Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Birkie Class Finale 2-23-10 Over but the shoutin'




Twenty two weeks have passed since that first night, in a light rain, we bounded up the Bairds Creek Hill. The training is over, the time to ski is upon us. For those that have done the race, well, you know why we go back. For those just getting started try and soak it all in. Few events garner so much loyalty and so much dedication as the Birkie.
Tonight was as we started, a soft workout. I like to watch the chatting going on before we start. This group bonded well and that makes it fun and is its own reward. We have one more thing to do before we wrap up the few remaining weeks of the season: This little ski race from Cable to Hayward Wisconsin.

Things to do these next few days.
· Relax- Your life does not depend on how you do.
· Wax….. and forget it. Spending nervous energy on waxing is counter productive. Believe half of what you hear and do what you know. You can blame me for a slow ski.
· Hydrate- Train to drink and hold water. As the Camp Cramp Champ I know. Drink like a fish.
· Check out http://www.birkie.com/ for updates before you go and any changes that may happen.
· Check out http://www.skinnyski.com/ for wax advise (believe ½) and special events.
· Check your wardrobe. Don’t overdress in a marathon. A sweaty dude is a gross unhappy dude. Lots of folks use “throw” clothes at the start. That pretty much includes all of Jorams wardrobe.
· Have your energy foods before and during the race ready. My favorite, GU (Hammer, Powergel ect) stapled (points OUT) to the inside of my bib. Reach in, tear, consume and enjoy.
· Pack your drop bag with: Ski slides (ties) for after. Dry (lots) clothes including hat, gloves shoes and money for Anglers after the race.
· Take lots of photo’s and get a shirt or two to remind yourself to start training next summer.
· Have a great time, watch out for others and be a great sport, after all there is only one race winner but thousands of others who win something just as good.

Erick Wickum did a great job with all the photos and advise this year. During the course of our workouts, Erick took hundreds of pictures. If you would like to receive pictures of yourself (or me), send a request to Erick at ewha755@yahoo.com with a picture of yourself attached so he does not mix up Joe and Andy again.
Thanks for taking part this year. There is a lot on tap for next season. I have a bunch of neat ideas (insert groan here). There is a good chance the Bay Nordic Kids group will be expanded to include older high school kids. We have two local kids going to Junior Olympics next week and we have some new grooming gear coming to the county next year. Things are happening and we need everyone to keep the momentum going. Lets start with that 30 meter stare as you come up Main Street Saturday.


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