Cool Races 2011


2011 was the bucket list year for Chris. After laying the groundwork over the last few years, it was time to take a big bite out of the goals that had been stewing for years.

Of course we'd factor skiing into the fray. In preparation of the first big goal in February, we headed to Crested Butte to do the Alley Loop ski race. Sharon looked stylin' in the costum contest for the 10k race while Chris took on the marathon in his ski race debut. The good news is he finished, but lets just say it was getting late in the day!

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Then it was up to Northern Wisconsic for the big kahuna of ski racing in the nation, the American Birkebeiner. They had festivities leading up to the big race. Here are some folks in traditional Norwegian garb. They did the whole race dressed like this!

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Sharon took part in the 10k race the day before the main event and had a fun time

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Then after 30 years of yearning, Chris joined 9000 other skiers and took on the Birkie! It went 31 miles from Cable to Hayward through the hilly northwoods. A beautiful and challenging event! It was awesome.

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In April we headed for a tour through the Southwest. We checked out Petrified Forest National Park which has fascinating fossils of a bygone era.

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When driving towards Vegas we crossed the new bridge towering above the Hoover Dam. Impressive engineering.

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At Lake Mead outside of Vegas, Chris took part in a half Ironman triathlon that had a tough but beautiful bike course through the national recreation area and then a run that included 5 old railway tunnels, that was a first! Chris's buddy Paul joined in on the race as well.

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The night after the race we checked out Vegas. That was crazy down there.

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Back into our natural habit, we checked out the Valley of Fire State Park.

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Then while driving back through Utah we saw Snow Canyon State Park. A great spot with lava tubes, towering sandstone cliffs and fun hiking.

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At the end of May Sharon did the Bolder Boulder 10k that has 50000 participants. She even toed the line of her wave!

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She ran with her friend Heather and they had custumes to add to the festive day.

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At the end of June we flew up to Spokane Washington for the main event of the year. We toured Spokane which was a real nice city. Here Sharon plays the part of statue with the artwork downtown commemorating the big Lilac Bloomsday Race that is held each Spring.

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There is a big waterfall right in town and we ate lunch one day overlooking the spectacle.

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From there we headed 30 miles east to the mountain resort of Coeur d'Alene. Here Chris took on the Beast, a full Ironman! Here is the start with over 2000 other swimmers battling out for position. Full contact sport!

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The bike was a challenge hilly course that had some nice views along the way to help keep motoring along

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After the finish!. 11:29:40! A very satisfying day after a solid year of triathlon training. Crossing the finish line was euphoric. Slideshow can be seen here.

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After the Ironman, the summer was mainly for biking. A couple more firsts came with ascents(and bombing descents!) of Mt Evans and Pikes Peak during organized events that were a lot of fun.

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