October in Pictures....

T-minus 9 days before I take off for the entire winter.... it's fun, overwhelming & exciting, all at the same time!  Here are a few pictures from the last month. Welcome to November & the race season everyone! 

 "Holly's Trail" on our over distance run in Park City.... awesome, 3 hour loop 

 Running buddies: myself, Liz, Becca & Fitz 

 We had an awesome fun(d) run for Mary. 400-500 people showed up and we raised 15k to help out with her medical expenses! 

 The event even made the front page of the paper! 

 The APU team helped out with the second annual "First Tracks" camp in Fairbanks. The camp was open to high school skiers from all over the state.  The athletes got to spend a ton of time on snow and learn from our coach, Erik Flora - as well as train with the APU elite team skiers. The kids had talks on nutrition, staying healthy over the season.... I gave a slide show about the World Cup. 

 First Tracks boys & APU coach Sam Sterling 

 Lots of waxing going on in the Birch Hill waxing cabin! 

 Flora showing off his coaching biceps! 

 Our group: kids in white, "coach/athletes" in yellow 

 Check out this skeleton made completely out of bike parts! 

 My Halloween costume for the weekend over distance ski! 

 Kikkan's a sled dog, Sadie's a ski enthusiast & I'm a Swedish Ski Fan :) 

Kikkan and I both brought our collections of National Team suits & World Cup bibs to Fairbanks. Saturday night we drew names out of a hat and the kids got to ski in them for Sunday's over distance workout. Many of these suits once belonged to World Cup veterans and it was pretty darn cool to see how psyched the kids were to wear them. They even got to keep the World Cup bibs!  Collectively we were the "World Cup Field" for Halloween!!!  

I put some of these pictures on Facebook a couple days ago and tagged Anna Haag - who one of the Swedish suits once belonged too. Anna's boyfriend and World Cup Sprint Champion Emil Jonsson was the first one to "like" it and Anna herself added a comment almost immediately. That's pretty cool, right? 

 Taryn rockin the German one piece! 

 Slovenia, Sweden, Germany & the USA

 Sweden & Italy! 

As if First Tracks wasn't busy or ambitious enough, we held a Fast and Female to cap off the weekend

 I thought the coolest part was having Diana (center) come as guest speaker for the girls.  She was the first women's basketball coach at UAF and told the girls about Title 9 & a time when girls weren't allowed to compete.  Her two main take home messages were "keep it fun" and "include ALL girls in sports." 

 Eventhough during our time there Fairbanks only had 4-6" of snow we were able to ski ALL 30k of trails at Birch Hill, even the black loops!  Birch has an awesome trail system and I think they're going to do an awesome job of hosting 2013 Junior Olympics! 

 John Estle's played a big role in the trail evolutions in Fairbanks. Here is "Estle's Mesa!" 

There are some wonderful people and incredible organizers in Fairbanks. Here is the Hajdukovich family... Mike Hajduk (center) is solely responsible for putting on the First Tracks camp.  This guy has vision, creativity & an electric energy that I wish I could bottle up and take with me all season in Europe. Thanks Mike & Challenge Life (his organization) for making the camp happen!!!!

While in Fairbanks Dave Edic was our "host."  He has a great "skier's house" within walking distance of Birch Hill and it was fabulous staying there. Plus, Dave is quite the skier himself, training for World Masters. This year the Championship is in Asiago, Italy, only a short drive from Val di Fiemme. Dave is planning on coming to watch and cheer at World Champs - cool stuff! 

I extended my trip to stay in Fairbanks longer than initially planned before they had snow and Anchorage didn't.... Thanks for letting me crash Dave! 

October on XC Ski Girl

Two more days in October left and I made it right under the gun!  Here is the XC Ski Girl update just in time!  Check it out if your interested...... 

http://xcskigirl04.blogspot.com

I have my last ski at Birch Hill this morning - in CLASSIC TRACKS before heading back to dry, snow less Anchorage. I'll have a full report from Fairbanks up here shortly so please, check back! 

Until then, have a great day! 

Holly ;) 

Excited to take off for the season! 

October at Altitude!

