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Nina Wins World Cup Sprint Gold Medal! A Dream Come True!

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Podium Women's Sprint Tromso, Nina Silitch (USA), 2, A. Figura (POL), 3, E. Gex-Fabrey (SUI)At the port after the race! (Photo Alex Lugger)

 

Winning the World Cup Ski Mountaineering Sprint on April 14th, 2012 in Tromso, Norway is a dream come true for me. It is a culmination of reaching for something that felt somewhat unattainable, committing and believing. When I stepped on the airplane to Tromso Norway and flew all the way up north, across the Arctic circle to the 69thdegree latitude, I had no idea that I was going to come home with a gold medal.

Flying North

 I set off simply to have a “happy race” as Anders, my youngest son told me to have.

Mommy-Have a Happy race!

Norway is a country that holds a special place in my heart. My first visit to Norway was in 2003 when Michael and I made a journey to ski the famous Birkebeiner World Loppet cross county ski race traversing 55km of the mountain range  near Lillehammer. Needless to say that spring I not only skied the Birkebeiner, but also ran the Paris marathon with my best friend,  followed shortly after by my first haute route with Michael and friends on my first randonee/ski mountaineering set up.

A beautiful country and culture

Growing up skiing in New England both alpine and cross country I did love snow sports thanks to my parents and some inspiration from some great coaches at CVA,  Holderness and Dartmouth. Back then sports were important to me, but I never really gave them the commitment and dedication it takes to excel further to a higher level as I have done the past two years. It really was the trip to Norway in 2003 that planted a seed to come back one day.

Birki and Anders taking a pause with Hammer Gels

Our boys, Birken and Anders, were given Scandinavian names,  hence one of the reasons the local Tromso paper wanted to interview me the day before the Sprint race. It was somewhat serendipitous that during the interview the journalist asked me what  my expectations were  for the weekend. I replied that I had my sights set on the Sprint race.

Newspaper article in Tromso paper the day before sprint race. Translation not available

And lo and behold, the next day I took the victory.

 

What is the sprint race in Ski Mountaineering? The sprint was introduced a few years ago to the sport of ski mountaineering in an effort to bring more spectators to the sport and to present a course that embodies all aspects of ski mountaineering in an urban or accessible setting.

A view of the start of the final women's sprint race with the town square view, Nina out in the lead

The notion of the ski mountaineering sprint has grown from the World Cup Sprints that take place in cross-country skiing in large cities like Milan (IT) or Bern (CH), Drammen (NO). The local city of Tromso, with 70,000 residents, trucked loads of snow in to prepare for the World Cup event on Saturday where crowds of spectators were able to watch the exciting event as they did their market shopping.

This was the first time a skimo sprint has taken place in a town center. More importantly, it was also the first time in history a North American has won a World Cup event in ski mountaineering. Typically alpine countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland dominate the sport. This is a big step forward for the future of the sport.

The start of the women's sprint final

The Sprint formula is similar to world cup cross country sprints with obstacles and challenges of ski mountaineering.  It is comprised of an individual qualification round to win the access to the quarter finals followed by the semi finals and finals. One must adapt to the terrain so not all courses are alike.

Start on skis/skins 

Women's Sprint Semi Final (kicking & gliding section)

 

kick turns/ conversions

Approaching the boot pack

bootpack with skis on the pack. (no pic)

 

Downhill

Obstacles on the downhill

Skate section

Skating past the downtown library

Finish skating to the line.

Finish at women's final! Where are the other girls?

Athletes must be not only quick on the skis but also quick in the transition to excel at this event which lasts 2 ½ – 3 ½ minutes. 

!!!! Click here on this You Tube video to see some footage of the women’s sprint final in Tromso.  Here you can see really what the sprint course is all about.

