Yesterday was tough- very tough! In any other 30km classic race I would have been pretty happy with a 6th place finish, but as we are all aware, this was an Olympics trials race. And so, of course I am dissapointed with the result.
I have a lot of mixed feelings about the last week. The week went well for me- I've improved, but I know its not enough. To make the Olympic team you need to ski like an Olympian and although I am getting there, its just not enough this time around.
I did however learn a lot. And no matter if I continue to chase the Olympic dream for another four years or move on to another challenge I know I will remember the emotions of the last week and I know it has made me stronger (although that might not be apparent under the tears right now :)
I also watched in awe as my teammates nailed down gutsy performances in no doubt very tough and challenging competition, terrain and battling personal matters. I am very amazed at their strength and courage and I am so proud to be their teammate!
So for now the whole "not making the Olympics" part totally sucks! BUT tomorrow is another day and I am healthy, happy and have amazing friends and family, teammates and coaches. So tomorrow I pick a new daunting dream and see if I can chase that one down!
Congrats to all those who were named to the Canadian team- the world better watch out because there are some fast skiers ready to strut their stuff in Vancouver!
Have a great holiday!! and of course...most definetly eat way too much!!!
cheers,
Brooke
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Fighting Cold Weather
I am not a huge fan of cold weather- I love spring skiing and dress overly warm for cold weather- yes, I'm usually the one skiing around with full icebreaker in -5...my body really doesn't like the cold.
BUT I LOVE winter and I LOVE snow. So I have worked on ways to keep warm...especially when you get down to fight weight in racing- it doesn't leave a lot of insulation! I also have tried to get rid of any post race coughing quickly as in the past it has developed into bronchitis, lung infections, exhaustion from not sleeping, and basically everyone thinking you have the plague so they don't come near you!
1) get in a good warm up. I have finally got a pretty good warmup routine down and along with running back and forth testing race skiis, I seem to stay warm for the start.
2) change your top, toque and gloves before the start of the race! in the past I would get in a good warm up and sweat so much that it would freeze on the start line.
3) ski with warm sport drink or tea in your waterbelt. I know its not super good with the plastic and all, but it does keep your lungs warm on those frigid days.
4) for long skiis carry some extra neck warmers. I like fleece neck warmers because I find they don't freeze as fast as some of the other ones out there , they are also a lot bigger and allow the air to get warmer. I usually change my nexk warmer once or twice in a long ski on a really cold day and if you have to do intensity- keep your mouth and nose covered. It might be terribly uncomfortable, but I would rather fry my lungs in a race then in a workout!
5) always wear long underwear under your tights- keeping your muscles warm keeps them moving efficiently.
6) saline nasal spray: use it before and after workouts to cut down on coughing. I forgot this on our trip to West Yellowstone and coughed for about 4 days after.
7) change right after your workout and drink something hot! Always bring a warm toque and gloves. Your body wastes energy when its cold!
8) socks are so so so important: invest in atleast one very good pair of socks with sweat wicking properties. I recommend Icebreaker hiker mid-weight, they dry fast and are not super thick.
9) re-fuel right after your training or race...you burn more calories in very cold weather!
10) if you are suceptible to bronchitis and lung infections, bad coughing etc. it might be a good idea to hold off on racing when it is at the cut off for races!
I hope that helps!
Brooke
BUT I LOVE winter and I LOVE snow. So I have worked on ways to keep warm...especially when you get down to fight weight in racing- it doesn't leave a lot of insulation! I also have tried to get rid of any post race coughing quickly as in the past it has developed into bronchitis, lung infections, exhaustion from not sleeping, and basically everyone thinking you have the plague so they don't come near you!
1) get in a good warm up. I have finally got a pretty good warmup routine down and along with running back and forth testing race skiis, I seem to stay warm for the start.
2) change your top, toque and gloves before the start of the race! in the past I would get in a good warm up and sweat so much that it would freeze on the start line.
