Canmore AB – Yesterday I decided to take a pass on the 10km skate. My ankle wasn’t fully ready to skate, it was -20 and I just plain didn’t feel like it! Enough complaining!! Today saw the running of the Noram World Cup qualifier races (which I wasn’t entered in). They were again exciting to watch, lots of crazy fast racing. My season officially began today as I raced in the Alberta Cup 10km Classic. Let me briefly describe the course – somewhere between HARD and IMPOSSIBLE! I guess they didn’t design these World Cup courses with me in mind. Read More (click Read more)

These are likely the toughest trails I’ve ever raced on (notable exception – the courses in Corner Brook NFLD, those downhills were rude, ask Karl or Steve someday). All that aside, it was a lovely day, around -13 and sunny. I had decent grip (the only guy on straight klister) and great glide. The highlight was the epiphany I had out on course, which was based on the brief article I posted the other day… The gist of which was “when on snow for the first few times – take it easy”. Well, does that mean racing on these courses when it’s your second time classic skiing this year. Maybe not… All things considered it went ok.

Andrew out on the slightly less crowded 10k course.

Andrew using his favorite technique

I got beaten up by everyone close to my age, luckily though (and this isn’t always the case) I managed to hold off the old guys. Seems my training has paid off a bit. As the race progressed I actually began to feel a bit better. Not the usual ready to die in the last couple km. This race will serve well as a good intensity workout that surely blew out the cobwebs. As with last year (racing early in Canmore) any course will seem easy now! Something to look forward to! Remember – try and take it easy for the first few times out (or go in a race). From Canmore AB – Andrew Rees

Glad I wasn't in this craziness - Men's NORAM

The men up the first hill

More pics someday - if I ever get around to a photo gallery...