To finish, check us out on the fourth:
yeah, i made both those shirts.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Anna and I must be really really ridiculously good looking
Because Lowell Bailey stopped us on Averyville Road to introduce himself. Okay, so we were rollerskiing, and he did start talking about skiing at first, but the conversation did turn itself to the scintillating topics of: his music at the recent BarbecueFest and his possibly failed engagement to one of Anna and Ollie's buddies from last summer. Unfortunately, we were too starstruck to tell him how much we love our team's adopted anthem, Fire Them Down. And he was too awed by our sweaty and rain-drenched good looks to ask for our numbers.
To finish, check us out on the fourth:
yeah, i made both those shirts.
To finish, check us out on the fourth:
yeah, i made both those shirts.
Monday, July 7, 2008
What season is it?
Winter. Again. No summer for me this year. Not that winter in Buenos Aires is really winter. And it has been really cold a few days. I mean, who in their right mind would consider wearing less than a sweater, jacket, scarf, and hat when it is only 10C (50F) outside? I have started getting used to the mumbles when I go running in shorts ("crazy girl's gonna die, it's freezing"). I think my personal favorite was one I heard this morning: "So what, you gonna wear a jacket in the middle of the summer then?"
The city itself is HUGE. There are quite literally 500 bus lines and your standard avenida has no fewer than 8 lanes in one direction. Not that anyone actually pays attention to lanes. I was prepared for the Spanish to be spoken fairly quickly, but not for the accent, which replaces anything that would normally sound like "y" in Spanish (including "ll") with something more like "sh" or "shj." The end result was that the first few days were rather like being in the middle of NYC at rush hour and only understanding every third word.
I'm staying in a residencia, which is kinda like living in the dorms again, except with 4 people sharing a room the size of your average single. So far, there are or have been kids here from the US, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, Spain, France, and South Africa. Right now I'm the only American and would be the only English-speaker if not for the South African guys (who might as well speak a different language because while fluent, their Afrikaner accent is strong enough that I have problems understanding them). I end up playing translator for those three, which has had its entertaining moments.
The city itself is HUGE. There are quite literally 500 bus lines and your standard avenida has no fewer than 8 lanes in one direction. Not that anyone actually pays attention to lanes. I was prepared for the Spanish to be spoken fairly quickly, but not for the accent, which replaces anything that would normally sound like "y" in Spanish (including "ll") with something more like "sh" or "shj." The end result was that the first few days were rather like being in the middle of NYC at rush hour and only understanding every third word.
Because my naturally blonde hair makes it 95% certain I'm a foreigner before I open my mouth, I've been carefully studying other ways of seeming less like a gringa. For the fashion minded, a few tips on how to dress like an Argentinian:
- Wear layers. Lots of them. Preferably of mismatched color and print.
- Cover your neck. This means either a scarf or a turtleneck. Yes, turtleneck.
- Roll up your jeans. This one is actually sensible- they shouldn't drag.
- Converse Allstars. Mandatory. May be occasionally substitute knee high leather boots if female.
- Obviously attended-to hair. For women, this means lots of layers, side part, half up, well-concealed bobby pins. For guys, this means more hair gel than I used in my last ballet performance when my hair stayed in a French twist on its own, without pins.
The end result of this careful study is that I have occasionally been asked for directions by random people on the street. Of course, the entire illusion falls apart the instant I open my mouth. Oops. It was kinda funny though to let an American guy on the bus struggle through an entire explanation of how lost he was and where he needed to go in (interesting) Spanish before I responded in English.
Speaking of random people on the street... So it turns out that Argentinian guys are much more aggressive when it comes to persuing women. Example: while walking down the street on a holiday Monday morning, I was approached by a man in business dress who appeared to be about 30. He explained that he never does this sort of thing, but that I am the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, and he just had to tell me that, and would I like to go get coffee? Not the only time here I have been asked out to coffee by a random guy while waiting to cross the street. The starring, whistling, and side comments have led to plenty of awkward moments. Including when I was discussing sports related scars with one of the guys at the residencia and rolled up my pant leg to show off a particularly impressive rollerskiing scar (for reference, see "my ass looks like hamburger" from sometime in the end of March), only to discover that the Colombian guy I was talking to has a calf fetish. Um, yeah... On the bright side, I've discovered that when I get dressed up, I can get on the subway for free.
