The Journal entry covers the whole story, but at the end of the weekend, I was 20th in the Classic Race and 4th (2nd American) in the Skate Race. We’re off to Silver Star for some substituted races since Bozeman and Soldier Hollow have been cancelled.

Dec. 2
Bozeman, MT
SuperTour Sprint F

Dec. 6, 7
Soldier Hollow, UT
SuperTour Sprint C,  10/15km F

Canceled due to no snow. Races scheduled for Soveriegn Lakes, Silver Star.

Due to extreme cold temps, record breaking, in Anchorage, the only races held were a 5km Skate and the Classic Sprint. It was a bit stressful waiting for the word on whether the races would actually happen or not each day, and then staying warm and focused as the delays added up.

The snow was pretty slow, and the racing was not easy, but I drew a good start number behind Liz Stephan in the 5km Skate, and with 15 second intervals was able to gauge how the race was going. I was getting good splits throughout the race, and won the race by 3 seconds over Kikkan Randle. It was pretty exciting.

The classic sprint did not go so well, I decided I could double pole the entire course as it was fairly flat. I guess the snow was too slow, and maybe it was not the best decision. I ended up 33rd in the midst of the CXC Women, Maria, Johanna, myself and Kristina.

Fortunately, my results this season helped me make the Vancouver World Cup races coming up this weekend. I’m definitely in the Skiathlon race on Saturday, and hopefully the Skate Team Sprints on Sunday.

Thanks for all the emails and words of support, they help me ski a lot faster!!!

Morgan Arritola, Ketchum, ID, 23, 5/13/86
Caitlin Compton, Minneapolis, 29, 11/7/80
Kris Freeman, Andover, NH, 29, 10/14/80 (2002, 2006)
Torin Koos, Leavenworth, 29, 7/19/80 (2002, 2006)
Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT, 25, 11/30/84 (2006)
Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, 27, 12/31/82 (2002, 2006)
James Southam, Anchorage, 31, 6/5/78 (2006)
Liz Stephen, Montpelier, VT, 22, 1/12/87

(name, hometown, age as of opening ceremonies, birthdate, (past Olympics))
Source: USSA

More info:

http://fasterskier.com/2010/01/ussa-announces-2010-olympic-team/

OO Time Trial