On Vacation

** The February 26 is cancelled **

The two primary organizers of the Tuesday night activities are out of state. I apologize for the delayed posting. Regular activities will resume next Tuesday, March 4 at 6:00PM.

I'm not sure what the weather is like in Duluth, but there is plenty of good running conditions here. We will plan on hitting the running trails, if possible next week. Check back anytime next Tuesday.

Ready to run?

** CANCELLED DUE TO WINDCHILL ADVISORY, CHECK BACK AT 11:00 AM FOR UPDATE **
Date: Tuesday, February 19 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Hartley Nature Center Parking Lot
Activity: Trail Running
Weather: -16F + windchill! (updated forecast)
Gear Req'd: Head Lamp, trail shoes (Icebugs or YakTrax recommended)
Trail Conditions: A bit icy / slippery with nominal powder cover

Objective: Get back to our running roots! We may try to get another ski in before the end of that season, but it is now time to start building up the running base again.

Skiing at Snowflake (recap)

Another great night at Snowflake! The groomers at Snowflake have done an excellent job providing superb skating conditions all season long. That's a tall order considering the lack of any significant snowfall since the beginning of the new year.
The trail seemed faster than usual this time around. Perhaps it was the great snow conditions, the fact that we stuck to the lighted trail vs. skiing in the dark, or maybe it was just a misperception, but we seemed to fly as we chased Scout (my black lab that seems to have an unlimited amount of energy) around the lit loop. How I wish I could harness her energy! As I write this, it dawns on me that I should try skijoring again...
After three laps around the course, taking a few minutes before each lap to catch our breath, we contemplated calling it a night. As if on que, the lights on the trail went out and the decision was finalized.
It was a fun night to say the least!

Next up... trail running or snowshoeing in Hartley. Hope to see you there!

Skiing at Snowflake

Date: Tuesday, February 12 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Snowflake Nordic Ski Center
Activity: Skate Skiing
Weather: (updated forecast)
Gear Req'd: Skate skiing gear, headlamp, $3 for after hours pass
Trail Conditions: Good (see most recent report)

Last week's outing was so much fun, we decided to try it again.

Objective: Ski 10 to 15K. We will take the first lit loop together and break off into each individual's comfortable or tempo pace. Those who intend to do more than 2 loops (10k) must bring headlamps because lights are only on until shortly after 7:15PM.

Next week we'll plan on trading the skinny skis for trail shoes and get back to our running roots.

Pre Vasaloppet Gathering (recap)

INCREDIBLE, that is how I would describe the conditions. Without question, tonight was my personal favorite skiing outing this season excluding a trip to Maplelag. Let me backup though...

This time was highly anticipated. The temperatures were favorable and we'd had enough new snow to freshen up the trails. As Greg and I neared the entrance to Snowflake, however, we both began to get a little nervous. If you have ever been to Snowflake at 6PM on a weeknight, you know that it rarely takes more than one hand to count the cars in the parking lot. Tonight, however, Rice Lake Road was overflowing with cars on both sides well beyond the entrance to Snowflake. What was going on?

It didn't take long to deduce that a local ski meet was being hosted right in the midst of our little gathering. Once we were certain that we'd rounded all attenders, we made the decision to stay, but follow the 10K unlit route. This was my first time skate skiing by headlamp solely, much less on a section I'd never been on previously. I was so grateful we'd all remembered to bring headlamps!

By the time we'd wrapped up the 10K loop, the ski meet was all done and the yellow tape was coming down. After vascilating a bit, we all agreed to finish off with one last run on the now open 5k lit loop. Conditions made the skiing fast, but still very controlled. It was a great way to wrap up the night.

One last note - it is always fun to watch someone who really has their technique down. Bill S joined us this time. Skiing behind Bill was similar to watching an good artist create a masterpiece. He effortlessly transitioned poling from one side to the other, always maximizing glide, and making skate skiing far more natural than I believe I may ever feel. He provided some great feedback to me.

Pre Vasaloppet Gathering

Date: Tuesday, February 5 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Snowflake Nordic Ski Center
Activity: Skate Skiing
Weather: 8F with slight wind and flurries (updated forecast)
Gear Req'd: Skate skiing gear, headlamp, $3 for after hours pass
Trail Conditions: Good (see most recent report)

Objective: Get 10 to 15k in before this weekend's race. We will take the first lit loop together and break off into each individual's comfortable or tempo pace. Those who intend to do more than 2 loops (10k) must bring headlamps because lights are only on until shortly after 7:15PM.