Brooke Gosling

Whirlwind

2011-03-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

I am at work. In the city.
It's been just 8 days since I have returned from one of the most amazing experiences and events in my life, hands down. I'm certain that there will be very few events that will compare to the World Championships in Oslo. I literally have no words to articulate the atmosphere - it was EPIC!!
That all said, I am so honored and thankful to have had the opportunity to compete on that stage. There were definetly days that were trying as my results didn't exactly align with my own expectations. Although those days accounted for about .0001% of my time!

Canadian Nationals started on Saturday, I was sad to miss the team relay and the 5km skate as both are events I love, however one of my best friends from home was getting married and I promised myself and her that I would never miss those kinds of events. So off to Toronto I went. Unfortunatly I won't be able to compete at Nationals until the 30km, which I think is a good way to close out a great year and also my ski carrear, yes I am retiring for real this time...atleast I think so! ;)

I am looking so forward to competing in Canmore on the weekend! I can't think of a better way to close this chapter then a competing at Worlds and then a 30km skate at Nationals!

ciao,
Brooke

Update

2011-03-01T00:42:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been fast and furious with lots of racing action going on!

Holmenkollen is quite the venue! The crowds are SO loud! Never in my life have I have been at a venue that has the loudest fans, and I went to a lot of New Kids on the Block concerts when I was young, but nothing compares to this (probabley a bad comparison!).

The races have been so amazing to compete in. Each day you are carried around the course by spectators with horns, yelling "hei ya", and even your name! Its been quite the experience, the only thing I would change is my performance on the results sheet, but other then focusing on recovery, staying positive and fighting with everything I have on the day I can't do much else to change the results. I will say though, it has been really dissapointing as my results don't really seem to line up with how I have been feeling in the warmups. The wax team has been incredible! We have had great skiis everyday, however, I'm so happy to be focusing on skating for the next two races as my confidence has definetly begun to waiver!

It's also been extrememly inspiring to see the US women in the top 30 of the distance race, especially my teammate from CXC Jessie Diggins who is still a junior and has been performing so well in every race- she is a force to be reckoned with.

The Canadian men had us all on the edge of our seets in the Men's pursuit on Sunday! All I can say is that racing at this level and doing well at this level are completely different items - it takes a lot more then fitness to medal here or even to place in the top 15 - so for the Canadian men to place 3 in the top 15 at the World Championships is pretty incredible!

Today is the men's 15km classic individual start race. The course is so hard...and it takes me a lot to say that a course is tough, but Oslo has layed out a course that requires huge lugs, legs of steel and the ability to put yourself into a pain cave and hang out there for the duration of the race...its pretty awesome!

Here are some photos! I will try to take some more at the team sprint day!

Here we go!

2011-02-23T01:45:00.000-08:00

The ski jump just outside the waxing house

The stadium at Holmenkollen! I will get some photos whe the races start!

Things have been going pretty well here in Oslo, with the exception of my racing, training and life has been great! The race venue is incredible. I am so excited to race on these courses that are soon to be lined with a ton of people cheering and enjoying the ski festival!

My legs have been struggling with jetleg and I haven't been able to find that punch I had in Thunder Bay, but I am starting to feel better every day, especially now that we are over 10days here, it should continue to get better! I also am pretty excited to get on skate skis as my confidence has started to waver a bit with the classic skiing - it is a different world over here!

The courses are very tough, with the climbing elevation at the FIS limit, making these courses tougher then Canmore hands down. There is very little flat and the entire course is littered with huge climbs and fast downhills! That all said, I love the courses! People have also started to camp out in the forest with quite the elaborate set up for the next week or so!

Tomorrow we start things off with the individual skate sprint! I will do the prologue so that I get used to how the race start and stadium layout flows so that I am better prepared for the distance races!

Its been very inspiring to see the rest of the Canadian team do so well, the tech support and coaching is pretty incredible, I'm still in awe of how well Lenny and Alex did in Drammen! I'm also pretty honored to be apart of this team and hope I can contribute to the good results as well!

More photos to come!

Brooke

Lillehammer - Beito - Holmenkollen

2011-02-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Heading for lunch

Trying to pack the vans

Lots of white stuff!

We just arrived at our hotel in Holmenkollen after a week of training in beautiful and snowy Lillehammer!

I raced last weekend in a Norweigen cup race, but found out I don't race well 48hours after travel. I struggled with jet leg for about 4 or 5 days and now I am starting to feel pretty good again.

It was pretty awesome to catch up with my friend Lena who I haven't seen since 2006!

We will be racing in Drammen World cup this weekend. I'm pretty excited as I want to get my race legs back under me, but also get some of the jitters out before Worlds start!

Here are some photos!

CXC - Support the Sport

2011-02-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

Update: So far $5300 has been raised (in such a short time!!!) only $2200 away from the goal of $7500!!!

Please visit the site and donate if you can or pass it along to anyone you know who may be interested!!

http://cxcskiing.org/site_pages/support/support-the-sport.htm

Thank you so much for reading!!

I'm off to Norway tomorrow for the World Champs...wow, that sounds pretty surreal!

ciao,
Brooke

One day Gus should write a book...

2011-02-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

For all of the Master Blasters and loppeters...please read this...wow, pretty hilarious!

http://http://cxceliteblog.com/2011/02/02/birkie-training/

Support The Sport - Excellence Fund CXC

2011-02-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

Good Evening!

For the very few readers who visit my blog, I would love it and be very appreciative if you could pass along this link to your friends, family, co-workers or contacts.

CXC is the team I am racing for this year and I hope to stay involved with for a while after (even if it is not at the racing level). The programs, coaches, athletes and support network are amazing, it would be so wonderful if you chose to allocate a few dollars if you afford it to the athletes who have achieved selection to world championship teams. Their selection is a product of the network that is behind them - CXC.

The link:
http://cxcskiing.org/site_pages/support/support-the-sport.htm

Thank you so much for reading!

Brooke

Well Said...

2011-02-04T11:27:00.001-08:00

"You should have retired years ago!"

This was the one line I received from a good friend and sponsor the day I was told I will be representing Canada at Worlds in February. I couldn't help but laugh because it was my exact same thought.

I haven't written on this blog in quite some time, but look forward to sharing photos and my experiences that the next month will bring.

Please check back soon for some more updates!

Brooke

Yes, skiing is a little bit addicting!

2010-08-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

There was an article up on John Bauer today...I had to laugh at the closing quote "“Skiing is a little bit addicting.”
there is not one skiier out there that doesn't know this to be true! and to be honest its a pretty great addiction if you ask me!

have a great day,
Brooke

Today

2010-03-17T22:42:00.001-07:00

Today was a good day!

I FINALLY won my first 10km skate individual start race!

...this year was VERY tough, and although it came a bit late, the result is still sweet (although a bit bitter!)

I went for it from the start and I wanted to stomp it big time...for me...because I knew I could!

My only regret is not skiing the downhills better!

Thanks to everyone for their congrats and also for the kind words and support over the last few months- if I could give you a gold medal for the "best friend, greatest mom and dad, amazing grandparents, amazing coaches and the world's greatest teammates and to the sponsors to who helped me inch closer to my dream..." I would...I definetly would!

today was a good day!

Brooke

Tweet Headwear...Update

2010-03-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

I am always amazed at how sometimes things just work out.

Tweet has slowly been taking off around the Bow Valley- We are even selling our hats, headbands and hairbands at WANT down town and furthermore, our website sales have been consistently getting better. To top that off, we have had a ton of sales from out East! Very cool...Tweet is going National!! hahaha.

Here are some photos of our most recent "photo shoot". Siri and I like showing off our hats, and with my new found love for the site Picnik its been a blast!

Please stop by want or stop by our site: www.tweetheadwear.weebly.com

Brooke

The American Birkie

2010-03-02T21:28:00.001-08:00

If you ever get a chance, head out to Telemark/Hayward to race the American Birkie.

This is perhaps one of the best weekends I've had in my life! And being a ski racer and doing what I love, that happens a lot! But this weekend will be one of the best for a while. The reason I say this is because for the last 3 months racing hasn't been very fun, in a lot of ways I felt like I was trying so hard to "pick myself up and dust myself off and get back out there" that I just got exhausted and really stopped loving skiing. Little did I know that a 52km race in Wisconsin and just over 2 hours I would find that energy and love of racing back.

I love to smile and laugh and my cheeks are still sore from the four days of epic racing and a little bit of celebration!

The Birkie starts at the Telemark Lodge in an open field and then makes a quick turn to some steep hills followed by super fun rolling terrain- I was in love! I had no idea what to expect so I just skiied and eventually we had whittled the pack down to four girls. We all worked well together, but at the same time I couldn't shake the feeling that one of the girls would make a move and with about 5km to go Rebecca went for it. I tried desperatley to cover her, but just ran out of steam and then skiied 3m behind Taz across the lake because the wind was so strong and I couldn't close the gap. As you approach Hayward you can see the water tower, but don't be fooled- it is a LONG way away. Then as you enter the down town the streets are lined with cheering people and I think I had to remind myself to finish the race and then enjoy the atmosphere! I am having a hard time putting into words why this race is so important to me- but all I can think of is that is was the first time since last spring that I had fun racing! The results come when there is balance and I think I found that in Wisconsin this weekend! Who would have thought?

I travelled with Lifesport from Calgary and they provided wax support and accomodation. My skiis were rockets! Ian and Bruce did an incredible job and I was so relieved on the first downhill that I had comparable skis to the top women. I also got to hang out with some incredible people who love to race and train and relish the trips they do get to take like this away from their busy lives.

Throughout the course there are a lot of "theatrics". Such as the drummers up the first hill, then of course 'Bitch Hill". The feed stations are also quite entertaining, you definetly had to keep your elbows up and stay alert because there were a lot of quick decisions by other skiiers to move across the trail.

I have done a lot of loppets over the years, and the one part I had always found tough was managing the master men, most of them don't really move if you are travelling faster, but at the birkie, they definetly moved and all together! It made the race a lot more seamless for the elite women for sure, as I don't think I've ever done a loppet and not been a little intimidated by the men.

I also have to mention that the support from the race organizers was incredible! I met the most generous people at this race and you can definetly feel that they just love the Birkie and Cross Country Skiing.

Now on to the skiing- The trails were amazing. I had no idea that there were training opportunities in that area like the Birkie trails. The trails are super wide with a ton of terrain!

It was a great weekend and I would definetly urge you to consider this race next winter!

I will try to post photos when they become available!

Ciao,
Brooke

Short and Sweet

2010-02-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, very frustrating that Canada did not start more women in the skate race, but I have a feeling that this will not be the first race. I don't think thats a good sign for development of female nordic skiiers in Canada...atleast that is the message that I thought they were sending.

Marty Hall wrote a great article on Ski trax. http://skitrax.com/7640?c

On a lighter note, the women are going to do amazing today! I wish I was there to cheer them on- it looks like a blast in Whistler right now!

take care,
Brooke

Tomorrow is another day...

2009-12-23T17:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was tough- very tough! In any other 30km classic race I would have been pretty happy with a 6th place finish, but as we are all aware, this was an Olympics trials race. And so, of course I am dissapointed with the result.

I have a lot of mixed feelings about the last week. The week went well for me- I've improved, but I know its not enough. To make the Olympic team you need to ski like an Olympian and although I am getting there, its just not enough this time around.

I did however learn a lot. And no matter if I continue to chase the Olympic dream for another four years or move on to another challenge I know I will remember the emotions of the last week and I know it has made me stronger (although that might not be apparent under the tears right now :)

I also watched in awe as my teammates nailed down gutsy performances in no doubt very tough and challenging competition, terrain and battling personal matters. I am very amazed at their strength and courage and I am so proud to be their teammate!

So for now the whole "not making the Olympics" part totally sucks! BUT tomorrow is another day and I am healthy, happy and have amazing friends and family, teammates and coaches. So tomorrow I pick a new daunting dream and see if I can chase that one down!

