February 24, 2015

Favorites February 2015

It was a beautiful day in northern Wisconsin last Saturday for the 42^nd American Birkebeiner marathon.

We had a two day window on Friday and Saturday with temperatures in the teens —the days preceding and days after the race eked out highs of only -1 and -4 Fahrenheit…a recipe for frostbite, hypothermia and frozen corneas during a race. I’m sure the dozens of medics and ski patrol were also relieved for the mild weather. Having witnessed hypothermia for the first time a few years ago (while hanging out in a medic tent with my honey and his frozen corneas) I got a glimpse of how serious it is and how people are oblivious they have already slipped into its clutches—they think they are warm and completely fine, then a few minutes later are shaking uncontrollably as they begin to thaw. So double hurrah for the hospitable weather that day.

Check out the day’s Birkie Video for a little taste of the day.

A 6:50 a.m. through-the-car-window glimpse of Scott at a skier drop-off spot as they wait to be bussed to Telemark Lodge and the Start Line. The lines got longer as more skiers arrived—at these larger races there is a lot of waiting around in cold temperatures so participants have to work to stay warm, relaxed (maybe relaxed isn’t the right word for pre-race emotions) and mentally ready.

The half-way point just before the “00” feed station where the spectators are watching some of the lead skaters come up the hill.

Mr. Red Coat was one of the French coaches ready to hand off supplemental beverage-fuel to his skiers. The nearly hidden second body in the picture is the French skier drafting the front skier. As in biking, etiquette is to take turns being in front so one person doesn’t do all the work of leading.

Spectators cheer on the skiers at the Finish Line on Main Street in downtown Hayward. I’m not an action photographer and the experience of trying to get a decent shot at a ski race gives me great awe for those who get those magic motion moments on pixel!

People took home thousands of tales from another day in the snowy north woods— most of the stories were about stretching beyond limits, suffering, and camaraderie. Ah, the joys and the agonies of pushing boundaries…I’ll say it again that racing is a curious phenomena! Congratulations to all the participants, volunteers, organizers, community, and family members for creating an amazing event.