Training Log Archive: ernst

4-lap Sprint Relay with Jim. Jim volunteered to do laps 1, 3 which I was happy about. (I get flustered at the start, although I seem to be improving every day in mastering starting) This is my first lap (our lap 2). I got inspired by the first Norwegians going out on their lap 3 in front of me - so my feeble attempt of emulating proper racing seem to work somewhat. In any case it was a lot of fun! I overtook 2 - 4 teams (U.S. and Canadians).

I had no Garmin, so will need to adjust when results are available. A lot more narrow trail skiing but all very fast! A little more hesitation here - I was still tired from the first loop - but then fast "let it roll" from 3 to 4, then saw Sharon coming out of 5 from a distance. I wanted to catch up with her, but only saw her as I came over the hill to the stadium. I gave it all I could and just about passed her in the last 20 meters, ready to collapse at the finish. I hope I got some style points on that one.
I really enjoyed this. Looks like we placed in 9th - 56:06. Not bad!

Long race. Beautifully soft after the snowstor - what a difference from 2 days ago! I had a reasonably good start, even remembered to run my Garmin. There were 2 long traverses over a mile each on the same route, which was a bit boring, and must have dulled my brain. In between from 3 - 4 there was a long uphill on a narrow (dashed) trail, but with changing steepness, it was not as bad as it looked. I had already planned the last 3 controls during the last long traverse before, and expected it to be straightforward, but ended up messing up # 8, then got mad at myself and was totally confused about 9, and still messed up the route to 10 (nearly had to jump over what seemed to be a cliff). GRRR! (lost about 4 minutes). But it was just barely enough to still be in 2nd. Sergei beat me by 9 minutes.

An UNO triumph again: 2nd, 3rd (Jim) in the Worlds, and again 1-3 (me,Jim and Aims) in the U.S. Champs.

A snowstorm is in progress - timing is good as we have a rest day scheduled. The Swedes reported that the groomer has been going around, so good time to go for a loop. Not having studied the map extensively, I tried to avoid tough climbs, but ended up doing the opposite to avoid backtracking. So I did the groomed loop counter clockwise which was silly. But weddeling down the gentle slope on the fields was just fabulous and made it all worthwhile.
(Towards Greensboro,then Gray's drive, Atherthon, and back to the Lodge)

An afternoon ski on my klistered-up Xiums out on the Highland Lodge trails. Did not feel like going to the shed and prep skis. I had klister from who knows when - it provided excellent kick, but after a while got me sticking. So it was mostly just kick and glide with very little double poling - just like at home. Sun came out a bit and temperature started to drop - a winter wonderland with sparkling new snow.

No Garmin again. Will adjust later.
Middle # 2. This was much harder than yesterday. Already at 1 we were sent into the narrow trail stuff, and it continued until easy # 6. Some sections were icy, others barely covered with snow, and there were numerous intersections, some official and some not (created by the Worldcup elite racers before us). I did not have the experience to deal efficiently with all these challenges simultaneously. So I just slowed down, stopped frequently and tried to be as calm and collected as possible. I did not have any major mistakes, just possibly slow route choices - I did opt to go around on large trails - I never took my skis off, because I know I am very slow at that.
I took first again and Jim remained in 2nd. Tough Aims beat all the Canadians and moved up into 3rd for the Worldchamps!. A triple triumph for USA and for UNO (that's Up North Orienteers).

M60 Middle 2 - Splits

Craftsbury Middle Day 1. I was quite nervous at the start, forgot to push the Garmin into tracking (I'll check Jim's data), not enough time to fold the map, so I just let it dangle down one side, Could not locate things on the map - where was the start triangle - obviously I did not read the directions to ski the shoot, so I was just stupidly standing there starring at the map for a long time.

But then I had my route to 1 well planned and cruised through the arena. The course was technically easier than I expected. Comparable to Gunstock with mostly wide trail skiiing but numerous shortcuts to take if on dares. So it flowed pretty nicely - I took the shortcuts on the flats and downs, and went around on the uphills.

I had a 1 minute mistake to 10, missing a turn-off back to the wide trail. The rest was fine. I was cautious overall, so could have been a bit faster in decision making. But better safe than sorry, especially since this was my only Ski-O so far this season ! First in my age class, Jim took second, beating the Canadians and the Europeans. Let's keep this order for day 2!

The Finnish team that stays at same place (Highland Lodge) inspired me to do a jog. So I ran down the road to the village and back. Beautiful sunset over the lake. I was able to run on the mud-seasoned shoulder, which was still a bit soft from the warm day. Kept a steady pace without forcing any tempo.

C • Jog 3

M60 WM Middle 1 - Splits

Craftsbury Model Event - W across the streets from the Sports Center. Lots of dirty snow, some grass to step over, soft but turning faster as temps are dropping. While snow is minimal in places, conditions are actually quite good. You could ski anywhere off-trail as long as there is snow. I like the new lidar-based map. We'll see tomorrow.
Did not turn my Garmin on. Also stopped for chatting (Mitch). All are good estimates.

Event: World Cup and World Masters SkiO Championships