Congrats to all those who were named to the Canadian team- the world better watch out because there are some fast skiers ready to strut their stuff in Vancouver!

Have a great holiday!! and of course...most definetly eat way too much!!!

cheers,
Brooke

Fighting Cold Weather

2009-12-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

I am not a huge fan of cold weather- I love spring skiing and dress overly warm for cold weather- yes, I'm usually the one skiing around with full icebreaker in -5...my body really doesn't like the cold.

BUT I LOVE winter and I LOVE snow. So I have worked on ways to keep warm...especially when you get down to fight weight in racing- it doesn't leave a lot of insulation! I also have tried to get rid of any post race coughing quickly as in the past it has developed into bronchitis, lung infections, exhaustion from not sleeping, and basically everyone thinking you have the plague so they don't come near you!

1) get in a good warm up. I have finally got a pretty good warmup routine down and along with running back and forth testing race skiis, I seem to stay warm for the start.
2) change your top, toque and gloves before the start of the race! in the past I would get in a good warm up and sweat so much that it would freeze on the start line.
3) ski with warm sport drink or tea in your waterbelt. I know its not super good with the plastic and all, but it does keep your lungs warm on those frigid days.
4) for long skiis carry some extra neck warmers. I like fleece neck warmers because I find they don't freeze as fast as some of the other ones out there , they are also a lot bigger and allow the air to get warmer. I usually change my nexk warmer once or twice in a long ski on a really cold day and if you have to do intensity- keep your mouth and nose covered. It might be terribly uncomfortable, but I would rather fry my lungs in a race then in a workout!
5) always wear long underwear under your tights- keeping your muscles warm keeps them moving efficiently.
6) saline nasal spray: use it before and after workouts to cut down on coughing. I forgot this on our trip to West Yellowstone and coughed for about 4 days after.
7) change right after your workout and drink something hot! Always bring a warm toque and gloves. Your body wastes energy when its cold!
8) socks are so so so important: invest in atleast one very good pair of socks with sweat wicking properties. I recommend Icebreaker hiker mid-weight, they dry fast and are not super thick.
9) re-fuel right after your training or race...you burn more calories in very cold weather!
10) if you are suceptible to bronchitis and lung infections, bad coughing etc. it might be a good idea to hold off on racing when it is at the cut off for races!

I hope that helps!
Brooke

Tweet Headwear...yes, I crochet too much!

2009-12-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

My friend Siri and I started a toque (and other fun things) company (I use that term loosely). What started out as an arts and crafts/wine drinking night has slowly evolved into selling some of our hats and then from there turned into a website and then a Artisans Festival.

The company is called Tweet Headwear. The name evolved from the "tweeting" sounds my boyfriend and Siri's boyfriend made when they spotted a "hot chick"...so "Tweet" was born.

The site is evolving every day and as it stands, no two toques are the same. We also do headbands, hair bands, earrings, and then some other things are in the works...especially if you like feathers!

go to: www.tweetheadwear.weebly.com if you would like to check out the photos, you can purchase items online or just send me an email or call!

...I Thought I would use my blog for a small marketing tool!

Have a great day,
Brooke

West Yellowstone Super Tour

2009-12-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

Well the first race weekend has come and gone. I love the Supertour! There is always great music pumping, tons of athletes and the energy is always high. You can't be far off your 'A' game at these races as the time gaps are small and there is always another racer there to sneak past you if you didn't ski a flat powerful enough or a downhill aggressive enough...I love the supertour!

The first races of the year went really well, I was pleasently surprised by the new found strength I have worked hard to develop over the last few years, and getting my butt handed to me by the ankle biters on the Academy time after time in anything double pole related has definetly started to pay off!...although extremely humbling (my ego has taken quite a few hits...those girls are fast and strong! Look out!)

All in all I feel like my fitness is there and now we just have to do some sharpening and get to a place mentally where I can push past my limits!- basically the fun part about racing and all the hard work we put in through the summer! (its the reason I race!)

Next up is the Alberta Cups here in Canmore this weekend. It looks like its a pretty deep field with a ton of racers of all ages! The sprints are on Saturday followed by an individual start on Sunday.

This will be the Academy's debute as a full 20 athlete team! We have some awesome new suits too!

On Tuesday we leave for Silverstar to start the Olympic Trials races! YeeeHaww!

See you on the trails!

and thank you to everyone who has supported me on this quest! I am super excited to see what I have in my engine!

cheers,

Brooke

Winter is here!

2009-10-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been awesome! Training is moving along nicely and although I am starting to feel the last three weeks of a tougher block I feel like I have made a ton of positive gains! To top it off most of the skiers in the valley have been taking advantage of the ski loop at the Nordic Centre and although its small, its a much needed break from slamming my poles into cold pavement!

Canmore of course was beautiful today, we finally had a sunny day! today we did a combination run/ski workout. We skied around for 2 hrs and then ran up the highline trail to finish off a volume day. There is a ton of snow on the highline which made navigating some of the rocky sections a little challenging.

We leave for our first races on November 21st to West Yellowstone. I am pretty excited to start racing as I have worked really hard on my weaknesses this summer and I am hoping it will translate to faster skiing.

I hope you have great day!
Brooke

Its Been a While

2009-10-13T09:46:00.001-07:00

Wow, its been a while!
Honestly I just didn't have anything to write about other then how training is going and well, for me training is always going well- I love it! I have always maintained that even when I stop racing I'm pretty sure my training will increase because then I wouldn't have to worry about optimum recovery or trying to peak. BUT for now I am pretty happy to just keep following the program and trying to find a way to get fitter and faster everyday.

Canmore has been pretty cold and snowy, so our rollerskiing has been thrown off a bit, and I will admit I didn't dress well enough or warm up well enough for our first intensity in the cold, but I am adjusted pretty well now. I love running in the snow! Everything looks so clean and in the forest it muffles the sound of your footsteps its just beautiful.

Obviously I would have liked an extra few weeks for rollerskiing, but this weather isn't so bad for training, in fact I rather like it a lot- it means the season is coming up and that means an opportunity to chase my dreams!

have a great day!
Brooke

Kind of funny

2009-10-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is a photo from the Calgary race (Ambulance Chasers Charity Run) we did last weekend...

Canmore Challenge Update

2009-06-15T10:06:00.001-07:00

The Canmore Challenge chewed me up and spit me out. The course trashed my legs and my ego! There is nothing more humbling then getting you but kicked by nature and happily paying $40.00 to get it kicked!

The race went well I did what I could with what I had on that day. The women took the race out hard and from less then five seconds in I was racing for survival. At one point I forgot I was racing and just had "up and over" running through my head. I didn't have anything in the tank for a speedy finish as I had hoped, but I was happy with the almost puking, just want to lie down and sleep feeling after- that was the point afterall! I am still recovering...apparently I'm getting old!

This race was also the qualifier for the World mountain running championships and although it is tempting to hop on that plane for an Italian holiday I think staying here and staying focused on skiing is the best thing. Mountain running will be there next year and the year after!

We have a mellow week this week! and then testing week next week. The race I did on Saturday served as a "prep" for our V02 Max test which is running and although I gave it my all on Saturday I will have to get myself in a whole different zone for the V02 test.

off to work!
Brooke

Trail Racing Season!

2009-06-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

(K-Country/Delta lodge 5 peaks 2008)

Trail racing is my favorite sport next to sking. I love everything about it! The only time I don't love it is when I am on my own and there are "Bear in Area" signs-this is usually the time I start sprinting and an easy workout turns into a race.

This weekend is the Canmore Challenge weekend. I have never actually raced in the Canmore Challenge! I have done a few 5 peaks races and a Zugga Invitational (also a cult fav!).

I haven't been running too much this spring as I am trying to work on my weaknesses which is mostly anything to do with upperbody strength. So I've been hanging out in the gym and then dragging myself around the pavement with my arms. Some one actually commented on my shoulders so I must be getting stronger! However, as most runners know, too much muscle is not a good thing and I have this terrible fear that I now "run like a nordic skier".

Running like a Nordic skier isn't a bad thing...it just means you don't look as pretty when you run. Finesse and flow are replaced by power and not as much efficiency.

That all said I am so excited to race! The Canmore Course is relentless and it definetly allows you to find your limits (and push past them). The key is to stay relaxed enough climbing that you can focus on the downhill and rooty section- you don't want to be so smashed at the top of a climb that you can't put it in full throttle for the descent!

Good luck to everyone racing! It looks like we are going to have a nice dry course!

ciao!
Brooke

Academy in the Canmore Leader

2009-05-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

please click on link

http://www.albertalocalnews.com/rockymountainoutlook/sports/45661242.html

Silverstar- Camp #1

2009-05-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

The skiing was better then it was last November minus the cold! However we did get quite a bit of fresh snow the first few days we were there which at first I wasn't overly thrilled about, but as soon as the sun came out, the camp seemed like a holiday (that may be a bit of a stretch, but for those who work full time/flex time you will probably understand me when I say that training camps are like holidays!).

Most of the time I come out of training camps feeling better then when I went into them, this is mostly due to the fact that I actually have time to do the little things, something I need to do a better job of while at home.

The new team is great! It was amazing to see the improvements in everyone and also the lack of complaining that accompanied most training sessions last year. Overall I think we are coming into the spring a whole lot fitter as a group then we were last spring.

We also had our first time trial/ race. To be honest it felt pretty good and although I was dead tired the next day, it was so fun to push hard!

...now its time to see if Canmore decides to have a summer, right now it doesn't appear that way!

mountain biking

2009-05-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Before you venture out this spring to cruise around on your mountain bike do the following:

1) get it tuned
2) listen to your gut if you think the brakes are not working properly.

I took a huge crash yesterday and cracked my helmut in two places! I rolled down a hill and straight into a tree with my head. Thankfully nothing more severe happened other then a super bad headache and a super stiff neck.

I walked to the nearest bike shop and they confirmed that my brakes were cooked..the fluid needed to be blead and the pads replaced.

I'm a huge moron!

ride safe!
Brooke

Sponsors and Supporters Helping me to achieve my Dreams!

2009-04-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU TO MY FOLLOWING SPONSORS:

Alberta World Cup Society for their scholarship to the Academy
Salomon Skis, boots, bindings and clothing
Silvertip Resort: Ross Jansen and Jim Little
Icebreaker Merino wool clothing
Swix Poles
Mitchell Cohen of Daniels Corp
El Natura Lista Shoes

Also a Special thank you the following People:
Steve Gosling
Janice Peters
Philip Gosling
Maxine and Frank Schmidt
Mike Cavaliere
Phil Villneuve
Chris Jeffries
Jan Derpak

HOW WE GOT TO SCANDINAVIA!!

Thank you to the Following People for their Generous Financial Donation to help Sara and me go to Scandinavia:

Carignan Mechanical: Rene Carignan
Jamie Coatsworth
Dieter Kromm
Angus Cockney
John Easton
Wes Hewitt
Janet and Ed Lightner from the Boundary Bay Brewery in Bellingham, Washington
Sian and Angus Leyshon-Doughty

Thank you to the following People, Companies and Stores who generously gave us items for our Silent Auction and Raffle Fundraiser:
The Bicycle Café, Canmore: Jay
Lush, Banff: Jenn Nicholls
Unlimited, Canmore: Dave Carlson
Icebreaker Merino Wool: Louis Julien-Roy
Salomon Sports: Phil Villneuve
Trail Sports, Canmore: John Gallagher
Vallhalla Pure, Canmore: Jamie
O’Canada Soap Company, Canmore
Canmore Eagles, Canmore: Marshall Kennedy
Monod Sports, Banff: Philip Monod
Lululemon, Banff: Michelle Oszust
Fast Trax, Edmonton: Jack Cook
Canmore Nordic Centre: Magi Scallion
Life Sport, Calgary: Norm Person
Alpine Helicopters Ltd, Canmore
Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge:
Chandra Crawford for all the sweet autographed swag
Ultimate Ski and Ride, Banff

Thank you the to the following People who have provided their time to helping us with our fundraising efforts to get to Scandinavia

Ken and Raylene Hewitt for helping us with organizing all of our events and making sure we executed them properly!
Pate Newman and Thompson D’Hont for helping us set up our Silent Auction
Greg Thompson from Canmore Nordic for helping us with our Silent Auction at the Western Canadian Championships
Mike Carleton of Rocky Mountain Racers for helping us with our Raffle

Silvertip Resort for their constant support of my racing and providing me employment to help fund my dreams!

