Monday 3 March 2014

Things are on the up

This morning there were a few flurries of snow around - a good test for the waxing. Did a faster trip this morning and a slower one at what felt a comfortable pace in the afternoon. Thus I got a total of 52km done today - most I have ever done on a second day's training. Burnt off about 3200 calories in just over six hours.

This afternoon was what they call in F1 a race simulation. Going round Kuusamo there are lots of places where roads need to be crossed - taking skis off and putting them back on. I took drink/refreshment stops and just kept on at a comfortable pace. The result - my average pace is pretty much what I need to do, and usually do manage, in the RR.

Considering how I have been hampered by a lack of training, this is nothing short of remarkable. The main conclusion I can draw from this is the benefits of cross country skiing, with the key element being that it is low impact. OK, as a precaution I am wearing running compression socks to stop the muscles being able to mode too much. Next time I have leg injuries, I will take myself off cross country skiing to recuperate.

At lunchtime I popped in to Elmo Sports to drop a pair of skis off for professional preparation - the guy in there does a really good job. As I turned round to leave, who should be coming in to get his skis prepared was Klaus, who I met on my first RR. He is skiing RR4 this year, but like me has come early to train. I bumped into him a few minutes later in a café at lunchtime. I was commenting on the rising temperatures, and he told me not to worry as it is the dew point that is the key factor, and this is not going above zero this week. Now Klaus works for the German Meteorological Office and he showed me the traces on his smartphone straight from the models. He was also going well and is on the same wax as myself.

So, this is starting to look good
  1. My endurance is better than expected
  2. My waxing is good
  3. The conditions look like they are going to be good, at least for a few days
So I treated myself to some new lycra cross country ski trousers- stylish Italian ones. One has to look the part, even if I do feel a bit "mutton dressed as lamb". This is a bit of a family joke - to be good enough to ski that one could wear lycra - better skiers all wear lycra!

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