XC Ski race (Half Noquemanon classic) 1:57:53 [4] 24.0 km (4:55 / km)
Noquemanon! Decided to do the half instead of the full because I was having some shoulder issues on previous skis. No problems today. I'm thinking maybe all the snow shoveling was contributing to the shoulder issue. Anyway, the snow was super slow today because of the 3 degree temps. I was super excited for our new ski suits but it was too cold so I had to wear warmer layers.
It was a tough one, but totally beautiful out there. First K was on the shared course with the full marathon. Then, we split off for 5K on a different trail (presumably to spread us out before meeting back up with the 50Kers.) This part of the course felt pretty much ungroomed. If you wanted to pass, good luck. As soon as you stepped out of the track, it was like the brakes were on and you couldn't pass. So, follow-the-leader/tour for 5K until we got back onto the main course, where I could finally get around people again. Was happy to see Rebecca, one of my HH/CCSS teammates doing the 50K. I normally can't keep up with her, but I stuck with her for a long time until I decided to re-zip my boot, which always seems to come unzipped. Had a good ski to the finish except for one point when I came down a steep hill with a rutted out turn at the bottom. I freaked out and ended up crashing. Oops! The tracks weren't that great on the trail, but the wind just blew everything out on the last 2K. The choice was between icy packed trail where I felt like Bambi on the ice or in the soft drift on the side. Toughed it out to the end and fought off a challenger.
I was entirely shocked to find out that I took 2nd overall for the women out of 49. Very happy with that!