Winner Catherine J.

What did I learn at the Ely Invitational meet that will help me be better prepared for the next meet?

As I stepped off of the bus last night, I was a very happy person. I had just raced the best ski race of my life, and I had plenty of reasons to explain that.

During the spring and summer of 2011, I had dedicated myself to training. I made a promise to myself that I would get myself into racing-shape. I always keep my promises. I went running after school every day following the end of ski season, as soon as I got home from school. I looked up training plans online to help me get an idea for what it was I wanted to achieve. The short-term goal I had in mind for myself was the Garry Bjourkland half-marathon, so my first training plan was an intermediate half marathon training plan. I made a habit of writing down every workout that I did. My training log starts on March 1, 2011, and is continuous until today. I quickly discovered that in creating new habits, like running or working out every day, that is was much more enjoyable to work out and run. In June 2011, I ran the half marathon, finishing in 2 hours and 6 minutes. I cut 48 minutes from my time from 2010, and what’s more, I never stopped running the entire race. I didn’t stop or take any breaks at all. I was so proud of myself, because I knew that I had worked for it. I didn’t “get” into shape; I earned into shape.

This year, I have already noticed many differences in my performance. I had the cross-country running season of a lifetime this year, rising to become the fourth-place Marshall varsity runner and scoring multiple personal records on courses that in previous years had exhausted me. In skiing so far, though we’ve only had one meet and the snowfall is dismal, I’ve felt stronger and faster than I ever have before.

Yet still, in the back of my mind, I doubted. This doubt was not new to me; it’s something I’ve struggled with for many years, mostly because of my not-so-outstanding races in both cross country running and nordic skiing. When I slid up to the line on Tuesday, I briefly wondered how much of a difference, if at all, my training would make. The countdown began, and as I got ready, I dared myself to beat the girl I would be starting with.

The race began and I double-poled for my life! I was even with the other girl for fifty meters, and then, I shot ahead. My strength won, and the conditioning, the months of waking up at 5 a.m. (in the summer!) to run, the hundreds of push-ups and pull-ups, and countless sit-ups and crunches, helped me finish in front of her by a good two and a half minutes. It wasn’t just the thrill of beating someone else in a race, though, that was so rewarding; it was the reasons for that personal victory that mattered to me. It was the fact that I had done 100% of the work to make that happen.

When I finished that race, I was exhausted. My throat was raw from breathing so hard and my legs and arms shook. But I was happy. I had destroyed my past-self, and now I was a racer. Before this fall, I only ever felt like one of those kids who goes out for a sport because they’re forced, or because they’re not athletic enough to play football or soccer.

But now, this time around, I feel like a competitor. I am an opponent this time. I am confident, not only in my racing but in myself. That’s the most important part, to me. I know now that I’ve done the work, that I have put myself in a very good place, physically speaking, so that cross country running and skiing would go well, and I don’t doubt anymore.

So as I wrap up my essay on the things I learned at the Ely meet, I’ve come to understand that, for me at least, it isn’t so much about what I learned, as it is about what I’ve realized. I realized that I am strong, that I can push so much harder that I ever could have dreamed of doing before. I realized that I could reach beyond what I thought were my boundaries now. I now know that the visions of success that I had always dreamed about for years, of standing on a podium, of getting medals, of being in newspapers, were just a façade, that the true vision of a champion was someone who was bent over at the point of utter exhaustion when no one else was watching. I got myself into shape when no one was looking. I didn’t have a personal coach or trainer, I didn’t ask for help or publicize my journey; I simply did. I finished morning runs at 6:45, when the world was just waking up. But I had already taken another step to greatness. Maybe that greatness will never earn me a front-page place in the newspaper, maybe I’ll never get a medal, maybe I’ll never place first in a race, but guess what? The rewards I have already been reaping are a thousand time better than any medal, than any brief snapshot in fame, any place in a race. It’s my personal achievements that I celebrate, and with the confidence and drive I have, that desire and ability that I no longer doubt, I will race again, and in myself, I will win again.

And our runner up…Gates L

My First Ski Race

“3, 2, 1 Go!” Was what I heard
as I watched fabulous skiers before me,
waiting for their turn on the normal winter day

It wasn’t normal for me
racing,
competing,
on snow.

I am used to the hard warmth of the court
as I run back and forth
hitting a little yellow ball.
But not cold soft snow

I am used to tying up tennis shoes,
not buckling up my boots.
I am used to swinging my serve,
not sliding my skis.

But here it comes
the 3, 2, 1, Go
This time is for me.
I am ready.

Two Harbors Invitational
@ Mt. Itasca
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Results can be found here

Photos can be found here

Note Change in Venue!!

Format: Classic Skiing 2 skiers starting every 30 seconds

Varsity Boys/Girls – ~5K classic, 2 laps

JV Boys/Girls – ~5K classic, 2 laps

JH Boys/Girls – ~3K classic, 2 laps

Schedule:

Bus leaves Marshall School at 7:30 AM and Returns at 6:00 pm

10:00 a.m.    Bibs available for pick-up (in timing building)

10:30 a.m.    Coaches Meeting (in timing building)

11:00 a.m.    Boys Varsity

The rest of the start times are approximate and will depend on the total number of skiers in the race.

