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The Ski to Sea Race is a big deal in Bellingham. Memorial Day weekend, some 400+ teams compete in this multi-event race from the Mt. Baker Ski area to Bellingham Bay. People with Olympic experience participate. International teams compete. Ringers are brought in to best previous years’ winners. It’s really a big deal.
The legs of the event are Cross-Country Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Running, Road Cycling, Canoeing, Mountain Biking and Kayaking. Of all of those legs, I am in great shape to perform well in the Downhill skiing, Running or Road Cycling legs. My finishing times could be respectable, and fall in line with my current workout regimen.
So what leg did I volunteer for? Cross Country Skiing, the first leg, and bellwether event for the race. I will set the tone for the rest of my ridiculously fit team of Alpha Technologies personnel.
The last time I put on a pair of cross-country skis, I was about 15. I was most concerned with scoffing at how silly cross-country skis were, compared to the downhill skis I know and love. So now, 20+ years later, I’m going to be in a cross-country skiing race, where more than my ego is on the line. Seven other dudes are relying on my finishing, and though we say it’s all about the fun, I feel pressure to perform well.
I have about six weeks before the race and will be heading up to Baker just about every week to train, and try to not make a fool of myself.
