Not In It To Win It—
Racing for Non-racers and Racers
Who Want A New Outlook
For the purpose of this article, Nordic skiers fall into two camps: those who race, and those who don’t. Most racers want to race and not be bothered with stopping to smell the pine tar, and most non-racers would never be caught dead skiing with a bunch of lycra-clad adrenaline junkies. However, there are many benefits to participating in races even though you may never finish first or first in your age group.
For more casual skiers, the very thought of being packed in the starting gate with skis and poles everywhere, having to constantly get out of other skiers’ space, and the possibility of a huge yard sale at the bottom of a hill can produce major anxiety, not to mention a case of hives. But touring skiers can gain a lot from participating in a race.
Set and work toward a personal goal
Whether you want to beat a certain time (or a certain person), work on skiing at a higher intensity for a longer amount of time, or feel more comfortable skiing around others, a race is a great place to put those plans in action.
Learn new tricks
Skiing alongside other skiers is a great way to learn things about your own skiing. Watch how those around you climb up hills—are they doing something different from you? Watch how far others are gliding. Are skiers gliding away from you? If so, are you holding back; do you need to work on technique or possibly waxing?
Something special
There’s just something special about the atmosphere of a race and having a number pinned on, even if you’re not competing to win. You have to focus on all aspects of your technique and what your body is telling you. You have to do it the best you can for an extended period of time and probably with a bit more energy than you may be used to. You will get a feeling of accomplishment and an adrenaline high that does not happen when you are just out skiing for fun. You might ski further than you thought you ever could, and that’s pretty darn cool.
OK racers, you know who you are. Many of us know you from your list of serious racing goals such as the American Birkebeiner, a local race, or a world loppet event overseas. The primal drive to succeed in Nordic racing is undeniable and this journey is often marked with the inevitable successes and shortcomings you’ve experienced throughout your racing career. But there will come a time (and maybe it should be sooner rather than later) where that drive moves from competition to simple enjoyment and the love of skiing. This is a whole new universe for the uninitiated “racer chaser” or “master blaster.” Can it actually be fun at the back of the pack? You bet. Here’s the scoop.
Having fun
Yes, I’m sure you’re having fun when you reach your aerobic limit and have snot and frost clumping on your beard or race suit. But, why not slow down and enjoy your surroundings, especially if you are fairly new to the course. Dedicate yourself to an event at half-throttle. Stop at a food station and take a drink instead of skiing on the brink of dehydration. Take the time to switch out some wet gloves for something dry and cozy. Thank the volunteers. Visit with your personal support crew/family who usually gets a bottle silently thrown at them as you barrel by. Your race can be both exhilarating and relaxing if you just slow it down.
Helping out
Another benefit of being a seasoned racer is all the knowledge that you’ve accumulated over the years. Why not offer advice those to who aren’t as experienced as you are-only if they ask, of course, no need to be a race-course “Karen.” Steady a skier as they get their boot back into a snow encrusted binding. Help someone get their pole strap back on after they’ve stopped for a drink. Talk a skier through a tricky descent and encourage those who may need a kind word. Look for the person with leg cramps and offer them help stretching them out. Those who help out really promote the culture of nordic skiing and are great ambassadors of our sport
Also, being a part of a race comes with other benefits whether you are a confirmed non-competitive lollygagger or a lactic acid junkie racer.
Stuff
Cool (free) souvenirs are the best—like the custom Swix Seeley Hills Classic embroidered ski hats—I’m sure many of you have quite a collection. Birkie® finish-year pins are a highlight for most. The sweatshirts from the Pre-Birkie are quite fashionable, too. We regularly see decades-old Pre-Birkie Sweatshirts coming through the shop, each with memories and stories from years past.
Snacks
The unofficial benefits of every race are the custom snacks along the way, whether it is the huge selection of homemade cookies after the Barnebirkie®, blueberry soup at the Mora Vasaloppet, or the Jaegermeister shots on Lake Hayward at the Birkie®. Food is especially yummy after a race!
No matter which end of the pack you’re in, the greatest part of skiing or participating in any event is the people. Not all racers are judging slower skiers and not all touring skiers can only compete at the back of the pack. Sharing an activity you love with other participants, organizers, and volunteers creates a special bond and memories that you’ll be able to relive again and again whether it’s on the podium or out on the trail. Challenge yourself to see a new perspective—it is 2020, you know. You don’t need a medal or an age-class award for your efforts. If you’re out on the trails, you're already a winner.
Thank you to ABSF for photos.
