Transitions
In the 3 weeks since the GRP skiers have been back from Lake Placid we’ve quickly rounded the corner into fall. It’s really nice to have some time in Craftsbury because from here on out we’ll be making a major transition into traveling to camps and races. This time of year also marks the transition from the long volume days of summer into the fun stuff: time trials, speeds, and “go until your legs are on fire and lungs pop” interval sessions. I say, bring on the speed! On the schedule this week for the skiers are two time trials, a Roll Run Row triathlon, and a slew of fun races during Oktoberfest weekend. Then we’re off to Utah for a three week high altitude camp at Soldier Hollow and Park City.
The change in the seasons this year seems especially dramatic, and I hear there’s some snow in the mountains above PC, so we’ll definitely be sporting some wooly Ibex gear to stay warm next week!
Here’s summertime in Lake Placid, just two weeks ago:
View from the adirondack chairs on the side of Mirror Lake, Lake Placid during one of our off days
The autumn scene in Craftsbury:
Fall colors from Elinor’s field
And…winter:
Snow in Park City, BRRR! Photo from Park City Lodging
Speaking of transitions, we did a great skate speed session in LP that mostly focused on quick changes: V2 to V1, starts, and cornering. We don’t have that many rollerski pics on the blog so I figured I would throw up a couple pictures even though they’re a little old.
Skate speeds at the jump complex in Lake Placid. Here I am with speedy juniors Julia Kern and Mary O’Connell
Andrew (in red shorts) cruising over the top of a hill
Another highlight (depending on how you looked at it) was a classic team sprint in an absolute downpour. The standing water on the course got so deep at points that it sprayed our entire bodies. Epic but cold workout.
Patrick leading the classic sprint train on some wet trails
It’s hard to tell from this picture, but we were soaked to the bone. It was a get tough kind of day!
Then there’s this gem:
A classic “back of the van” picture from Climb to the Castle. Can you tell how excited everyone is that they just climbed Whiteface?! Luckily we still have over 300 days until next year’s edition..
I took advantage of our last easy week to go down to New Hampshire and visit some college friends and also see my UNH coaches Cory and Steve! It was a really nice break; it’s always good to reset the clock and come back to training mode refreshed. Along the way, I made the trip to North Conway to hike Mt. Washington on one of the most beautiful days of the fall. Anya Bean, who I skied with on the UNH team, took this shot from near the top.
photo cred Anya Bean
Thanks for reading, and if you’re in the area there’s still time to sign up for the Oktoberfest events this weekend! Check out the website, there are some awesome events, great food, and really cool prizes.
http://www.craftsbury.com/general/about/news/Oktoberfest13_130820.htm