As you can see there are a lot of people that made this trip happen. Words cannot express how amazing it was to receive such an overwhelming amount of support!

26km until the season is over...

2009-04-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Brooke, Erik and Sara Crust sking on our first day

Brooke in the Sprint Qualifier

As I mentioned in my last post, our final stop on our Scandinavia Tour (Sweden and Finland) was a place called Bruksvallarna. Situated in a mountain valley we lived in a nordic ski dream world. Perfect trails were 10 meters from our door step, the food was amazing, the company was enjoyable, the sun kept the temperatures around 5 degrees and the smile from my face never left. This definetly capped off a great year.

We raced a skate sprint and a 26km skate mass start on the friday and Saturday at the end of our stay. The sprint went well and I felt like my legs were recovering really well, which made it very easy to be excited to race the next day. I moved through my quarter final easily, but got knocked out in the semi-final in a three-way sprint finish. I do have to mention that this sprint race was made up of mostly distance athletes which I think made it more competitive for me. I felt like I put it all on the line for the first time in a while and that was such a great feeling, I entered the 'B' final knowing that all I could do was push as hard as I could from the gun. The course was really soupy by the end of the day and I used this to my advantage as I do tend to ski well in powder or adverse conditions, so I put the hammer down from the start and crossed the line winning the 'B' final. I was very happy with this result! Sara had some bad luck in her qualifier and got caught up in the slush, but faught hard in her quarterfinal which actually had the winner of the day in it.

The race I was most excited for was the 26km skate race up the mountain. This was hands down the hardest race I have ever done. I found that I was constantly having to keep my mind focused and fighting the whole way. Half way up the ski hill the pack started to break up and I remember telling myself that I had a choice to either try to go with the leaders and learn the speed or to remain where I was and settle for the same result in the middle of the pack I have become so accustomed to. So I decided to just try to close the gap and found that I could easily ski with the leaders. I had a moment of intimidation at the top of the climb when two of the girls went for the sprint preem and I just wasn't aware enough to cover there sprint- I think I was still in shock that I was with the leaders in an international race and feeling really good! Their gap gradually widened to one minute by the end of the race and I skiied the last 10km by myself which I don't particularly like doing, but I used it as a chance to force myself to keep fighting.

I crossed the line in 4th knowing that I couldn't have skiied any harder. This is exactly what I went to Sweden to do and it was such a nice way to end the season.

Podium in Bruks, I'm the one with the huge grin...I was pretty happy!

I am learning more and more that you have to be so gutsy if you want to win, but with that you also have to be pretty calculated and know where to push and where to recover.

Sara had one of her best races (despite what she may think) as I think she faught through the fatigue of a long season which is what you need to learn to do if you want to eventually win!

It was an amazing trip and a I am so thankful for the opportunity to have had the chance to travel and race in Sweden and Finland.

Brooke and Sara...with our helmuts ready for the skier cross, that I didn't do because I was too scared.

There is still snow in Canmore, but I think I might give it a few more days until I get back skiing...I am still actually anxious to train, but I know that I need to recover a bit before I head back into training full time.

For now its back to work and finding some sponsors for the final 9months of my skiing carrear!

ciao,

Brooke

Scandinavia Race Update

2009-04-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

My apologies for taking so long to post an update.

The last few weeks have been an experience to say the least. I have raced in Europe before, but I have not stayed for longer then 10 days. In addition, I didn't know what to expect coming here after the racing season had concluded in Canada.

When I stepped off the plane in Stockholm I immediatly was excited to see the city so after an hour run on the ski trails by the airport/ across from my hotel I took the train into Stockholm. I immediately fell in love with this city, and definetly plan to go back either for school or work in the near future, there is something about the buildings, the proximity to sking, the nightlife and the confrences (there is currently an architecture confrence on in Stockholm). I loved the combination of cobble stone with the river with lots of shopping. There is nothing you can't do there!

The following day I had some intensity planned, but due to lack of snow I would have to run. I decided that it would be fine to run for an hour and a half. When your excited, any practical thought seems to fade. This is what happened in my case! The run was amazing! I ran in a t.shirt through the countryside that surrounded stockholm. Here there were some old churches and a bike path that continued along the road. I got back and my legs were pretty much screaming at me and I knew that it may have been a bit ambitious of me to run for so long and do 15min of tempo....

That all said, I went back to the airport and met the rest of the team. We drove to Gavle which is about 1.5hrs from Stockholm and waited for Sara. I may have took too many melatonin pills and advils to try to stop my legs from hurting and I was pretty loopy when Sara arrived. I also managed to sleep almost the entire 8 hr van ride to Pitea and then also fall asleep that night- so much for jet leg.

The races in Pitea were a learning experience. I don't think I had trained enough during the two weeks between Nationals and our trip as I just couldn't digest the pain. In the 3.3k prologue it seemed I had forgot how to race and fight through the course, this was confirmed when Charlotte Kalla went zooming by me, I had wanted so badly to go with her as she started 30sec behind me, but I couldn't wrap my head around what I was doing. The classic race was much better, but I just couldn't convince myself to fight- it was very odd!

We left Pitea and headed for Finland. We raced in Tornio, Pello and Yllas. All of which lie on the Tornio River just north of the Arctic Circle. VERY cool. Sara and I did much better here, it would seem that our jet leg was wearing off! The only downside was that it was so grey the entire time and our hopes for a spring skiing holiday didn't really come true! I managed to race to my best points races for the year in both the skate races. I was 5th in Tornio and 6th in Pello. Both races I found like I was pushing as hard as I could but I was making some technical errors on the corners and downhills that definetly cost me time. Yllas was one of those days that I just wasn't prepared for. I didn't really warm up or test skiis, I had no idea where the course was and my head was somewhere else. Sara on the other hand I think has figured out here classic skiing as this was one of her better races this year! The biggest thing I have learned here is that you have to bring your 'A' game to every race no matter what or you will lose places very quickly. Everyone here is fast and going for it. I find sometimes in Canada you can be lazy and still come away with a good placing, but here you have to fight for inches and seconds. This actually makes the course way more fun!

We are now in Bruksvallarna in Sweden. It is like a dream world here. I didn't know you could crust ski in the mountains, and I didn't know that so many people ski here. There are cabins all over the trails where you can go get some waffles or a beer. It is so tempting to ski for the whole day and have a beer on the patio at our hotel...but we have races on Saturday and there will be plenty of time for socializing then!

The course for Saturday is INTENSE! it will most likely be warm and slushy, and it climbs up the alpine hill for 3km...I'm actuall okay with that. The part I am a little apprehensive about is the descending!

All in all its been such a great experience!

ciao

brooke

When Secret Training is the only option!

2009-03-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

Canmore is spectacular at the moment. Today it was about 5 degrees with freshly groomed trail. Now I should have enjoyed this ski EXCEPT, I had my head down hammering trying to keep up with my coach...my heart rate was about 180 most of the time and sentences were spurtetd out in one breath. Today I got "coached".

Now I have to go do some secret training because my ego is bruised...I will NEVER let this happen again!!

hahahaha, have a great day!

Brooke

Quick Nationals Post

2009-03-17T09:12:00.001-07:00

This will be a quick post. I am at work and have a stack of paperwork, emails and messages to return. It seems that when I'm here I am more efficient then I think- when I'm not it is a big pile of administration, my heartrate always is super high the day back after a few days off of work- the red light flashing on my phone indicating messages is a big awful jolt of reality. I prefer my bubble on the ski trails!

That all said, I'm still at work, rambling and jittery from coffee- not a great state to be in if efficiency is the name of the game.

So I will write more later, but the good news is that I finally found out what it feels like to win. I always new it was supposed to be amazing, but very few things compare to skiing into first on your home course in front of your mom, the coaches who taught you to ski, coaches who just want you to perform to your potential that they always saw, teammates who pushed you so hard in the summer that limits are no longer part of your volcabulary and then at last being the one to throw your hands in the air at the finish line.

I won the National Championships aggregate this week after two golds, a silver and a 7th place.

Some may say they were tired from travel, or that they were sick or didn't have the best preparation for Nationals or that its a joke. I definetly let those comments take away from my wins. However nothing can really compare to getting high fives from friends, tearful hugs from your mom, a hug from your coach, bombarded by congrats from the coaches who taught you ski (along with the cookies that were so coveted on the bus to and from training in highschool), wax techs who worked so hard and dealt with my aloofness (to say the least) but were so happy to see good results, younger athletes who look up to you, hugs from far away friends via friends at the site, emails and cheers from people you didn't know, but now are a part of your network of support, grandparents who just are so happy to hear a giddy voice on the other end of the phone, the hugs from those who have seen you so crushed from "not making it" to witnessing the polar opposite and most of all, for once I didn't have a doubt that I was the fastest on that day!

I still don't know what I did differently. I think I was just happy to race and figured out how to manage my nerves- I'm not saying I wasn't nervous because I almost puked before every start, but I realized that the nerves meant I was ready. I didn't give energy away to others and above all I demanded more of myself, I was just so done with being dissapointed!

So yeah, pretty amazing week.

I should get back to work...

next up: Sharkfest and the Scandinavian Tour...still training, but today I think I will just go hang out in a hot tub with a stella!

ciao!

xob

Western Canadian Championships

2009-02-27T11:23:00.000-08:00

Wow, we had amazing weather for the weekend!

After the World Cup and Rossland races I was pretty confused and upset and this added to the water I was throwing on my fire for racing! Not good at all!

So after a week of sleeping and basically walking around like a zombie I snapped back into reality and gave myself a quick kick in the ass! Life is too short to be bummed about something that I can't change!

So after some deliberation I decided that the best thing to do was to stay in Canmore and get fitter and work on my weaknesses. I wasn' t in the head space or physically prepared to go to Europe, so along with some of the other girls on the team we decided to "get faster".

Its been a good month, I feel like I am learning something everyday in technique and what works for me and my body is absorbing the training. Its also been awesome to bomb around with my teammates and just know that everyday I am improving. It definetly isn't world cup, world champs or OPA tour, but this is what I had to do. Its kind of like working your way up the corporate ladder- you have to pay your dues with a smile and enthusiasm, even if it means bringing the boss their venti, 1/2 foam, vanilla, non-fat cappachino with a sprinkle of chocloate and a pinch of cinnamon steamed at 104 degrees double cupped with a cup sleeve and stir stick. Meaning its tedious and frustrating, but you know that the hard work will pay off at some point. This is pretty easy to achieve under a blue bird ski, -1 temperature not skiing on a trail more then once in 3hrs- Note to readers...the Nordic Centre is AMAZING right now!

Westerns was a lot of fun! However the ankle biters on the Academy are getting fit FAST! So this wasn't going to be a walk in the park, and knowing you "should" win seems to provide enough pressure that I didn't need to add to it, so for the weekend I went with a purse to carry around the race trail instead of matching luggage. Wow, it was way lighter!

The sprints were not so fun. I really don't know what happens in classic sprinting. I have speed, I have strength, but something happens during the course of a classic sprint that inevitably makes me resember a "recreational" skiier (words from the coach!). So yeah, we will chalk that up to experience...BUT props to the girls from my team, man they are on fire right now...watch out Nationals!

