NorAms & Canada Games Qualifiers

I am currently hanging out in my room in Rossland BC. We traveled here last night, and have been greeted by rain, fog and some of the softest snow I have ever skied on. Luckily it is getting colder and things are starting to freeze up. Coupled with the large suite Matty and I are staying in, and things are looking good for a great week.

This Past weekend we raced in the first North American Cups (NorAM) races of the season. There was a Classic Sprint, as well as a 15km Skate race with a deep field of Canadians and Americans.

Classic Sprint:

The morning started early with a nice o'clock start for the sprint qualifier. I finished the qualifier not quite happy with my race. I had over estimated the new longer course (or under estimated myself) and finished with what felt like a lot of energy left in the tank. With such a short race that is decided by mere seconds, I was worried that with the depth of the feild I might not have qualified to race the heats (top 30). I was happy to see then that I had finished 26th and would get to race the head to head heats.

In my heat, I went in ranked as the fifth of six skiers. I was feeling good with the pace that was being set, but ended up loosing a few meters to the front three on one of the sharp corners thanks to my usual molasses like start. I managed to reel in about half of the gap, and finished fourth in my heat. Not enough to move on to the semi finals, but enough to end the day in 19th place. While I wasn't particularly stoked on the result, I was happy with how my body felt, and felt excited for the next day.
15km Skate individual:

The next morning I woke up early to stuff back as much breakfast as my stomach could handle. I have a history of this being my worst race of the season, complete with an epic bonk, so I took every precaution. After a long warm up to get my tired body moving I felt ready to go.

I had a what would normally be a decent race, finishing in 26th. I am however happy with the result as it is the best race I have had at this time of year, in a long time. I have a history of starting the season very slow, and not reaching good form until the near the end of the season. I have adjusted my training a bit and it seems to have paid off.

The best part of the day, was that it was the third of three Canada Winter Games qualification races. After the three races I have secured my ticket to race in Halifax in February! It should be a great trip, as most of my extended family lives there. The team hasn't officially been named, but it is almost a guarantee that I will be selected.

This brings us to today. We are now gearing up for a three day 'Tour' style race. There is a Sprint, 10km Classic and on Sunday a 15km skate in which we start in reverse order (fastest over the first two days first). The first person to cross the finish line wins the Tour.

I am very excited to give this new race format a try.

Ciao