Here are some more articles and photos of the sprint:

Tromso Journal

RESULTS WORLD CUP SPRINT 

OVERALL World cup men and women 

Norwegian Ski.Alpinisme 

It feels like ages ago when Chamonix Club des Sports and the chamonix ski alpinisme club hosted the French National Championships in January. Being the President, it was unsure if I would be able to compete in this event, but I was really determined to make it happen.  It was an upbeat atmosphere with my friends and family cheering from the sidelines. I was crowned vice-champion of the sprint behind World Champion Laetitia Roux. I took home a gold medal for winning the veterans category.  The first world cup sprint was cancelled in Italy due to lack of snow leaving only one sprint event in this years ski mountaineering world cup in the final world cup 3 months later. My most recent races lately have been between 2 and 4 hours rather than 2-4 minutes! Ouf, Quite an extreme difference.!

In Norway, Nina had fasted qualifying time, won the semi finals and the finals- she even beat 16 out of 28 world cup men overall

Being American, I was not authorized to participate in the European championships in Pelvoux France this year, even though the sprint would have been the event I would have loved to compete in. Maybe I will join in next year at the world championships when they are at Pelvoux, France.

Results from the Sprint World Cup

Since living in Europe we have optimal coverage of world cup ski racing both alpine and Nordic. Michael, being, a huge fan of world cup nordic skiing was often watching the sprint races calling me to come watch. It was not through osmosis that Marit Bjorgen, Norwegian world champion cross country superstar, and Kikkan Randall, American, the current world cup sprint champion soon became inspirations to me in the sport.

The view of the fjords

I feel like I  share a special kind of bond with Kikkan Randall. I don’t know her personally but she has a mission to help encourage young girls and women in sport through her program Fast and Female. She has been dedicated to her sport through thick and thin in the Sprint discipline and beyond.  I remember her saying once about what she did for her win and she simply replied that she stayed relaxed, focused and smiled. For me staying relaxed, focused and smiling is ultra important in the sprint, non the less, to any success.

Kikkan is the first American to win a world cup sprint in cross-country skiing, none the less the World Cup crystal globe this year . (she also likes pink). She has made history for the sport of cross country skiing in the USA.

Making history being the 1st North American to win a world cup ski mo event

Like Kikan, I, too, feel proud to have made history, being the first North American to win a world cup event in ski mountaineering.

Tromso was a port of tranquility for me. There was a calming and centered feeling when looking out in the water with the ships passing. The sun rose early and I woke to calls of seagulls close by.

Morning meditation

I used to rock climb a lot BC (before children).  It was a real passion that I shared with many friends. I remember working on a climb, which was hard, 11 c+,  probably one of my hardest routes I have led. It was overhanging, steep and some holds that were hard to reach. I was determined and focused to do the route without falling or hanging, clean, with grace. I finally got the route, free, and clean and was happy. My friend said after, ‘ boy you have a lot of tenacity’.

Tenaciously climbing

It was this kind of tenacity and grace  that has helped me train for the sprints, working the transitions until they were clean and fast, fluid and ultimately graceful. It was one of those races where I felt really happy and alive. And even better was the journey it took to get there way up north above the arctic circle.

Tromso is 69' north of the equator, way up there!

To me the sprint embodies a metaphor for life itself:  a series of rounds, with obstacles, challenging transitions,  ups and downs, highs and lows, fast and furious, calm and centered. The sprint challenges one’s ability to stay calm and focused amidst a storm, breathe through challenging transitions, move forward from mistakes and be tenacious until the end with a smile.

Happy to find Grace in Tromso

There is a certain busy-ness and hubbub that can take over our daily lives and overwhelm us. Being a mother of two active young boys, managing a household can be very hectic if you make it, but to do it with grace and a smile is the ultimate victory for me. The sprint event takes the same amount of grace.  This victory for me symbolizes a culminated effort, and in my mind a victory of grace. It is one I will continue to strive to embody in how I live my life, approach my work and how I raise my children.  

Nina keeping the Grace

 I have so much gratitude for all those who have helped me reach this goal. My husband and boys have stood behind this dream 100%. I could not have done it without the help of so many individuals, my parents,  friends and sponsors. 