The 10k classic was fun, I didn't have the same snap and energy that I had at the Bow Corridor the week before, but I did ski technically really well and I LOVED hearing a split in a classic race that I was first, I almost started giggling on the side of the course! I don't think that this has ever happened...pretty cool! That all said I need to be about two more minutes faster if I want to win a Noram.

The 15k skate. Oh man, this course was not a good one for someone who relies on climbing. the first 2.5 k of every loop was down hill and then there was some rolly sections, but no long steep climbs that are characteristic of Canmore. Let alone the downhill sections were technical and I am a bit of a sketch ball decsending. I'm never in control and the phrase "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm okay I'm okay, sweet, sweet I made it, okay now go" seems to be on repeat when I go downhill. I decided that I wanted to win and win by a lot, so this kind of made me go a little too fast at the start and although I held it for about 11k I started to get to the point where I no longer could wipe the spit off my face and the downhill turned into a swearword-a-thon...all bad! I glanced behind me and saw a red arm...and then I just started skiing for survival. It was actually a lot of fun to know I could change gears, I haven't had that in a while. Huge props to Sara, she threw down and gave me a run for money...it bruised my ego a bit as I tend to think I am a skate specialist, but the 15k has always been a tough one for me!

All in all a great weekend!

We are racing at the Kananaskis ski Marathon/ Cookie race on Saturday...I'm so excited to get out there. K-contry where the venue is got over 50cm of new snow so the course I'm sure will be pristine and amazing!!!

have a great day!

xob

NEW SPONSOR: El Natura Lista Shoes

2009-01-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

I am VERY excited to announce that El Natura Lists Shoes has come on board as a casual shoe sponsor. This company is emerging into one of the top shoe retailers around the world, please read below for what makes this company so special...I'm sure they're values will make you run out and buy a pair right away!

El Naturalista Frog Eco Policy:
El Naturalista is an international shoe brand that makes comfortable yet fashionable footwear inspired by nature and people. Adherence to our environmental policy is a prerequisite for doing business at El Naturalista. All suppliers, factories, agents and sales personnel must be strongly committed to our earth friendly practices.

We are continually working to find even better and more eco-friendly ways to produce our shoes. Our customers are aware of our environmental policies and our increasing sales demonstrate that consumers approve and support- our efforts.
We use natural materials and dyes
We avoid using polluting substances and toxic products
We seek to protect the environment
We maximize the use of biodegradable and recyclable/recycled materials
We pay fair compensation to providers and employees
We promoted traditional forms of production
We support the use of appropriate new technologies
We operate with corporate transparency
Shoes and material
El Naturalista uses the least harmful materials in the production of our shoes. We use natural dyes. We use recycled materials as much as possible: for example, the recycled polyurethane inner liner and the recycled rubber in soles (N 096 Iggdrasil). When dyeing leather, El Naturalista uses the least harmful chrome combination for the environment. Additionally, El Naturalista has developed the "pergamino leather", which is treated without the use of chrome.

Please visit their website at:http://www.elnaturalista.com/index.php/en

They even have a sweet music player.

For those in Canmore, they sell their shoes at Indigo Bay on Main Street

ciao,

Brooke

Thoughts

2009-01-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

Shayla and I with our new "podium wear"..

Good Afternoon!

So this is the post that I really didn't want to write.

I spent the last eight days trying to push thoughts away, and trying to make a bit of sense of what I'm feeling.

I wish I was posting that I made the World Championships team. I didn't. Instead I was going to write a post that was hopefully motivating and listed off the things that I did wrong and try to put a positive spin on things. There were some things that went well, but really when I look at it from a numbers point of view which is definetly not the most delicate way to look at things. Simply put I wasn't fast enough.

I know, I'm really setting quite the tone for this post, but really thats all I can come up with. I didn't ski tough enough and I couldn't focus enough to fight to get where I needed to be. My body has been recovering quite well from everything this year. I haven't been sick and I've been consistent. All positives, but I haven't been able to go from good to great. I don't think I'm missing an extra 4th or 5th or 6th gear, I've made the finals in ever skate sprint this year. I also don't think I'm lacking endurance or fitness.

Basically I race to fitness which is what gets you in the mix, but it NEVER will make you a winner, it won't allow you to have that extraordinary day where you can't wipe the grin off your face. Racing to fitness puts you in a comfortable place where you almost always know you could have dug deeper.

Wow, this is getting more negative as I go.

In the state of confusion and sadness I have toyed with the idea of quitting- its not "stopping" or "bowing out" and when I spoke with one of my best friends about this his answer was the question " are you wanting to quit because you gave it your all and there are still faster skiiers in front of you or are you quitting because you don't love the sport anymore?". Ahhhh, interesting, it posed a bit of a dilemma in my point blank decision to quit.

I'm still thinking about the answer- I know what your thinking...if you loved it then the answer would be quick. But that is not always true. Sometimes the things you love the most are also what cause the greatest heartache!

All I know is that I am close, so very close and perhaps thats why it hurts the most. I wanted it to be now. I think about the hours of training this summer, the waivering in belief (which may have been what harmed me the most) and well it is overwhelming to think of putting in another summer.

The one positive I will take from this is that I have trained fulltime now for two years and I've made it this far, then what would happen if I added another year to the mix? Its not sacrifice, there is nothing that I have sacrificed. I love my life as an athlete, but I find the road to success quite stressful and I don't deal with it well. I tend to heap so much pressure onto myself that I drag this huge back pack (along with matching suitcase, ski bag, duffle bag and purse) around the course with me. If for once I could push it all aside and just ski for the pure joy of wanting to be the best athlete I can on any given day would probabley result in the accomplishment of goals I have set. So until I can check this baggage I know I will be on layover for a while.

It is frustrating, there is no easy way to deal with it. If I want to fix it, I have so much work to do- and none of that work is physical. I just don't know if I am strong enough to sift through the baggage.

I am fighting every thought to run away from this feeling, but I know that I have to fight it. Its not really about skiing anymore, its about becoming a stronger, tougher person and its a little scary right now.

Thank you to all those who cheered me on at the trials and world cups and thanks to those who have provided advice, hugs and a shoulder to cry on.

The cool part is that all those who were selected (namely Shayla and Chris) must be on cloud nine because the exact opposite of what I'm feeling is complete elation- so I am pretty excited for them. It just echos even more that you need to believe in yourself no matter what, and I haven't really nailed that down yet.

I don't know where I'm off to next. I think I will be heading to Vermont for a Super tour and then to New Hampshire or to do the American Birkie. We also have Western Canadian Champs here in Canmore, but yeah, its a little hard to get amped when you want to be racing world cup wearing your National team suit.

ciao

TRIALS WEEKEND

2009-01-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

(yes, that is me with all the spit!)
Well the trials weekend is over.
There were things that went really well and things that I so badly wanted to go well, but didn't.

SKATE SPRINT:
I usually approach sprinting as a "workout" and as a way to learn to ski with more power and to learn to use tactics. I have never once thought I was a sprinter. That all said I surprised the heck out of myself on friday. The field was a lot weaker without the Americans and even some of the key Canadians weren't there, none-the-less the fastest were there! I made it through the heats pretty easily, and even felt confident enough in my kick that I didn't have to lead the heat- very cool to add another element! Now I know why sprinting is fun! As I lined up for the final all I could think about was that I have the same opportunity to win this as any other girl on the line! I ended up third, in a photo finish with Peri...its okay lunging is on my to-do list for this week! I was pretty excited!!

PURSUIT:
The pursuit was kind of a hard one to swallow. My body felt awesome, my skiis were good, and I was actually really confident in my ability which allowed me to be excited to race instead of letting my nerves run away with themselves.
The race started and I had a great position and I even remember saying to myself, this is too easy!! As we came around under the bridge of one of the fastest and longest downhill sections of the course on the first lap of the classic leg I hit a patch of ice that sent me to the edge of the course. I got back up as fast as I could, but lost the pack and I fought to get back on the train, but I just couldn't get them before all the downhill sections. I picked up a few spots and skated with everything I had, but in the end it just wasn't enough to get the leaders back. I ended up 6th which is not awful, but it isn't going to get me on a World Champs team. So after a sleepless night and I will admit, a whole bunch of tears. All I can summarize is that it just sucks and the result is not a reflection at all of where my fitness is. Its pretty frustrating. BUT I get a second chance in 10 days, so I am focusing on that. I know that I can be there, I just have to patient. ARGGGHHH!!!

CLASSIC SPRINTS:
Oh how I love learning experiences...

Not a bad trials, but not the great ones I had dreamed about!
xb

The Cold

2008-12-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

The last week in Canmore has been an interesting one. When we got back from Silverstar we were greeted with frigid temperatures. Canmore was like a ghost town, no one was walking around on main street, no cars were driving and evidence of our van that had turned into an icebox around lake louise definetly all pointed to a very uncomfortable arrival home.

Even the first two days, I tried to remain positive, but after not being able to fullfill the volume block of training on my plan, I started to panic a bit. Then I started thinking about intensity and how I would keep things moving forward from the first races and well all I could think about was how much I wanted to go home to Ontario.

It is now only -14 in Canmore. Which is much more tolerable and I can do intensity in this weather too. We did do a 60 min z3/4 pursuit yesterday in -18 which is legal for races, so I figured I would have to get used to racing in the cold, slow snow. I was pretty tired at the end, but happy that I did it because I feel a lot more confident on this snow then I had other years.

The nordic centre is still taking their sweet time with opening the world cup loops- I am very anxious to get on these and do some intensity!

We have lots of workouts planned as a group which will keep things sharp.

have a great day!

Brooke

Haywood NorAms #1 and #2

2008-12-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hi There,

We just returned from two weeks in Silver Star for the first two NorAms of the season. Overall they went really well, I feel like I've been able to transfer a lot of my strength from the summer and fall onto skiis and I am definetly a lot fitter then I was last year.

The skate sprint was great! Although after the qualifer I wasn't all too happy. I had qualified in 17th and had to claw my way through the heats. I have actually never skiied that aggressive and without so much as a negative thought and then all of a sudden I was lining up on the startline for the final. I noticed I was a lot calmer through the heats then I have normally been and I think this saved my energy! I ended up 4th on the day, my best sprint result ever!

The 10km skate individual start was pretty good. I followed my race plan to a tee. My lap times were about 2 seconds apart. So I think that maybe I could start a bit harder. Lesson learned. I ended up 4th again. Bitter sweet because I was only 9seconds off of a medal! BUT I am very happy and content with where my skating is for this point in the year and also that we haven't let up on training at all. So I am pretty excited to start to taper a bit!

The 15km skate mass start was okay. From and effort standpoint I did what I could on that day with what I had. Unfortunatly it wasn't enough to hang with the pack and I finished about 1minute back, which I am not overally happy with, but I know that I have to just trust that when things come together they will really come together. It was more of a battle with myself and knowing that I had to be tough and that is what would pay dividends later.

The classic races were a bit tougher for me. It took a few days to recover emotionally from the distance race, but when I looked at objectively I really can't be too upset. There are no excuses for the performance, but I definetly have to dress warmer for cold weather and start to read the terrain better so that I don't burn my arms out, I think it is also important in adverse conditions to just keep your blinders on and race your own race. I was racing everyone elses race except my own. So a tough result, but a good lesson!

Its pretty cold here in Canmore, but it seems that everyday its warmer then -20 it seems to be like a balmy sunny day! After the NorAms the one thing I'm sure of is that I need to learn to race and ski better in cold conditions, so I decided to stay here for Christmas and just aclimatize and work.

I think the first set of NorAms went pretty good. Of course I want the win and I can feel it getting closer. I'm pumped for trials and I'm excited to just improve again.

See you on the trails!

Brooke

Some Thoughts

2008-11-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

wow, I'm impressed with my blog updates this week...I'm sure I will forget soon enough. Sometimes I like to write things here because I know I can go back to it when I forget...

