So, the weekend of the Tour of Anchorage Ski Race is looming. Why it’s weaving cloth using antiquated technology is beyond me, but that’s beside the point.
I have to admit that I am a touch nervous about the ordeal. Being heaped in with over 2000 other skiers, of all ability levels, I wonder just how well I’ll do. I’d like to do well, but I think my focus should be a bit more pedestrian.
To wit, my goals for the Tour of Anchorage, in order of importance:
1. Try not to die. This seems the most important to me, and I will do my best to see it happen.
2. Try to be competitive. I am competitive by nature, but am unsure of how this will translate to something so unpredictable and rather foreign to me. I don’t think I’ll go all 300 on people (“THIS. IS. SOLDOTNA!”) but I’ll try to pace myself accordingly to do the best I can.
3. Pace myself accordingly. I found a couple of weekends ago that I can pace myself quicker earlier, so I’ll try and do that. My plan is to find a better skier (That shouldn’t be too hard) and keep pace with him or her.
4. Try not to die. Yes, again. I think it’s that important.
So, we’ll find out Sunday. I’m in the 25k classic-only race. Since I’m extra classy. Also: I’m terrible at skate-skiing.
I’ll let you know how it goes. In the interim, I plan on pacing myself and, of course, trying not to die.
My thoughts exactly!!! I hope not to die #1, to finish #2, and to find a skier or group that pushes me but does not kill me! Good luck friend and coach!