I really had my doubts about doing the Vasaloppet Sunday. I was really pumped for it in August when I signed up but up until race day I had only been on my skis twice for a total of less than 4 hours and each ski ended whith big blisters on my arches. With the Amo's offer to drive and the fact that I already paid for it and the conditions and weather looking to be good I went.
Last year I skied the 35ks in 2:15:57 so my goal for this year was a slow 2:30:00 and going in I felt it would be a tough goal to hit.
It took me about 1/2 of the 35k race to get comfortable on my skis part due to lack of time skiing and part due to my boots coming loose. I stopped 3 time to re-tighten my boots and the third time I pulled them as tight as I could and tied a big knot in the laces, it took me 15 minutes after the race to get my boots off.
I hit the 1/2 way point and really felt good. There was less traffic ahead of me and I was passing skiers instead of being passed (that always feels good). My boots were finally staying tight, although my left arch was burning, and as I looked at my watch I was supprised to see only 1:07 had elapsed so I pushed a little harder. The last 10k was a blur as I tried to focus on getting a good glide on each stride. I crossed the line in 2:15:23, 34 seconds faster than last year.
Thanks to Amos for driving, Stones for helping at the start and finish, my wife for letting me go on Valentines Day and the guys at
Revolution cycle and ski for making my skis very fast.
I really had my doubts about doing the Vasaloppet Sunday. I was really pumped for it in August when I signed up but up until race day I had only been on my skis twice for a total of less than 4 hours and each ski ended whith big blisters on my arches. With the Amo's offer to drive and the fact that I already paid for it and the conditions and weather looking to be good I went.
and the winners.
