the Birkie though! She did in a very stylish fashion!

Now I am off to World Cups in Finland and Norway! My next update will be from there! Sooooooooooo excited!

My new Bean Boots

"Skiing with the Stars"

Battle Creek SuperTours

Reading to Mrs. Wright's (Sarah's mom's) classroom in Wyoming, MN 

Checking out where Sarah's dad works

The Birkie!

Watching the Big Show

The Olympics start this week and while I'm bummed that I didn't make it, I'm excited to watch my friends and ITA Teammates race at the games. Our cable box isn't functioning right now so I'm having to watch at cafés and on my computer!

I had a small victory in Sun Valley last weekend getting the best of a very competitive field in the Boulder Mountain Tour. It was the third time I've won the race and it never gets dull. The town does such a great job at putting on the race and there is such a strong Nordic skiing community that everyone makes it feel just as important as the first time. I love going back to Sun Valley every year!

Other than racing I'm doing some serious amounts of shoveling because of the snow we have been receiving the past two weeks. It's crazy! We had about 5ft of snow on our roof. 

I'm also getting back into the classroom now after my couple month hiatus trying to focus on staying healthy and preparing for Olympic qualification!

Go USA!

Sylvan

Alpine skiing at Vail

Podium at the Boulder Mountain Tour

Night skiing with Sarah