This year is going to be hard. There are no easy days or easy races. Everyday I pull that bib on I have to go into the race ferocious and ready to fight. There should be no thoughts other then "what can I do to get there the fastest". Fight for seconds- the field WILL be tight, lots of women have stepped it up and there are lots of youngsters coming up. On race day age, past races won or lost, experience, or injury fade away. Its you against yourself- dig deep and tuck a little longer, free skate out of the downhill, propel yourself over the top of the hill, challenge yourself to go faster in the middle of the race, fight through the sticking points, accept and relish the pain, know that the pain is only temporary and you can always overcome what you inflict on yourself.

Go for it. Stomp it. Claim it.

Cheer for yourself. Believe in yourself.

Be Relentless.

and don't forget to smile. If your a nordic skiier you already know its the greatest sport out there and you already know that there is no better job that that of a full time athlete!

Get ready to pounce!

Brooke

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2008-11-19T20:15:00.000-08:00

"Perhaps the greatest human tragedy of all is watching people abandon their innate personality and simply discard themselves along the side of life's road"

Jump in with both feet, fight to reach your potential and above all believe that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard enough for it.

SKIING IN LAKE LOUISE!

2008-11-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

SNOW!!
We are finally skiing!
The World Cup Academy are staying at the Lake Louise Inn in Lake Louise. Currently Moraine Lake Road is groomed and in perfect condition! It feels awesome to get on snow and see how the strength work I have done this summer has paid off. So far, my classic skiing seems to huge difference, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I almost enjoy it more then skating now.

We have had some beautiful days and I am so excited to wake up in the morning and hit the trails.

Tomorrow we have some intensity or a sprint race simulation! I think the biggest thing for me when working on speed is just to keep my technique in control. Sometimes by trying to just go fast without thinking about keeping your legs and arms in line it seems to make it worse and frustrating.

Have a great day!
Brooke

VO2 Testing Photo...its not pretty!

2008-10-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Testing, Ego's and Belief

2008-10-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today was day two of testing week.
On Wednesday I did a V02 max test in Calgary which was pretty interesting. I'm definetly fitter and stronger then I was in May, and thats really the key thing about testing! However, I will say that I was pretty nervous because really its you against a treadmill and most of the time, regardless of your physiology, if you can muster up enough courage you will always find that you can push harder then you thought.

Today was the uphill double pole test. I felt pretty good and because of the dual start I was able to ski with Kate who has a lot higher tempo then me, and that is definetly something I had to work on. There was a pretty annoying head wind which for most of us except for Kate would mean that our pb's would remain at arms reach, but I am trying to not think so much about that, but rather the effort and if I could have done anything differenly to earn some precious seconds back that I lost to two of our ankle biters- my ego took a bit of beating. HOWEVER, I have to say that back in May I was not even close to them and I don't think I EVER predicted in my wildest dreams that I would want to win or be the fastest in a double pole...anything. So even though I am a little bummed that I didn't "win" I know that I have improved so much this summer and I am definetly pumped to get on the startline and to FINALLY have confidence that I can hold my own in double poling!

The other thing I noticed about myself after this test today is that I can go WAY harder then I thought and I also have more in me after that effort, the thing is it didn't come from me being fitter. The difference was that I think I am finally grasping the idea of believing. On Wednesday during the VO2 test I wanted to stop, I didn't think I could bare andother second on the treadmill (I'm sure my caveman like form is proof of this) but I just started repeating to myself "you got this, you so have this" and voila I was able to prove to myself I am strong and I am capable of anything I put my mind to...this of course was coupled with the Kate, Mike and the two lab people screaming at me...however it kind of sounded like they were yelling in slowmotion!

Then today when Mike said we had to do another lap up the hill after what I thought was our last round I had to quickly switch gears and say to myself "I can handle this"...and you know I still could push through a lot of the lacate that had built up in my arms and now that I new what tempo was, the third time up actually felt a lot more in control and stable.

So yeah, its been pretty fun to know that at 28 I am still improving and to gain some confidence back in my speed and power. I am definetly curious to stand on that startline and see where my body will take me!

snow should start flying soon!
b

2008-09-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

wow, what a start to the week.
Right now I am trying to eat as much as I can I feel like a train has hit me. Yesterday I ran a 5km time trial on a track...yes, I just said that evil word. We decided to see what kind of speed I had in me because I've been running well on the trail, and I also wanted to use it as a test to not be intimidated by the track. For all the years I spent running, I dreaded track, and lived for cross country. I really only ran track because I had to and because my friends were on the team!

We had set out to run between 18min and 18:30, which I think I am capable of, however I fell off the pace pretty hard, I just didn't have that extra gear to turn it over the the last 12oom and so I was a little off the pace. BUT the good thing is that I am about 10lbs heavier then I was when I ran track, so its a good gauge of fitness for this time of year. It was also great to have the Foothills YRG kids out running around the track too.

Today we had a 5hr overdistance planned for highwood pass. Thankfully Mike drove me down as there was no way I was rolling down! I would say that this was a good workout for me because at the start I was pretty much convinced that I wasn't going to be able to do much more then an hour, but ipods and drink mix do incredible things, coupled with the boys who were double polling, I could keep up with them on my skate skiis.

Other then that I think I am recovering quite well- we'll see how tomorrow goes!

5 Peaks- Canmore 13.7 km Trail Race

2008-09-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

On saturday I raced my second trail race of the year. The race was held at the nordic centre which is definetly a plus! I've made it my mission this year to get as fit and confident as I can on this course, mostly for the ski season, but running and bounding are also great measures of how hard you can push on the world cup courses. Lately I've been surprising myself as places I would normally heed the advice of the voice saying "take it easy here" I have been pushing it aside and trying to find an extra gear or to just trust that anything is possible if you believe in yourself enough to just try it!- usually you end up finding out that the sky is the limit and you are the only one who can make the decision to go harder and dig deeper and once you figure out that you are in control of that, it makes racing a very different ball game!

I would love to say I took this race out tactifully and easier and that I made a plan of attack. When the gun went off any race plan I had made went right out the window as there was a girl from the university of Calgary Track team who basically took off from the start. I had a moment of thinking about letting her go, but decided to go with her and give her a run for her money. Basically the only thought I had was "this is MY course", I love the downhills and I love the relentless climbs. I looked down at my heartrate monitor at km 2 and it read 185...but I kept on the heels of the girl in front of me, knowing that once I hit the single track and downhills I could try to put a gap on her. I was actually shocked at my confidence- normally I think something is wrong if I'm with the leaders. This time I felt I belonged!!

I managed to put a small gap of about 150m into her until the 11km mark and she went blowing by me at warp speed. Oh yes, I forgot that track runners are fast on flat land if given the chance! So I had to muster up the courage and try to find some speed in my legs- I didn't quiet catch her, but for me, it was definetly a great race! I haven't ever felt in control or confident in my physical ability, so this was a very big turning point.

I'm pumped to race again- whether it be running, rollerskiing or bounding, but I want to keep on developing this new found feistiness and eventually I know I will be able to hold it until the end!

see you on the trails!

2008-09-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

The race season is coming up FAST.
Get obsessive.
Be Relentless.

5 Peaks- Kananaskis 12k Trail Race

2008-08-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Today I ran my first trail race in a while. I haven't actually done a pure running intensity or workout in quite some time. As part of the Salomon trail team this year, I thought I would scope out one of the 5 peaks races before we head into our third training camp tomorrow afternoon.

The race was held at the base of the Delta lodge/Ribbon Creek trail system. Consisting of all double track trail, this was a pretty amazing course. Oh and not to mention in one of the most beautiful venues, it is still so hard for me to comprehend that I live here and the mountains are in my back yard.

With some music pumping we headed out for the 12 km trek. Lately I've been working on not going out quite so hard and saving a little for the end- or atleast not redlining at 1km in. The race climbed for 3.5 km from the start- so I had to practice a little self control. I would say I was successful in holding back, but I still have some work to do in pacing as panic sets in when I can hear others breathing behind me.

Then we had a sweet downhill (3km) bombing back down approximately to where we started and then took a sharp left and headed out for some more gradual climbing coulpled with some short steep climbs to add a little bit of an insult (haha). There was another awesome downhill section before we headed for home.

I finished 1st and then 10th overall. 55min at altitude with a ton of climbing. I think it is a pretty good time, its hard to tell?! Don't compare it to the road thats for sure!

To top it all off I tried out the new salomon Speed cross 2, they have a pretty narly tread on them! I would say these are sweet for racing, but you might want something with a little more cushioning for training such as the xt wings shoe!

I feel like I am in pretty good shape now, for sure some work to do, but I'm happy with where my fitness is.

ciao
xb

NEW SPONSOR ANNOUNCEMENT: SILVERTIP RESORT

2008-08-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am very excited and honored to announce that Silvertip Resort in Canmore, AB has signed on to sponsor me this year! I want to extend a huge thank you to Ross Jansen, Eric Ommundsen and Jim Little for their support and enthusiasm for my pursuit to make the Canadian team for the World Cup, World Championships in Liberec, CZE and the 2010 Olympics. Please click on the logo in the side bar of this blog to visit Silvertip's website.

The financial support will help pay for the Alberta World Cup Academy team costs, as well as offsetting the time I miss from work.

CALL FOR SPONSORSHIP

2008-05-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, that time of year again!

Financial support in amateur sport will always be a bit of a struggle- I could give you the sob story of how I eat tuna fish out of a can, but it is not true. I'm not a starving athlete! I train hard, work hard and manage to make ends meet the best I can while still having a bit of room to breathe. However, this year, with x-c.com putting the breaks on their racing program I have been left with a substantial amount of costs with the World Cup Academy. Don't get me wrong, every penny I put into this sport and the Academy is worthwhile- and I am not in it for the money. I love this sport beyond what any tangible or monetary item it could bring. That said, reality is, I need money to pay for the coaching, travel and Academy fees.

If you or if you know of anyone interested in sponsoring an athlete please send them my email address or forward this link- I have a sponsorship package and a dvd full of photos and proposals to make a financial relationship work...I also like long walks on the beach and candlelight dinners...in all seriousness though, there are a few options to ensure that there is something gained from sponsoring me, and of course I am always open to suggestions.

brookegosling@yahoo.com

Regards,

Brooke

SILVER STAR SPRING SNOW CAMP 2008

2008-05-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Well April is done! That means rest is done and playing and having fun...just joking, the real fun just started!

After making the switch to the Alberta World Cup Academy this spring, two days later I was on my way to Silver Star, BC with the rest of the 15 new team members and two coaches.

I will be honest here and say that I was not at all prepared to go from blasting around the trails with my uber fast running friends and dancing it up on friday nights to being back in athlete mode. So the first three days of the camp I spent being grouchy and not sleeping. The mistake I made was trying to seperate the two "lives". So on day four I decided to stop fighting the fun vs. business sides of sport and just let the two coexist- after that I was back to my normal self- even throwing in a bit of a hammer ski and a trail run. BALANCE YOUNG GRASS HOPPER!!!

We worked a ton on classic technique- however my quote on day two of the camp was "I just don't feel like absorbing technique or taking constructive critism" yes, that was my nice way of saying "leave me the *^&% alone"...note to coaches and teammates, I have a mean streak! (sort of?)

It puked snow on two occasions, leaving us with a beautiful, perfect winter wonderland!...on May 9th!!!....but it didn't really stop me from loving it! My favorite conditions are deep wet snow- so I was all up for a good day of cruising slowly!

Canmore is warming up nicely and I'm happy!? to report I did my first rollerski intensity yesterday- I forgot how much I love to hammer!!! This is going to be a great summer!

cheers,
Brooke

MAY 1- giddy up

2008-05-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

What am I doing this year?? by this year I mean from May 1- April 1 (the Nordic skiier calendar).

I just accepted a spot on the Alberta World Cup Academy! After a month of debate and questions and worry about how I will be able to financially afford this I decided that it is the best option for me at this point in time!

