January 22, 2010 (Hinterzarten, Germany) – The US XC Nationals in Anchorage came and went faster than I expected. I think the temperate weather conditions and good snow cover sped up the pace of the week. What a change from last year! Now I’m in Germany preparing for the Nordic World Junior Championship races held in Hinterzarten, Germany.

It seems like the US has a great team of U23 and juniors over here. It’s been pretty low key and quiet at the race venue, but today a few more teams arrived and the excitement level is rising. The courses have lots of fun climbs and fast down hill turns.

Today the coaches set up a skate sprint simulation for any of us who wanted to participate. I raced the prelim skate skiing and then switched over to classic skiing because my shins seized up. I did most of my heats alone since I was classic skiing them and couldn’t keep up with the skaters. We are all psyched to be here and ready to throw down!

Race Schedule:
– 1/25: Junior Skate Sprint
– 1/26: U23 Skate Sprint
– 1/27: Junior 5/10km Classic
– 1/28: U23 10/15km Classic
– 1/29: Junior 5/5km, 10/10km Pursuit
– 1/30: U23 7.5/7.5km, 10/10km Pursuit
– 1/31: Junior Relay 4×3.3km, 4x5km