Lab is great. It's mostly guys and they are generally younger than the ones in my lab at home, and therefore a little less serious about life in general. We speak a mix of Spanish and English because they want to improve their English and I want to speak Spanish. I've decided that it's harder to switch back and forth than to just pick one and stick to it, but oh well. A few of them were really concerned that I would be bothered by the fact that I don't always understand what's going on when they start talking really fast with slang (can you imagine someone trying to understand the way some of the people on our team talk?). I explained that no, it doesn't bother me, at least the dominant language is Spanish, which I generally understand, instead of Chinese like in lab at home. Kinda strange to understand more in a lab in a different country...
The food here is clog-your-arteries-and-give-you-a-heart-attack-by-age-25 amazing. I think I have had 2 salads the entire time I've been here. Oops. But really, people just don't eat healthy here. There's milanesa (thin breaded steak), empanadas (think hot pocket), and alfajors (two or three layers of dulce de leche, a caramel-like substance, between soft cookie-ish things, all covered in chocolate). Aside from being used in alfajors, dulce de leche can also be put on crapes for breakfast, made into an incredible ice cream flavor, and baked into the middle of muffins.
Okay folks, I finally posted. That means it's your turn. I love hearing from you!
Coil(s)
Lab is great. It's mostly guys and they are generally younger than the ones in my lab at home, and therefore a little less serious about life in general. We speak a mix of Spanish and English because they want to improve their English and I want to speak Spanish. I've decided that it's harder to switch back and forth than to just pick one and stick to it, but oh well. A few of them were really concerned that I would be bothered by the fact that I don't always understand what's going on when they start talking really fast with slang (can you imagine someone trying to understand the way some of the people on our team talk?). I explained that no, it doesn't bother me, at least the dominant language is Spanish, which I generally understand, instead of Chinese like in lab at home. Kinda strange to understand more in a lab in a different country...
The food here is clog-your-arteries-and-give-you-a-heart-attack-by-age-25 amazing. I think I have had 2 salads the entire time I've been here. Oops. But really, people just don't eat healthy here. There's milanesa (thin breaded steak), empanadas (think hot pocket), and alfajors (two or three layers of dulce de leche, a caramel-like substance, between soft cookie-ish things, all covered in chocolate). Aside from being used in alfajors, dulce de leche can also be put on crapes for breakfast, made into an incredible ice cream flavor, and baked into the middle of muffins.
Okay folks, I finally posted. That means it's your turn. I love hearing from you!
Coil(s)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Updates from the land where rollerblading is still considered to be a major form of personal transport
Greetings team members and team member supporters!
As some of you may know, my access to internet is rather limited, but that hasn’t slowed down my personal LAN capabilities, and I’ve been good and busy. And I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag, but this year’s edition of Let’s Go: Rural Austria is going to be spicier than ever.
Now that a dismal, nagging case of low pressure has been blasted out of the
Two weekends ago, I snagged a spot onto a bus headed South with several of my classmates from last semester, and we enjoyed a glorious weekend in a region known as “Süd Tirol”, which once denoted the Southern border of the once infamous Austrian empire, but which was divvied up by President Woodrow Wilson and given to Italy in 1914. Training was sparce this weekend and we passed the time exploring the famous Neustift Monastery, touring five illustrious Tirolean castles, including Schloß Tirol- the former epicenter of
After a speedy and busy week spent getting ahead on some research, lounging with my hosts here in Lans, Familie Stöger and logged some of those monotonous sustained threshold hours. I packed up shop on Saturday and headed to a tiny village called Kuchl, just south of Salzburg, for the Salzburger Triathlon. What an incredible site- hands down the most beautiful race venue I’ve been to, the swim took place in a pristine little lagoon complete with what I called “Pleasue Island”, for no real reason, and the 40km bike ride spun us out through windy single-lane downtown streets packed with cheering fans, and up into the mountains South of town. The field was really strong, with nearly 550 athletes present, including Austrian Phenom Frederic Kohl who wound up 3rd, a renowned pro who finished 4th at the famous race in Kona a couple years back.
