Welcome to Russia

It was really neat to visit Russia this weekend. In addition to being SUPER, super cold, it was a really different place than I have ever been. It was a bit like stepping back in time, old buildings, weird music, different fashions, foreign food choices, but good racing and good fans. I will hopefully be spending a bit more time in Russia over the next couple years as well, with Sochi 2 years away and the trial World Cup in Sochi next year. So, time to brush up on my Russian from U-32!

An “Aladdin Style” building, as we called them, which you will randomly come upon in Russia.

Let’s see…left to right: Charlotte Kalla, Marit Bjoergen, Marthe Kristoffersen, Therese Johaug, Jessie Diggins…HOLY CRAP!!! JESSIE DIGGINS!!!!!!! Yeah buddy!! Teammate Jessie Diggins continues to amaze the world and ski out of her mind, this time to a 5th place in the 10k skate race on Saturday. Super impressive stuff from this 20 year old from Minnesota!!

Kikkan outside our sweet cabins in Rybinsk, Russia.

Sylvan Ellefson trying his best to warm up his feet after a -25 degree celsius training day. Ouch. But, as usual, he is smiling.

Jessie, Sadie, Holly and Ida on our first day in Rybinsk. The sun is nice, but it is far from warm out.