Namaste

 

 

photo credits: stephanmantler, skialper

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Tour du Rutor Extreme 2012

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

Tour du Rutor Extreme 2012: Veronika Swidrak (AUS) & Nina Silitch (USA) -4th Place overall Women

The Tour du Rutor holds a special place in my heart because it really was the first real ski mountaineering race I did with my teammate Lyndsay the year we started ski mountaineering racing in 2007. It was our first real introduction to “real” ski mo racing with technical ridges and arretes and some great long downhills. It is great because it is just over the other side of the Chamonix valley in the Aosta valley, so not too far away to drive compared to many of the other races I have been to this year. My teammate Veronika’s journey was much longer, driving 8hrs from Austria.

Le Rutor

In 2007 we placed 10th overall for women with L. Roux winning again back then and many of the same women’s teams  in the top ten, many of which are still world champions today.

Looking ahead to what is next

As I look back to when I really started ski mountaineering racing 5 years ago with my youngest son not yet one  year old, I am really proud of where I have come and even more so what I have learned about myself along the way, and meeting so many wonderful people from all over the world. This year my oldest son is super excited as he has been asking to try skinning for many years. Last week I put some skins on his cross country skis and he joined me with for a nightly training with our Chamonix club.

Technical Boot packs

This year , like in 2010 when it was a World Cup race, The Rutor,  was a three day stage race, similar to the Pierra Menta but higher in altitude.

Great Views

The Rutor, this year, is also part of the Grande Course Series which includes the Pierra Menta 2011/2012, Mezzalama 2011, Adamello 2011, Tour du Rutor 2012, Patrouille des Glaciers 2012. I will race the PGD as an “all American” team  with 2 great friends and athletes, Lyndsay Meyer and Sari Anderson.

Madonna at the Summit on stage 1

I am currently ranked 5th in the Grande Course Rankingsjust behind the 4 women who are tied for 1st place, (l. Roux, M. Miro, R. Pedrazini, F. Martenelli)

All smiles after a strong 4th place on the 1st stage

I am super excited and pleased with Veronika and my overall finish of 4th place.  It was a goal of mine to finish in the top 5 in one of the Grand Course races and so far this year I have done that twice, with a 5th place at the Pierra Menta and a 4th at the Rutor.

Skinning up 1st hill on 2nd stage

It was a real pleasure to race with Veronika who is experienced, an excellent pacer and always bringing positive energy to the race.

Heading down the fixed rope on 3rd stage

We are a good strong team and we  had a great 3 days of racing. We managed to hold our  4th place throughout the 3 days. Here are some cool shots of the race.

Trail running season started early! (running down the ridge)

It was hard to gain more time on the local Italian world champion Gloriana Pellisier but we came very close on the 2nd day with a very good stage.

Last downhill was over 2000 meters!

Here are the 3 stages with over 6,690 meters of climbing in 3 days.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

While many of you are putting away the skis, and getting out the running shoes and bikes, we still have a good month of racing left. I will be celebrating the Easter holidays with my boys and then head to Tromso, Norway for the ArticRace, the last World Cup weekend of racing with the Sprint Final on Saturday the 14th and the Individual final on Sunday 15th. Currently ranked 9th overall for the Ind. ISMF rankings, it should be a great season finale for the World Cup. The season finale will finish with the Patrouille des Glaciers on the 27th of April.

Happy Easter and Happy Spring in the Mountains!

 Enjoy the sunshine and warm weather! 

 

 

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Spring in the Mountains

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Spring flowers burst through the Snow

The ski mountaineering season is long with the first races beginning in December and the final race, the Patrouille des Glaciers the last weekend of April. Every athlete has their own ways to keep their motivation high throughout the season.  The hubbub of daily life: family, work, combined with travelling and racing can take it’s toll. It is important to be able to recognize what one needs to keep fresh.

Sunshine across the VB

Here in the Alps, the days are getting longer, the sun is peaking over the Chamonix Aiguilles earlier than the midst of winter and we have had fleeting moments of spring, which gives everyone a fresh, new energy.

Happy to be in the Mountains

For me, a few good days in the mountains is often all it takes to keep the energy going. Here are a few tours I have done to give me a smile, new spring energy and doing what I love.

