The 46th Canadian Ski Marathon - by Lindsay Richan

The 46th Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) was held this past weekend. Excellent snow conditions allowed for the original point to point trail event which comprised of 10 sections ranging from 14-21km. In brief, the CSM is an annual two-day event, spanning over 160km taking you from Buckingham to Montebello (day 1), and from Montebello to Lachute, Qc (day 2).

Around 2,000 crazy skiers took part in the world’s longest cross-country ski tour this year; ranging from 5-85 years of age. You have the choice of entering the touring category, where you complete as many sections as you want; or the Coureur des Bois (CdB) categories where you are given more time (start at 5:40-6am instead of 8am) to complete the entire 2 day event. The CdB is broken into 3 groups: Bronze, Silver, and Gold and each can only be entered once the previous one has been completed. The Silver CdB must carry a pack weighing a minimum of 5kg, and the Gold CdB carries the same weighted pack but also camps outdoors Saturday night at a designated area. This year I took part in the Bronze CdB.

Both mornings I was up around 4:30am, quickly ate breakfast and prepared for the 6am start, headlamps and all. The air temperature hovered around -20’ C, much colder than what I had been skiing in all year. Luckily, by mid-morning the sun was out and stayed with us for most of the day. The course took you through a well mixed terrain through farmers fields, forested areas (my favourite), along logging/old rail roads, across frozen water bodies, over bridges, up steep never ending ascents, and down tricked descents…this race has it all!

The event is definitely a challenge of endurance that will test you physically and mentally. Before starting the second day, which I might add, was tougher terrain than the first day, you’ve already been skiing for 8-9hrs and covered 80 km, your body is sore and you’ve only reached half way. For me, I think the toughest part was getting up bright (read: dark) and early to do it all over again day.

Overall, I had an absolutely amazing experience. I lucked out with good ‘waxing’ (I used grip tape) for the entire event and had properly trained which allowed me to complete the full 160 km. Despite the soreness I felt, I am definitely doing this event again. The beautiful scenery, the adventure, and the challenge of testing your abilities mentally and physically are what this event is all about.

Many thanks go out to the wonderful, cheerful, efficient organizers, volunteers, and trail crew of the CSM for making such a complex event happen so flawless!

The Canadian Ski Marathon: A Celebration of Canada's Winter
The Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) is North America's longest and oldest Nordic ski tour. The CSM takes place during the second weekend in February on a trail that is only groomed once per year between Lachute and Gatineau, Québec. The trail winds through mostly privately owned land in the picturesque western Laurentian mountains. There is an over-night stop in Montebello, home of the famous Château Montebello, one of the largest log-built hotel in the world.

The CSM is a two-day, 160 kilometre ski event that is divided into 5 sections each day, with an average of 16 kms per section. Skiers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate and can do so safely. There are feed stations, first aid and toilets available at the end of each section, as well as shuttle buses that run between accommodation and checkpoints throughout each day. The CSM alternates its direction each year, from east to west one year and then west to east the next.

Unlike most ski events, there are no winners or losers in the Canadian Ski Marathon: it is not a race. Tourers and families who ski less than the full distance make up about half the participants, (see CSM Categories). Each skier can select his/her own level of challenge and try to achieve it. One can ski as little as 12 km or up to the maximum of 160 km over the weekend.

To learn more about the Canadian Ski Marathon visit: http://csm-mcs.com/index2.html

 

Dear Sudbury Rockers!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you considered the gift of running, walking or racing for your loved ones this year?

We would LOVE to welcome you back to the 2012 SudburyROCKS!!! Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes on May 13th, 2012.

Did you know that diabetes is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes? Exercise is extremely important to living well with diabetes. Consider doing something good for your HEART and sign up today! Register by April 1st for discounted race fees at www.sudburyrocksmarathon.com.

The SudburyROCKS!!! Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes has a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 1K free kids event. Want to run as a group? Sign up for the Marathon Team Relay with up to 8 of your friends, co-workers and LOVED ONES. Not going to run or walk this year? We welcome new volunteers!

Need some help to get you to the start line? The Sudbury Running Room and the Sudbury Rocks!! Running Club are offering Learn to Run training clinics for the 5 KM and 10 KM. These are taught by expert instructors that will help you train and prepare for the big event! Contact the Sudbury Running Room to register for the training clinics at 705-523-4664 or click on the following link for all the details.http://www.sudburyrocksmarathon.com/-training-opportunities.html

For all details on the SudburyROCKS!!! Race, Run of Walk for Diabetes, please visit our website at www.sudburyrocksmarathon.com. We are on Facebook and Twitter too. Click LIKE and join us on Facebook!

Support the Canadian Diabetes Association and help make strides in diabetes research. All pledges and proceeds go towards diabetes research, and programs and services of the Canadian Diabetes Association. Just under $300,000 has been raised for the cause of diabetes since our start in 2005 – thank you!

Hope to see you May 13th!