The countdown has truly begun.... in just a short 29 days I will be headed on another 30-hour travel to Europe to kick off the 2012-2013 ski season. With less than a month to go, nerves and excitement are starting to brew in my belly and the anticipation is high.  

I find our sport to be qualitative to a fault.  It's usually this time of year when I start to wonder, am I fit? Have I prepared well enough? What page of the results will I be on for the first race of the season?  Unlike running, biking, or baseball we have comparatively few ways to measure our progress or improvements.  We don't measure wattage, we don't keep stats, and skiing isn't as simple as running a repeatable track workout. We can repeat intervals on roller skis but weather and temperature change the speed of the pavement up to 20%.  We can do a running test or a strength test but realistically, just because you can do more pull ups than 6 months ago doesn't guarantee that you're double pole is going to improve.  

Physiological testing at the USSA headquarters in Park City, Utah is just one of the reasons why US Ski Team members make an annual trip here to train come October.  The weather is generally beautiful, we can use the facilities at the Center of Excellence & we can "test" with the sports science department. On top of all this, we can take advantage of the opportunity to live & train at altitude.  In fact, as I type this, I am sitting at our condo in Deer Valley @ almost 9,000 feet! For those unfamiliar with altitude training it is basically a natural way of increasing your red blood cells & hemoglobin - both of which are responsible for carrying & delivering oxygen throughout your body.  All said and done I will have been here for a full 18 days which should be enough time to spike my hemoglobin. I took a test upon landing and will take another one just before departure to track the change. 

In addition to the hemoglobin tests I was scheduled to do a series of "max effort" tests on the ski treadmill to measure my Vo2max among other things.  Unfortunately, I'm suffering from a bit of an intercostal muscle pull and at this point, have been unable to test or use my left arm to it's full capacity.  Some of you may remember seeing this from a post I wrote in May: 

I was hoping to repeat this test (and see improvement!) but the priority is on fully healing my muscle so that I can do on-snow intervals in Alaska before departing for my first race in Munio, Finland!  One of the advantages of being near the COE is that we have in-house trainers & physical therapists.  I am seeing them daily and think that I should be 100% healed in no time! 

Aside from using the COE and testing, my trip to Utah has given me a much-needed change of scenery, pace, and WEATHER.  While the weather at home in Alaska had been quite "challenging" the weather in Utah has been gorgeous. It's motivating to get out the door and in fact, sometimes you have to keep an eye on your watch because it's tempting to stay outside all day! 

Last week I got to do something I've been wanting to do for a while now and that is climb Timpanogos, an 11,700 foot peak just an hours drive from Park City.  Lucky for me I got to climb it with a huge group of friends as it was part of my dear friend, Katie Ronsse's pre-wedding activities! 

The bride on the way to the summit! 

Our entire crew - all with either AK or skiing connections! Left to right: Katie, Me, Paige, Corky, Justin, Mandy, Julia & Shannon 

With my old training partner, Katie, at the summit!  (This is true Holly & Katie style - both with huge smiles and Katie doing the splits!) 

Another thing I've been able to take advantage of here in Utah is the FOOD.  I love ethnic food, particularly Mexican food.  There is plenty to be had here - you can see by the site of this salsa bar.... last week I also went to a farmer's market and just about died of happiness as there were fresh local fruits and veggies for REALLY affordable prices!

Post-training tamales! 

Skiing from Salt Lake City up Emigration.  We gained a couple thousand feet!

My coaches - Erik w/APU & Matt with USST

The boys train headed up the pass

Gorgeous Utah fall colors. 
(Special thanks to my husband, Rob Whitney for taking some awesome pictures!) 

Another huge highlight of the past week and a half was attending Katie and Justin's wedding.  Rob was able to join me for the wedding and a small respite from the Alaskan rain.  He was "happy as a clam" biking 8 hours a day on the extensive Park City mountain bike trails!

Katie with her father, Dennis - also the wedding officiant

The day after the wedding we were able to do one of the nicest road rides in Utah up highway 92 towards American Fork. The aspens were incredible and we had fun hanging out with Morgan and Chris! 

Biking with my hubby! 

Biking with Sadie! 