Brèche Puiseux : Traversée W > E par les glaciers des Périades et du Mont Mallet This was my first time doing this magnificent tour!

View of Bresche Puiseux Route

Couloir up to the Bresche

Top of the Couloir

 

Looking over to the Col des Droites

 

Col des Droites: Versant S This was a great one to have done, all in good company too.

 

View of the Col des Droites and other routes in the Glacier Talefre

 

Cool cloud cover on the moraine looking back to Mt Blanc

 

MIsha coming up the s. face col des droits

Almost to the top of the Col

 

Turned out to be a nice day after all!

 

And now the count down begins for the….The Pierra Menta….next week! Four days of real ski mountaineering racing! The Tour de France of Ski mountaineering at it’s best.

 

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La Dolce Vita: 2nd Ski Mo World Cup in Sicily

Sunday, February 26th, 2012
You don't get many downhills like these! (photo http://martinavalmassoi.com/)

From Snow to Sea: Nina on the descent of the World Cup Ind. Course on Mt. Enta (photo http://martinavalmassoi.com/)

When people think of Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, they often think of sunshine, sandy beaches, sweet cannoli’s, lemon trees, gelato and La dolce vita, the sweet, slow pace of Sicily.

Pure Sicilian Sunshine (Photo from www.stephanmantler.com)

There is also Mt. Etna, the most active volcano in Europe.  Did you know that the first ice cream came from Sicily? Greeks and Romans sent runners  to the top of the Etna slopes to get some snow, which was then sweetened with Sicilian honey,  nuts and berries.

What you probably don’t think of is skiing, a ski-mountaineering World Cup none-the-less. Well, there is in fact skiing on Mt. Etna!  The locals are also passionate about ski mountaineering on this active, unpredictable volcanic peak. The 2nd World Cup, in a 5 world cup series was held on snowy slopes of Mt. Etna, in the dichotomy of the sea against the snow.  Perhaps we were not so different from the runners of roman times, only we racers were running around in lycra race suits and skis on our feet!

Racers in lycra suit on Mt Etna (www.stephanmantler.com)

The night before we arrived, Sicily received over 2meters  of fresh snow. That is over 6 feet for those of you who think in inches!

Officially "snowed under!"

There was so much snow, not only the access road was blocked, but also the chairlifts.

Officially snowed under (parking lot of Mt. Etna Ski area)

Thanks to a hard, working Sicilian road crew, just like Katy and the Big Snow, (a book my boys love), we were able to get to the race. 

The most baffling thing was that even though it snowed 2 meters, there was no powder!

Sicilian Snow Removal

The snow quickly transformed and condensed to hard pack. Skiing down was like skiing in sand, with a layer snow crystals washing over the hard surface, making a very cool swishing noise. I was stoked I could use my new swix poles with super lightweight baskets! Thanks Swix and Michael for prepping them in time!

More great shots from Stephan! www.stephanmantler.com

There was a real rendezvous of nations here for this race, with the top athletes in ski mountaineering circuit from France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. We were welcomed in an opening ceremony of parade of nations. Friday the vertical race was straight up the slopes of the volcan with a boot pack in the middle. This was a nice change from the  the normal straight up against gravity verticals.

Opening Ceremony of Etna World Cup

Talk about extremes. Two weeks ago when I set foot on the starting line it was -20 C, and I was sporting amour for the cold (hand warmers and mittens) and this time a complete opposite of 14 degrees Celsius. The vertical was for me all about the ‘gitter done attitude adopted from the John Deere roots in my own family.

