Diane placed 15th overall (1st in her age group) among the women in the 2004 Birkie. FasterSkier previous 0.1 seconds gives Gold to Babikov and Scott next What We've Read Recently Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Google+. Loading Facebook Comments ... Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Facebook. Leave a ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Voluntary SubscriptionOption 1: 5.00Option 2: 10.00Option 3: 15.00Option 4:Option 5:Option 6:Option 7:Option 8:
 series.</p>
<p><B>What are your future racing plans?</B><br />
I intend to complete the ASM series next year. I'm planning on working (more) on technique because clearly the experts are leaps ahead (it's a good thing I have strong lungs). As far as training hours I will train what my coach<br />
John (Aalberg) tells me to train. I also intend to better listen to my body's feedback next season.</p>
<p><B>What is the best thing about XC ski racing?</B><br />
The best thing about my XC ski racing is the fact that I'm going to be great at it if my improvements continue! More important, I have inspired many mothers, students (I teach HA Sciences at our high school), and mainly our four beautiful daughters. </p>
<p><B>Can you give us an example of how you might have inspired your children?</B><br />
On the way to the Minaqua Winter Fest my little Alybell age seven said, ” You know Mom I'm gonna win today”. She did. The other three just have fun with it and that's really important for them. </p>
<p><B>What other sports have you been involved with?</B><br />
I was a professional water-skier throughout my college years. I ran indoor, outdoor (track) and cross country at SCSU. My husband and I are dedicated hunters also.</p>
<p><B>Can you describe how you experienced this years Birkie race?</B><br />
This year’s Birke was about survival and taking care of myself during the race. I went into the race not having done consistent training for a month, due to my illness. I still did not feel 100%, so I had no idea what to expect. I skied at a comfortable pace and kept it. My normal races start controlled, get faster and then end really strong. I am a classic “train aggressive”, race conservative with a fear of running the engine empty in competition.<br />
My husband took over waxing my skis after US Nationals because I had a real bad experience with my wax in the 30-kilometer in Rumford. My skis have been great ever since.<br />
The Birke is my kind of race. I believe based on the results that a lot of my competition this year underestimated the endurance challenge. The conditions couldn't have been ordered better with my technical level. </p>
<p>On a personal note: The huge factor with this race is the spiritual bond between me, almighty and the trail, I beg for mercy and pray more on that trail than at church, along with 1000s of others before me.<br />
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FasterSkierMarch 18, 2004 FasterSkierMarch 18, 2004
