News
Birch Brook members enjoyed the Canadian Ski Marathon
Posted 24 February 2012, 9:25 am AST
Natasha Andrews (left) and Lorna Acreman stop for a break on the ski trail near Montebello, Quebec.
(larger version)
Two members of the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club, Natasha Andrews and Lorna Acreman, participated in the Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) on Feb. 11 and 12, 2012.
The event, which is billed as North America's longest and oldest Nordic ski tour, is held annually between Lachute and Gatineau, Quebec. The two-day, 160 km event is comprised of five sections for each day. Unlike most ski events, the CSM is a challenge, not a race. Participants choose their own challenge and attempt to achieve their goal.
"Initially, we didn't know the distance we would achieve during the CSM, but once we started training and came closer to the event date, it became apparent that our goal would be to ski half the distance, 80 km, over two days," said Natasha. "We skied at our local ski club every opportunity we had, in conditions that varied from -40 degrees Celsius, to blizzard-like conditions, and beautiful, sunny days. We snowshoed and spent time at the base gym."
Natasha and Lorna exceeded their target and completed five sections for a total of 86 km over two days. They say they were very pleased with their achievement. They encourage their fellow Birch Brook skiers and other Nordic enthusiasts to challenge themselves by participating in next year's CSM.
"This truly was the experience of a lifetime," said Lorna. "It was good for the heart and soul – amazing."
View other photos by clicking on the link to the photo gallery.
The event, which is billed as North America's longest and oldest Nordic ski tour, is held annually between Lachute and Gatineau, Quebec. The two-day, 160 km event is comprised of five sections for each day. Unlike most ski events, the CSM is a challenge, not a race. Participants choose their own challenge and attempt to achieve their goal.
"Initially, we didn't know the distance we would achieve during the CSM, but once we started training and came closer to the event date, it became apparent that our goal would be to ski half the distance, 80 km, over two days," said Natasha. "We skied at our local ski club every opportunity we had, in conditions that varied from -40 degrees Celsius, to blizzard-like conditions, and beautiful, sunny days. We snowshoed and spent time at the base gym."
Natasha and Lorna exceeded their target and completed five sections for a total of 86 km over two days. They say they were very pleased with their achievement. They encourage their fellow Birch Brook skiers and other Nordic enthusiasts to challenge themselves by participating in next year's CSM.
"This truly was the experience of a lifetime," said Lorna. "It was good for the heart and soul – amazing."
View other photos by clicking on the link to the photo gallery.