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Race Report – Skogsloppet 15km Skate Ski

January 25, 2013 by Helen Leave a Comment

The Sierra Skogsloppet nordic ski race is a celebration of skiing and community in Truckee. The race, hosted by Tahoe Donner Cross Country (TDXC), is a fundraiser for the Truckee High and Alder Creek Middle School Nordic teams. Cancelled last year due to lack of snow, the race returned on MLK Day this year to good attendance and sunny skies.

The Skogsloppet is a fun family event and I believe that it has the potential to grow into a much bigger, family-centric community ski event. The race distances include: a 7.5km course for juniors, a 15km two-lap course for seniors and masters, and a special 2km course for skiers under 13 years old. A fun atmosphere pervades, with the team kids and their parents volunteering in all aspects. I hope a lot more recreational skiers and their kids will try the race next year!

My little guy Alex is on the left. Photo by MacBeth Graphics

The Course

The big excitement this year was the new course. The 7.5km course featured many more ups & downs and twists & turns than the previous course. Even for those of us who ski TDXC on a very regular basis, it was fun and challenging, linking trails in ways that we may not normally think to. The lap ends with a twisty descent down “Big Dipper” followed by a quick loop on the beginner trails “Piece of Cake” and “Cup of Tea.” Skogsloppet roughly translates to “ski course through the forest,” and this was, indeed, a beautiful forest course.

Some people don’t like the mental challenge presented by two-lap courses. I generally enjoy a second lap because I have a better understanding of the course and snow conditions at that point. Descending is not my strong point, so any increased comfort level with the descents is much appreciated.

The Atmosphere

Every kid in the 2km race got to pick a raffle prize

I brought the whole family out to ski for the day. Our 8-year-old daughter opted not to race, but still skied and played around with friends. Meanwhile, our 6-year-old son is always game to pin on a race bib! Daddy escorted him on the 2km loop, along with a few buddies from school.

The race awards and raffle focused on the kids. Let me take a minute to explain how our ski race raffles typically work, because it is really fun and inclusive! A wide selection of donated prizes are spread out on a table. Then, the overall winners and sometimes the age group winners are each recognized and get to pick a prize from the table. After each winner picks a prize, the remaining skiers are called at random to pick from the goodies.

In this case, the adult overall winners were called, then all of the junior age group winners. Much to my delight, all of the 2km racers (my son included) were then invited to select prizes at this point. My little guy was over-the-moon happy with his selection of a gift basket donated by Truckee breakfast favorite Squeeze In. It included a $25 gift certificate, two coffee mugs, and a pound of coffee beans. (“I am going to sell the coffee beans for money,” he told me.)

My Race

Let me back up and briefly recount my race. My start was sluggish – wax too cold, clothes too warm, muscles not ready to go. I took a gel 5 minutes before the race start, which is my typical race routine. However, I forgot to grab some water from my waist pack. Within 10 minutes I was tired and parched. I had to slow down to reach for a drink and rest for a minute on “Lion’s Leap.”

I finally settled in behind a gal and skied the first lap with her and most of the second lap, but was never close enough to comfortably pass. I wondered if she would get tired before the end. My home field “advantage” was working against me… making me feel bad (unworthy?) that I was moving so slowly with so many wonderful familiar faces cheering me on by name.

About a third of the way into the second lap my mood improved, both physically and mentally. I felt strong for the final climb and was able to pass the gal in front just before we got to the top. The excitement of passing energized me for the twisty decent and I finished the second lap a minute faster than the first.

I traded the race bib for my “Mom” hat and eagerly listened to stories of the kids’ race from Dad and son.

Next Up

Phew, two races in two weekends has really kicked my butt! This weekend I’m excited to have the opportunity to run on dirt for the first time in two months. The Robert and Linda Mathis Memorial Group Run honors a couple that was tragically killed by a drunk driver last winter. This free 15-mile run will be followed by a potluck and raffle to benefit the Robert and Linda Mathis Foundation.

If I make it through the run on Saturday, I’m still hoping to ski the Tahoe Rim Tour on Sunday. I should be done in time to celebrate the marriage of two awesome racing friends, my running pal Kristin and my skiing pal Mark. Their baby girl is going to be one fierce athlete some day!

Race Report – Alpenglow 20km Skate Ski

January 20, 2013 by Helen 2 Comments

Nervous energy filled me as I prepared for the Alpenglow 20km Skate Ski race last weekend – my first ski race in almost a year. It had been over three months since I wore any sort of race bib (at the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon), so I was certainly excited to get back in the mix. I remembered the course, which I’ve skied just once before, as beautiful, fun and challenging; it did not disappoint.

