Last Week Living in the 'Boat

Of course I'll be back, but this is my last week that I'll call Steamboat my home.  Then it's back "home" home to visit my family for two weeks.  After that I'll move into a condo in Park City, UT with Michael Ward and Taylor Fletcher.  That will be the start of my Ski Team days. 

The season wrapped up in Whistler, B.C at the very end of March.  I came away as Canadian National Champion, an awesome way to end the year.  Since then, it's been a busy few weeks. 

Canadian Nationals podium. From left, Wes Savill (CAN), me and Cliff Field (USA)

The day after returning Michael and Cliff and I hopped in my car headed off to Park City for two days of testing.  All went well there with two rollerski treadmill tests as well as body composition and hemoglobin tests.  Michael and I also looked around at places to rent.  We actually haven't seen the exact one that we're going to live in, but Taylor has and thought it was our best option.  Move in date is May 15th!

Since testing, I've been working almost every day at Ciao Gelato.  On the training side of thing, right now is all about building the base for next year.   I have a program for strength twice a week, and try to work on flexibility quite a bit this time of year.  The most important thing right now is to get a lot of hours in the Level 1 zone - basically the easiest aerobic pace.  One of the best ways to do this is on a road bike, where you can go out for three or four hours without the wear and tear on your body that you would have running.  (And it's a bit too early to get out the rollerskis).

Last weekend, I put in some serious hours and fun time in Moab, Utah.  I went down with a couple two nordic skiers, one NC skier, Ben Berend, and their Dads for a long weekend of riding.  One of the the Czech athletes that we've gotten to know, Ales Vodsedalek, is training in Steamboat this year, and since he's staying with the Berends, he came as well. 

Moab is probably the top destination for Steamboatians to get away for the nice weather and a change of scenery as spring fever hits.   Last year I was close by when I rafted a stretch of the Colorado, but I'd never actually been to Moab or any of the surrounding parks.  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera charger and didn't discover until the first ride that my camera battery was dead.  Luckily Ales took pictures. 

The boys. From left, Lars, Evan, Ben, me and Ales.

Overlooking the Colorado River.

The epitome of Slickrock: steep, smooth hills, bikes, ATV's and a Hummer.

The pictures above are all from Slickrock, which was our adventure for Friday.  Saturday we got on our road bikes and went into Canyonlands National Park.  Although Moab is known for mountain biking, the bike paths and roads are also incredible.  It was super windy for this ride, but fun to cover some ground and see some more sights.   Sunday, we mountain biked again, and did a totally different trail from Slickrock.  It was hardpacked sand, rocky and super technical stuff.   At the beginning of the trail, a sign was describing the perfect ride, which is when one goes the length of the trail without ever having to touch a foot down.  I was only about 20 touchdowns and a handful of complete stops away from that!

I had a blast mountain biking, but it's so stop and go and physically challenging that it's nearly impossible to stay in Level 1.  Which is why I'll mostly stick to running and road biking training right now.  But it sure was fun!

Now, when I'm not working or training, I'm sending out letters in search of a headwear sponsor.  If anyone has any ideas, let me know!