I have long wanted to learn how to xc ski, I have a long acquaintance with several top line (by Aus standards) xc skiiers. Unfortunately I've never taken the opportunity.
It's certainly an interesting taper for a marathon. At our stage in life we should not be getting to caught up in perfect tapers etc but just making themost of life's opportunities. If you end up running a few minutes slower because of it (not that you really know)then big deal. The quality time with the family is worth it.
Yesterday was a very pleasing 2hr/45km mtb ride. I ended up getting soaked by rain the last 10kms, that was also very pleasing given the drought conditions.
This morning was a nice 12.5km hill race at Dunnstown near Ballarat (120kms from home). Very cold and windy to start with. The race climbs up to the summit of Mt Warrenheip over about 8.5kms then you charge back to the town.
Steve Moneghetti took out the race and with it the O/40 prize. Being near Ballarat the race was well attended and very competitive. Twice as many runners as the population of the little town!!
I was happy with my effort. I got dropped from quite a big pack about 2k in and did a lot of headwind work solo. Caught quite a few up the steepest part of the climb (once was a good mtn runner) and past a few more on the descent.
As a side note Steve Moneghetti is all class. He is a BIG celebrity here but you'd never know it.
These small events get a big boost from his profile. This morning he turned up despite a late night (and a few beers)at a charity event. No fees, he's just another runner out there. Did the post race presentations, chats with all and sundry. Passed on his winning prize. Paid his dollar for his sausage at the BBQ and for his cuppa. No fuss, no look at me I'm famous.