Sure Signs of Fall...

Yes, it is hard to believe that October is already coming to a close... snow is in the forecast and day light savings ends next week! While these are sure sings of fall, the close of the cross-country season, the annual fall Idaho Nordic Clinic and hiking in snow-covered Sawtooth Mountains are as well.

The Community School Cross-Country running season came to an end this past week with Districts. Unfortunately, several of the runners were struck with sickness and were not able to run or run to their full potential. Despite our low attendance, we had some great performances from Torin Tucker and Morgan Atikinson, both of whom qualified for state! Congratulations to both of them!

Katie, running her heart out!

Last week, Colin and I had the opportunity to coach a dry-land clinic for the Idaho Nordic Ski Club, based out of Boise, Idaho. Two sessions focusing on technique were offered, one for double pole and the other for skate. Once technique was reviewed and improved, we put it into practice with some speeds and sprint relays. It is always fun to help the Idaho Nordic crew and witness the vast improvements they make. Good job team!

An attentive group of Idaho Nordic skiers

Tristen, demonstrating some good double-pole technique

A close finish for the Pitt brothers

Today, I went for a wonderful over-distance run/hike in the Sawtooth Mountains! My lack of playing in the mountains this summer made me appreciate what I missed out on. The mountain tops are covered in snow!

A snowy hike in the Sawtooth's

A view of Sawtooth Lake

Snow is in the forecast for this week! We will see how much accumulates and whether or not it will be enough to strap the skis on and tromp around. I'll be sure to let you know if such a thing happens.

Lake Placid Wrap-Up

The Lake Placid Camp at the Olympic Training Center concluded Wednesday with the annual Climb to the Castle time trial. Anyone who has done it, knows how grueling and tough this race is! It is a five-mile climb up the Whiteface Mountain toll road and gains a total elevation of 3,500 feet. It is one thing to race up the road in the first place and it is another thing to race up the road in adverse weather conditions. Weather was not on our side on Wendesday and racers toughed out the rain, wind, fog and sleet!

The lead woman's pack, charging up the mountain through the fog!

Wednesday was definitely a mental race! I went into the race excited and ready to put the hurt on. The first two miles of the race started at a comfortable pace with a long train of girls. The pace gradually picked up as the race progressed, slowly breaking up the pack. I positioned myself in the middle of the pack and made an effort to close the gap when girls dropped off. By the third mile, the train broke up and I was with the front pack of five girls. The weather began to change and the fog, wind and rain began to settle in...the tough part of the race was on! I tried to stick with the pack but they slowly pulled away from me. Before I knew it, I was all by myself. Once you get dropped from the pack, it is very difficult to catch up by yourself. I kept my head down and worked as hard as I could against the wind. At one point, the wind was so strong that I was hardly moving! I anticipated the pack of girls behind me to catch me, but I was pleasantly surprised when I crossed the finish line by myself, one minute ahead of anyone else. I finished 6th over-all, two minutes behind the top female. This was a good and encouraging result for me, but I still have a two-minute gap to work on.

I am currently spending the week in Vermont with my boyfriend, and enjoying some rest and recovery after such an intese camp. The fall colors in the east are always amazing and beautiful!

Level 4 bounding intervals up Whiteface.

I am headed back to Kethcum on Thursday. Five inches of snow fell in Kethcum last week, enough to put the skis on and tromp around. I'm sure it has melted by now, but I am looking forward to some snow and maybe some early skiing this season. Until then, I will enjoy the beautiful scenery in the east!