However, I don't want to sign off before making a point of expressing how amazing my parents are. After phone call after phone call filled with tears of not knowing how to proceed with the 2008/2009 season (see previous posts) today they told me that they would help make it work. This is not the first time that my parents have seemingly found a way to believe me more then I think I believe in myself. Afterall this is just as much their pursuit (without the sweat of course) as it is mine and if I do well then it is something that echos through my family and similarly if I get my heart broken (and I'm not talking about guys) they are the first to scoop me back up on my feet and tell me to try again.

My priorities this spring have changed drastically and my love for the sport as grown exponentially because of this shift in thought. Instead of skiing being the be all and end all of life, it has become a part of my life and something that complements who I am- it doesn't define me.

This april has been so refreshing and I think I have mastered the perma-grin. There is not one thing I would change! Life can be so amazing if you allow yourself to enjoy it!- who knew!!!???

May 1st!!!! GAME ON!!!

That Time of Year...

2008-04-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Down time is definetly not my strong suit. Atleast in the past two years it hasn't. Last year I took 7 days off and then started racing mountain bikes. This year, was a different story- I haven't been on my bike and I took a FULL three weeks off completely from training! I was exhausted.
The past season was awesome! I improved a ton and I got to race in my first World Cup and then I travelled to Europe with Dasha and some others.

However, today they posted the National Team. I didn't make it. I knew that it was going to be a a bit of stretch, but I will say that I am still a little upset and there were definetly tears- I guess I just kept believing up until today and my heart kind of just did a dive bomb. A lot of people have told me that I had a great season and I was so close and that I should be on the team, but I'm not, and I know I need those coveted world cup points to have made it. At the same time I am a bit confused about what I need to do. I can't be bitter, its a waste of energy. So now I just surround myself with the people I love and those that understand and see what happens- this is the life I chose and supported by the National Team or not I have to find a way to be the best!

The cool part is that I know I have improved and I know I have a lot left in me. During February and march I could feel that I was getting stronger and that it will just take another summer of training, of focusing on every step and training with a purpose and goal everyday. I know I can make the Olympic team, I believe I can.

The thing is the realization of knowing I need to believe and then implementing that unwavering confidence in yourself seems to be where I get a little lost. Okay very lost. I bombed the world cup for no other reason then I was completely and utterly petrified. How can you be petrified of a dream? or furthermore of a dream that you are living and chose to live? the only answer I have to this is that failure and doubt just immobilize you to the point that it screws up the habit all of us Nordo's and endurance athletes have worked so hard to make a habit- the ability to just push and go into a pain cave. What I realized at the World Cup is that I am just as fit as any of those girls, I have great technique, but I am still scared of pushing it and taking a chance when it matters. Its kind of odd because I take chances all the time in training and smaller races. Sometimes I blow up, but more often then not I don't. So the biggest goal this summer will be to take more chances in intensity and race simulations- I can't play it safe anymore.

I should have confirmation of what I will be doing for the summer and 2008/2009 season shortly and will let you know the direction then.

However, what I do know is that I am hungry to win. I'm hungry to race and that more then anything is what is important to me!

Thanks to everyone for the support this year!

Final Standing in Canada: 6th Distance (moved from 12th last season), 7th Sprint (moved from 26th last season)...thats pretty awesome!!! :) FIS world Cup Eligibility!!! WOOOHHHOOOO

2008-04-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

And I wonder why I take bad action shots!!...

WHISTLER NATIONALS UPDATE 2008

2008-03-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

I am trying to upload a pdf. file, but I can't...please check back later for update.

2008-03-09T22:28:00.001-07:00

2008 World Cup 10km Skate Photo.

Girls and Skiing- OFSSA

2008-03-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Whoa! I just checked the OFSSA (Ontario High School Champs) Results.

There were 140 Sr. women. 140!!! Why can't we retain even 3% of this field. Its clear that at the Highschool and younger levels there is a high volume of girls not just skiing, but racing! But at the Noram Sr.Women Level there are on average about 20-25 female starters?

Now if we could only rally the other provinces to have a HS racing system such as Ontario, I think there would definetly be a lot more girls interested in pursuing this sport when HS is done.

I know this is huge can of worms to open and almost impossible for me to write a well articulated and research based argument as to why there are not that many female skiiers at the top level in Canada. What I can say is that opportunity and experience are two things that must exist in order to expose jrs. and Srs for that matter to understand that this sport is something you can pursue.

I didn't know anything about World Juniors until I was 19, and even then I didn't know that it was a stepping stone to something bigger, I didn't know that it was an experience that prepares you for the Sr. Ranks or that it opens your eyes to the highest level of skiing and provides the knowledge base to start working harder at a younger age.

All I know is that 140 girls at a highschool skiing event is huge, its positive and kudos to the coaches (I know many of them) who have continued to inspire and share their love for this sport!

Alberta Cup- Tawatina and Athabasca

2008-03-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

This weekend I travelled with the Foothills Ski Club (as an assistant helper to the Youth Racing Group) to the Alberta cups in Northern Alberta. By Northern Alberta I mean 5 hours North or Calgary. We stayed in Westlock, home of the world record harvest!

I will admit the actual towns lacked a little bit of pizazz, BUT the ski trails did not dissapoint. Tawatina had some of the funnest trails I have skiied on in a long time- they had lots of rolling and twisting sections, coupled with some punishing uphills. We didnt' get to race a distance race on these courses, but I will say that if we did, they would be pretty tough- there isn't a moment of rest anywhere. The problem with courses on the praries is that no matter if you can see the lodge, for some reason I always get lost. This time I wasn't the only one, a lot of the parents who were on a ski between the heats of the sprints were also lost!

Then we raced at Athabasca on some pretty crazy courses for the distance classic races. The course was pretty much a single track luge course- there were small briges, two technical icy downhills, long climbs mixed with short steep harringbone hills- You pretty much changed technique every 100m, it was AWESOME! I love this style of racing a lot more then grinding my way to the top of a mountain and then coming rocketing down. I love the idea of having to pace, look ahead and adjust your technique- it is a lot more fun and interesting.

I just wanted to thank Chris Jeffries, Mike Cavaliere and the Foothills group for letting me tag a long!!

Brooke

Skiing In Italy a video

2008-02-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

I thought that you might like this...you have to turn up the volume.

Sometimes you Surprise Yourself!

2008-02-25T18:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, Italy was incredible!
The skiing in St.Martin, IT was fantastic. Everyday we skiied there wasn't a cloud in the ski, the tracks were perfect and the temperature ideal. If it wasn't for the race course set up I would have led myself to believe that I was on a holiday- a perfect holiday.

First of all I want to thank my Dad, Mom, Grandparents, Uncle Philip and Elkhorn Resorts as well as Eric D'Nys, Dasha Gaiazova, Rhonda and Gord Jewett, Phil Villineuve and Chris Butler and I suppose I should thank Silvertip Resort for allowing me the flexibilty to leave for such a prolonged period of time - now that I re-read that list, that is a lot of people who helped get me to Europe. And again, this echo's just how incredible a support network I have.

So I suppose you want to know about the actual reason I was over there, the OPA cup. I wish I could say I went over to improve my sprinting prowess! Unfortunatly the few fast twitch muscles (okay the one fast twich muscle) I believe I have didn't really get quite as amped about the sprint as I was. I finished 18th out of 23...but hey I had to start somewhere, and really it was an 800m flat speed course that was over before I had time to blink! So I didn't get to start in the heats in the extremely cool downtown night sprint venue. So I went and drank some hot wine, apple cider and ate chocolate- its a close second to the actual racing! :)

After the sprint race we had Saturday to inspect the course for Sunday's 30km, checking out the start and finish, as well as where we would take feeds and get poles if they were broken.

There are three words I can use to describe this race: 1)Carnage, 2)Scary, and 3)Chaotic.

The race was not a typical format start. It was a loppet format. Meaning we would start with the Men. Now I want to take a moment and explain something about loppet skiing that I have observed over the last little while- Master Men do not like to be beat by girls. That said, the OPA Cup starters started ahead of the Loppet skiiers. So starting 2 minutes behind me were 300 angry Italian Men waiting to trample me. Basically at the start I was screaming my head off on the down hill because people were falling everywhere, poles were breaking everywhere and I had lost the womens pack (or so I thought). The first ten minutes were spent keeping my poles high enough in the air that no one would step on them, and then trying to stay on my feet and then trying to locate any of the OPA women- as the main purpose for my trip, although I hate to admit it was to get the points to be world cup eligible.

The thing with this race is that it didn't calm down at any moment. Every second and ounce of energy went into staying on my feet and trying to perform well. At about 10km I finally started to catch the tail end of the women's pack- let me just say that I am a very confident two-skater, I love this technique and there is nothing I love more then cruising at a fast pace two skating!. At the turn around the train kind of bottlenecked and I found myself blocked in by a bunch of men. I knew that if I didn't make a move now, I wouldn't be in contention for anything (at this point I didn't know what place I was). So I jumped in the classic tracks and created a new technique, frantically doublepoling with one arm and marathon skating into the forest off the trail trying to get around the men who were in no way letting me by. Finally I had an opening!! and jumped back into the two lane train...I took a quick glance to my left and saw two German women who I recognized from the world cup in Canmore. I had finally caught the women! I was so excited! a few minutes later after the train stretched out a bit (finally at 20k the men were getting tired) One of the french girls went cruising by so I jumped out and followed her. Then we entered the climb and I zig zagged through a few more girls. I knew we only 2 or 3km from the finish so I just started sprinting as hard as I could- knowing that these girls were going to go full blast at any moment. The only thing I can remember thinking was just keep hammering, don't fall, just go, just go and then it was over! I had no idea what place I was or what I had done. Then the Swiss Wax tech came up to me and said I had a good race, a really good race, that I was 5th. At that time I was pretty sure he was wrong and just smiled. BUT when I looked at the results I was 6th. It took a few seconds for it to sink in. I was 6th in a field of extremely good women and I was only 41seconds out of 1st. Wholly crap I just had the race of my life. I wanted to cry or jump or something. I had been waiting all season, no for the last three years for this to happen. To finally be proud of myself, to finally smile in acknowledgement that I CAN do this.

I didn't want to think about points at all. I just wanted to be happy with a good race, but as we cooled down I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed that I might not have earned the points I needed and so desperatly wanted- not so much for "selection" or "criteria", but I wanted a tangible number that is universal in skiing to tell me I was "good enough". This of course is the allusive FIS points. I need under 90FIS to be eligible to race in any European World Cup. It doesn't matter how I place in Canada, if you don't have these points it doesn't matter if you are winning every race in Canada, you cannot race in a European World cup (or so we are told). The other fear I had is that next year, because of my age I need 75 FIS to be eligible (according to Canada) yes, its extremely complicated and I try not to worry about it because as my coach says, if you just race eventually the results will come.

Well the results did come and I am happy to announce that I am now the proud owner of 69 FIS points!! (I sound like I bought a house- in a lot of ways, for the amount of money, sweat and tears I put into this I think I could have bought one by now!)

So what happened? why did I race well in Europe and not here in Canada? Simply put, it comes down to experience. The more you race a higher level, you will improve. Your body gets use to the speed, and for me, most of all, the stress and nerves are easier to deal with. During the Canmore World Cups I was so nervous I couldn't breathe, but when I went to Italy, I was more prepared, I knew what to expect and therefore could be more relaxed.

The other thing that made a difference is that I stopped racing for points and placing. I raced to race. I wanted to be absorbed and focussed for 100% of the duration of the race. I wanted to experience the journey in a positive way. Not, stressing out about wax, sleep, points, competitors. I just wanted to get to a state where I was relaxed enough to let my body do what it knows how to do best..HAMMER! We practice all summer and fall to teach our bodies to handle lactate and pain, yet sometimes the stress of the race, or what a good race could bring can hinder this natural habit to be able to hammer/ push hard. Instead of just racing as hard as you can, thoughts of failure, doubt, anger and bitterness cloud the reasons you chose to be a part of this sport.

