City of Lakes Loppet Race Report

Sunday I raced in the City of Lakes Loppet 17 K freestyle ski race. It normally is 35 K and finishes in Uptown. But because of our serious lack of snow and winter they had to shorten the race to the 3.5 K snowmaking loop at Wirth Park. We did 5 laps. At first I was not at all excited to ski 5 laps, I quit track in high school because I get so bored running around in circles.
However it turned out to be a lot of fun. Tony and the girls were able to see me at least 2 times a lap which was so great. Just seeing there smiling faces cheering me on gave me so much energy to ski another loop.
The snow was pretty terrible. I shouldn't complain because at least there was snow,  I'm very happy about that.
It was pretty much sugary, mash potatoes, 80% of the course, and the rest it was pure ice where skiers had either snow plowed down hills or there skis slip out on the uphills.
I had to really focus on being light on my feet and quick up the hills. I witnessed a lot of crashes but I was lucky to stay on my feet.  I've gotten so much better and more confident at downhills since high school. Now I just go for it full speed ahead. No fear.
It also helped that there was always someone to chase. I was attempted to stay with a guy I knew that was always just up around the next corner. I never got him but I did chase down a U of M skier that I skied pretty much behind for the last 3 laps. I like to beat boys!
So all in all it was a great day. I didn't really have high expectations since I haven't been getting much training in and considering how much beer I drank Friday night and how crappy I felt Saturday (all correlated of course.)
I'm happy with it. I think I'll be running and roller skiing for the next two weeks before the Birkie since there's no snow in the forecast. Such a bummer! At least the Birkie trails seem to have enough snow, I hope that it stays cold enough up there so we don't have to worry about another race getting cancelled or shortened. That would seriously bum me out.
So my stats:
time: 1:05:16
pace: 3:51/k (i was hoping for under 4.)
place: 370 out of 597, 58 out of 143 females, 9 out of 18 in division (30-34)

Now bring on the Birkie!