Cookies (and other things) in the 970

The Adventures of the Cookie Clan.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Hallie arrived at the Zdechlik household to freshly baked, right out of the oven, chocolate chocolate cookies. After munching on a few, we headed out into the Wild Wild West.

While driving through the open range of the Wild Wild West to make cookie batch #2, we encountered some furry friends, who clearly wanted some cookies also. 

Then we took a cruise through Vail, obviously passing the new cupcake shop, though not stopping in, and got confused for a moment. We could have sworn we were in Europe!

While in Europe, we decided to go skiing. Hallie did not know what to do about the powder. 

After our strenuous day of alpine skiing, after Nordic of course, we needed to refuel. And what better recovery food than Christmas cookies?!

We also encountered another furry (or not so furry) friend. He was clad in the holiday spirit. 

Santa stopped by, and was on the cookie train too, and dropped off some edible coal!

Much love,

Lauren and Hallie

PS. We actually have been nordic skiing too. The skiing is beautiful and our mountain backdrop makes it even more gorgeous! 

Hallie working on some classic technique

Buffalo and Red

It was a bit chilly this morning

Lauren's skiing with a sweet new retro vest!

Making the Most of What We've Got

My mama has always told me that what separates the best from the rest is being able to make the most of what you have available and then effectively implement plan B when plan A just doesn't work out.

Despite the rapidly falling snow at the Craftsbury Eastern Cup last weekend I knew that I was heading home to a rainy week. So, I got ready to make the most of what I would have available: I pulled my helmet, sneakers, and reflective vest out of my duffle bag, switched my pole baskets to rollerski ferrules, and did a little mental prep to keep myself psyched about racing season even with the lack of snow. So far, it has worked perfectly well, though eager (as always) to be on snow, I am happy with what I have!

Many members of the team have been able to get on snow for the past week and are making the most of some good skiing, while others are keeping their spirits up and training well despite the lack of snow in the East. For example, Helen is doing Besh Cups in Alaska (Go Helen!!) and Catherine, at home in New York, has used her rollerskis, running shoes, and YMCA membership quite a bit since she left school. Either way, Bobcats do the best they can with what they've got, and you can be sure that we're all psyched for racing season! As Dr. Jerry Lynch would say, we all have "a fire in the belly!"

Happy break everyone and keep up the good work!

-Jane

P.S. Remember to keep faith, there is snow in the forecast for the East Coast...

UPDATE: The east HAS snow.

One of Margaret's beautiful photos (McCall, Idaho)

Break!!!

After the exciting weekend of World Cup and the even more exciting week of finals that followed, we all went our separate ways for the holidays. Last weekend, the group of East-coasters headed up to Craftsbury for the first Eastern Cup races of the season. From what I've heard, it was a lot of fun and a good way to rev the engines for the upcoming race season! 

Here are some of the ladies at Craftsbury

 BRITTA

 GRACIE

HALLIE

Here in Fairbanks I've been enjoying the new snow as long as I can stand to be outside.

A selfie at -19 degrees

Get stoked for JNs 2013!!

Also, it snowed at Bates!!! Hopefully we'll be on snow when we get back :D

Alumni Walk lookin' good

I hope everyone has a lovely break!

-Helen