On the Eve of the Big Day!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I hope that everyone is reading this post in hind sight after having a fabulous July 4th holiday weekend!

Well.... this is it, the Eve of the "Big Day."  The "Big Day" meaning, July 4th, or better yet, known in Alaska as "Mt. Marathon Day."  Every year up to 40,000 people converge on the small town of Seward, Alaska to partake in Independence Day activities, the center spectacle being a foot race, Mt. Marathon.  This year will be the 84th running of the race and organizers claim it to be the second oldest foot race in the nation behind the Boston Marathon.

The top 1/2 of Mt. Marathon

For those of you living outside of Alaska and not familiar with the race, this event is CRAZY.  For some reason, this race, beyond all others transcends fans interested in sports, or running for that matter.  Maybe it's because of the Seward party atmosphere or maybe it's because you have to race down cliffs and waterfalls but this race is notorious and in my mind, represents Alaska and it's rugged ideals to a "T."

This guy, Fred Moore, has completed the race 40 times to hold the all-time record.  Here he is with the jacket and patches to prove it!

The race begins on Main Street in downtown Seward and runs approximately four minutes to the base of the "Mountain."  Once there, the climb starts with a class five-esque scramble up some tree roots before settling into a consistent, steep grade.  Racers climb a total of 3022 feet to the summit before beginning a perilous RUN back down the entire 3,022 feet.  The top women climb up in 38 minutes and descend in less than 12, count them, TWELVE minutes.  People run onto main street for the finishing home stretch covered in blood and mud - usually with huge smiles on their faces.  The icing on the cake is that the night before, the organizing committee holds an auction for entrance into the crazy race and participants have been known to drop close to $2,000 dollars just to run uphill and downhill in the mud!

Friend and co-worked Eric Strabel is a beast on the downhill.  Check him out here, sliding down a waterfall!

Beyond the crazy nature of the race, this event has special meaning to me.  I've run the race three times now and each time I had a memorable experience to associated with the race.

2008 was my rookie year and I somehow busted out a second place performance.  I had gotten engaged two days before the race and our "Save the Date" magnet was from the finish line in Seward. This was my first experience at Mt. Marathon and I was hooked.

Me (Holly) following Cedar with the town of Seward in the background

Then, in 2009 I had grand ambitions and extra incentive because my entire immediate family was in Seward to watch my race because my WEDDING was the following weekend.  The conditions this year turned out to be extremely hot and I entered the race slightly dehydrated.  I led until 4/5 of the race was complete and then collapsed of extreme dehydration and was taken directly into the Emergency Room that is appropriately placed at the bottom of the "Cliff."  I know it sounds cliche but laying in the ER was where I had my epiphany that I needed and WANTED to try and make the 2010 Winter Olympics.  After taking nearly two months off to recover from my Mt. Marathon injury, somehow the following winter I landed on the start line in Vancouver.

Racing downhill, moments before collapse

In the ER.... 

Much to the disgruntle of the Seward ER Drs I checked myself out of the ER to cross the finish line before checking myself back in (I promised them!) until my blood work had stabilized. Here I am walking down Main Street with my husband, Rob, long after the majority of the races had finished. 

Only one week until our wedding! 

Success! Officially checked out of the ER at 8pm after an 11am race start..... 

Last year, in 2010, I set a great pace to the top and had a two minute lead over race veteran, Seward hometown hero and six-time Mt. Marathon Champion, Cedar B only to blow it by getting passed on Main Street in front of 10,000 screaming fans.  Our ten second gap was one of the, if not THE closest race in Mt. Marathon history.  Last year's loss had a particular sting when Cedar announced her retirement and I was bummed about the fact that I wouldn't be able to race against the Mt. Marathon legend ever again.  Alas, her times will have to do! :)

On the way down, still in the lead... 

Here I am being passed by Cedar literally 1.5 blocks from the finish line

That brings me to this year, 2011 and TOMORROW. Every year I have grand intentions of training specifically for this race and specifically HARD for this race. However, each spring and early summer it becomes impossible to train specifically for Mt. Running while maintaining and prioritizing ski racing goals.  So much of my training consists of ski specific stuff such as roller skiing, glacier skiing, and strength training.  Sure, there is a huge amount of carry-over fitness. That's what's propelled me to two runner up finishes and the pain tolerance and ability to push myself into the ER.  Alas, ski training is not Mt. running training and I find myself going into this year's race feeling under prepared.  Do I wish I had done anything differently? No, not really.  Skiing is my main focus and I am preparing to hit five consecutive World Cup weekends in five different countries in November and December.  I need to be in ski shape from the get-go!

