Masters Marathon Madness!

This past weekend was a banner event for our Masters racers.  The Craftsbury Marathon did not disappoint, with fast snow, amicable temperatures, and a big turnout from our club which is as of last week had moved into 2nd place in the Club Cup standings behind CSU. Bolstered by their home race in Massachusetts earlier in the winter, the gap is closing as more and more of our masters athletes get out there and compete. Remember, EVERYONE scores, so there has never been a more important (or accessible) time to get out there and try a race!

Things began on Friday, when the diehard test team of Mike Millar, Rick Costanza, and Kort Longenbach traveled up to the trails to begin trying out waxes for speed and kick. With a rented wax cabin on our side, it truly was a World Cup-level production for MNC.

On Saturday morning, I (Adam) arrived to a buzzing wax room ready to go. We tested many options and settled on a combination that was thankfully pretty much what I had predicted for my Skirack wax tip…which meant that those who happened to bank on my suggestions were hopefully not led astray. Blue and purple klister it was, and the wax crew helped dial it in with NO missed starts for coaches 🙂

I was not able to make it up for day 2 (skate) as I was down in Rikert with the Juniors, but based on what I heard it was another great day with lots of MNC racers in attendance. Congrats to everyone who “doubled-up” and skied both days…some braved a 50km on Saturday and 33km on Sunday. Counting warmups and cooldowns that has to equal 100km for sure!

Results can be found on Bullitt Timing

Flickr photo album.

Emily got 2ND PLACE on both days, behind only Ida Sargent and beating several Green Racing Project skiers on Sunday. Go Emily! (Photo from Jim F)

The boys getting out front at the start. (Photo by Jim F).

Sara Katz finishing the 50K strong.

It’s not all racing and hammering! (Photo from Jim F)