March 27, 2015 (Sun Valley, ID) – Following yesterday’s final 30/50km FR events of the 2015 US Long Distance National Championships in Sun Valley, Idaho we caught up with veteran Kris Freeman (Freebird), who took home the SuperTour Overall men’s title, and Caitlin Gregg (Team Gregg/Madshus), who won her first women’s 30km FR national title for the their take on their victories and their seasons – final standings here.

Kris Freeman © Peter Graves

Kris Freeman SuperTour Overall Men’s Winner

You’ve had many victories this season – which one stands out the most?
KF: I dug the deepest to win the 30k classic at US Nationals.  I was literally staggering the last 200 meters.  I wasn’t feeling very good that day but I got everything I had out of my body so it stands out.

Are you happy with your season overall?
KF: I had three goals this season.  Win the SuperTour and get back on the world cup, qualify for World Championships, and place in the top 20 at the World Championships.  I accomplished the first two goals but I was sick for the entire world championships.  I was way off form in europe and international results are what I value most.  Still I won three Nor/Ams and five SuperTours this year which made or a fun season of racing.

What’s on tap for you now following the last race?
KF: I am going to go on vacation with my girlfriend.  I’ll start training in May and continue working with Eli Lilly as a diabetes spokesman and advocate this summer.

Caitlin Gregg takes home her first 30K FR title © Dave Wheelock

Caitlin Gregg Women’s 30km FR Winner

Would love to hear about your race today – the course – conditions.
CG: Great day to be a part of Team Gregg! Both Brian and I are psyched with our Double US Nationals Podium (Brian 3rd American). We are also very grateful for our awesome Madshus skis and the wax support from the University of New Mexico and Toko Wax! Our races wouldn’t have been as successful without all of these factors!

I actually woke up this morning and didn’t think I was going to race. I have been struggling with daily headaches after I got hit pretty hard during a feed in the Holmenkollen and have had to skip every race out here until today. I felt OK but not great this morning but wanted to get out and cheer for everyone (especially Brian). I hung out with the UNM women’s Team for a few hours before our noon start and their great attitudes lifted my spirit so I decided to try and see how I would feel during the warmup.

The course broke down quite a bit from the 9 AM Men’s start. I went out to help feed and cheer for Brian at the Men’s start time and conditions looked perfect for the skis I had waxed the night before. When I came back out to cheer the men on for the final few laps I noticed the the snow was beginning to change and change fast. I quickly tested another pair of skis and decided to race on them. After a quick wax touch up I headed to the start not sure if I had warmed up enough or whether the hot weather would make my headache return. During the first lap of the race I soon realized I had made the right decision on skis and to go ahead a race.

Is this your first 30K US title – how does it feel ?
CG: This is my first 30K title! I won the 20K last year but this was even better!

How does this victory compare to your other big performances this season ?
CG: The victory today was very special. I had my husband, aunt and uncle out on course for support and it feels great t cap off such a great season with a good result. I heard rumor of some skeptics about my result in Falun only being due to the weather but I hope this helps show that I also had to be in great shape and pick the right skis to capitalize on what the weather was doing.

What’s up for you now that the season is over?
CG: Now that the season is over Team Gregg keeps going. We actually go home and start work on Tuesday morning! We work at the Boys and Girls Club in North Minneapolis where we live. We organize a run club for the at-risk inner-city youth. We are psyched to kick off the spring season with a running race next weekend with the Timberwolves (our NBA Team!) and then go watch a game the following week! I love what we do as athletes and I am very proud of all we have accomplished…but my ultimate passion lies with helping giveback to those who can benefit from our energy and time the most. it’s been almost 6 months since I have seen the kids and I am beyond ecstatic to share my medal and the stories of our winter with them!