The fight against gravity with a smile on the World Cup Vertical Race

The vertical was a pure fight against gravity, one of the steeper verticals I have done. I managed to find some  power at the boot pack and kept thinking of Anders message to me to have a happy race and finish with a smile.

from my budding little optimist

Sicilians are on Sicilian time, not Swiss time, much to the dismay of the heavily present Swiss team. It is a refreshing change  to the hubbub of today’s modern pace and one we all can all meditate on in a full breath. Briefings starting 30 minutes late, starts delayed due to traffic mayhem on the access road, no problemo. Tranquillo….just breathe…

A race with a view (photo:www.stephanmantler.com)

Saturday the heat was on and I was ready. Plenty of Hammer Nutrition Heed in my camelbak, check  Sporting my white national team suit to avoid melting in the hot sun! check . Once again, yours truly, finds her pace at the middle of the first climb. This course was not so long (1450m) with2 long climbs, and not so technical up or down so it favored those who are good climbers and difficult to gain much on the descents. I did managed to find my power on the 2nd climb and had some clean and fast transitions, passing 3 WC women, 3 FISI women, finishing 9th overall WC,  in the 82% from the winner, a drastic improvement from last year.

You don't get many downhills like these! (photo www.martinavalmassoi.com/)

Nina on the 2nd downhill on the individual course (photo http://martinavalmassoi.com/)

Adventuring to the top of the Mt Etna Crater with my austrian teammate Veronika after the race was a highlight of the trip, reaching the snow summit and looking out towards the sea  in the distance breathing in the two

Looking out towards the sea

Here are some photos from the journey to the summit.

The ski down was spectacular! We descended over 2000 meters on soft spring snow, weaving our way through lava rocks along the way and hitched out way back to town.

 Sunshine thoughts from Sicily: 

Yoga in the Sicilian Sunshine

Sunshine strength, fresh -infused new energy,  friendships, pace for a lifetime, relish siestas in the sun, take time to read, balance, yoga in the sunshine, smile .

Mission Accomplished-Finishing with a smile (photo www.stephanmantler.com)

 

So that is it from Sicily.  

 

Next skimo world cup just 1 week away, Lagorai Cima d'Asta, Italy! (photo: www.martinavalmassoi.com/)


I leave you with a message from Danielle LaPorte’s excerpt on Decide to Rise who, b.t.w. is full of inspiration, and sageful words of wisdom.

 

Push. Turn up the volume. Go hard. Go harder.

Re-prioritize your aches and pains.

Infuse your sensitivities with courage.

Tell fear to #&*^#$^*@( #&(**&#^!!!

Devote to Done.

There are soul-justified reasons to cancel. There are times to just stop. This isn’t one of them. Keep going. Show up. Full on. Full tilt. Full out. Decide to be one of those people who pull it off.

Do what you say you’re going to do. 
Don’t let us down. 
Decide to rise.

Why decide to rise? Not for the reasons you might think. In fact, these are the reasons that will make you sick and tired:

Do not rise out of obligation. Do not rise because of feared consequences. Do not rise because you think being tough makes you smarter (it doesn’t.)

Decide to rise because you want to expand — your being, your life, your possibilities.

Decide to rise because super powers are meant to be activated and applied in everyday life.

Decide to rise to explore your place in the universe.

 On the other side of deciding to rise is illumination, ecstasy, insight. And the angel of your strength is there waiting, smiling, applauding, with a goblet of endorphins for you. Drink up.

When you transcend circumstances you get special privileges. You get evidence that you are indeed amazing, and irrefutable proof that what your heart and mind choose is what matters. And you get the deep knowing that life wants you to win.

Decide to rise.

Lean in. Listen up. Closely.

It’s your soul speaking and she says,

Get UP! I need you. I want you. I am you. Choose me.

Lean in. Listen up. Closely.

Decide to rise.

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Happy Valentines Day!

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012
Staying warm in the winter chill

It’s February 14th! Happy Valentines Day! Arctic temperatures have blanketed the Alps these last 2 weeks, some mornings with the thermometer reading -19 C (-2 F)!  Growing up in Vermont and Maine  these frosty temps are quite common in January. Back then I grew tired of freezing my tail off at the top of a GS course. Not only did I soon switch over to a more aerobic sport , cross country skiing, to keep my engine warm  but also moved to a sunnier state, Colorado. Now I have switched over to another sport, ski mountaineering which keeps my heart and mind equally warm.