I have another four days here in Utah and its action packed with training sessions, physical therapy appointments, meetings with our new team sports psychologist & travel agent, getting outfitted with gear for the new season & an National Nordic Foundation fundraising meet & greet. (More on that and the Drive for 25 later!) 

In the meantime, for all you folks up in Alaska - we're having a fun(d) run for Mary this upcoming Sunday!  I hope to see some of you there! Please help spread the word: 

That's it for now from Utah! Smiles & thanks for reading, 

Holly :) 

Saturday Morning Surprise!

 Yep.... woke up to snow!  Saturday, September 29th!  Some folks went skiing to round out the "ski every month" challenge.  Lauren and I went to run up the South Fork of the Eagle River.  Turns out running single track in fresh snow is a bit challenging.  Thanks to my Salomon Spikecross running shoes that kept me on my feet!  (Most of the time)

Running up the Hanging Glacier Valley 

Beautiful snow and the first blue sky and snow we've had in a long, long time! 

 The snow was melting at the end of the 3 hours.... snow outside, a car full of roller skis and a thermos of hot coffee at the end of the run!

Salomon spikecross - these are great for wet, slippery conditions! 

I'm off to Park City tonight for my much awaiting altitude camp, testing with the USST, and my good friend's wedding! If the weather improves here in AK, you can thank me for leaving :) 

More soon/Cheers, 

Holly 

Dear Alaska.... REALLY?

Okay, I grew up in Washington (Seattle specifically) but moved North to Alaska shortly after I graduated from College.  Since that day, I have considered myself closely associated with Alaska if not, purely Alaskan.  Many times this has put me in the position that many Alaskans constantly find themselves in - that is, constantly standing up FOR ALASKA.  I can't tell you how many times people have told me that the weather blows up here or that I'm crazy for living "so far away from civilization."  I've often responded with things like, "yeah but we can ski 11 months a year" or "yeah, but I LIVE on a ski trail" or "yeah but my friends are awesome and they ski too...." 

So far, the month of September has slowly but surely taken it's toll on not only me but all Alaskans.  For the past couple weeks I have almost entirely run out of energy - or steam to defend it.  Instead, I'm looking at the forecast for Park City (where I will go for an altitude camp Oct 1), opting to ride my trainer while watching a run movie, or more often, gritting my teeth and getting out the door.  September in Alaska can traditionally be gorgeous; fall colors, crisp mornings..... but the past couple weeks have simply rained and the wind has blown.  South central Alaska is flooding and high winds the other day clocked over 130 mph which makes for some kind of storm and/or hurricane rating.... 

This picture basically sums up the last couple of weeks:

 That's me - getting splashed by the cars, making my own rooster tail on the sidewalk & "enjoying" every minute of the dark, grey, 40 degree weather.....

Two weeks ago we had our massive windstorm and we lost power for four days.  Luckily we still had water and hot water but no electricity.... I was cooking with the camp stove by candle light!  Novel for the first day or two but after that it was getting a bit old! 

The other day Rob began to feel sorry for me.... he remembers roller skiing in the rain intimately and as such, he offered to join me on an afternoon training session. I know that he was hoping I'd say no - that he shouldn't join me but instead I jumped at the occasion.  What person doesn't want their spouse to have an intimate understanding and compassion for what they're doing? (I thought this mind lead to him cooking for me, giving me back rubs, etc....)  The first two minutes of the ski were fine until he started "coaching me" and telling me to "not ski like a wuss."  Well, we were on the connector trail from our house to the Chester Creek trail - and as you can see, it's covered in leaves and sticks - NOT ideal for "getting out over your skis...."  (Also, take note of all the trees on the side of the trail - those came down in the big wind storm and have been cleared OFF the trail...)  Right after Rob encouraged me to ski more aggressively he literally fell on his face.  After I could see that his injuries weren't serious, I busted out laughing. His fall couldn't have been better!  I will say that Rob lasted the entire 2 hours but when we rolled home, he told me that that would be his last roll for a very, very long time.  My thought - mission accomplished.  He got a great reminder of what it's like to be an elite ski racer in the fall! 

 And... here is my cat, Buggz, the neighborhood hellion who doesn't even want to go outside (this is very unusual.)

 This is pretty darn typical....

 Boot dryers & multiple pairs of boots and shoes are essential as they never dry out in time for the next session....

