Hey Birkie Friends! We have an exciting new Birkie Story to share with you. Read the following story from Christi who shares her story on how the Trail to Prince Haakon got her started on a wonderful journey to eventually run 100 miles!
For much of my adult life, I have been attracted to recreating in the outdoors – kayaking, hiking, and even high altitude mountaineering when I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador. Nothing ever very competitive. And I was probably at the bare minimum of physique to climb what I was climbing.
Four years ago, I got a life-changing opportunity to be a critical care flight paramedic and relocate to the Northwoods from Illinois. I fell in love with my new surroundings and the culture. But I kept hearing about “the Birkie” (and also “Grandma’s” whatever that was) which was perplexing for a while, until my best friend visited from out of state for this wild event I’d learned happens every year in my new town: the Lumberjack World Championships. And as soon as she found out there was a 5k, she announced she was signing up. So, reluctantly, I signed up with her. She was not a runner. I was not a runner. In fact, I’d just completely torn my PCL a few months earlier and wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to walk normally again, and definitely not run. Nevertheless, we both showed up and stumbled our way through the race, very proud, extremely sore, and very tired. I learned it was indeed possible for me to move again, maybe even run. It sparked a journey for me: I signed up for more races. I joined Hayward Fitness Fanatics and went to yoga whenever I could, watching with excitement how my knee regained articulation without pain. And it’s wild because I actually healed perfectly that year without surgery.
Then fall approached, and I had by then realized I was living in a surprise ski town. I needed to embrace the coming frigid cold and snow. So I walked into New Moon, told them I knew nothing about cross country skiing, but wanted basic equipment and wanted to learn. So I met Joel and Kristy. It was perfect timing – they were starting a group they’d call Trail to Prince Haakon. It was a win-win situation: the fee I paid went to I believe the high school ski team, and the ABSF granted us all entries to Prince Haakon. The cost was a no brainer. The TTPH as it became known is a wonderful group for all levels, but mainly for those who had never ski raced before. It included my level – coming into it not knowing there was no specific right or left ski – but the group would sometimes divide up based on level. We met every week and drilled together on skills needed to safely compete. One of our first lessons was how to stop! Everything took off from there and really clicked. We trained hard and learned so much from people volunteering their time to help us.
Finally, the day arrived. It was a perfect day, absolutely exhilarating. My work group was staffing medical at Hatchery Creek and everyone made signs of encouragement for me, it was unforgettable. And crossing the final bridge skiing downtown…it’s addicting.
Right after the Birkie, I got a pair of skate skis and hired a coach to teach me how to do that. I am far, far from a natural! But it’s still fun. That summer I escalated my running and ran my first marathon (Grandma’s of course). I’ve run it three times since.
The next winter, I signed up for my first full classic Birkie. And then I won a contest at Backroads Coffee for a free entry – what to do? Obviously, try out a Korte too. I never said I was smart. On top of all that, I tried out skijoring with my heeler Jake for the first time. He’s a natural. Then my coworkers formed a Giant Ski team (On the Skids) and we placed really well…top three or four I think? So I classic skied the Korte, went to bed, and then classic skied the Birkie. My Korte went really well, but I was pretty beat at my Birkie. I still came away that weekend with two new medals (Jake got the third).
I initially dismissed ever going beyond the marathon distance, but something about ultramarathons really gets into your blood. I gave my first ultra a shot, a 50k at the Chippewa Trail races, in spring 2024. It wasn’t smooth, but I got it done under the time limit.
I began reaching a wall after that, but had the brilliant idea to reach out to the host of the podcast Everyday Ultra, Joe Corcione, to see if he’d coach me. With his guidance and positivity, I set my sights on a 100k in August, Midwest States. I trained hard all summer and, despite the heat and humidity, and surprisingly difficult terrain, was able to finish my new distance PR. I just have trouble being stagnant. Next: Hennepin Hundred in early October, my first hundred mile attempt. Again, it wasn’t pretty but I managed to finish it under the time limit of 30 hours. I learned so much about myself, mainly that when you think everything in you is used up and you can’t go any farther – you have more left. Sometimes it takes someone else reminding you to explore beyond that self-imposed limit.
I’m nervous to put it out there, but excited to say I’ll be attempting the Ornery Mule Racing 100 mile slam next year: completing their three 100 mile races (Kettle Moraine, Midwest States, Hennepin Hundred). Plus the Ice Age 50 in May to start it all off!
I love all the opportunities for personal growth here in the Northwoods. I’m thankful for the Birkie and all the amazing people I’ve met through it. I love being surrounded by people who push themselves to do hard things.
Posted October 21, 2024 at 11:26 am