The Alpenglow race takes place at the Tahoe XC center in Tahoe City, California. Although it is just 20 miles from my home, I only make it over there a few times each winter (usually for ski races). Even though I have only limited trail familiarity, I do enjoy a bit of a home field advantage thanks to the familiar faces among the racers and spectators.

Quiet trails at Tahoe XC after the Alpenglow 20k Race

Boots

Long story short… I forgot my skate boots at home, which I realized about 40 minutes before the race start. My husband kindly agreed to load up the kids and attempt to get them to me, but there was just not time for it. I was ready to use this excuse to bail on the race, but then I recalled my $50 investment in race wax (see below). As a last resort, I quickly asked and received a pair of demo boots from the Kevin, the awesome general manager at Tahoe Cross Country!!

The boot screw up solidified my feeling that I need new boots! My current skate boots are two years old and fit like comfortable slippers. This has been great for the long training tours that I’ve been putting in lately, but not optimal for racing. Later in the week I bought new boots ~ same pair that I demoed, but a size smaller.

Ski Preparation

If you’ve been in Tahoe lately, you probably know that winter started and stayed with a burst of snowy coldness. A quick survey of my ski wax supplies revealed that I did not own a race wax good for these very cold temperatures. Uhg. Is it worth the better part of a bill to purchase race wax rarely suitable for our typically warm Tahoe snow? I decided yes. I always feel a delightful spike in satisfaction and race-day confidence when I prepare my own skis for a race.

I was happy with how they came out. [Warning: geeky tech talk follows.] I laid down a base layer of LF moly mixed with LF blue Toko waxes. I opted for an HF “very cold” wax by Star Ski Wax, which is a more affordable brand that is carried by Sierra Nordic in Truckee. I threw in a few drops of Toko HF red for good measure against the warming snow later in the race. My skis ran fast on race day on consistently cold snow.

Me Preparation

Any race shorter than 2 hours is essentially a sprint in my world. And I have not been training for a sprint, but quite exactly the opposite. Most of my training efforts right now are focused on building endurance for the inagural Gold Rush 100k foot race in May.

I examined my past experience with this race to develop a strategy. Here is what I remember from my performance at this race two years ago: 1.) I fell on one of the descents; 2.) I wasted energy passing a skier on an uphill who later passed me anyway; 3.) I ran out of gas in the final 5k.

Sadly, I had not committed any time to improving my lacking descending skills, so I just had to focus. The cold, slightly soft snow worked to my advantage. One downhill caught me by surprise and I had to simply command my body to not fall. That worked out barely OK and I made it to the finish without taking a spill.

While this downhill approach was fine for self-preservation, it did mean that my good friend and ski pal, Jody, was able to pull away from me on each of the downhill sections, enabling her to cross the finish line a half minute ahead of me. She kindly shared some tips after the race and I have been practicing descents this week, but progress is incremental at best.

I am happy to report that I have learned my lesson about passing only when necessary and sure. I hung out behind another skier for the first half of the race. She seemed to be getting tired and peeled off at the aid station just before the big descent. I was so terribly happy to be on the trail by myself for the downhill, but still be able to see and be pushed (or pulled) by Jody ahead of me.

Finally, I was thrilled to notice that my base aerobic fitness helped me to recover from the hill climbs quite quickly. Also, I was able to ski strong throughout the final quarter of the race, despite the appearance of a number of short climbs. I am no longer sure if I am a skier who runs or a runner who skis, but I do know that I am very happy doing both!

Final thoughts

It was so much fun to ski race again! It’s even more fun when the conditions are great and you finish first in your age group! I’m so grateful for:

Snow
Jody, whose pace kept me going
Kevin, for the loaner boots
Javier, for his willingness to deliver my boots
Gary at Sierra Nordic for the race wax advice
Alpenglow Sports, for sponsoring the race and for the $25 gift card – yeah, baby!

How to tie running shoes (and skate boots)

January 4, 2013 by Helen Leave a Comment

There have been signs for a while that I don’t really know how to tie running shoes. The first indicator was actually my skate ski boots, whose laces loosen during the first 30 minutes of a ski. Last winter I was also having trouble un-tying the laces of my kids’ ice skates, especially with cold hands in the dark. And, finally, at a school field trip to the ice rink, I notice a Dad tie my daughter’s skates in this quick knot that held beautifully and was easy for me to untie over an hour later.

After thinking about it for over a year, a quick Google search turned up an absurdly in-depth site all about shoelaces, Ian’s Shoelace Site. My first stop on the site, “Slipping Shoelaces? Crooked Bows?” revealed that I have been tying my shoes in a granny knot (or a double granny knot) for the past 35 years. I quickly learned the proper standard shoelace knot and am slowing breaking a 35-year-old habit. After about a week, I was ready to dig deeper…

I noticed something the site author calls “Ian’s Secure Shoelace Knot.” It’s actually a double slip knot, and that was the knot I saw the Dad tie on my daughter’s skate last Winter. I rooted around in the kids’ rooms for a bit and uncovered “Red Lace, Yellow Lace,” a book with real shoelaces to teach kids (and apparently also adults) how to tie shoes. It turns out that the double slip knot is quite simple to learn, and it’s regrettable that I’ve reached this point in life without prior exposure to the wonders of proper shoelace knots! Click here to learn the Ian’s Secure Shoelace Knot (i.e. the double slip knot).

