Layers!

Today was the coldest day I have skied in for a long time. When I woke up the temperature was -12F but the windchill was -35F. I decided to wait a few hours before I ventured outside, especially since I only had one workout to do.

Ever since I was little I have had some trouble with the cold. I tend to get frostbite on my fingers toes and cheeks much quicker then those around me. I think I stayed out a little too long, with too little clothing, during cold weather when I was a kid! So today I made sure that I would not get frostbite and I decided to have fun putting on my layers.

Here is a list of the many layers I wore:
Layer 1)Warm Skin (this is a cream that Ann Bancroft used during her Arctic Expeditions) Popular here in the midwest! I put it on my toes fingers and face.
Layer 2)Smart Wool Long Underware Top + Bottom.
Layer 3)Smart Wool Socks
Layer 4)Toko Arctic Training Tights
Craft Windstopper Long Underware Top
Layer 5)Salomon Jacket
Layer 6)Craft Ski Pants
Toko Training Jacket
Layer 7)Toko Training Vest
Layer 8)Balaclava
Layer 9)Buff
Layer 10)Toko Hat
Layer 11)BIG WARM MITTENS
Salomon Classic Boots
Layer 12)Boot Covers
Layer 13)Rudy Project Sunglasses
Layer 14)Nathan Water Bottle Carrier

I also bought some little heat packs for my wrists and in my ski boots.
After I had everything on I quickly went outside to my car, which barely started, and drove to Theodore Wirth Park before I began to overheat.

I was tentatively going to try and ski as long as I stayed warm and felt good! I looked like a marshmallow with a water belt on, but I was warm and happy for my entire 3.5+ hour ski!

Silver Star British Columbia

Hello Everyone!

We are currently in Silver Star racing on the Canadian Nor Am circuit. We put in another solid week of training (a bit easier though) after West Yellowstone and we raced yesterday and today on the World Cup courses from 2005. I must admit that I instantly felt like the more challenging terrain was a very welcomed change after West Yellowstone's races.

Yesterday was not my best sprint day. I had a little trouble feeling comfortable on my own skis in the qualifier and then couldn't quite make the Lucky Loser spot. Actually the photo finish tape was still being reviewed as they started the semi final without me. Bryan Fish and I were a little shocked. Oh Well. Laura Valaas a former CXC Team teammate and ITA teammate Dominated!

Today was my first Nor Am victory! I was really excited when they changed the technique to skate from classic earlier in the week. I had an early start early in the race but I started 15 seconds behind Milaine Theriault. She is an Olympian, Canadian National Team member and best of all a 35 year old mother! As soon as I caught her we battled it out the remaining 6 Kilometers of the race. She is tough!

Looks looks like the races will be moved here from Whistler next week. I will send more updates as the week progresses as well as update my blog!