week 8 positive: the birkie.

03/05/2017
american birkebeiner start line
Week 8 positive: the Birkie

With Luma, three pairs of skate skis and two fat bikes in tow, we headed to the Wisconsin woods last weekend for the American Birkebeiner. Except the Birkie cross country ski race didn’t happen – because there wasn’t enough snow. 

February was unseasonably warm – 60s for a short stretch – which melted what little snow there was. I’m not complaining since I live for 80s + all the humidity, but what a weird winter. And, such a bummer for Nick (it would have been his sixth Birkie) and the thousands of other skiers who trained for months. 

Despite the lack of snow, both Birkie organizers and skiers made the most of it. A 5k loop from the race start was packed with skiers. And the shotski line was long! Other weekend highlights: a fat bike escort for a bit of my long run, amazing food (beef tenderloin, homemade mac ‘n’ cheese + chocolate chili), NormaTec recovery, and catching up with good friends. 

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4 Comments

  • Reply Kristina 03/06/2017 at 1:31 pm

    Glad that you had a fun weekend, despite that the race didn’t happen. YES to a weird winter. There is an ice climbing wall in Ouray, CO and they closed it at the BEGINNING of February. That is seriously screwy.

    • Reply erin 03/20/2017 at 7:13 am

      Thanks, Kristina! Oh, gosh… that’s strange. How late does it usually stay open? The beginning of February is still winter!

  • Reply Erin 03/07/2017 at 11:29 am

    I’ve ridden outside in shorts twice in February in Denver… very weird winter

    • Reply erin 03/20/2017 at 7:14 am

      Early shorts riding weather is amazing… but, so bizarre.

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