Training Log Archive: ernst

Testing whether I'd be able to race this coming Saturday in the 30k White Mt. Classic, given my recovering from lower back spasms. I feel more confident now but still a bit cautious. Did the Ellis River trail to Winneweta Falls highpoint and back. About 90% double poling with limited forward bending (still stiff from spasms) all on my Atomic NX10 no-wax skis. Tracks were hard packed and fast, so actually ideal: No-wax skis means better upper body work-out which is exactly what I wanted. Popped a couple of Ibuprofens afterwards and was very careful packing the car - had to return home after 3 days in Jackson. Also kept pushing my left leg against footrest while driving to circulate blood to avoid stiffening up.

C • Jackson race 2

Event: UNO: Great Glen Trails Ski-O
 

Hanging controls/epunches for Great Glen Ski-O. Had everything bagged meticulously in sets of 6, in order to minimize having to fiddle with stuff while on route. Starting temp -10 F, then going to a balmy -2.5 when I finished, luckily no wind. By the time the sun came up, could have sworn it was 25 degrees, that's how it felt. Still I froze my two middle fingers on both hands (using liner gloves for tying strings, then mittens for skiing in between). Well I am used to it, happens about ten times each winter...now tingling for a few days.

Shuffling around in my no-wax skis at Bear Notch Ski Touring (with dog), in a manner so I would not aggravate my lower back. I am terrified of another muscle sprain/spasm - need to be able to set controls early morning tomorrow for GGT Ski-O. Snow cover was very good,Temps at 5 - 10 F, with a breeze, had to cover my cheeks on the down hills. Not great for glide, which was fine with me. Did not need extra wind-chill. Also have not had time nor strength to do any waxing in the last two weeks. So, skis were slow. Up trails 1 &2, then 19 via snow mobile trail, then down 19a (black diamond!) and back up 2, then down 5 to Rt 302, and finally another loop around the fields.
Not bad for a recovering cripple. Loaded my trace onto GPS watch. Will download later - hope to start working on a Ski-O map soon. The owners (the Garlands) seem to be very supportive. Has potential for sprint on the river side (N or 302) and a middle distance on the Bartlett forest side (S of 302).

Course Setting for Ski-O at GGT, actually just scouting usable locations for E controls and also trail and grooming updating, some have changed. Also additional fieldchecking. Conditions are just about ideal for ski-O. Was able to reasonably ski without much effort anywhere in open woods off trails. Occasional touching of branches. Looking forward to the event.