3) ski with warm sport drink or tea in your waterbelt. I know its not super good with the plastic and all, but it does keep your lungs warm on those frigid days.
4) for long skiis carry some extra neck warmers. I like fleece neck warmers because I find they don't freeze as fast as some of the other ones out there , they are also a lot bigger and allow the air to get warmer. I usually change my nexk warmer once or twice in a long ski on a really cold day and if you have to do intensity- keep your mouth and nose covered. It might be terribly uncomfortable, but I would rather fry my lungs in a race then in a workout!
5) always wear long underwear under your tights- keeping your muscles warm keeps them moving efficiently.
6) saline nasal spray: use it before and after workouts to cut down on coughing. I forgot this on our trip to West Yellowstone and coughed for about 4 days after.
7) change right after your workout and drink something hot! Always bring a warm toque and gloves. Your body wastes energy when its cold!
8) socks are so so so important: invest in atleast one very good pair of socks with sweat wicking properties. I recommend Icebreaker hiker mid-weight, they dry fast and are not super thick.
9) re-fuel right after your training or race...you burn more calories in very cold weather!
10) if you are suceptible to bronchitis and lung infections, bad coughing etc. it might be a good idea to hold off on racing when it is at the cut off for races!
I hope that helps!
Brooke
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tweet Headwear...yes, I crochet too much!
My friend Siri and I started a toque (and other fun things) company (I use that term loosely). What started out as an arts and crafts/wine drinking night has slowly evolved into selling some of our hats and then from there turned into a website and then a Artisans Festival.
The company is called Tweet Headwear. The name evolved from the "tweeting" sounds my boyfriend and Siri's boyfriend made when they spotted a "hot chick"...so "Tweet" was born.
The site is evolving every day and as it stands, no two toques are the same. We also do headbands, hair bands, earrings, and then some other things are in the works...especially if you like feathers!
go to: www.tweetheadwear.weebly.com if you would like to check out the photos, you can purchase items online or just send me an email or call!
...I Thought I would use my blog for a small marketing tool!
Have a great day,
Brooke
The company is called Tweet Headwear. The name evolved from the "tweeting" sounds my boyfriend and Siri's boyfriend made when they spotted a "hot chick"...so "Tweet" was born.
The site is evolving every day and as it stands, no two toques are the same. We also do headbands, hair bands, earrings, and then some other things are in the works...especially if you like feathers!
go to: www.tweetheadwear.weebly.com if you would like to check out the photos, you can purchase items online or just send me an email or call!
...I Thought I would use my blog for a small marketing tool!
Have a great day,
Brooke
West Yellowstone Super Tour
Well the first race weekend has come and gone. I love the Supertour! There is always great music pumping, tons of athletes and the energy is always high. You can't be far off your 'A' game at these races as the time gaps are small and there is always another racer there to sneak past you if you didn't ski a flat powerful enough or a downhill aggressive enough...I love the supertour!
The first races of the year went really well, I was pleasently surprised by the new found strength I have worked hard to develop over the last few years, and getting my butt handed to me by the ankle biters on the Academy time after time in anything double pole related has definetly started to pay off!...although extremely humbling (my ego has taken quite a few hits...those girls are fast and strong! Look out!)
All in all I feel like my fitness is there and now we just have to do some sharpening and get to a place mentally where I can push past my limits!- basically the fun part about racing and all the hard work we put in through the summer! (its the reason I race!)
Next up is the Alberta Cups here in Canmore this weekend. It looks like its a pretty deep field with a ton of racers of all ages! The sprints are on Saturday followed by an individual start on Sunday.
This will be the Academy's debute as a full 20 athlete team! We have some awesome new suits too!
On Tuesday we leave for Silverstar to start the Olympic Trials races! YeeeHaww!
See you on the trails!
and thank you to everyone who has supported me on this quest! I am super excited to see what I have in my engine!
cheers,
Brooke
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