Got out to the Crystal Theatre this morning, feeling a bit foggy on the skin in from a few too many Mighty Arrows and Mojitos (from our mind plant) last night.  Snow was a bit crusty and damp on exposed slopes, still plenty of vintage pow on northerly aspects.  Busted out a half-dozen laps and went home, and by the end was finally feeling the pulse of the Guides, and skiing them as well as the old skis.  I different feel, but one that’ll keep speeds higher and things more stable once I improve.  

That wrapped up the end of the first cycle of the last training cycle before Utah.  11×15 sec wind-up sprints on the gym bike Thursday with 45 second rests, 4 hours skiing Friday, 90 minutes with some 4-6 min tempo blocks on the bike yesterday, and 4 hours today.  My legs shall hurt in the morning.  Modest compared to many, but based on Camp Lynda I’m confident that quality goes a long way in trumping quantity.  And backcountry skiing is all-around hard work, a foot of vert is typically much more dear than on foot or bike.

Other than that, as M pointed out this is the 2/5ths point.  A dangerous point in any task for contemplation, with much left to do.  We had hoped to have a winter weekend in Yellowstone this year, but it’s hard to see it happening.  That’s a good goal for the week.

Begin, sez Goethe.