Sunshine warms the heart

I have had a little break in the World Cup calendar. Despite the Siberian temps, I have bundled up just like we did when we were kids,and headed for the mountains on my own, with friends and with my family, all heartwarming and important moments to stay balanced.

Enjoying warm winter moments as a Family

Perhaps it’s only in ski towns in France that when teachers strike and there is no school, kids go skiing! These two weeks I took advantage of having some more time to pump up the volume in my training but also get out find some new terrain that I had not skied before. I headed out with a friend Max one day  up the Col de la Floria, a good climb from the valley floor to the top (1440+meters) There was a nice long boot pack at the top and a great steep ski coming down. Another time I explored the, Aiguille de la Gliere Nord, once again a great varied climb, boot pack, with an impressive view to the other side. It is these kind of days in the mountains that bring me warmth and a smile.

Heading to the Hills

I managed to get in some good races as well in these 2 weeks. I squeezed in 2 Mountain Ski tour uphill victories ( Flaine and Les Contamines) Both excellent for my own uphill climbing but also really fun ambiance.  I did not have these on my calender but decided to go as there were not only good training opportunities but also a great chance to see another part of the Alps and go with other from my local Chamonix Ski Mountaineering club. The Tour de Grand Veymont in the Vercours region of France was also the CAF (Club Alpine Francais) national championships. This time artic temps prevailed. Mittens and hand warmers were the ticket. It was a gorgeous course, a great sunday out as a club and I came home with the win for the women and the CAF national champion title.

Tour de Grand Veymont & Trophee de Gastlosen

 The Trophee de Gastlosen is the 2nd largest race in Switzerland next to the famous Patrouille des Glaciers, with over 1200 participants. Two years ago this race was a world cup and I raced with my USA teammate and pal lyndsay. It was the first team race of the year for me and I raced in Chamonix Club mixed team with Yann, our coach from our club and an experienced skimo racer. We placed 23rd overall with a time of 2h53 reaching our goal of being the first mix team and also breaking three hours. It was probably the coldest temps I have ever raced in with the thermometer around -21 at the start but the great backdrop of the Gastlosen mountains and the technical climbs and descents kept me moving and made for an excellent day.

 

Warm moments together

Now it’s tapering time for the next world cup which will be held on the active volcano of Mt. Etna in Sicily, Italy. on February 24 and 25th. For our family, a great time to spend with the boys who are on vacation from their busy days at school. It is a time for everyone to slow down, breathe, and rejuvenate together.

Staying warm

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”—

Anne Bradstreet

 

 

 

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Winter Rainbow

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Grateful for the rainbow at the end of a long training day!

A fellow classmate from Dartmouth is doing amazing work with her  Raising Happiness project. Not only is she an amazing woman, but also an amazing mom and an inspiration to so many, myself included.

Weekly Thoughts

As the the French say, Grâce a Christine! 


“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
-–Melody Beattie

Amazing afternoon light around Chamonix-Mont Blanc

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” –Buddha

A winter miracle

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

–Albert Einstein

Enjoy your miracle!

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1st Ski Mountaineering World Cup of the 2012 Season in Andorra

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Heading for the finish in the vertical race ski mo world cup

 

As I leave sunny Andorra and head for snowy Chamonix I look around at this beautiful countryside here which I am so fortunate to have had a chance to explore. What I love most about racing in other countries is it gives me a real chance to experience a country more than in the eyes of a tourist.

A map of Andorra to give you a sense of where in the world this little country is

This goes back to some of my earlier jobs in life which allowed me to work abroad, teaching English in China, working in Africa as an outdoor educator and even mountaineering in South America. I feel very fortunate to have had these experiences as a young professional. Surely they have enriched who I am today and given me a global perspective.

The start of the womens vertical race: I always start a little too fast!

Racing in another country allows one to  not only take in the land while racing but also meet the people locally with first hand flavor.

A view of the course track for the individual

On the world cup ski mountaineering circuit it is a fairly small group of athletes( 40 men and 20 women) from a variety of countries – mostly alpine nations. It is nice to say hello again and meet new people to expand horizons even further. The locals in Andorra were welcoming, enthusiastic and put on a great weekend of racing.  It amazes me how this sport grows and grows each year worldwide. With that the levels get higher and higher each year.