That said, bring on Seward and bring on the race!  See you'll down there!
Thanks for reading and thanks for your moral support. Have a great, safe weekend!
Sincerely,
Holly :)

If you're interested......

The local Seward, Alaska paper posted this article titled, "Is this the year for Brooks?"  This article also has a run down of other female contenders.

After all this, if you're interested in watching the race on the "Live Feed" (I don't promise anything!) check out this link to the local news station, KTUU, Channel 2.

The Anchorage Daily News always has nice coverage of the race as well... check HERE for info.

Eagle Glacier in photos

Our team recently finished an on-snow camp at the Thomas Training Center on Eagle Glacier outside of Girdwood, AK.  Here are a couple of pictures and a quick review of the week: 

Lift off in the helicopter.... 

 Keith Essex of Alpine Air is one of the best pilots around. He gets us to the glacier quickly but more importantly, SAFELY. I highly recommend Alpine for anyone visiting AK who is looking for a cool sight-seeing opportunity..... 

 Lifting up above the clouds..... 

 Home sweet home

 Touch down on Eagle 

Unloading and waving goodbye to Keith

 Erik's excited to be on the glacier for the first trip of the summer! 

Technique advice from an "AK style onesie" 

APU Girls: Holly, Fitz, Tax, Sadie, GA, Wrecka

Most of the pictures are the glorious days but the majority of our sessions looked exactly like THIS. Glamorous huh? 

Then these are the days we live for.... and enjoy even more

 Becca and Fitz putting in their time

Skiing into a glacier cloud

Me :) 

Casey Fagerquist - our ski tech/glacier manager/all around good guy

Our ever-enthusiastic leader, Erik Flora

Our old teammate and new glacier assistant, Mikey Matteson!

The staff :) 

Me putting in the Ks!

One of the beautiful snow features on the glacier..... a really big hole you DON'T want to ski into.

OMG. Is that a FOOT massage?

Planks and core work up on the glacier

A shameless plug for Swix - the best wax/ski pole brand!

Fitz squatting it up!

Reese!

One of our new teammates, Erik Bjornsen

Alpine flowers found at the beginning of the hike down

Slightly picturesque

Literally sliding back into reality and life off the glacier. 

Until next time! 

Thanks for reading, 

Holly :) 

As much or more, As good or better.....

Funny title to a blog post, I know. It's amazing what weird stuff enters your mind when you're skiing circles on a glacier in whiteout conditions.  But, the title is simple, and it refers to my job as a ski racer.  In a competitive sport where you're literally trying to beat the competition, you must be prepared to do so. If my competitors are training 1 hour per day (to make a simple example) and I train 30 minutes per day can I realistically expect to beat them? Probably not.  Of course winning isn't all about training volume.... there are so many factors. Upper body endurance, the capacity of your heart, the strength of your trunk.... your mental fortitude.... your ability to hold it together and excel in tough conditions.  There are many aspects and traits that must come together to make a World-class athlete.  

APU girls post interval session - training 3-5 hours per day on Eagle Glacier, June 2011

I have been thinking a lot about my ski racing goals for the next season and many of them involve beating a large chunk of the World Cup field.  My preliminary plans have me starting off the season with FIVE consecutive World Cup weekends and preparation for that is now, today, tomorrow, and the next.  In order to be competitive in the World Cup field - (and hopefully to beat many of them!) I NEED to work as hard or harder than they are. My training needs to be of similar quality or better yet, HIGHER quality than theirs.  Now, that's no easy feat!  Consider the fact that the World Cup is a special collection of athletes that all probably harbor the same goal. That is, to be the best. I guarantee that there isn't a single athlete out there that hasn't dreamed about standing on top of a World Cup, World Championship, or Olympic podium. That said, the WC is comprised of athletes doing anything and everything in their power to achieve those goals. Some of those things include spending half their "off-season" away from home in training camps, making social and monetary sacrifices in their lives, walking out the door to train when the weather is horrible, harboring injuries, aches, and pains that come with pushing your body to it's limits.  When you’re trying to be really, really good at something, often other things take a hit.

