So in 2012 I completed the American Birkie under decent conditions in crappy fitness...surely, the Canadian Birkie would be an epic experience since I am in excellent shape. Or would it?
We traveled to Edmonton on a short 1.5 hour flight direct from Seattle to Edmonton...it was a very pleasant flight and both Doug and I were surprised on how short the flight was. Upon arrival we rented our mid-sized car from Budget...where apparently mid-sized vehicle in Canada equals a ginormous, Dodge Ram 3500 king cab pick up truck...it was huge! Our hotel was nothing to scream about, but the breakfast buffet was phenomenal. What stood out the most was how amazingly nice everyone was. Additionally, it was amazing how many people you could see walking where ever they had to go...despite the temps around -15. Clearly, going outside is simply a part of life in Canada. Very impressive.
Finally, race day was upon us and the worst possible scenario occurred...despite paying big bucks to have our ski's race prepped for a fast day...we could not plan for the epically bad weather. Suddenly while driving 30 miles north to the race start...I noticed, its snowing out...and getting pretty windy...uh oh! We had planned for fast, cold temps and snow conditions...anyone that has ever xc skied knows, fresh snow and wind are very difficult conditions...in fact, nearly impossible conditions...unless you have some waxless ski's...which I do own, and they were back in Washington!
So, our professional wax service was scrambling for the new challenging conditions...and I did not receive my skis until 5 minutes before the race started...not good, that means no testing of skis, no changing wax, time to get in line and hope for the best. It was very cold with the wind blowing hard and the snow piling up...Since I chose to race in the event wearing a back pack carrying 5.5kg = 12lbs. I took my emergency wind jacket out of my pack and put it on to try and stay warm...it did not work!
Ok, about the race...I had hoped to break 5 hours, and based on Thursdays ski, was very confident this was going to happen. How wrong I was...I spent the better part of six hours skiing with a Canadian who has skied in this event 18 straight years...he was very funny, very consistent and loves his Montreal Canadian hockey team. As I mentioned the conditions were atrocious, my experience was still one to cherish despite several mistakes on my behalf. Oh how I missed my waxless skis.
Around the middle of the ski, I remembered why I love nordic skiing so much. It is about the beauty of the landscape, the people who live this lifestyle who are so openly friendly while being brutally competitive. Once I adjusted my attitude, I knew I would finish, despite the struggles on the course. I was especially happy to see number 76 finish after he collapsed with about 700 meters to go...yes, I stopped to provide assistance before going to get true professional medical help for him.
Throughout this experience, I cherished every kilometer, every up hill and even got to the point where I knew when I would need to stop and scrape my skis AGAIN! Okay, scraping the skis was not really that special...frustrating, yes, special...no!
As a coach, I always say don't change what has worked in training close to a race...for once, I wish I did not abide by this advice...sure could have used those waxless skis.
Finally, as I was walking through the lobby this morning before heading home...an older gentleman approached me and asked me what my new goal was now that I have earned the coveted Haakon Haakonson award. Well, that stopped me in my tracks. I am thinking, perhaps the World Loppet series would be a great goal to finish in my lifetime...hmm, wonder what Janet will say when I tell her about this new goal?
All for now, get outside people and play...if its cold or raining, put on another layer! Below are a few pictures from this adventure.