I think I am happy to be done with the vertical!

The World Championships were held in Andorra two years ago and I was lucky enough to go. This weekend, the Font Blanca, was the kick off weekend of the ski mountaineering world cup with a vertical race on saturday and the individual race on sunday. The vertical, not my favorite event but a good training for me, and I managed to hold my own finishing 12th overall behind some real climbing specialists, and in the 80th percentile behind the winner. I had no idea I had placed 2nd in my new age category!

Map of last 2 climbs

The individual race was really what I was looking forward to. It was a technical course on profile with 1380 meters of ascent, 4 climbs , with 2 boot crampon sections and some fun couloirs to descend.

Climbing to a personal best in the Ind. Race

Sr. Men on the crampon section

For me, all of my favorite things in ski mountaineering. I was pleased with how I felt, each climb a little stronger, trying to stay consistent and focussed throughout the course. Hammer Nutrition Heed provided me with consistent energy throughout, a perfect energy for a race just under 2 hours.

Descending, what I love most on the individual course

I ended up with a personal best for me with a time in the 80th percentile of the winner and an overall 9th place out of a very strong field of women. Results can be found here.

View of technical section of course

Staying consistent and focussed outside of the race is equally, it not more important. All parents know that this applies to raising children but also to oneself in following a path or a dream.

Having fun with the boys who remind me each day I must be consistent.

So,now it’s back home to my boys who keep me motivated on and off the race course, keep me focused on being the best mom I can be, keep me consistent with what is important and keep my dreams alive!

A huge thanks to Michael, who helps me keep my ducks in a row and reminds me to be consistent.

Posted in ninasilitch, races, ski mountaineering, Ski Mountaineering Racing, Ski Mountaineering World Cup, Wild Roses | 1 Response »
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Another 2nd for Nina in French National Championships in Sprint!

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Nina- 1st place sprint in age category, 2nd place overall womens final

Just three years ago I helped found the section ski-alpinsime club with the Chamonix club des sports. This year we have reached the 60 member mark in our club. This is not only a result of the passion behind this sport but also the fact that the sport of ski mountaineering is growing exponentially worldwide, especially here in Chamonix, the heart of the Alps. The international ISMF is working hard with others to see that this sport will one day be in the Olympic Games.

Top 3 Women at the finish of the French national Sprints: Laetitia Roux 1, Nina 2, Emile Favre 3

Sunday evening, under the lights of the Les Planards ski area, volunteers from my ski alpinisme club joined forces with the Chamonix Sports Club and the FFME (French Federation Montagne Escalade- the governing body for ski-alpinsime) to host the 1st ever national championships in sprint.

The sprint race is a fairly new format that encompasses many variables of ski mountaineering. This format includes: skinning, to kick-turns-to a boot pack- more skiing, a descent with giant slalom gates and a finish in skating, all of this in an area of around 80m of elevation gain and under at time of 3.5-4.5 minutes.

The sprint event has already taken place in ski mountaineering world cup and in the World Championship in the past 2 years. This is an event that I personally really love and also have had good results with a 5thplace last year in Gavarnie World Cup. This was the first time the sprint has been part of the French national championship series. The cool thing about the sprint event is that it is very exciting to watch from a spectator standpoint. It is similar to the Cross Country Sprint where there is a qualification round, followed by ¼ finals, ½ finals and then finals.

The start line for the womens finals. I had first choice my lane with fastest qualifying time

The race was my second big objective of this season. I am really happy about how I felt in the qualifications and in the final. I had the fastest qualification time, trying not to go out too fast.  In the final I had the lead above Laetitia Roux, the current world champion in this discipline, until the kick turns and then she gained on me in the boot pack.

Warming up before the finals!- It was a cold night! I had Michael and Birken in the pit crew! Thanks!

I placed 2nd overall behind Laetitia Roux, who holds the World Champion title in the Sprint, and I placed 1st in my new age category, with elite athlete Corrine Favre in 2nd.