That said, it’s time to go out training again.  I’m trying to hit 4-5 hours per day of training on the glacier. Sounds like a lot, I know. But how will I know if I can do it or not if I don’t try?  Here are a few pictures from the week so far: 

Sadie fired up in the helicopter

View from the Helicopter, approaching the training facility

Alpine Air gets us here safely... 

Welcome to camp! Goodbye heli... 

The first session was sunny... 

Boys team leaning on their poles after a hard interval set in the clouds

Most of the pictures published are of the gorgeous days.... many days look exactly like this. Where is the track? Or if it's a downhill - "WHERE IS THE NEXT WAND!?"

Forty loafs of bread for carbo loading athletes! 

…. As much or more, as good or better! Think about it! 

Sometimes taking a step forward means taking a step back

My new-found athletic career started off as being a coach for Alaska Pacific University's Nordic Ski Center.  I was offered the job after a successful interaction working with Erik Flora (now Program Director) at Junior Olympics in Houghton, Michigan.  At the time I was working as a part time coach for an Anchorage High School program and part time at an Environmental Consulting Agency in downtown Anchorage. When I was offered the job to be a full time ski coach I jumped at the opportunity.  Although it had it's inherent risks (would I like it? Did I want to take a pay cut?) I left the company I worked for on good terms and was assured that if my life on skis didn't work out I would be welcomed back to the office anytime. Five years later here I am still at APU. However, my capacity has changed.  As I've explained it before I went from a full time coach to a full time coach, part time athlete, to a full time athlete, part time coach to where I am today... A full time athlete and a part, part, part time coach.  

The year that I made the Olympics (2009-2010 season) I didn't even have a full training log to show. Last year was my first full year chasing the ski dream and I was able to improve upon my International results from the Olympics at World Championships in Oslo.  

I plan to begin racing the 2011-2012 season in Europe rather than West Yellowstone taking advantage of my Period 1 World Cup start rights earned from last season's overall Super Tour win.  My travels will start off in Beitestolen, Norway and continue onto racing weekends in Kuusamo Finland, Dusseldorf Germany, Davos Switzerland, and Rogla Slovenia.  My goal, naturally, is to improve upon my International results thus far; in order to do so, I've taken a look at my training and had made some personal evaluations as to what I can do better - what I can do more of, how I can improve and consequently, accomplish my goals. Last year I attended two glacier camps, this year, the plan is to attend four.  The obvious goal is more time on snow but the supplemental goal is to improve my efficiency in soft and tricky snow conditions. 

In addition to ski racing goals, I have slowly and quietly been chasing another goal - that is, a master's degree.  Yes, even ski racers need outside stimulus :)  I, for one, have never been someone who has too much of a narrow focus.  If anything I am the opposite - I like to do too many things.  I am an expert multi-tasker.  That said, I realize this and have fully come to terms with the fact that it could take me 6 years to get a 1.75 year degree. Right now I am in the beginning of an accelerated summer semester where I am taking two courses. The classes end July 11th but that is not without attending two weeks of online class from Eagle Glacier! I may need to hide out in the waxing connex to get some piece and quiet but I will make it happen!  Needless to say, my goals for the next six weeks are training and school.  I don't expect to have much time for anything else. 

You may ask, "What gives?"  I am not a dumb person. I know that I can't do it all. While I am taking a step forward in my ski training and in my education, I must take a step back in some other aspects of life.  For the time being, I have decided that the cut has to come in the form of coaching.  It's painful to say and even more painful to do but I know that I can't do it all, even if I'd like to believe that I can. In some ways, I often wonder if coaching is my calling beyond that of being a professional ski racer.  I love interacting with kids and adults on a daily basis, teaching something I am passionate about. In Fast and Female terms we would call this, "Spreading the Love!"  My coaching style has always been to lead by example and I've had a great time leading the charge up the sand dunes at Kincaid, teaching someone how to V2 and having it "click" for them, and most of all, getting to know people athletically but also emotionally.  I can attest to the fact that coaching is a labor of love and it takes a lot of energy. I can also vouch for the fact that the energy I expended was returned to me - coaching invigorates me.  When I wasn't having a good day I would lead a session and go home in a better mood than what I started with. 