Saturday my training schedule called for a 3 hour OD (over distance) run.  Rob, our friend Max & I ran  on the Johnson Pass trail, just the other side of Turnagain Pass.  Now, Max is from Aspen and he is up spending a few extra days in AK after the International Snow Safety Conference.  Max & Rob had visions of "some epic trips" but instead, he came for the worst weather in recent history.  Our three hour slog turned out to be possibly the wettest run I've ever had in my entire life and Max thought that he ran in more water that day alone than the rest of his life combined!  The puddles were literally up to our knees and frequent.  And no, the camera did NOT come along for fear that it would be ruined.  Here are a couple shots from the parking lot afterwards. 

Three hours in a deluge? No problem :)  At least I'm still smiling at the end!!!! 

The entire town of Hope lost power therefore we couldn't bum water from our friends, the Christophersons.  Instead, we jerry-rigged a water entrapment system to ensure we had agua for morning coffee! 

And.... just to give you a visual for the extent of the flooding in AK, here is a youtube video of Lowell Creek in Seward, AK.  This is just a couple blocks away from the finish line of Mt. Marathon: 

There have, of course, been great parts of September as well. Here are a few other select pictures to spice up the grey shots! 

Here we are helping out at the Anchorage elementary school running jamborees: 

Sadie, Rosie & I led warm ups for nearly 1,000 kids kindergarten through 6th grade!

Some of the APU devo boys were the "rabbits" for the course, making sure that the kids went the right way.  For the actual races themselves they literally wore bunny ears! 

The running jamborees are a program within Healthy Futures whose goal is to instill active, healthy lifestyles in Alaska's youth. These girls all have their bibs (everyone gets #1!) and their medals. 

Cheering on every last kid! 

Crazy purple carrot grown in none other than the Cresap Family Garden! 

 A wonderful visit from my good college friend Amy, her husband Joe, and the little boy or girl that is hanging out in Amy's belly! 

A couple weeks ago we had the privilege of doing an OD in good weather... here are a couple shots of the "other side" in AK :) 

 Drink Break! 

Gotta love a good ridge run! 

 Yep... this counts as gorgeous! 

 Nothing better than a wood stove grilled cheese after a couple hours of running in the mountains! 

 Volunteering with Special Olympics Alaska as one of their honored awards presenters! 

Last but not least, this day was a special blessing.  Rob and I both have fairly irregular schedules and the mutual days we've had off together this summer can be counted on one hand.  Here we are taking advantage of a beautiful day in Prince William Sound helping a buddy check his shrimp pots!  (Thanks Joe!) 

So, the short story is, we're hanging in there up here in AK.  I suppose the saying that "what doesn't kill  you makes you stronger" but geez, it sures takes a lot of energy.... and what I wouldn't do for some sunshine!  

The countdown begins - exactly one week until altitude camp in UTAH. Bring it! 

Cheers, 

Holly :)

September on XC SKI Girl!

Hey ya'll! We're halfway through September but all this stuff still applies!  If you want to check out my training notes for this month (or just this period of the year) go to my monthly guest post on XC Ski Girl's blog here: 

http://xcskigirl04.blogspot.com

I know that some of the pictures look awesome and our girl's ridge run was fantastic.  There have been some other great workouts and a day or two of sunshine but otherwise the weather the past couple weeks in AK have been "trying" at best.  Between a four day power outage at my house (cooking on a camp stove) and flood level rain I'm certainly looking forward to our altitude block coming up in Park City. 

More soon.... 

Holly :) 

Come to First Tracks!

Calling all Alaska High School skiers! Check this out - First Tracks Ski Camp is the last weekend of October in Fairbanks! This will be the second annual camp and trust me, last year was AWESOME. Fairbanks weather in October is really nice and last year, we skied ALL the trails on just a couple inches of snow. The entire APU ski team will be training there and this is your chance to train with us, chase us around, or dare I say, beat us in intervals :) Aside from training there is lots of other fun stuff including in the camp like a dance, schwag, good lectures and yummy food! Camp is the weekend before high school skiing officially starts - this is a great way to get a jump on the season! 

 Hope to see you in Fairbanks! 

Holly :)