Whirlwind

I am at work. In the city.
It's been just 8 days since I have returned from one of the most amazing experiences and events in my life, hands down. I'm certain that there will be very few events that will compare to the World Championships in Oslo. I literally have no words to articulate the atmosphere - it was EPIC!!
That all said, I am so honored and thankful to have had the opportunity to compete on that stage. There were definetly days that were trying as my results didn't exactly align with my own expectations. Although those days accounted for about .0001% of my time!

Canadian Nationals started on Saturday, I was sad to miss the team relay and the 5km skate as both are events I love, however one of my best friends from home was getting married and I promised myself and her that I would never miss those kinds of events. So off to Toronto I went. Unfortunatly I won't be able to compete at Nationals until the 30km, which I think is a good way to close out a great year and also my ski carrear, yes I am retiring for real this time...atleast I think so! ;)

I am looking so forward to competing in Canmore on the weekend! I can't think of a better way to close this chapter then a competing at Worlds and then a 30km skate at Nationals!

ciao,
Brooke

Update

The last few days have been fast and furious with lots of racing action going on!

Holmenkollen is quite the venue! The crowds are SO loud! Never in my life have I have been at a venue that has the loudest fans, and I went to a lot of New Kids on the Block concerts when I was young, but nothing compares to this (probabley a bad comparison!).

The races have been so amazing to compete in. Each day you are carried around the course by spectators with horns, yelling "hei ya", and even your name! Its been quite the experience, the only thing I would change is my performance on the results sheet, but other then focusing on recovery, staying positive and fighting with everything I have on the day I can't do much else to change the results. I will say though, it has been really dissapointing as my results don't really seem to line up with how I have been feeling in the warmups. The wax team has been incredible! We have had great skiis everyday, however, I'm so happy to be focusing on skating for the next two races as my confidence has definetly begun to waiver!

It's also been extrememly inspiring to see the US women in the top 30 of the distance race, especially my teammate from CXC Jessie Diggins who is still a junior and has been performing so well in every race- she is a force to be reckoned with.

The Canadian men had us all on the edge of our seets in the Men's pursuit on Sunday! All I can say is that racing at this level and doing well at this level are completely different items - it takes a lot more then fitness to medal here or even to place in the top 15 - so for the Canadian men to place 3 in the top 15 at the World Championships is pretty incredible!

Today is the men's 15km classic individual start race. The course is so hard...and it takes me a lot to say that a course is tough, but Oslo has layed out a course that requires huge lugs, legs of steel and the ability to put yourself into a pain cave and hang out there for the duration of the race...its pretty awesome!

Here are some photos! I will try to take some more at the team sprint day!

Here we go!

The ski jump just outside the waxing house

The stadium at Holmenkollen! I will get some photos whe the races start!

Things have been going pretty well here in Oslo, with the exception of my racing, training and life has been great! The race venue is incredible. I am so excited to race on these courses that are soon to be lined with a ton of people cheering and enjoying the ski festival!

My legs have been struggling with jetleg and I haven't been able to find that punch I had in Thunder Bay, but I am starting to feel better every day, especially now that we are over 10days here, it should continue to get better! I also am pretty excited to get on skate skis as my confidence has started to waver a bit with the classic skiing - it is a different world over here!

The courses are very tough, with the climbing elevation at the FIS limit, making these courses tougher then Canmore hands down. There is very little flat and the entire course is littered with huge climbs and fast downhills! That all said, I love the courses! People have also started to camp out in the forest with quite the elaborate set up for the next week or so!

Tomorrow we start things off with the individual skate sprint! I will do the prologue so that I get used to how the race start and stadium layout flows so that I am better prepared for the distance races!

Its been very inspiring to see the rest of the Canadian team do so well, the tech support and coaching is pretty incredible, I'm still in awe of how well Lenny and Alex did in Drammen! I'm also pretty honored to be apart of this team and hope I can contribute to the good results as well!

More photos to come!

Brooke

Lillehammer - Beito - Holmenkollen

Heading for lunch

Trying to pack the vans

Lots of white stuff!

We just arrived at our hotel in Holmenkollen after a week of training in beautiful and snowy Lillehammer!

