There were 3240 men and 577 women that completed the 2004 American Birkie.
Another 1002 men and 707 women did the Korteloppet
This new mini-series is about “moms†in cross country ski racing. We have realized that men have been dominating the cross country racing scene for some time now and we want to give women a look at some fast, fit and motivated “moms†who also happen to enjoy cross country ski racing.
We hope that women will find this inspiring and take the challenge. The Surgeon General talks about the need for daily exercising. We think that XC skiing and ski training is the ideal way of battling general aging and many physical problems that comes along with this. Our suggestion is to use racing goals to stay motivated. Decide today that you are going to participate in “something†next season. Start with something doable and easy, not a marathon! The training for that should start now. You'll be able to pat yourself on the back nine months from now when the next XC ski season starts.
Here is: Â Leslie Hall of Winthrop, Washington
Leslie placed 12 overall (1st in her age group) among the women in the 2004 Birkie.
Some of you might remember Leslie better by her maiden name, Leslie Thompson. She is a former two-time Olympian and National Champion.
How much have you been training and racing after you retired?
I didn't race at all and trained minimally for about 3 years after I stopped working at NEI Then I started doing the local running races in 1999 or so and then the local ski races. After Walker was born in 2002, I began doing more real training-because I began to do intervals once a week with Laura McCabe and to do more training in general with her.
How many races have you done this year?
Five including the Birkie.
Is this a serious “comeback” – are you going to try out for the next Olympic team?
NO WAY-I know I would have to focus and train way harder than I can with my family to do that and I am happy not being on the circuit anymore!
Do you need a coach?
I thought I could use some coaching earlier this winter when I was sooo far behind Laura, but then I realized I just haven't been putting in the time that she has and I am not as driven anymore. I always liked having a coach but I don't think I need one for my current level of commitment.
Why do you ski race?Â
I love to compete. And I like the satisfaction of setting goals and doing my best to achieve them. I think I get fitter by including racing and intervals in my training/exercise schedule.
Your total number of races per season?
 I’ll do a winter triathlon and the Cascade Crest tour so that's a total of seven for this winter and then I do the four or five local running races in the summer-not many!!
Your future racing and training plans?
I just plan to do the local stuff and maybe some Canadian races next year-until we get to the point where we can make some family-trips to races I'll probably stick with that.
The best thing about XC ski racing?Â
Great people and usually good conditions to ski in!.
What other sports have you been involved with?Â
I run and I mountain bike a bit.
Can you describe how you experienced this years Birkie race?Â
Well, here is my race day experience:
“My friend (and competitor) Laura McCabe had shown me where she thought the start was so we headed out there carrying our huge bag of dry clothes-luckily we were staying at the Lodge so we didn't have to deal with traffic getting there. Unfortunately, the start was totally on the other side of the Lodge than she thought-so that was a bit of a run around. I eventually found it and warmed up a bit. This was only my second full 50k- I did the Birkie in 1991 but it was shortened to a 43k or so that year. I had done the Royal Gorge 50 k one year.Â
Maybe I raced the West Yellowstone 50 too, but I think I've only done that 25k (editors note: Leslie “can’t remember†that race because she had a bet with her coach (me) — and she lost).Â
As you know, long races are not necessarily my best races-so I knew I had to take lots of feeds and drinks. It was windy and a bit chilly at the start and I saw a few familiar faces-some old friends and some people I see more regularly now. That is always fun. We lined up and watched the men start and two minutes later it was our turn. I was nervous and excited. I almost fell right out of the start because I leaned back-but managed to stay on my feet and right near the front group. I got in line with the women and I was in about 10th place and the pace felt fine. I was losing little bits along the way though and eventually the front women pulled away. I had a few women passing me along the way and I was wishing I pushed harder to stay with them! All the men I passed were very nice about letting the women stay together and giving room easily, which was great. I managed to feel decent the whole race, but wished I pushed harder to stay with a few women who passed me (esp. Sofia Lind who ended up 6th and skied very smoothly) but they managed to pull away from me and I didn't fight to keep up-that's the problem with my racing these days-I'm not quite as vicious!! I ate about 7 GU's during the race, drank almost my whole camelback and took many other feeds-including coke and coffee at 38k. I think that all helped me survive. My legs never felt too tired and I was able to attempt a sprint at the end. I was disheartened to get passed by Jan Gunther at about 47k as I knew she knew the course really well and I thought I'd never be able to get ahead of her at the end-but I did get her by 5 seconds or so. We took turns pulling across the Very windy lake. I was leading a small group of women most the way so I wasn't too enthusiastic about pulling into the headwind but it worked out well. I don't like following.
So I survived and did okay though I would have liked to do better, of course. I was happy that I didn't Bonk and happy that I didn't end up singing silly kids songs the whole way! I doubt I would do it again in the near future, as Laura was my inspiration and she helped set up the Lodging and everything so it went so smoothly. Maybe when the kids are older we could go as a family. It was a great experience and good to see all the people I saw-but it also made me very thankful that I am doing what I'm doing now and not on the racing scene!!
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