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US
Nationals Day 1: Freestyle Sprint
1.3.2009
Top
10 at US Nationals has been a goal of mine since high school.
I have had some really good races over the year, but I have
never achieved this goal. I have raced at a level clearly
within the top 10 in the nation, but for some reason things
haven't come together for me at a National Championship
race. Until now.
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Great
Races in Silver Star: CXC Men go 1, 3, 5, 6
12.18.2009
Last weekend's racing up in Silver Star was one of the strongest
team performances for CXC. In Saturday's 15km race we had
4 guys in the top 6. The women had a strong day too, but really
came on during Sunday's sprint with 3 in the final. It is
great to see the team racing so well. Everyone is healthy
and I that fact, as well as our results are a reflection of
great planning, smooth travel and excellent organization.
It has been a great help to have the support of Bryan Fish,
Igor Badompshin, and Brandon Ostroot for ski waxing, selection,
feeds, logistics, planning and all.
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Snow
Day for a Cross Country Skier 12.10.2009
The last 5 weeks I have been very focused in my training,
racing and recovery. The races in West were a strong start
to the season, and I felt even better about my performances
in Bozeman. No spotlight races, but very consistent across
distance, sprint, classic and skate which has been a major
goal of mine the past few years. We are now up in Silver Star,
BC getting ready for this weekends NorAm. All of the non-World
Cup skiers from North American are here. It will be a highly
competitive race. For the Canadians, the winner of the race
earns a spot on the Olympic Team and the Americans are out
to beat the Canadians. After a good hard day of intervals
in the morning and strength this afternoon, today was a recovery
day. Matt, Karl and I went for a long circumnavigation of
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Week
One of Racing Complete
11.16.2009
3 races and a 31 pound turkey made last week
a busy one. In addition to the races, one of my favorite
parts of the West Yellowstone ski festival is getting to
see, ski and talk with so many of my friends and family.
My Mom and Dad made the trip from Washington and I always
enjoy having them at the races. Most of my best races have
been when my parents are on the course cheering. The do
a great job to of providing me with splits and video of
me and my competitors. The town of West Yellowstone has
certainly quieted down and there are just a few teams training
before heading down to Bozeman, this weekends' host to the
SuperTour.
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West
Yellowstone 15km Freestyle Race
11.22.2009
3 CXC men finished in the money today (top 6). Just returned
to the hotel after the first distance race of the season.
Solid day for the CXC men. Garrott led the team with a 2nd
place. A great finish to go with his sprint win on Wednesday.
I felt good today.
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Great
Skiing in West Yellowstone 11.17.2009
Strangely enough today was actually Day 5 at altitude and
Day 4 on snow for the winter and this is the first time I
have posted pictures. We left Hayward last Thursday and made
it into West with enough daylight for an easy evening ski.
Today was the first day of intervals and they were awesome. |
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Sean
McCabe: a Friend, a Teacher, an Inspiration
11.16.2009
I decided that I wanted to be a professional
cross country ski racer when I was 15 years old, during
a 72 hour fast in the High Sierras of California. Sean my
friend and teacher made the trip possible. Every year he
applied for a scholarship for two high school students to
attend an Outward Bound course. He and his wife Laura are
two of my greatest role models and inspirations in life.
They. Sitting near that stream many of the life goals I
wrote down were a reflection of my goal to be like Sean.
I still have my old journal and list of goals, several of
which have been achieved. In May, Sean was diagnosed with
thyroid cancer and given two weeks. Sadly Sean passed away
last Saturday. Sean has made a great influence in so many
lives and I will miss my friend greatly.
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