After returning to my cozy home in Lans and enjoying a nice day of recovery, I headed West for my inaugural trip to Voralberg, the western-most region of
So things are beginning to wind down, and I’ll be gearing up for my last of the Austrian Cup Triathlon events, the Innsbrucker Classic right here in, well, Innsbruck, on July 6th. I’m planning a little trip to
I’ll borrow a classic line which some of you might recognize that dutifully announces the inevitable end to every trip:
“Geeeeeeet totheyellowlineandmovetotherightquicklyplease…”
DMac
Cooking Tips- Training Essentials
One of the most captivating themes in the inevitable evolution of our blog’s content has been the shift towards food preparation, cooking, and the importance of filling one’s body with healthy fuel for a hard day’s workout. I would naturally like to extend a hearty “shout-out” to Meister Chef C. Shield Nabel, as he’s the one to commend for this wonderful turn of events. However, I’d like to pass on one of my own some of my own secret culinary tips. Now, I do happen to be in the know with most of the “in” cooking techniques, such as reusing a frying pan over again for cooking eggs without washing it, because it adds several layers of flavour, and the often overlooked yet undeniably time saving tip of simply eating pasta raw without cooking it, as it saves time and scrubs harmful plaque from one’s refined palate. However, this post will focus on an aspect of nutrition that we as athletes consider to be essential: mid workout refueling.
Now, I’ll tell you now. I’ve found the ultimate training secret. If you’re Anna Schulz, you’re probably bombarded daily by countless “PowerBar” or “HammerGel” or “Run the Jamaica Marathon 2k12!” emails professing to contain the research proven secrets to replenishing your electrolyte stores, maintaining your glucose levels, and offsetting the lovely effects of hyponutremia. However, you may still be confused on the details, and still ask the most basic questions regarding mid-workout calorie intake. Examples could imclude:
How many PowerGel packets should I mix into a typical tomato-based sautee?
How many HammerGel electrolyte tabs should I drop into my friend’s sister’s drink at Two-For-Tuesday’s at the local pub?
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a blow-pop?
If you’re still fretting as to properly fuel your workouts, rest easy. I’ve got the secret. And you’ll only need one ingredient, and a special one at that. We’re talking about the MILKA brand Schokolade und Karamel jumbo sized bar. That’s right. You’ll know you have the right one when you see they advertise that it weighs one kilo. There is also a smaller, more manageable size for those of you who might be deemed to be “atkins friendly”, but come on. Are you in it to win it? Power. Passion. Lust.
Here are the steps to using this caramel injected mammoth to fuel your next workout. I tested this method on a hot ride over the Kühtai pass here in
Steps to Proper Nutrition:
- Purchase 1 kilo caramel/chocolate Milka bar. Important, it must have the special resealable “zipper technology” wrapper that allows you to open and re-close your cheap chocolate bar approximately 1.2 times until the crappy and toxic glue wears off and melts into your chocolate.
- Place bar into back jersey pocket, into your shorts pocket, or down your pants. That’s right, don’t be shy. Conquer the cosmos with a whisper. The goal here is that the bar melts quickly, turning the chocolate/ caramel mix into a low-viscosity mix of pure liquid cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup. These terms may sound complicated, but they really mean one thing. One thing: Power. Passion. Know so you can go.
- Once the bar has melted, and you’re getting cramps from being so hungry, she’s ready to go. Slowly and carefully open the lip of the wrapper, just the tip, and just for a second, so that you have a hole in the resealable wrapper that resembles the hole of a gel packet… among other things.
- Grab your lover/ chocolate bar by the hand, and squeeze from below, forcing the chocolate/ caramel medley into your running engine. Repeat as necessary until weak and nauseous.