So how did I make my decision? I love ski racing too.  As I've said before, my job's my passion and my passion is my job. If there is one thing that my parents have taught me, it's that; to pursue your passions. Many (wiser) people have told me and I believe them - the opportunity to pursue World Cup ski racing and another Olympic cycle is now. I will not get a second chance.  Despite what some people would like to believe, I will not have a second chance when I'm fifty :)  Will I be able to coach when I'm fifty? Heck yes!  As much as it pains me to not physically be there for the kids now I know that my heart will always be in it and that I will return to coaching sooner rather than later.  In some form or another, I expect to be coaching, or teaching, for the rest of my life. Thus, my roles at APU have changed from that as "Holly the head Junior coach and Noon Masters coach" to "Holly the ski racer who helps out with APU events drops in on APU groups for surprise visits when she can."  

I know I've been long winded with this description of my new role.... what does this really mean?  In order to take steps forward in my ski performance and in personal development, ie my education, I must take a step back with my coaching responsibilities at APU.  No, I will not be at practice everyday, or even every week. I will drop by to say hello when I can and encourage from afar. I already miss coaching and those that I've worked with dearly but life is full of adventures and for now, they are calling me. 

My Hiatus (is over!)

Yes it is spring time and yes, I took a HUGE break from my blog - larger than ever before. I suppose that I needed a break from documenting my ski adventures.  In fact, I think that my great aunt called other members of my family to make sure I was still alive (she follows all of the family member's blogs religiously).

APU Girls team in Sun Valley... what else is there to say?

While I've been taking a break from my blog, I've only taken a little break from skiing & training.  Life has actually been busier than I ever thought possible since arriving home the second week of April.  Don't worry, I'm not complaining. I actually like having appointments, phones ringing & emails stacking up....   When you love what you do, it's easy to get up in the morning.

My time in Alaska has been split between work for APU, maintain some semblance of training, paperwork (taxes!) reuniting with friends that I haven't seen all winter, planning for the upcoming summer & season, housework..... the list goes on and on as I'm sure you can imagine.

Skiing with the APU devos and juniors is always a blast. Here I am with the girls! 

Perhaps the largest chunk of my time is going into organizing our second annual APU end of season celebration/fundraising auction on Tuesday May 10th.  All of the funds raised go directly towards offsetting training and travel expenses for the athletes. The event was a blast last year and super successful in helping to subsidize ever-climbing ski racing expenses. For example, this year it cost me $200 each way to fly my ski bags to Nationals in Rumford, Maine (yikes!)

There is no admission charge, we'll have free food and drinks and lots of AWESOME auction items.  Businesses in town have been WONDERFUL to us and their generosity is going to help keep us skiing and skiing fast.  The support of the community up here is just another reason why I love Alaska.  (I will post a list of auction items and donors shortly!)

But back to the actual skiing....

We had a beautiful stretch of weather mid-April and I did my best to take advantage of the high pressure system.  Alaska in the spring can be an AMAZING place and I have pictures to prove it:

Skiing Portage with Chrissy!

Chrissy May :) 

Looking at Portage Glacier and friends skiing in the distance

Looking over Passage Canal, Prince William Sound

Beautiful Alaskan Glacier Ice 

Me, Kikkan & Jeff + some Norwegian visitors

Lots of Alaskans were able to accomplish the "crust-corn" double this year.... crust ski in the morning and then corn ski in the afternoon either at Alyeska or BC. It's simply the best!

We also had some other adventures trying to ski Moose Pass to Whittier but the conditions shut us down. The low snow year didn't help... 

We did have one of the more gorgeous camp sites though!

Holly, Rob & Dylan 

Grant Lake in the background - a great place to ski if you've never done so

The end of the trip

Unstructured skiing has been a blast but here are a couple of key shots from the end of the races in Sun Valley.  Rick & the crew did an outstanding job of hosting Distance Nationals/Super Tour Finals this year - I know that everyone is hoping that they'll host again next year! 

The one and only Chandra "GaGa" Crawford!

My sister Robin was an awesome cheer leader - thanks Robs! 

APU casualities after the hill climb up Dollar Mountain! 

Here I am with flowers and pottery at the rainy awards ceremony!

Sun Valley also represented the end of the season and I skied to and held onto some decent awards, all of which were firsts for me! Those include Super Tour Overall Champion, Super Tour Distance/Sprint Champion & Grand National Champion (when all five US Championship races are combined) ... then I was able to secure second place in the overall mini-tour with a good hill climb on the last day.

..... that's it for now!  I'll be back to regular blogs, I promise!  Lots of fun exciting stuff coming up in the next couple of months!  As my friend Lori says, "Do what you love, love what you do!" 

~Holly :)