I also read on the site that round cord laces are much more prone to slipping. Ah, ha! Last night I swapped my skate ski boot laces for flat woven ones. I will be testing them out tomorrow on a long skate ski.

You can learn more about how to tie running shoes specifically – click here for “Tips for Sports.” I just might study up on lacing and tightening techniques… next year? In the meanwhile, thanks Ian, for the absurdly helpful shoelace website!

Great conditions for snowshoe running

January 2, 2013 by Helen Leave a Comment

This is just a quick post to let you all know that conditions in North Lake Tahoe are currently fabulous for snowshoe running! I always forget how much I love running on snow until I have a day like today. I got my ski bugs out in the morning, then took the snowshoes back over to Tahoe Donner Cross Country in the afternoon.

The "Walkabout" snowshoe trail at Tahoe Donner Cross Country as it wanders into the aspen grove — The “Walkabout” snowshoe trail at Tahoe Donner Cross Country as it wanders into the aspen grove

Very cold temperatures have kept the snow from before Christmas hanging in the trees. Meanwhile, snowmobile grooming and steady hiker traffic over the holidays has packed down a great running surface at the cross country center.

Today I kept the run fairly flat in the “Home Range” area, but added a short jaunt up the “Walkabout” trail through the stunning Aspen grove. When the trail got steep, I turned around and crossed over to “Lion’s Leap” and back.

I wrote about running on snow last January, so click here for a primer on snowshoe running. I will add a few notes relevant to these unusually cold temps… I read recently (can not remember where!) that for proper cold-weather exercise clothing, you should expect to be chilly the first 10 minutes of the session. I have found this to be good advice, and the one day I started “comfortable” in my clothing this week, I was too hot by the end of the session.

One exception is that I really want my neck warmer every time it’s cold like this. I use this soft and light merino wool one from Ibex. I skipped it this afternoon and regretted the decision. I think it helps keep the air going into my lungs a little warmer, and was truly missing it today.

Finally, hydrate before you go and skip the water or carry a system with insulation. I rarely have freezing problems here in Tahoe, but like I said, it has been quite cold!

Warning: Endurance running is addictive & contagious

December 19, 2012 by Helen 2 Comments

Last week I registered for my first 100k foot race. It is a new trail race next May called the Gold Rush 100k, and it runs from Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, to Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento.

I always say that I’m glad ultrarunners exist ~ for they make us mere marathoners seem sane. I have previously only dabbled in ultramarathons, with just two 50k runs under my belt. When I ran the Tahoe Rim Trail 50k as my first ultra last year, somebody told me that 50k races are “the gateway drug” to longer ultras. I resisted this notion, sticking with the story that an 8-hour day is long enough for me.

Where there's a trail there's a way! — Where there’s a trail there’s a way!

Enter the contagions… other runners

It’s not just that distance running is addictive, it’s also that you frequently are exposed to people who have the disease even worse than you. Ultrarunners talk about 50-mile races like they are local fun runs. It starts to sound oddly normal. Just hanging out with ultrarunners isn’t necessarily enough to transmit the disease. But I think once you start running with them, you definitely increase your risk of infection. And that’s what happened to me.

A lapse of sanity and rush of adrenaline

Then, last week, I happened to see a post on Facebook about this new race just open for registration: Gold Rush 100k. I immediately clicked away and discovered that it offers so much that appeals to me:

Close to home: Bib pickup will be in Folsom, California ~ just over 90 minutes from Truckee.
Flat course: Flat courses are not for every runner, but they usually work well for me. I love the consistent cadence of the run… now let’s see if I feel that way after 12+ hours!
Historical significance: Per the race website, “The Gold Rush 100K will start at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma and follow the steps of the gold miners to Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento.”
Inaugural race: And I must admit that there’s a certain excitement to “being in on the ground floor” of a race.

There are only two hitches:

Um, it’s 100 kilometers. 62.1 miles. To travel by foot. In one day. Wow. That’s almost double the longest distance I’ve run.
The early season race date of May 11, 2013, while a great Spring slot for those training for 100-mile races later in the Summer, it is not ideal for a cross-country ski fanatic who lives in snow country.

I rationalized away these concerns. It may be twice the distance of the TRT 50k, but at least it’s flat. In terms of time on my feet, it should hopefully be only be a little more than 50% longer than the TRT 50k. From a time perspective, it’s just like running 3 marathons back-to-back. Hmm, am I really typing this?