- Disclaimer: Not for diabetics. Not for women who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant (Audrey). Not for people who take training nutrition seriously. Not for people who dislike things that taste so good they should be illegal. Side effects include dizziness, shortness of breath, and euphoria.
Enjoy the power, feel the passion. Know so you can go. Looking forward to more suggestions for culinary delights from all members/ friends of Harvard Skiing.
DMac
Friday, June 20, 2008
Barack Obama's Oil Policy aka My last post
Anders and Ollie offered their final thoughts, so I would be remiss if I did not follow suit. They provided comments that were aptly introspective and retrospective. As I sat down to write my own final post, I was not to be outdone. If they've already covered retrospection and introspection, then I should aim for extrospection, which is neither retro- nor intro-, but somewhere else along the spection spectrum. Since extrospection is an examination of matters outside oneself, I am naturally unsuited to write about something has been a significant part of me for the past four years. So, I shared my memories and reflections with a robot, and asked it to write a post for me. What the robot returned was downright profane. I was particularly surprised and offended by the use of slang drug references. Needless to say, I had to scrap that plan and return to square one.
So what to say that hadn't already been said? Ollie had already recapped our last official engagement as members of the team, while Andy, using the eloquence and discretion that McCahill has come to know and love, expressed the gratitude we all feel for the opportunities we had and the people who shared them with us. Andy even had pictures of a ski tunnel. I could offer predictions of what the future may hold! but that would most likely dwell on my innovative and exotic cooking skills (oriental mac and cheese = american cheese + strained ramen). I could offer advice to my fellow graduating seniors! but then I saw myself assuming the voice of Naj, telling Ollie that he needs to lock it down with Anna.
Because I was voted "Most Wise" at our team banquet in April, I think it is only fitting that I leave some words of wisdom. When I sit back and think about where this team has been and where it is going, two thoughts come to mind. First, I think about how physically attractive Andy, Ollie and I are. This will always be a formative memory of our time as skiers. We just look really, really good. Second, I think about the changes that have happened over the past 4 years. We now have skiers who know how to ski and go home to snow in the winter. You have a tremendous opportunities ahead of you, academically and athletically. Savor them both, and the people you share them with. It won't always be easy (it usually won't be easy), but it wouldn't be worth doing if it were. Keep up the good work and remember what it's all about: ski hard and have fun.
I'll catch you later.
Chris
So what to say that hadn't already been said? Ollie had already recapped our last official engagement as members of the team, while Andy, using the eloquence and discretion that McCahill has come to know and love, expressed the gratitude we all feel for the opportunities we had and the people who shared them with us. Andy even had pictures of a ski tunnel. I could offer predictions of what the future may hold! but that would most likely dwell on my innovative and exotic cooking skills (oriental mac and cheese = american cheese + strained ramen). I could offer advice to my fellow graduating seniors! but then I saw myself assuming the voice of Naj, telling Ollie that he needs to lock it down with Anna.
Because I was voted "Most Wise" at our team banquet in April, I think it is only fitting that I leave some words of wisdom. When I sit back and think about where this team has been and where it is going, two thoughts come to mind. First, I think about how physically attractive Andy, Ollie and I are. This will always be a formative memory of our time as skiers. We just look really, really good. Second, I think about the changes that have happened over the past 4 years. We now have skiers who know how to ski and go home to snow in the winter. You have a tremendous opportunities ahead of you, academically and athletically. Savor them both, and the people you share them with. It won't always be easy (it usually won't be easy), but it wouldn't be worth doing if it were. Keep up the good work and remember what it's all about: ski hard and have fun.
I'll catch you later.
Chris
A Final Post (for now)
Well, Oliver's post reminded me that yes, a final post is probably long overdue. A retrospective on my skiing experience is perhaps a bit too ambitious for just a brief blog entry, but something to close out the year and express my thanks to all of you is certainly in order.