I raced last weekend in a Norweigen cup race, but found out I don't race well 48hours after travel. I struggled with jet leg for about 4 or 5 days and now I am starting to feel pretty good again.

It was pretty awesome to catch up with my friend Lena who I haven't seen since 2006!

We will be racing in Drammen World cup this weekend. I'm pretty excited as I want to get my race legs back under me, but also get some of the jitters out before Worlds start!

Here are some photos!

CXC - Support the Sport

Update: So far $5300 has been raised (in such a short time!!!) only $2200 away from the goal of $7500!!!

Please visit the site and donate if you can or pass it along to anyone you know who may be interested!!

http://cxcskiing.org/site_pages/support/support-the-sport.htm

Thank you so much for reading!!

I'm off to Norway tomorrow for the World Champs...wow, that sounds pretty surreal!

ciao,
Brooke

One day Gus should write a book...

For all of the Master Blasters and loppeters...please read this...wow, pretty hilarious!


http://http://cxceliteblog.com/2011/02/02/birkie-training/

Support The Sport - Excellence Fund CXC

Good Evening!

For the very few readers who visit my blog, I would love it and be very appreciative if you could pass along this link to your friends, family, co-workers or contacts.

CXC is the team I am racing for this year and I hope to stay involved with for a while after (even if it is not at the racing level). The programs, coaches, athletes and support network are amazing, it would be so wonderful if you chose to allocate a few dollars if you afford it to the athletes who have achieved selection to world championship teams. Their selection is a product of the network that is behind them - CXC.


The link:
http://cxcskiing.org/site_pages/support/support-the-sport.htm

Thank you so much for reading!

Brooke

Well Said...

"You should have retired years ago!"

This was the one line I received from a good friend and sponsor the day I was told I will be representing Canada at Worlds in February. I couldn't help but laugh because it was my exact same thought.

I haven't written on this blog in quite some time, but look forward to sharing photos and my experiences that the next month will bring.

Please check back soon for some more updates!

Brooke

Yes, skiing is a little bit addicting!

There was an article up on John Bauer today...I had to laugh at the closing quote "“Skiing is a little bit addicting.”
there is not one skiier out there that doesn't know this to be true! and to be honest its a pretty great addiction if you ask me!

have a great day,
Brooke

Today

Today was a good day!

I FINALLY won my first 10km skate individual start race!

...this year was VERY tough, and although it came a bit late, the result is still sweet (although a bit bitter!)

I went for it from the start and I wanted to stomp it big time...for me...because I knew I could!

My only regret is not skiing the downhills better!

Thanks to everyone for their congrats and also for the kind words and support over the last few months- if I could give you a gold medal for the "best friend, greatest mom and dad, amazing grandparents, amazing coaches and the world's greatest teammates and to the sponsors to who helped me inch closer to my dream..." I would...I definetly would!

today was a good day!

Brooke

Tweet Headwear...Update

I am always amazed at how sometimes things just work out.

Tweet has slowly been taking off around the Bow Valley- We are even selling our hats, headbands and hairbands at WANT down town and furthermore, our website sales have been consistently getting better. To top that off, we have had a ton of sales from out East! Very cool...Tweet is going National!! hahaha.

Here are some photos of our most recent "photo shoot". Siri and I like showing off our hats, and with my new found love for the site Picnik its been a blast!

Please stop by want or stop by our site: www.tweetheadwear.weebly.com

Brooke

The American Birkie

If you ever get a chance, head out to Telemark/Hayward to race the American Birkie.

This is perhaps one of the best weekends I've had in my life! And being a ski racer and doing what I love, that happens a lot! But this weekend will be one of the best for a while. The reason I say this is because for the last 3 months racing hasn't been very fun, in a lot of ways I felt like I was trying so hard to "pick myself up and dust myself off and get back out there" that I just got exhausted and really stopped loving skiing. Little did I know that a 52km race in Wisconsin and just over 2 hours I would find that energy and love of racing back.

I love to smile and laugh and my cheeks are still sore from the four days of epic racing and a little bit of celebration!