As for the concern about the early season timing, I guess that as I just didn’t think about it I was clicking away. After a phone call to my husband (who is ridiculously supportive and encouraging), and with a rush of adrenaline, I registered for the run. The deed has been done.

Rough training plan

Now that the initial excitement is fading to shock and fear, I have put some thought into my general training plan.

Cross-country ski long and slow: I will maintain and build endurance with cross-country skiing, primarily skate skiing. I hope to build up to a six-hour day of skating by the end of the season.
Double workouts: Add a short (~1 hour) run some afternoons, either on the snow or at the indoor track.
Long runs: I am certainly no Kilian Jornet. He’s the incredible Spanish mountain runner who completely stops running from November through May in favor of backcountry skiing. Click here to read Jorent’s training plan. I think that I will need to keep up the long runs throughout winter, at least every-other-week.
Injury prevention: Injury prevention is job one! You can’t get to the finish if you never make it to the start. I will continue to work on my body alignment and movement exercises with the guidance of Jen Fluharty/ Full Circle Movement throughout the winter and spring.
Weekly rest days: And by this, I don’t just mean the day that I’m too busy with family obligations that I don’t exercise that day. I mean, actual relaxation and recovery.

Onward

So, the journey begins. I will keep you posted…

Afterword

Will the addiction escalate? I don’t think so. (Ha!) For now, I am sticking with the story that I’m not too interested in the sleep depravation that accompanies even longer and much hillier courses.

10 Things to do in Truckee / North Tahoe this week

December 10, 2012 by Helen Leave a Comment

Don’t let the sunny skies and clear roads at Lake level fool you – there is enough snow up high to start playing! And, for now, you can take advantage of clear roads and even some dirt trails available at lower elevations in the North Lake Tahoe area. It’s the best of all worlds, and just goes to show that there is no such thing as an “off season” in Tahoe!

1. Cross-country ski: Royal Gorge XC has a small (~5k) but lovely loop open for season pass holders only. More terrain and opening to the general public may happen by the weekend, depending on what Wednesday’s weather system brings in. Tahoe Donner XC will also open as soon as conditions permit.

2. Downhill ski / board: Reports from friends around town are that conditions have been surprisingly good at all the North Tahoe resorts. I’ve specifically heard enthusiastic reviews from locals about Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Sugar Bowl.

Winter-Wonderland — Walking in a Winter Wonderland! Right out my back door!

3. Run or hike on snow: Get up above 6500 feet on a north face and you’ll find pretty great snow coverage. Out my front door (in Tahoe Donner) the road is clear, but just behind the house I was delighted to find the dirt road with great snow coverage. Go with light snowshoes or shoe traction devices such as Stabilicers or Yaktrax.

4. Find some dirt: There are still dirt trail options available at lower elevations. Trails should be runnable at Martis Creek. For a longer adventure, head uphill from Martis Creek toward Northstar. The trails in Waddle Ranch (opposite side of Hwy 267 from Martis Creek) should also be fairly clear for now.

5. Hit the road: Most neighborhoods have clear roads right now and the “snow walls” haven’t taken over the shoulders yet. I ran 5k in Tahoe Donner yesterday, and the crisp, cool, brilliant air was delightful.

6. Ice skate: The fabulous ice rink at Truckee Regional Park opened last week. We went twice over the weekend and it never disappoints. Pack hot chocolate or buy some there to enjoy next to the fire pit.

Rainbow over the Truckee River last week from the Legacy Trail

7. Walk the Trucker River: Slow things down a bit (take the kids and dogs?) and enjoy the Truckee River from the paved Legacy Trail. Click here for a Truckee River Legacy Trail route description.

8. Run Barefoot: If the weather turns gnarly, head over to the indoor track and practice your barefoot strides. The indoor elevated track at the Community Recreation Center in Truckee may be short (about 12 laps to the mile), but it’s a great opportunity to take of your shoes and feel your foot strike. Click here to read more about the indoor track.

9. Learn to Move: Another indoor option is to take a movement class. Improve your body alignment and strength for optimal movement in running and all your sports at Full Circle Movement in Truckee. Instructors can work with you privately or in a class setting. Schedule a well-earned massage for after your session and make it a day!

10. Shop Downtown Truckee: So many can’t-miss shops! Riverside Studios is home to my favorite jewelry artist, Mary Guerra. Find your truckee love. (Think Lake Tahoe + Truckee) souvenir apparel at Kalifornia Jean Bar. Have lunch and an amazing latte (order “for here” and get a discount) at Coffeebar. Browse Bespoke for a unique, handmade gift.

Now get out there and take advantage of all we have at our doorsteps!