~11:45 a.m.  Girls Varsity

~12:30 p.m. Boys JV

~1:15 p.m.   Girls JV

~2:00 p.m.   Boys JH

~2:45 p.m.   Girls JH
Awards: Will be given to the top ten skiers in each race at the end of the day when all of the results are in.

There will be concessions!

Coaches Information

Entries Due: 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30^th

Send your entries to Steve Deschene: http://www.boreal.org/~durfee/

Cost:   $5 per skier (no cap).  Make checks out to Two Harbors High School.

Please pay the day of the race or if needed, send to:

Sara Byrns, Nordic Ski Coach

Two Harbors High School

1640 Hwy 2

Two Harbors, MN 55616

Questions:

Contact        Rachel Howard    cell: 218-464-3210     or     email: rhoward@isd381.k12.mn.us

Or            Sara Byrns:         home: 525-1404      or        email sbyrns@isd381.k12.mn.us

Ely Timberwolf Invitational

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011

Mt. Itasca Ski Area

Results are posted here

Photos of the meet can be found here

Varsity Boys/Girls – 5K classic, 3 laps

JV Boys/Girls – 5K classic, 3 laps

JH Boys/Girls – 3.2K classic, 2 laps

Bus Leaves Marshall at 8:00 am Returns at ~6:00pm

Coaches meeting at 10:30 am

Girls’ Varsity – 11:00 am

The rest of the start times are approximate and will depend on the total number of skiers in the race.

Boys’ Varsity – approx. 11:45

Girls’ JV – approx. 12:30

Boys’ JV – approx. 1:15

Girls’ JH –approx. 2:00

Boys’ JH –approx. 2:45

Awards for 1st-10^th place – Var/JV/ JH

Concessions will be available.  Questions? call Paula Anderson at 218-365-2785 (home), 218-349-6231 (cell) or e-mail – elypaulaxc@gmail.com.

Coaches Information

$5.00 entry fee per skier; no cap.  Please make checks out to:  Ely Nordic Wolves, thanks.  Checks can be mailed to:  Gail Gustafson, 2350 Birchwood Lane Ely, MN  55731, or pay at bib pick up.

Entries are due to Steve at www.boreal.org/~durfee by Saturday, Dec. 17th, by 5 pm.

Attention all Marshall students grades 7-12, you are invited to join the Marshall Nordic Ski team!  Our preseason meeting will be held Wednesday, November 2 at 3:15 in the afternoon in Mr. DJ’s room.  Practice begins on Monday, November 14 at 3:20 in the upper school commons.  Come dressed to run and workout outdoors.  Think hat, gloves, long underwear, wind proof coat and pants and good running shoes.

Neither wind nor cold  kept the Marshall Nordic Team from giving its all at the 2011 Section 7 State Qualifier at Giants Ridge on Thursday, February 10. Subzero temperatures delayed the start by an hour, but the team worked hard to keep Marshall in the hunt for a state berth. Joe Fairbanks, in a bravura performance, surged to a state-qualifying finish. Illness amongst several team members was an issue, but thankfully the team is young, and there will be a new season in just eight short months to put the lessons of this year to good use. Think snowy thoughts and let’s hope that this year, we once again have snow on the first offical day of the CCSki season to get things off to a fast start. Thanks to all the coaches, parents and supporters for a good season, and a big “Great job!” to the skiers for the time, effort and dedication invested in their sport.

The Marshall Nordic Coaching staff is proud to announce that Sarah Johnson (09) is a member of the University of Wyoming Nordic Ski team currently participating in the World University Games in Erzurum, Turkey.

Sarah is a sophomore at the U of Wyo, majoring in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Sarah was a captain of the Marshall Nordic Team her junior and senior years. During her senior year, Sarah captured the conference individual title and qualified for the state meet.

As a college freshman she attended the College of St. Scholastica running cross country and skiing on the CSS Nordic Ski team.

The World University Games (second in importance only to the Olympic games) are held winter and summer every two years under the direction of the International University Sports Federation The IUSF website states that:  The FISU (International University Sports Federation) was formed within university institutions in order to promote sporting values and encourage sporting practice in harmony with, and complementary to, the university spirit.

More information about how the University of Wyoming team was selected to represent the United States can be found here: link to Casper Star Tribune article

Good luck to Sarah and all the members of the University of Wyoming Ski Team!

2011 Cook County Invitational Pursuit Race

Date: Friday, February 4, 2011.

Where: Pincushion Mtn Ski Area On the Gunflint Trail.

Results can be found here

Videos of Marshall skiers can be found here

Race Report from Kris Jarocki:

Coaches meeting & bib pickup 9:30 AM at Pincushion warming house.

ORDER OF START (Enter as many skiers as you want)

10:30 am start running clock. Racers double start at 30 second intervals.

