These were published in the SawyerCountyRecordNewspaper from Hayward, Wisconsin on February 21, 2007
1. SKI YOUR SKI
The plan is to get the most glide possible. The
Birkie requires that you keep a flat ski at all times. Try to step as
far up the hill as you can, stepping out on a flat ski. This way you
can get some glide going up the hills. When you have your leg extended
and the ski is on its edge you should be stepping up the hill onto your
other ski. When choosing a pair of skis for the race pick out a brand
that is soft through its first third. The ski should also be the
longest length that you are comfortable with going up hill. Most of
your energy is used going up the hills, but you still want as much
glide as possible going down hill. Shorter skis go up hill easier, but
longer skis go faster down hill. Tarnow.
2. CONQUER THE HILL
The Birkie is a very challenging and demanding
race course - up hills and down hills are legendary! Skiers of all
abilities have been humbled by one of the most difficult races on the
World Loppet ski tour. Never stop your forward progress! If its an
uphill, apprise the hill as you ski to it. Find the subtle nuances of
the hill's terrain, and use those to your best advantage. Look where
other skiers have gone and depending on your wave, don't get caught
behind slower skiers even if it is the most opportune path up. Attack
the uphill but be careful not to overdo it and lose precious energy
needed for later in the race! The attack attitude is simply stated as
"don't let the hill beat you - you beat the hill". On the down hills do
not be afraid to "let your skis run" (see Axiom 1). While this may seem
treacherous at times, especially with twisting turning hills and many
other skiers in sight, the Birkie usually has a new uphill to attack
immediately following! See Axiom 3 but remember to ski in control and
now is not the time to ski beyond ability and training. Eroe.
3. USE YOUR MOMENTUM
It takes a lot more energy to accelerate after a
slowdown than to work to maintain speed. If you have the energy and
balance, try to skate all but the steepest down hills. On hills too
steep to skate down, break into a skate as soon after the bottom as you
can handle it. Skate or step turn around corners rather than
snowplowing to maintain momentum. The track may be faster than the
skating lane at times. Knowing how to marathon skate in a fast track is
useful for overall speed as well as in passing slower skiers on the
side. Find a group of skiers that are slightly above your ability and
ski with them. They will pull you along as well as act as drafting for
you. Burke.
4. HIGH TECH
If you are committed to racing you need to invest
in not only good skis, but you need good poles and preparation
equipment. This includes waxes and base preparation equipment. The
texture of the base is as important as the wax. Toko makes a very good
rilling tool that rolls over the ski. This tool makes a pattern that is
broken up; somewhat like a tire. This rill takes the water off of the
bottom of the ski so that the friction is reduced. More rill on warm
days, less on cold. High tech extends to the waxes. Generally, in the
Midwest the days are cloudy and the snow has a lot of moisture. The
flouro waxes are necessary to go fast when the humidity is high. Tarnow.
5. MANAGE YOUR HYDRO-CARBS
This section discusses both hydration and carbo
loading. Both need to be considered prior to your race. Current carbo
loading technique for a marathon has you eating many meals for during
the last few days before the race. This is more important than eating a
huge meal the night before the race. However, Milan Baic, an elite
citizen racer from Traverse City, says that he eats a plate of
spaghetti for each 10 K and he seems to do "OK" in the races. Hydration
also needs to be increased prior to the race. If you are going to ski
the race in less than 4:00 you really do not need to eat during the
race, but you sure do need to drink. I suggest a minimum of 2 glasses
per aid station and never ever pass up an aid station without taking at
least one glass. I suggest trading off between the energy drink and
water. A couple of GU are good during the race, but make sure that you
drink lots of water soon after eating it; timing is everything. Tarnow.
6. RELAX & HAVE FUN
Do not take any of this too seriously. This is a
part of your life that you chose to do. No one is making you do this.
It is a crazy and grueling sport. What they say is true. Just finishing
the race should be sufficient. A good placement or a PR are always
great, but having fun and enjoying yourself enough to come back next
year is more important. John Bruder, an orthopedic surgeon from
Traverse City, says that "you should start off slow and then back off".
Have a goal, but be realistic. If your skis are not working like they
should, if your motor is misfiring, stop pressing, back off and enjoy
the race. Tarnow.
7. FIND YOUR MANTRA
Skiing the Birkie can and should be spiritual.
First, its repetitive and second, you are sharing the experience with
some 8,000 other skiers. By effectively managing the other axioms,
skiers have described a state of inward peace and oneness during and
after the race. By listening to your inner voice, your mantra will
become apparent. Go with it! Let it carry you. By being balanced and
centered you will be transformed from the here and now to the true
magical experience of the Birkie. Remember, however, this is what has
been described as "Birkie Fever". I trigger my Mantra by Listening To
The Wind, Feeling My Heart, Using My Will and Opening My Mind. Eroe.
