It's the second consecutive year for me to race in Gatineau Loppet. Team Chinada gathered in Gatineau for the annual winter party this year and most members signed up at least one race. Since I skied classic style last year, I decided to give it a try on 51-kilometer skating style this time.
Having a little incident ( I forgot my ski boots at cottage ), I finally arrived at the start line the very last minute. I was placed in D wave along with two buddies while elite group was in A wave. Looking up at the sky, it was sunny and not as cold as weather forecast to. But wind could easily change everything. Putting on my thick gloves and two layers of soft shell jackets, I took a deep breath. It was going to be a tough day but I was ready.
The first few kilometers have some rolling hills, nothing too steep. Everyone seemed to be in all-out mode. Some passed me or were passed by me. It's easy to get influenced in a racing atmosphere. I kept reminding myself of not skiing too fast, too hard to conserve energy for later.
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At an aid station. Volunteers are devoted. - by Charles |
About four years ago, I started cross country skiing with a group of friends - Team Chinada. It's where my xc skiing journey began. At first, It was just a way from the noise of life. Knowing little about skiing, I could barely move forward. After joining a club and taking lessons, inch by inch, improvements were made. Enjoyments were increased. We skied wherever we could, from Hardwood to Highlands, from Horseshoe to Arrowhead, from Ottawa to Stoneham, even on the backyard trail. "Flying Higher (飞得更高)" - a popular song among the team, precisely reflects how it feels when skiing. Beautiful sceneries are everywhere to make every effort worthwhile.
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From the viewpoint of Scenic Cave |
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From the top of Highland Nordic |
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Moonlight skiing on backyard trail |
Coming back from my reflection, terrains started changing, going up and down more steeply after the 31-kilometer cut-off point (O'Brien). Some most steep uphills are in this section. I had to divert all my power to ski up. Turning right to the Gatineau's pkwy, trails get much wider and seemingly easier. But my memory from last year's race reminded me that it's deceiving. Some slow uphills are brutally long, maybe as long as a few miles.
At the finish line, though quite exhausted, I was thrilled to have experienced an international race again. I was also delighted to see many familiar faces. I love the feeling of holding hands with friends, giving each other high five or fist bump. Lots of fun was added by telling stories, teasing each other and taking photograph. We cheer together, laugh together. At this very moment, I realize that without their motivation and support, I might not even sign up. This is the team spirit that goes beyond medals, the team that grows into a family and that I'm proud of being part of.
We ski. We go outdoors. We find serenity, happiness, friendship. If fortunately enough, we might someday find some meanings in life.
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Skiing up a brutally long uphill |
At the finish line, though quite exhausted, I was thrilled to have experienced an international race again. I was also delighted to see many familiar faces. I love the feeling of holding hands with friends, giving each other high five or fist bump. Lots of fun was added by telling stories, teasing each other and taking photograph. We cheer together, laugh together. At this very moment, I realize that without their motivation and support, I might not even sign up. This is the team spirit that goes beyond medals, the team that grows into a family and that I'm proud of being part of.
We ski. We go outdoors. We find serenity, happiness, friendship. If fortunately enough, we might someday find some meanings in life.
co-author: Allison
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