23k

Among 16,000+ skiers this weekend, I attempted a challenging, yet very fun race on the Birkie trail. I took part of the American Birkibiner Race-the largest nordic skiing race in North America. Instead of attempting the 54 kilometers of the full Birkie (Well, since I am not 18 I couldn't even attempt it), I skiied the 23k Kortelopet. I have never raced anything longer than a 10k. I was a little nervous. It proved to be very fun. Having the satisfaction of passing hundreds (literally) of skiers, while racing made me feel pretty good, the only drawback was that I started in wave 6, which made full on racing the course challenging as the trails were pretty chopped up. But it was deffinetly still fun! I finished in 1 hour and 38 minutes (contrary to the Birkie results, which has my results listed wrong). I got 2nd place overall in my age group! The only prize I got for doing so well is a very sore body! Ohhhh well! It was worth it!
With the Birkie, I completed 6 years of high school nordic racing. In those six years, I have lettered 5 times (I got my first letter in 8th grade); made all conference 3(?) times; All section 2 times; gone to State 4 times (twice on the relay, and twice individually), won the Mesabi East Invite (biggest high school race in North America) JV skate race by 1 minute, and have been part of 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place Minnesota State Teams. I would say it was a pretty good 6 years! Besides all of the accomplishments I achieved, I have made some fantastic memories, fabulous friends, and had some fast skis. I am looking forward to the day when I can teach my kids the joy of skiing.

Until Next Time,

Miss Sass A Frass