The period between the end of February and the end of March is always a strange one for racers. For some there are end-of-season World Cups or marathons to fill the time, but this year I have been nearly race-free for a month. With the exception of a race-type effort in the Winter Triathlon (a 20K ski leg) a few weeks back, I haven't stepped to the line since mid-February in Madison, where my back spasmed in the Team Sprint. Since then I have been first on the mend in physical therapy and massage, with Pete and Co. and Alison working wonders to free up my tight muscle-enslaved hips. Following that it has been several weeks of training. And GOOD training, but the lack of touch with racing has left me feeling strange. And now I am only two days away from leaving for Fairbanks and the US National Distance Championships + rescheduled US National SHORT Distance Championship races. It's gonna be a big week, too: most of the top Americans AND Canadians will be there, along with a generous contingent of junior and collegiate racers anxious to make a splash following their respective championship weeks.
All in all, it's time to get the game face on. Sadie and I will both be competing in three of the four races next week: a 5/10K classic race, team skate sprint, and 15/30K dual pursuit.
Follow the action at: www.ussadistancenationals.org.
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