Training Log Archive: pwentz3l

Didn't want to risk my hip flexor on the pre-Birkie, so I worked support for the cabin crew who were skiing. I dropped them off at the start, then went to New Moon for a little shopping spree, the up to Double O to watch the 42k racers come through. I knew the water stop would see everyone come through twice, so I migrated that direction and ended up working the aid station. It was fun to see the race from a different perspective and take care of the 10-12 people I knew who were competing.

After the event, I went out with Alex to test the hip flexor. It was a little wonky at times, but I was able to get some moderate effort skiing in. We skied to the birkie trail, just south of Mosquito Brook, continued south over B hill to the fish hatchery and back. The Birkie trail is firm. Really held up well under the pre-Birkie skiers. Cold snow made the going slow.

I learned some things on cold weather waxing from the cabin wax tech... (used to be a SWIX rep). I think I have been brushing too much, which may have been a factor in the Loppet.

Seagate Soccer. I tried to get cutesy with a shot early on and drug my toe on the turf... Felt a pop in my hip. Left the game with a pulled hip flexor. I paid for the pre-Birkie ($85) at 3 PM.....

C • happy birthday! 2

Event: City of Lakes Loppet--Freestyle
 

My GPS died with 8 k to go, I pretty much died after the first 8 k. My five week taper plan... didn't go so well. When I put my skis on at the start, it was the first time in 18 days, and the third since New Years. My two "warm up" skis were the social ski to beer and our OTNT ski-o. It is what it is, but bummed it will be in my competitive record.

I think I skied OK on the flats, just lacked energy. I climbed like I had never skied before, but that was probably due to a lack of energy and a little to lack of glide.

Biz, Andrei and I waxed together. A graphite layer with LF4 over the top. Good to go, per Ali. Good to go per me... as I really just needed to get some rest after two long days of the Loppet. Skis felt slow. I would keep up or gain on others on the downhills, so I can't really complain.

There were some new twists in the course. We crossed Glenwood at a different location, which added a few steep hills. Skied the entirety of Calhoun, which was in to the wind on the first southern leg. My face got really cold on that leg. We also got to venture in to the Minnekahda CC, which was nice, but bookended with slow brown mush and wasn't as skied in as the rest of the course, so it was a slog. I stopped at the high point and took in the views of both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

I think I hydrated well for this event. Spending time at all of the rest stops for 2-3 cups of HEED and a little food. 2 Gu's and 3 Endurolytes helped also.

Next year.....