Event

Boy’s Varsity Freestyle 5K

Girl’s Varsity Freestyle 5K

Boy’s Jr High Classic 2.5K

Girl’s Jr High Classic 2.5K

2:00 pm restart running clock (20 minute gap between last Boy/first Girl)

Event

Boy’s Varsity 5K Classic Pursuit Starts

Boy’s Varsity 5K Classic Only (double interval starts)

Girl’s Varsity 5K Classic Pursuit Starts

Girl’s Varsity 5K Classic Only (double interval starts)

NOTE: The Jr. High race is for classical technique only and shall be for up through the 9th grade. Varsity skiers can ski both races (pursuit), or just either one. The classic varsity pursuit skiers will begin in the order of their freestyle finish at the interval they finished behind the leader. Individual classic only skiers will follow behind pursuit skiers. Note, however, that skiers entering only one race will not count for the team score. Only pursuit skiers will count towards team scores,

FOOD! THERE WILL BE HOMEMADE SOUPS, BREAD, BARS AND DRINKS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE, SO LEAVE THE PB&J SANDWICHES AT HOME!

AWARDS:

Individual top 10 in classic, freestyle, pursuit and Jr. High events. Medals 1-5,Ribbons 6-10 Team plaques 1-2-3.

Award presentations will be at Pincushion warming house immediately following race.

The Grand Marais Municipal Pool (with whirlpool & sauna) will be open from noon to 8PM. A book of 10 tickets can be purchased there…Make a day of it!

Coaches Information

Start Lists must be received by 6PM Wednesday, February, 2 2011.

Cost: $5 per skier. Make checks payable to North Superior Ski & Run Club.

Send to: Steve Deschene timing@boreal.org , or on website www.boreal.org/~durfee.

Phone Dick Swanson at 218-370-1119 (if you have questions, no phone entries please!)

Directions: (Co. Rd. 12 is the Gunflint Trail – go through “downtown” Grand Marais, turn left onto the Gunflint Trail, go about three miles to the Pincushion scenic overlook (Pincushion Drive) and turn right. Warming house and primitive toilets on site.

LSC Meet

Snowflake Nordic Center

January 31, 2011

2:00: Bib pick-up

2:30: Coaches meeting

3:00: Racing begins – 3K Boys skate followed by 3KGirls skate

4:30: (approx) 3K boys classic followed by 3K Girls classic

Note:  This is a varsity race.  Exhibition skiers are allowed to race in order to help coaches pick a section team.  Please only enter varsity level skiers.  Also, classic start times are by predetermined start list and are not related to skate finish (pursuit).

Team:  A team is defined as 7 skiers who ski both events.  Be sure to differentiate your Team vs Exhibition skiers for Steve.

Scoring:  Scoring is the same as the section and state procedure -  the top 4 combined time skiers on each team count for the team score.

All-Conference Team:  The top 10 combined time skiers

Cost:  The LSC pays for the 7 boys and 7 girls skiers for each team.  Exhibition skiers will be charged $5.00 per skier, and checks should be made out to Snowflake Nordic.

Entries:  Please submit your entries to Steve by 8:00 pm Friday at:   www.boreal.org/~durfee

Questions:  email djohnson@marshallschool.org

Thanks!

Jim Vos

Proctor Hermantown Nordic – “RAILHAWKS”

“THE CLASSIC SORENSON”

(Proctor Invite)

Friday, January 14^th, 2011

Proctor/Hermantown Nordic invites you to a classic race on the beautiful Spirit Mtn. trails.  This will be a fun and challenging course that also pays tribute to the man that brought Nordic Skiing to Proctor High School back in the late 1900s!

Format:

Racers will start in pairs every 30 seconds.  Varsity and Junior Varsity will ski 5 Km races and Junior High will ski 3 Km.  All courses will be a single loop and there should be about a 10 minute break between races.

Schedule:

11:30 a.m.. – Bibs available

12:30 p.m. – Coaches Meeting

1:00 p.m. – Racing Begins

Race Order:

Boys Varsity

Girls Varsity

Boys Junior Varsity

Girls Junior Varsity

Boys Junior High

Girls Junior High

Awards: 1^st – 10^th place, Varsity, JV & JH

Coaches Information

Cost: $5.00 entry fee per skier.  Please make checks payable to: Proctor Nordic Ski and mail to – Proctor High School c/o Jim Vos, 131 9^th Ave, Proctor MN. 55810 or pay at bib pick-up.

Entries are due to Steve at www.boreal.org/~durfee by Tuesday, Jan. 11^th at 5pm.

Directions and Parking: Exit #249 from I35 and follow signs toward Spirit Mt. Recreational center.  Stay on W.Skyline Parkway .7 miles to Nordic Center.  Bus parking will be available just past the Nordic Center on the opposite side of Skyline Parkway (left) in the Alpine Coaster parking lot.  From there skiers will be able to cross the road and put on their skis for warm-ups in the lower campground loop or to ski to the Start/Finish at the Nordic Chalet.

Confused? Call Jim Vos (218) 340-7561 or email at jvos@proctor.k12.mn.us

PS: “Lite Concessions” will be available.