For me I really love the sprint race because it encompasses so many variables in such a short time. It requires clarity and grace both equally  important in our daily lives. For me, it is easy to get caught up in all of the million things I feel like I need to do at home, with my children, and family. There is a lot going on in our household with lots of transitions, and it often feels like a sprint race: school, ski-club, hockey practice, meal time, bedtime, piano practice and more. It is important for me to be graceful, compassionate and swift in day to day transitions, and at the same time keep a clear vision of what is important.

Some things that really help me stay focused are yoga,  meditation, getting plenty of sleep. I like aromatherapy too. Thanks to my friend Valerie of Ciel et Terre in Chamonix I have discovered Altearah’s wonderful scented oils that work hand in hand with the senses and the mind. Indigo is a favorite of mine.

Purple cornflower a.k.a Bachelor's Button- Color- Indigo -symbolizing Clarity

 

My next big objective, 1st world cup in Andorra this coming weekend. Thursday I will hop on a plane and head to the Pyrenees.

 May all your daily transitions be graceful and swift.

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Nina places 2nd at French National Ski Mountaineering Championships!

Monday, January 9th, 2012

Happy that my legs are feeling good!

Areche, Pierra Menta country hosted the French National Championships (individual) yesterday. This was my first real objective of the season and I was happy that it fell into place for me on this day, my oldest son’s 8th Birthday. I came in 2nd overall just behind Laeticia Roux and in front of Corrine Favre, both of whom are exceptional athletes. Laeticia a World Champion in ski mountaineering and Corrine and exception trail runner and ski alpinist. I took first place in my “new” catatgory this year, Veteran. I am proud to bring home a French national Championship medal, but even more happy to go home after and give my birthday boy a squeeze after a great day of racing.

Happy 8th Bday B!

After a summer of being injured, this is great start to a beginning of my ski mo season, but surely with lots more work to come. Our club, Chamonix ski alpinisme  had a strong presence of 17 people at the French Nationals which was a record! It was a great ambience to have the whole skimo family there!

A little word of thanks to my Sponsors! Thanks Petzl, Hammer Nutrition My gel pouch fell out in a transition but HEED got me through all the way in the race just under 2 hrs! Sportlegs kept my legs from cramping on the killer descents! I used my Camelbak Race vest which worked great and kept the drink from freezing! Pierre Gignoux boots were awesome especially in the descending in the tough snow with the compression. My Swix poles worked well even in the deep powder snow. My Suunto kept me on track with cardio. Thanks to Eyeshop for protecting my eyes with some great goggles!  It was snowing and tough to see! I can’t forget Wild Roses, who adds the splash of pink to my wardrobe,  keeps me warm and dry on and off the slopes and encourages all women to follow their dreams.  I will surely be heading to Maison Carrier sometime soon to celebrate!

Today I will enjoy a little recup and make some turns on some fatter skis.

Next big objective, French National Champs in Sprint which we are hosting here in Chamonix next sunday evening under the night lights of Les Planards. It should be a great event to watch!

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Think Snow!

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

Skiing Breithorn Face

Here in Europe things are a little thin, but not in Italy! I headed over to do some early season training in Cervinia last week. I had a chance to ski a 4000 meter peak, The Breithorn,  from the base of Cervinia to the summit with a few members of my ski-alpinisme team in Chamonix.

There is nothing better than sunshine, good snow and making some great turns with my boys!

T

Skiing w/ Lil A

My family joined me for the weekend and we had a great first weekend on snow!

Transition practice under the Matterhorn

I managed to get in some training sessions in the morning with great support from my hubby and boys. I must say it is a training session in itself getting everyone dressed and ready to roll. I looked forward to some good pasta with them at lunch and some great turns together in the afternoon!

The boys back on snow!

 

We are all doing the snow dance here in Chamonix, but until some of the white fluffy stuff falls from the sky, we may just be back to Italia for more pasta and cappuccinos -and great snow of course!

We'll be back to Italia!

here is a little video of our ascent of Breithorn Peak

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