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Week 8: H is for Highs and Lows
Highs and lows are a big thing for ski racers. To keep myself sane, I often find myself trying to match a “high” to every “low” in a day. I look at course profiles, figuring out how many pole plants to get to the high point, and more importantly how many seconds in a tuck […]
Week 7: G is for Gus Kaeding
This week I got the chance to interview Gus Kaeding, an old coach of mine as well as a past classic Birkie winner (the same year he beat Norweigan champion Bjorn Daehlie in a sprint to the finish). In addition to skiing in college at Northern Michigan University, Gus both skied for and coached the […]
Week 6: F is for Firetower Food Station
Instead of featuring an individual for this week’s Birkie Countdown, week 6 will highlight the famous Firetower Food Station. Located 150 yards from the highest elevation in the race, only the original foundation remains of the actual (original) Firetower. Sitting just 50 feet off of the classic race trail, the foundation serves as a reminder of the […]
In Memory of Dave Nelson
October 9, 2014 –Hayward, WI The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is sad to inform you that Dave Nelson, our long-time friend, supporter, Birchlegger and board member, passed away peacefully yesterday morning after a courageous battle with lung cancer. In addition to skiing 31 Birkies, 1 Korte, and 1 Prince Haakon, Dave served on the ABSF […]
Just Over 500 Spots Left
Before Registration Closes for the 2015 Swix American Birkebeiner! HAYWARD, Wisconsin (October 8, 2014) – It must be that crisp snap in the air and the first snowfall of the season that hit Hayward, WI, home of the Swix American Birkebeiner cross country ski race, this week. As a result, registration for the 42nd annual […]
Week 5: E is for Ernie St. Germaine
Ernie St. Germaine is a Birkie Legend and Founder. He has never missed a single racing of the Birkie, making his total race tally 41. And there is no stopping in sight. Ernie says he’ll keep on skiing until he “is no longer smiling when he goes for a ski.” Read on for a question […]
Week 4: D is for Diggins
This was a fun week for the Birkie Countdown. I’m lucky enough to have Jessie Diggins as a team- and housemate, so interviewing her is getting a sneak peak into her “professional” self, not just her bubbly and goofy “normal” self (although there certainly is some overlap). This interview combined both Jessie’s professional and normal […]
Runners Embrace New Course at the Birkie Trail Run & Trek
Addition of singletrack produces fast winning times A special Report by Tom Held Sunday, September 28, 2014 6:56 AM Craig Cardinal finished seventh in the first Birkie Trail & Trek Marathon in 2010, and carved more than 30 minutes from that time to win the challenging race on Saturday, September 27, a brilliant fall treat […]
Week 3: C is for Caitlin Compton Gregg
Working our way through the alphabet, we’ve arrived at “C.” There really was no question in mind what to say and who to interview for week 3. Caitlin Compton Gregg (currently living out of Minneapolis, MN) has competed in the Birkie 5 times, and has won 3 of those. Read on for some question and […]
Week 2: B is for Birkebeiner
If I’ve learned anything in 22 years of life, it is history can produce the best stories. The history behind the Birkebeiner is filled with adventure, suspense and a semblance of “enhanced” legend. It is a great story. So for the second installment of Annie’s Birkie Countdown, let’s have a history lesson! Civil War plagued […]
