Ski Triathlon Day

Me and my new classic skis from Finn Sisu

It was ten above and sunny today, so I decided to do a ski triathlon. First, I got my new classic Yoko skis and classic boots on and got on the newly groomed trails along the Red River to Lindenwood Park. I then walked over the bridge to Gooseberry Park, where I have been skiing in my own loop on a regular basis this winter. I zig zag back and forth up the hill, descend at the entrance to the park, and then ski in my relay race field (four parallel tracks). After skiing everything in a few times, I skied back, passing my house and going all the way to the dog park, where the trail originates. Tracks were in great condition! This took about 90 minutes.

Then I went back to the house and switched into skate boots and got my old Fishcher RCS skate skis. At first, it felt awkward. I was using some new Madshus skate boots I bought at Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis last weekend. The boot is significantly stiffer than my old Rossignol skate boots. Also, I have only skate skied once this winter because i have been training to do the Birkebeiner in classic technique this year. Soon enough, however, my body adjusted, and soon I was flying over the snow (or so it felt to me). I have MISSED skate skiing. It is so fast and rhythmic. I did the whole trail once, stopping a few times to stretch a bit because my hips get a bit tight when I have not been skate skiing regularly.

For the third part of my triathlon, I went home and got into my recreational ski boots and grabbed our waxless skis. I put on the harness and got Noko and his harness. We then skijored out to the rocks and back on our own little trail that I have been skiing in all winter. I skied for a total of three hours, using three different ski techniques. I was quite tired at the end!

Best part of today's ski--the SUPER SPARKLY snow. There was one part in Gooseberry where it looked like little stars were floating just above the surface of the snow. It looked magical! The photo does not do it justice, but hints at the beauty.