Discussion: One Tough Cookie...

Out on the AP wires this weekend. Saw it in my local paper sports section.
Viewable at AP Story Link - Canadian Ski Marathon

Skiing 100 miles over two days is hard enough. Try doing it carrying a 30-pound pack and camping out overnight in temperatures that can drop below zero.

Welcome to the Canadian Ski Marathon, where an emphasis on adventure and camaraderie return cross-country skiing to its origins.

... the 269 people who have earned a coveted permanent bib number by completing the gold level five times.

Though only 12 of the permanent bibs belong to women, with most being earned in the last 10 years, Sharon Crawford of Frisco, Colo., has racked up 23 gold medals since 1981.

"She was the pioneer," Hardie says. "One tough cookie."

Awesome.

If the Titanic had been Sharon, no way it would have sunk.

You have to ski it twice before you are even allowed the honor to ski it and campout overnight..

This is a top knotch event with beautiful scenery and should be considered by anyone with intermediate skiing abilities. The shuttle bus system between sections enables everyone from young kids on up to grandparents to enjoy all or parts of the route. Of course to earn the gold bars you'll need to complete the entire distance but as it was sold to me "how tough can that be, you've got all day..."

Congrats Sharon!

and of course I should have added 23x makes you tough as nails.

...tough as woodpecker lips!

No question about it. Way to go, Sharon!

it was sold to me "how tough can that be, you've got all day...

And they weren't even telling the truth. The cut-off for the final section each day (about 15 km depending on the route) is 3:15 p.m. Not an issue for you but lots of people miss it.

Way to go, Sharon!