We set out with an ambitious goal yesterday. Ski either 100K, or as long as you can. Last year when the virus hit and the end-of-season races were cancelled, the pro skiers of the world took the initiative to use all that fitness and training they’d built-up to tackle big, epic ski days like the one linked here from Hans Christer Holund.
Liquid fuel for the body (sports drink, chocolate milk) and liquid fuel for the skis (Toko spray)
We’ve put a focus on learning about and executing good nutrition and fueling for different types of efforts and training days, so this was another good learning opportunity as well. Whether skiers were going out for 50km, 80km, or 100km the demands on the body were pretty serious. Fueling well can make a big difference, and I’m very proud of how this group took on the challenge.
We left the tent and a table up at Craftsbury from the race the day before, and used it as our “base camp” where everyone contributed snacks and supplies. We had potato chips, bars, candies, liquids, sandwiches, donuts, and much more. A big focus was structuring our fuel intake to coincide with what our bodies needed the most given the combination of consitions, weather, effort, and fatigue.
Carbs were a primary fuel. Fats like potato chips were needed in order to ensure we didn’t begin to pull from fat at the cellular level after carbohydrate stores may have been drained. Sodium was key in the heat and sun, and sugars and caffeine were the final boost to make it through the final couple kilometers. The team all asked really good questions regarding “what should we eat now?” along the way. At the end, even those who completed a full 100K (Ava, Quincy, Rose, Rye, and a very dead Coach Adam) didn’t wind up with any of that crazy post-workout food delirium crazing burgers or pancakes…in fact, we stopped for pizza on the way home and couldn’t even finish two pies among us! I think that speaks to the amount of fuel we deliberately consumed during the ski, even if we weren’t feeling hungry at times.
Some of the crew ready to begin. We started early and got fast snow for 30km before it all turned to slush
But beyond just the fuel aspects…it takes a whole lot of drive and fitness to ski 50+ kilometers. I am so impressed with everyone who gave this a go, and it was especially cool to be joined along the way at times by various friends. The Craftsbury grooming staff, whose building our tent was adjacent to, were happy to pop out and check on us whenever we stopped for snacks, intrigued by our endeavor. Thanks to THEM for keeping the trails in such awesome shape this late in the season and in this warm weather!
We had 30k of awesome fast skiing, which felt like nothing. Free speed from fast icy corn snow…fast enough that a few skiers flew off the trail into a ditch at the bottom of Elinor’s! However the sun was relentless and soon enough the trails began to turn soft.
“Oh god, it’s happening!” was a cry that spread among the ranks at around 35k into the ski.
slush, broken pole, Powerade, Redbull, sunscreen, and Toko yellow spray wax
It wasn’t long before we were using some extra shin muscle to slap our skis together as we continually tried to smack off the buildup of slush on the tops of our skis. We barely made it around Sam’s Run twice in the morning, but knew that after an hour or so of hot sun the trails would require too much portaging of skis. We found Ruthie’s to be the best bang for our buck…the climb stayed in the shade all day which meant it was firm, and the runout/flat back toward the center was like a couple of free kilometers.
We were prepared for the slush somewhat…everyone brought multiple pairs of skis, so we continued to switch to fresh boards as the snow got wetter, much like the World Championship 30km and 50km races. We also had lots of Toko yellow spray glidewax that was re-applied as much as possible. Those of us with white base skis saved them for the last 25km and let me just say that personally they were a lifesaver.
Mentally and physically, things got difficult for different skiers at different points. What was most impressive was how positive the attitude stayed. Near the end, it felt like I was being the negative one and was brought back to reality by this awesome group of skiers. I don’t think a coach could ask for more than that! In the end myself and four of the gang (Ava, Quincy, Rose, Rye) completed 100km. Emma hit over 80, and Virginia, Sam, Hanna, Isabelle, and Rick skied over 50. I don’t even think I’d call it “Type 2 fun” except for maybe the last 5 kilometers…
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