The Birkie starts at the Telemark Lodge in an open field and then makes a quick turn to some steep hills followed by super fun rolling terrain- I was in love! I had no idea what to expect so I just skiied and eventually we had whittled the pack down to four girls. We all worked well together, but at the same time I couldn't shake the feeling that one of the girls would make a move and with about 5km to go Rebecca went for it. I tried desperatley to cover her, but just ran out of steam and then skiied 3m behind Taz across the lake because the wind was so strong and I couldn't close the gap. As you approach Hayward you can see the water tower, but don't be fooled- it is a LONG way away. Then as you enter the down town the streets are lined with cheering people and I think I had to remind myself to finish the race and then enjoy the atmosphere! I am having a hard time putting into words why this race is so important to me- but all I can think of is that is was the first time since last spring that I had fun racing! The results come when there is balance and I think I found that in Wisconsin this weekend! Who would have thought?

I travelled with Lifesport from Calgary and they provided wax support and accomodation. My skiis were rockets! Ian and Bruce did an incredible job and I was so relieved on the first downhill that I had comparable skis to the top women. I also got to hang out with some incredible people who love to race and train and relish the trips they do get to take like this away from their busy lives.

Throughout the course there are a lot of "theatrics". Such as the drummers up the first hill, then of course 'Bitch Hill". The feed stations are also quite entertaining, you definetly had to keep your elbows up and stay alert because there were a lot of quick decisions by other skiiers to move across the trail.

I have done a lot of loppets over the years, and the one part I had always found tough was managing the master men, most of them don't really move if you are travelling faster, but at the birkie, they definetly moved and all together! It made the race a lot more seamless for the elite women for sure, as I don't think I've ever done a loppet and not been a little intimidated by the men.

I also have to mention that the support from the race organizers was incredible! I met the most generous people at this race and you can definetly feel that they just love the Birkie and Cross Country Skiing.

Now on to the skiing- The trails were amazing. I had no idea that there were training opportunities in that area like the Birkie trails. The trails are super wide with a ton of terrain!

It was a great weekend and I would definetly urge you to consider this race next winter!

I will try to post photos when they become available!

Ciao,
Brooke

Short and Sweet

Yes, very frustrating that Canada did not start more women in the skate race, but I have a feeling that this will not be the first race. I don't think thats a good sign for development of female nordic skiiers in Canada...atleast that is the message that I thought they were sending.

Marty Hall wrote a great article on Ski trax. http://skitrax.com/7640?c

On a lighter note, the women are going to do amazing today! I wish I was there to cheer them on- it looks like a blast in Whistler right now!

take care,
Brooke

Tomorrow is another day...

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

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

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

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

Winter is here!

The last few weeks have been awesome! Training is moving along nicely and although I am starting to feel the last three weeks of a tougher block I feel like I have made a ton of positive gains! To top it off most of the skiers in the valley have been taking advantage of the ski loop at the Nordic Centre and although its small, its a much needed break from slamming my poles into cold pavement!

Canmore of course was beautiful today, we finally had a sunny day! today we did a combination run/ski workout. We skied around for 2 hrs and then ran up the highline trail to finish off a volume day. There is a ton of snow on the highline which made navigating some of the rocky sections a little challenging.

We leave for our first races on November 21st to West Yellowstone. I am pretty excited to start racing as I have worked really hard on my weaknesses this summer and I am hoping it will translate to faster skiing.

I hope you have great day!
Brooke

Its Been a While

Wow, its been a while!
Honestly I just didn't have anything to write about other then how training is going and well, for me training is always going well- I love it! I have always maintained that even when I stop racing I'm pretty sure my training will increase because then I wouldn't have to worry about optimum recovery or trying to peak. BUT for now I am pretty happy to just keep following the program and trying to find a way to get fitter and faster everyday.

Canmore has been pretty cold and snowy, so our rollerskiing has been thrown off a bit, and I will admit I didn't dress well enough or warm up well enough for our first intensity in the cold, but I am adjusted pretty well now. I love running in the snow! Everything looks so clean and in the forest it muffles the sound of your footsteps its just beautiful.

Obviously I would have liked an extra few weeks for rollerskiing, but this weather isn't so bad for training, in fact I rather like it a lot- it means the season is coming up and that means an opportunity to chase my dreams!

have a great day!
Brooke

Kind of funny

This is a photo from the Calgary race (Ambulance Chasers Charity Run) we did last weekend...