Canadian Birkebeiner XC Skiing Race 2014 @ Blackfoot (Alberta Premier Loppet Race Series) #1

Saturday February 8th, I finished overall 247th place out of 592 results and in my (30-39) men's age group 36th place out of 69 results, It took me 3hrs 37mins. It was classic style and it was a total of 31 Kms long. Average heart rate =175bpm Max =193bpm, Elevation gain 3,719 feet. This was my first XC Skiing race (classic style) and considering I have only started classic skiing in December 2013 and have gone classic skiing 8 times ever. I had a really fast start and I was skiing way faster than my normal pace. At the 20km mark it had taken me 2hrs 10mins and was skiing really strong. It took me 22mins longer the last 11kms than my pace I had started out at. Then at the 23km mark I hit the wall as I bonked and my legs then started to get cramps and sore at the same time. It was at that point where I was just trying to hang on and I only stopped once for a minute to take in some energy chews. My Mom came to the start @(Unkranian Culture Heritage Village) and the finish @(Blackfoot) for the race and that was a huge support as it made me dig really deep to finish the race, even though my body was saying otherwise. I ended up on the trails at the end with my United Cycle Bike Race teammate Stew H and he got me at the line by two minutes with a great performance. I am really happy with the race and I beat my goal. Temerature was -24 deg c. Thanks to canadianbirkie.com and all the volunteers for puting on the race and for braving the cold weather. Thank you Fast Trax Ski Shop Sean R for waxing my glide zone and Patrick M for his wax lessions and their entire staff for their support. I also wanted to thank Lana O for giving great skiing lessons.






Mass start and I am under the start sign in red toque. pic by Mom



 



Mass start, this is where I tried to get a good place. pic by Mom

Pic by http://janstudios.com/

pic by http://janstudios.com/

pic by http://janstudios.com/

pic by http://janstudios.com/



 



As I come to the line just buried as I can hardly move. pic by Mom

 

 

 

 

 

Myself and Stew H post race. pic by Mom
 

February 2013/2014 Non Contact Hockey League

Wed 26th, (Game #22)
@ 10:45pm, CallingWood Arena Rangers vs. Whos Your Daddy (L 2-0) I was on the ice for both goals against. I thought I played ok considering I was in Victoria yesterday. Our triple J line had some shifts with prolonged pressure down low. Our other two forward lines had some really good chances. Our defence played strong. I thought we out played them just slightly but it came down to who could capitalize on their chances and they did.

Sat 15th, (Game #21)
@ 10:45pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Ice Kings (L 5-2) We definitely got out played however I felt that we were skating with them. I saw our entire team play the best that we could. The Ice Kings have some really good players and I thought we did a good job of containing them. First star Scott I kept the score close with save after save including a great save on a break away. Second star Leonard L 1A and was carrying the puck and stick handling. Third star Harry A was breaking up scoring chances with his active stick.

Mon 3rd, (Game #20)
@ 10:45pm, Millwoods Arena Rangers vs. Puck University (W 5-2) We skated hard all night. I thought it was a fairly evenly matched game with both teams having sustained offensive pressure. Our sub goalie Blake M made a great save in the third period reaching back with the puck on the goal line. First star Dallas H 2G & 1A strong back check as well. Second star Jeff L 1G & 1A short handed goal. Third star James S 1G & 1A with a lazer shot with only one second left in the game.

February 2014 Training

Tues 25th,  MTB ride @ Victoria, BC for 1 hour, Average heart rate=159 Max=183, Elevation gain 518 ft, km's 13

Sun 16th, XC Skiing (Classic style) for 1hr 17mins @ Goldbar Park to Goldstick Park. Average heart rate =141 Max =178. Elevation gain 1,240 feet. Km's 10

Thurs 13th, Spin @ home for 1 hour, Average heart rate=114 Max=148, Avg rpm=86, km's 20

Sun 2nd, Spin @ home for 1 hour, Average heart rate=151 Max=184, Avg rpm=88, km's 26

Sat 1st, Spin @ home for 1 hour 30mins, Average heart rate=138 Max=161, Avg rpm=86, km's 34