I am not saying that now things are perfect. I still don't get to go to Europe to race world cup and I still am not on the National Team. Simply put, I need to create that state and race like I did when it matters most to the selection committee...but all I can do, and all that is ever in anyone's control is just to do the best you can with what you are given on that day. Beyond that it is a waste of energy and it takes away from the fun of competition, it changes who you are for the worse.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, as my mom always says "race from your heart thats all you can do".

Next up: Nationals at Callahan Valley!

EUROPE!

2008-02-13T09:21:00.001-08:00

Hey There,
so this will be pretty quick.
After Easterns and the Dartmouth Ski festival I made a quick decision to go to Europe for 10 days (maybe longer?) I spent my first day in Zurich and had one of the best days of my life! For no other reason then I was completly content! Zurich is beautiful! Between the shopping, the city, the food the architecture and art, the river, the gorgeous people, chocolate and coffee I would move to Europe in a heartbeat. Everything is accessible via, plane, train, bus or boat. This is even more apparent in Italy where there are "ski busses" everywhere and they just drop you off at the side of the road where perfect ski trails meander there the Dolomites here. Right now I am staying in Welsberg, IT (google it...it is beautiful). The first thing I noticed were the mountains and then the beautiful architecture and then the lifestyle...oh and the cappuchinos!

So far this trip has been amazing!...other then eating too many bakery goods!

EASTERNS....PODIUM!!!

2008-02-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

I travelled to Ottawa to participate in the Eastern Canadian Championships last weekend. Despite being uncertain if I wanted to even continue racing, I'm glad I went! the women's field was a little bit diluted, as three of key distance women were missing, but otherwise it was a great weekend and a chance to try some new things.

I finished 4th in the sprint and 2nd in the 15km classic. Given it was a slightly dilluted field, I decided to try a different tactic...no matter what GO HARD, RACE GUTSY, DON'T BE AFRAID TO FAIL...as it turns out, it works!

The sprint was so much more fun when I approached it with confidence- I mean who doesn't love a super hilly, mushy course? Okay I may be the only one as it seems to slow the "pure" sprinters down. I was coming into the finish in 3rd and got out lunged by Andrea Dupont- however, I never saw the photo finish photo. Either way I need to learn how to do that!

Then Sunday was the 15km classic Mass Start. This is my worst event. I dread it. BUT not this time, I forced myself to be confident and it seemed to pay off. We started hard and kept the pressure on. After 2km there were four of us left and after 7.5 I was still with Dasha- it seems though I just ran out of steam and lost a bit of focus over the 2nd lap as I got dropped, but it was a good race for me and I'm excited that I actually felt comfortable classic skiing.

A GOOD QUOTE

2008-01-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

"Human greatness begins where submission to fear ends. You cannot become wealthy like Bill Gates without first casting aside the fear that you will fail, without risking capital and prestige. You cannot become a Winston Churchill if you are intimidated by the evil power that you must fight. You can’t get a college degree if you’re afraid of taking tests, and you can’t win an Olympic gold medal if you’re afraid of losing a race. It is courage, not caution that leads to great success.”

I was on Sarah Hall's (a US Distance Runner) blog and she posted this quote. I thought it would go hand in hand with my last post...fear of failure is what keeps you pushing forward, but it cannot paralyze your thoughts to the point that not failing is all that matters...

Some thoughts

2008-01-29T10:30:00.001-08:00

The World Cup week is over.

Initially I felt extremely bitter, upset, and frankly, pissed off. I spent the last three days in tears, even going to such lengths as breaking down in tears at work in front of co-workers and then trying to convey to them exactly why I was so upset.

The thing is I don't really know what I was/am so upset about, other then I wanted to be the best I could be on the most important day of the year. There were no expectations of me from anyone at any angle, but I found a way to load as much pressure as I could on to my shoulders to the point that I didn't even know why I was racing anymore.

I lost sight of what was important, why I was there and who I was. You can't have a good race when you can't see through a thick fog of the "what could be's", the "what if's" and quite simply an insurrmountable amount of stress.

I didn't ski for the experience and I certainly didn't ski for me or with my heart. I skiied scared of not succeeding- and you absolutley cannot have those thoughts.

The 10k skate was better then tuesday's pursuit, and I was determined to have fun- and I did and I felt like things were coming back together, but a conservative first lap doesn't always lend itself to a gutsy performance...I was afraid to fail. I played it safe and had a good result, but not a result that echos my fitness level or ability. I was paralyzed this week by the fear of "not making it" and now that I have pinpointed it, I think I can move forward.

The last email I sent to my coach stated " I don't think I can move past this" (this was also typed in tears just prior to a colleague knocking on my door-- I was so embarressed!)

Today is a better day and I am slowly shaking the self doubt and replacing it with "fight harder" and "you can do this". ITS NOT GOING to be easy in any way shape or form. Its always going to be hard- but the satisfaction of looking your fears in the face and fighting them is unparalled to anything else.

At first I thought I should quit...but thats the easy way out. I don't ever do anything the easy way...its not in me to quit or to back away. I have been faced with a lot of set backs and a lot of dissappointments, but to come out of them and look back on them and then see where I am now...well its just a temporary lesson. I've learned the lesson and now I need to use it to get faster.

The World Cup Stars are the best in the world because they have stuck through it, they have fought harder then anyone else, they know themselves, they know how to approach challenges and they know how to tiptoe over the edge of potential and defy what they thought was possible. I have to start believing that anything is possible. I have to start believing in myself. I am on the bubble- but I got here in 2yrs...I don't think I am doing anything wrong or that I haven't performed well, I just haved reached my potential.

The most inspirational performances were from Sarah Daitch and Madeline Williams (and of course Chandra- but she has already been on top and has found the recipe to do it again) they both hit their stride this week- I will admit I was green with jealously because they did what they needed to do on the day it mattered. BUT most of all they have worked so hard and have bounced back to perform and prove to the rest of us "independents" that its possible to break through...you just can't be afraid too. I wish them all the best on the World cup over the next month- I'm sure they will light it up!

So now I'm off to Ottawa for Eastern Canadian's...I love this event, there are hundreds of skiiers, great energy and moreso and chance to re-focus an remember why I ski...

Thank you to all those who have sat through the tears the last few days...I'll see you on the trails soon!!

Tough Day at the Office...

2008-01-23T07:22:00.001-08:00

First of all the World Cup is quite possibley the coolest thing I've ever been a part of! Between the course, the cheering crowd, the music, the announcers, the teams from all over the world and the energy of the day, cross country ski racing doesn't get much better!

The race didn't go as I had wanted- it actually went pretty bad. I didn't ski for me, I skiied for some allusive placing I had no idea would be so hard to get. I forgot that I was in a World Cup and just couldn't focus on the moment and on myself. This coupled with slow skiis and a body that wouldn't cooperate on the day didn't make for the best of races. Its definetly a start and I am hungry to race again, but this time to prove to MYSELF I can do this. Basically I had a really bad race on the wrong day. It happens, and I suppose I have to start somewhere, I was just hoping it would be a little further up the results list.

The most frustrating part was watch girls I have been either ahead of or skiing with clobber me by over three minutes. At the same time, it gives me encouragment to know that I could be up there too.

At the moment I'm exhausted, I don't know if its from the race or just the anxiety of the last few weeks or too much training.

So now I just need to recover and get ready for friday.

Brooke
There are photos on www.x-c.com and www.skifaster.net

The Importance of a team...

2008-01-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

After spending the last few days getting in some amazing skiis in Lake Louise (15cm of fresh powder yesterday, virtually untouched!) and then today at the race site in Canmore the one thing that keeps popping into my head is the importance of a team.

This "team" is not always other athletes that wear the same suit as you, although I get the "go Shayla" A LOT (which is fine, Shayla is awesome and hot, so its a good compliment!), but it is a mix of your friends, family, coaches, team members, wax technicians, team managers, boyfriends, girlfriends etc.

It is definetly possible to succeed without these elements in your life, but then the journey and experience would be lost- part of succeeding and pursuing a goal is sharing it with those that you meet along the way, using your experience to be a role model for younger athletes and sharing the trials and tribulations with others. Who would you call with tears of joy when suddenly all of those dreams and goals started becoming a tangible reality? none other then those a part of your team!

With the world cups less then a week away my team is even more important, not only to help me race fast, but also because I am pretty sure I wouldn't be standing on the start line without them!

CANMORE WORLD CUPS!

2008-01-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

I MADE IT!!!

I am so so so excited! I was selected to race in the National Seed Group for all four races. BUT I will only race in three of them!

This is such a huge relief and affirmation of hard work for me- and I know that the hard part is still to come, but I'm moving forward and improving and that is definetly positive energy! Now the work has been done and all I have to do is race...and not get too intimidated by the fact thats its a frickin WORLD CUP...but this is what I have been dreaming about for so long and I feel pretty calm and ready for it!

I will try to write more later!
hugs,
brooke

TRIALS!!!

2008-01-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

I just got back from the World Cup Trials in Duntroon this weekend. CCC hasn't posted anything yet regarding selections and I won't say "I made it" until I see my name in writing under "National Seed Group", but the races went well and I am consistent in my results. I was 4th in the pursuit and 8th in the 10km classic and 8th in the sprints. I also got my highest ever CPL points in the sprints on Saturday which was pretty cool! And I also learned that I have no tactical thoughts, reactions or abilities when it comes to sprinting- which cost me in the Semi-finals as I fell going around a technical corner because I didn't really read the course right and lost focus for just a few seconds- but I suppose that is what sprint is all about and I hope that I continue to get better at them because they are a lot of fun!!
So yeah, now I just have to wait to see what they do with the selections for these races...

Thank you for all the the good luck wishes and to those cheering on the course- it was such a fun weekend and I'm glad I had friends and family there!!!

ciao!
Brooke

2007-12-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

Howdy!
Well the first few races have come and gone- I finished 5th in the 10km skate at Soverign and then 5th today in the pursuit at Canmore.
I don't really have much to say other then, I'm happy I've been consistent, but I want to be on the podium plain and simple. I also know I have to be patient and let my body absorb the trainign from the fall and summer.
So thats it thats all- nothing too spectacular...but its coming..

check out www.x-c.com for photos
www.zone4.ca for results

We still have a sprint on saturday and a 5km classic on Sunday. I'm not sure I will race the sprint on saturday right now.

cheers!
Brooke

Are You Ready?....

2007-11-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

The first races are less then 20days away- actually they are only 14 days away!!!

I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous...but for once its not a "terrified" feeling. Its just a calm sense of nervousness, enough to keep me sharp, but allow be to go to sleep (most of the time)!!

I haven't skiied yet...tomorrow I'm heading to Lake Louise to ski on Moraine Lake Road- word has it they are rolling a track tonight, either way I will be skiing! There is also a 6minute loop at the nordic centre- now I could have been an "uber keener" and do my 4hr distance workout on a 6minute loop, this would have equated to 40 loops!!! Even I'm not that crazy!!

Other then that- I've been watching webcams and checking the weather network every five minutes in hopes that the weather pattern changes within those five minutes! Yes, I know I should be working, but I've become good at minimizing the screen or using the excuse "I was just checking the weather to see if the painters can finish tomorrow!".

Things are otherwise going well, I'm loving training right now and actually enjoying the warm weather because I know soon enough it will be insanely cold!!- I'm excited to get on snow and I am excited to race- I feel like I've put in a lot of solid hours of training and a lot of focus this year- so hopefully it will turn out to be a great race season!!

Keep doing your snow dance and check back soon for some photos from Silver Star!

Quote of the Day

2007-10-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

"Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be. "Charles "Tremendous" Jones
"You become a champion by fighting one more round. When things are tough, you fight one more round"James J. Corbett

Training Update

2007-10-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

Training Update!

