Weekend Wrap-Up and Muskoka Loppet

Hi Team,

Congratulations to everyone who raced this weekend - I saw lots of determination and positivity go into those races, even in some pretty snowy weather! It was great to see how everyone's technique is coming along, and to hear your race analysis afterwards.

I was really impressed with how everyone approached their races today - it was a tough course, and not everyone had felt their best the day before. Even so, everyone I talked to beforehand was excited for the race and looking at it as another opportunity to go hard and try your hardest - a mindset that is not always easy if you had a tough race the day before!

In case anyone didn't to get to see their results after the race, they are posted here: http://zone4.ca/results.asp?id=9435&cat=all. Time of day has not been posted, but placing for today's race (independent of the pursuit) can be found on the right-hand side.

For those who have trouble staying warm before races (especially when the weather is really cold), here are some tips:

1) Change your base layer. It can make a big different to change your shirt under your race suit after warm up, so that you're not starting the race in a sweaty shirt. Changing hat and gloves is often really helpful too!

2) Wear a hat. When it's really cold out, wearing a hat helps to retain more body heat. If you like to race in a headband that's fine, but consider doing your warm-up in a hat first to keep warm.

3) Keep moving at the start. Doing short jogs and dynamic stretches (like leg swings) while you're in the start area can really help keep you warm, and keep the blood flowing and muscles loose.

4) Wear a big jacket. When you're in the starting line-up or waiting to go into the start area, wearing a big jacket around your shoulders is a good way to keep a bit of extra warmth in. You can just button it at the top instead of putting it on fully, that way you can take it off quickly when your number is called.

Here is a link to some of podium photos from today - they are from my phone so may not be the best quality, but again feel free to use any and all of the photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/bGV4XRv5jVnSKrXW6

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For those who are looking for another race opportunity, the Muskoka Loppet is next weekend at Arrowhead in Huntsville. This is NOT an SOD race, but it's a really fun local race, and a great opportunity to practice your double pole!

Registration prices go up after tonight, and registration closes this Thursday, January 23rd. The race notice can be found here: http://arrowheadnordic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Notice-of-Race-2020.pdf

The next SOD race will be at Mono Nordic the weekend after, on February 1st (more on that soon).

Thanks again to those who came out to race this weekend - you should all be really proud of your efforts out there - I'm proud to be coaching such an awesome team!