Pelican Parts Forums - I did it! Vasaloppet. The longest cross-country ski race in the world.

Pelican Parts Forums (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/)

- Off Topic Discussions (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/)

- - I did it! Vasaloppet. The longest cross-country ski race in the world. (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/738717-i-did-vasaloppet-longest-cross-country-ski-race-world.html)

I did it! Vasaloppet. The longest cross-country ski race in the world.

After several years of procrastinating I finally took the plunge a year ago and put my name up for Vasaloppet. As you can see in the link below, its the longest (90 km), oldest and largest (15000) cross-country ski race in world.
I used to ski in my youth but not for the last 25 years. This winter I borrowed my fathers skiing gear but for lack of time and snow I only managed to get some 15 km of training. For this race its recommended that you get at least 500 km before the race..
The race starts at 8 am. All 15000 at once. The start field is at least a kilometer long and 50 meter wide. It was just as the sun was rising and a cold but beautiful morning. It was just a magnificent sight!
With approximately 10 km intervals there are control stations where they serve the classic blueberry soup and the electronic chip you are wearing is checked. You have to pass each station before a fixed time or you will not be allowed to continue.
To make a long story short, I just barely made it to the goal within the stop-time. You had to pass the finish line before 8.15 pm and I crossed it, half dead, at 7.41 pm.
In summary it was without a doubt the most gruesomee experience in my life - both physically and mentally. During the second half of the race I kept rambling two mantras to myself: "Every pole push takes me a little closer to the finish" alternated with " NEVER MORE, NEVER MORE!!"
For the two following days I was literary unable to get out of bed. The muscle ache was just devastating.
In closing, I am now of course planning to participate the next year again. :)

Vasaloppet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You're the man! Congratulations!

Congrats, Markus!

Skoal!

Congratulations!!! That is a very special accomplishment as cross-country skiing is (for me) the ultimate test of my endurance and physical/mental conditioning.

I noticed that in 2012, Jörgen Brink finished the race in 3:38:41; man, he must be a god and national hero...very impressive.

NICE WORK!!!

Thanks so much, guys!

Vasaloppet is one of the most popular sport events during the year and it is very well covered in media. Since I was a kid I have always watched the race on television. Although I have always been mighty impressed by the guys in the top 100 who finish in just around 4-5 hours, I think I always had this notion that "well, how hard can it be?"

Now I know. And my respect and awe for these guys has grown enormously. I mean, if I could get a lot of traing before next years race I hope to shave off 40 minutes and finish under 11 hours - at best! From there to 3.38 hours is just an ocean of time.

not quitting when your ready..
that's when it get's interesting..
well done Markus...
bound to be some painful tunes you can pull from this..

Rika

You provide a great role model for us Pelicanites. Being active like that(but not necessarily for that distance!) is inspiring to many of us. Congrats!

Thanks, Rika.
Hehe, stay tuned.. :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by recycled sixtie (Post 7325745)

You provide a great role model for us Pelicanites. Being active like that(but not necessarily for that distance!) is inspiring to many of us. Congrats!

Thank you! I figured once in a lifetime I ought to do something completely idiotic and senseless, given my usual couch potato life stile.

Congratulations and best of luck in this amazing endeavor!

I cross country ski more than I do downhill, and boy, 90km is a distance! For every uphill there is a downhill, but they can't come soon or often enough! Congratulations Markus, I think this is just the beginning for participation in a few "endurance contests" for you. We're going to have to start calling you the "Swedish Ironman/ Fluffer"!

Congratulations Markus! Feelin' the burn eh', blistered...ha?! I can only imagine what happens with some of 15,000 plus participants and all the ski gear get tangled.

Congratulations Markus, that is one heck of an accomplishment.

Congrats! I just took up skate skiing this year. By far the hardest activity I have taken up. I imagine at that distance, at some point loose your form/technique and it becomes 3x's the effort. Nice accomplishment!

Congrats and what the hell is blueberry soup?

So, when you finished the race, Markus, did your kids ask you "What took you so long?" ;) :D