I figured it was time to update you on the training I've been doing for the last little while.

Its been three weeks since my last intensity block, I've had a mixed bag of feelings- from being "extra crispy" to feeling like a million bucks... and today I finally started to feel better!

I'm heading into a few weeks of volume and then we up the intensity going into the races! I can't wait...I got my program last week and it is scattered with lots of zone 4!! SWEEETTTTT!!

This past weekend I joined the Foothills Nordic crew for one last dryland camp in Lake Louise. We stayed at teh Alpine club and ate dinners as a team. The highlight for me was not only watching lots of video, but we double poled for two hours up the icefields pkwy towards Jasper (see inset pictures) and I felt pretty strong- I'm not noted for my double poling prowess, but I honestly was pretty happy with how the training session went!

After the wet snow flurries on friday night we woke up to -3 weather and the roads were pretty icy, definetly a mental hurdle to make due wtih the situation and get the best workout possible- not the ideal situation for skate intensity as planned by the group! but I was quite impressed with the group who forged ahead and did some double pole intensity.

Sunday morning was "surprise" time trial. It was a 10km double start duathlon. So I got to start with the boy's! I was a bit intimidated the night before because I didn't want to be blown out of the water and I also didn't want to be skiing on my own. To my surprise I hung in there pretty well. I started a little too hard, but used it as practice to fight myself and continue to push through the fatigue!

In summary, I'm pretty happy with how training is going- I know I've worked hard this summer and I've been a lot more focused without having to force it or convince myself to train- this was one of the training goals I've been trying to accomplish and it seems to be working.

Today I did some intensity and my coach joined me for the workout and we also did some technique work. The one thing I noticed about today was that before the workout I was waivering on going back to bed and I have been a little worried as of later about over training...but having a chat with my coach made me feel a lot better and coupled with such an amazing day (it was 15 degrees this morning...now its raining!) it was hard to stay down for too long!

okay well the snow is coming...and I'm super pumped to get on snow!!!

oh and the National team is competing at the first world cups in less then a week...sooo I'll try to post the results for that!

NEW PLAYLIST FOR OCTOBER

2007-10-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

New Playlist...

Lazy Eye- Silverspun Pickups
Jane Says- Janes addiction
1979- Smashing Pumpkins
Prime Time- Mariana's Trench
Waiting- G.Love
Tight Fist- Wil
The way I are- Timberland
Sugar, were going down- Fall out boy
Promise- Matchbook Romance

2007-10-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

You can always go faster. You can always go harder.
Stop making excuses as to why you "can't"...its negative energy- it doesn't get you to where you want to be.

I know what your thinking- easier said then done right?
Yes, well it does take some practice to always strive to do your best, but it also takes a lot of practice to start believing in yourself.

The biggest thing I have learned in the last three years is that no matter how many people support you, no matter how many opportunities you are given, no matter how much training you do, if you don't whole heartedly believe in yourself, your goals, your abilities and your potential you might as well not continue to forge ahead.

In sport- especially at the top, confidence and belief in yourself is what will help get you to the next level.

Never give up- you always have a lot left in the tank!

...snow is just around the corner, are you ready for it?

NEW SPONSOR!!!!

2007-10-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to announce that Elkhorn Vacations based out of Canmore and Manitoba will be on board this year to help me out financially for the 2007/2008 Racing Season! I would like to thank Adam Tottle and Grady Manson at Elkhorn for working so hard to make this possible! It is a huge deal for me to have a local company like Elkhorn believe in my goals! Also thank you to Phil Villneuve, x-c.com manager for helping with the logistics! please check out Elkhorn at http://elkhornvacations.ca/ and book some time out in the mountains this winter!!!

Playlist

2007-10-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would add a playlist that I like listening to when I'm doing recovery runs by the river...looking at the incredible mountains!

Lonestar- Mountains
Tegan and Sara- Living room
Timberland- Oh Timberland
Police- Every Breath you take
Citizen Cope- Bullet and a Target
Sloan- who taught you to live like that
Paul Brant- Alberta Bound
Beautiful Girls- Periscopes
Nelly Furtado- Say it Right
The Kooks- sofa Song
RjD2- Ghostwriter

Moose Mountain 16km Trail Run Race Sept.9.07

2007-09-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

Over the last three years, I had started to believe that I was not a "runner" any more. I'm not sure what definition I use to define a runner- perhaps running everyday with an end goal of running faster. Since I started skiing again (three years ago) I don't run to run faster now- I run because I like it and its good for training (arbitrary, I know).

Two years ago, my friend Lindsey and I ran the Moose Mountain Telephone Loop 16km in Bragg Creek and it was so cold, wet and snowy that I was sure that my legs were going to just freeze on the spot. Let alone that there were so many mud bogs that my poor mitts were soaked and black by 6km from pulling myself out of the mud. All I remember is feeling really hardcore after the race- and wanting to be warm...I didn't care much about the results, but I managed to place 4th overall even with the men.

This year was a different story. The course still had sticky mud and it was cold, but I wasn't on the edge of becoming a Popsicle! I went to this race with a "secret" goal of not only beating my time, but I wanted to crush it- I know I don't normally voice my goals with such anger, but I wanted to judge my fitness and I wanted to find out just how hard I could push.

So I went out with the boys- leading for a bit- and got the usual comments "oh I'm getting beat by a girl"- in a sarcastic tone of course. Now usually I laugh at these comments, but I was pleasantly surprised by my reaction of quietly contemplating just how much I would try to beat this guy by. So off I went verging on blowing up for 16km and managing a strong kick for the last 2km. I was just under five minutes faster then I was two years ago. And I am pretty sure I saw stars. The best part was I got a sweet moose patterned buff and copious amounts of cookies and brownies at the end.

At any rate, during the race itself I didn't feel overly good. I always imagine a good race feeling effortless, but this was just plain grit and guts, there wasn't a moment that I thought it was easy- and even the last 2km took some coaxing from the gentlemen I had been pulling through the course- but I will say that I was pretty excited to see I had another gear and had that final kick left in my legs. I don't think I've felt like that in running since 1998. I think I'm in pretty good shape!

2007-08-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Haig Glacier Camp Re-Cap!
The Haig Glacier is located in Kananaskis Country, Alberta. The nordic skiing camp has recently been re-named the Becky Scott Training Center. Its approximately 2-4 hours hike from the trail head (depending on how fast you run/hike). There is a base camp that we sleep and eat at and then another 30-50min hike up to the glacier where there is a groomed track, storage shed and washroom shed.

The week I went up I was lucky enough to tag along with the Callahan Valley training center and my alma matter, the Thunder Bay Training Centre. Even though it was a full camp, the athletes present were serious (not too serious) and focused on training each day. It was also a relief that I wasn't the only one who enjoyed the three hour coma-like, drool accompanied naps after lunch! Sometimes when people are on different schedules it makes it hard to sleep!

The coaches from each of the training centres were Eric Baily from Thunder Bay and Amy Caldwall from the Callahan training centre. Both coaches brought a wealth of knowlede, experience and professionalism to the camp and this definetly was reflected in their athletes attitudes and approach to skiing. While doing strength and plyometrics with Callahan I learned I have a lot of weaknesses- mostly in my coordination and balance, and also my ability to jump around holding a big rock! Eric did a talk on nutrition- which as I have stated before is definetly and area I am not good at- I love to eat sweets! but when you spike your sugar and insulin levels too much it is very hard on your body and recovery is not optimal. So yes, I have to be careful as now I get quite sick from eating too much sugar.

There was lots of skiing to be had- the trails were amazing! We even got 10cm of fresh powder on Saturday which made it the best ski day I have had in my life! Coupled with the surroundings and people I couldn't have imagined a more perfect day!

All in all I trained about 23 hours over the six days! and to my surprise I am feeling really good right now! It was also encouraging to see the improvements in my strength and technique from last year!

I'm definetly motivated and excited for the season. Especially now since the temperature is dropping to about 7 or 8 degrees at night.

The Snow is just around the corner!

2007-07-24T20:06:00.001-07:00

CHECK OUT THE NEW X-C.COM WEBSITE....

2007-07-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

Eat, Sleep, Eat, Train, Eat, Sleep, Eat, Train, Eat, Sleep...Repeat tomorrow.

I am not a conventional athlete. Or atleast I didn't use to be. The past few months I have found myself succombing to the usual way of an elite athlete. I haven't exactly figured out why, but what I can say is that I am thankful I focussed enough for this last training block to be a 24hr athlete, but I am also thankful for the break.

A very important part of training and succeeding is resting and enjoying the time off. As I say this, training to me is fun, I love it, and I don't need a holiday from it...but my body does need the rest, and I have to admit that, and allow it to rest and recover from what I put it through the last six weeks. Basically the idea is to break your body down, recover, come back stronger and do it again...and enjoy it.

So I'm heading back to Ontario for a VACATION as it states in my program...I have an easy week of 10 hrs of training!

2007-07-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Making it work.
I recently had some correspondance with a good friend about "the great scheme of things". The friend is around my age and in the same situation. This situation I speak of I have narrowed down to "what happens when you are 27 and improving by leaps and bounds in your sport, but feel external pressure to move on with your life".
True, there aren't a lot of us in this age group who are still going for it. Most of the women still in the sport at this age have already "made it". I struggle with this fact every day, but have also come to the realization that perhaps I'm one of the few that get to have this experience and life at this age, perhaps I don't have to "move on with my life", perhaps this IS my life. To be honest its a pretty damn good one at that.
True, I get stressed out a lot (due to financial stress, carrear stress, family stress, marriage stress, life stress etc. etc.), but I don't think that is the nature of everyone in this said "situation". I have come to realization its my personality to blow almost every issue out of proportion and believe that any set back is actually the end of the world. Its actually not, and some have labeled me as a "drama junky", not really knowing if the root of the drama is because I get bored and create it for entertainments sake or if it actually is an external event out of my control happening to me.
At any rate, questioning yourself is a good thing, and always striving to succeed is a good thing, no matter what pursuit you chose. Eventually you will know when that pursuit has ended and all of the sacrifices, set backs and yes, drama will be well worth it in the end when you finally sit down and reflect on the journey, so you might as well make it a great journey, oh and enjoy every minute of it

Grandpa's Birthday

2007-07-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Today is my grandpa's birthday. He turns 85 I believe. My birthday is on the 14th. When I was growing up, we celebrated together- the cake often read "Happy Birthday Brooke and Grandpa". I tried to make it hope this week to have a reunion of sorts of this occasion. It didn't happen- I have selfishly decided to stay here and "prepare" for the first intensity block of the season. Hopefully in about ten days time we can have a celebration together.

My Grandpa is quite the character. I learned to play "spoons" on my knee when I was about 6 at a camp fire while camping with my grandparents somewhere in Ontario- Kill Bear most likely- we liked it there. My Grandpa (Frank) played the Guitar (pronounced with a "hard" G in a southern accent would be the best way to say it- like my Grandpa). Comin' round the mountain was the favourite- actions included (My Grandpa's Yee Haw's echoed throught campsite). Every kid at the campground would be at our campsite by dark- ready with different instruments (sticks, harmonica's, pots and pan's) but I always had the spoons.

His laugh is infectious. His love of music and dancing is even more infectious. My favourite memory as an adult was watching my Grandma and Grandpa dance together to a Rod Stewart Hits DVD my mom got for Christmas. Or perhaps, my grandpa listening to the radio of a baseball game under his pillow.

There is also the hidden buckets of Neopotian ice cream that he is not supposed to eat. And of course golf balls he re-sells in egg cartons that he has "simply come across in random places".

At any rate, I am excited to go home and "hang with the grandparents" as my brother likes to say...

2007-07-10T13:08:00.001-07:00

First Post...
All I can say is that I hope this blog doesn't become a cheesy, boring, epic read...please do let me know when this happens!