Hometown: Baxter, MN
Date of Birth: 01/20/1993 (age 30)
Team Birkie Member Since: 2023
College:
University of Minnesota - Duluth (B.S.)
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (M.S.)
Favorite place to visit in Minnesota?
Duluth. Hands down. There’s a reason I went to college there; it’s amazing! I love the culture, cooler climate, super snowy winters, cargo ships and lift bridge, food, more relaxed atmosphere, mighty Lake Superior, and the coming together of a larger, older city and a “northern” landscape. Everything is so outdoor oriented, it fits me so well. When I retire (if not before then), you’ll probably find me in Duluth!
Favorite food?
A good cheeseburger. I would say I’m probably a cheeseburger connoisseur. If you think of any secretly amazing places I should check-out, let me know!
Favorite technique?
Skate: At the same time that I started Nordic skiing, I also started biathlon. Right away when I was learning how to ski, I spent way more time skating than striding. I loved skating then, and I love it just as much now. I really enjoy the feeling of gliding fast through the woods, and not having to worry about what wax will give me kick for the day. Even though I probably skate 85% of the time, I do typically throw in a classic race or two in the winter, just to shake things up a bit.
What inspired you to Nordic ski?
What inspired me to ski and what still inspires me now are all of the awesome people I have met, been coached by, trained with, or have raced against along the way.
Something you might not know about me
I am an aquatic biologist in my professional life, so I love the aquatic environment. I am super interested in fish, invertebrates, and plants, and enjoy exploring lakes and streams. I also dabble in ceramic making from time to time.
Tips to keep training, racing, and skiing fun?
Listen to your body, to avoid injury and burnout, and because recovery is important. Ski with others when you can, it makes the kilometers go by so much faster, and increases your relationships within the ski community. Change your goals and expectations if you need to, because always feeling defeated will not keep you happy (this I’ve learned from personal experience). Take the time to go out on adventure skis, even as a serious athlete you need to take time to truly enjoy skiing; sometimes you just need a reminder of where it all started.
What keeps me motivated?
My husband. Also a member of Team Birkie Marathon. He pushes me to be a great skier, and I can only hope I push him :) We share a common love for skiing, and it has been a part of our relationship since the beginning (11 years ago). We train together, we attend races together, and he continues to motivate me towards being ready to race the winter Midwest marathon circuit, year after year.