We've done a lot during my years on the team. We've trained countless hours in the best of conditions and the worst. Had some great adventures throughout New England and Colorado. Walked along the razor's edge and reached into new depths of the pain cave. As a team we've come a long way in these years and hopefully initiated the next generation into the "new way" that is Harvard Nordic.
All the friends and memories that surround my time on the team make up what is likely the most influential part of my Harvard experience. Thank you all - coaches, teammates, friends, and families.
As I said, skiing's had quite the effect on me. Hopefully, a life-long effect. In fact, I'm already out in pursuit of snow. Right now I'm in Scandinavia for Let's Go this summer and I've made skiing highlights a priority. Below are pictures from Vuolkatti's ski tunnel.
1st ski tunnel in the world. 1.2km.
It's quite the contrast to be inside where your camera lens is frosting over and to look out and see beautiful flowers and 24 hours straight of sunlight up here by the arctic circle (Happy Midsummer!)
A very happy skier after an hour long skate workout on snow 6/17/2008.
A quick addendum to the Ski tunnel trip - there's a big board with signatures of all the people who have visited the tunnel. The President of Finland, national ski teams, etc. Now there's a big HARVARD NORDIC right between a photo of the Russian ski team standing with Putin and a signed picture of Deutschland's National Biathlon Mannschaft.
Anyway, to bring this to a close, I just want want to thank everyone who was a part of my skiing experience. And wish the best of luck to Coach City and the team as they prepare for next year.
As for my fellow seniors. Oliver and Chris, you guys are special. It's been an honor. You are the best teammates, training buddies, and friends anyone could ask for. And as for your contribution to the team...it's almost too much to really recognize. Those awards you were nominated for at the banquet were well deserved, but if there were awards for the individuals who have done the most to improve their team, you guys would win hands down. I can't imagine anyone who has done more to redefine their team's culture, attitude, and aspirations so positively. The work you did on this team will be seen, I hope, for many years to come.
I titled this "A Final Post (for now)" because I do think that perhaps an occasional alumni post might be appropriate if it's pertinent to the team or skiing generally - you know, when Ollie, Chris, and I do the Birkie, I think that's post-worthy. I will, however, as tough as it is, relinquish the right to post on topics such as South Park, run-ins with Austrian Monks, and the like. Well, unless it's really really necessary. I'll just have to resort to being an avid blog reader.
Ski friends, as Peter loves to say, you're the greatest. Good luck team.
Thanks,
Anders
We've done a lot during my years on the team. We've trained countless hours in the best of conditions and the worst. Had some great adventures throughout New England and Colorado. Walked along the razor's edge and reached into new depths of the pain cave. As a team we've come a long way in these years and hopefully initiated the next generation into the "new way" that is Harvard Nordic.
All the friends and memories that surround my time on the team make up what is likely the most influential part of my Harvard experience. Thank you all - coaches, teammates, friends, and families.
As I said, skiing's had quite the effect on me. Hopefully, a life-long effect. In fact, I'm already out in pursuit of snow. Right now I'm in Scandinavia for Let's Go this summer and I've made skiing highlights a priority. Below are pictures from Vuolkatti's ski tunnel.
1st ski tunnel in the world. 1.2km.
It's quite the contrast to be inside where your camera lens is frosting over and to look out and see beautiful flowers and 24 hours straight of sunlight up here by the arctic circle (Happy Midsummer!)
A very happy skier after an hour long skate workout on snow 6/17/2008.A quick addendum to the Ski tunnel trip - there's a big board with signatures of all the people who have visited the tunnel. The President of Finland, national ski teams, etc. Now there's a big HARVARD NORDIC right between a photo of the Russian ski team standing with Putin and a signed picture of Deutschland's National Biathlon Mannschaft.
Anyway, to bring this to a close, I just want want to thank everyone who was a part of my skiing experience. And wish the best of luck to Coach City and the team as they prepare for next year.
As for my fellow seniors. Oliver and Chris, you guys are special. It's been an honor. You are the best teammates, training buddies, and friends anyone could ask for. And as for your contribution to the team...it's almost too much to really recognize. Those awards you were nominated for at the banquet were well deserved, but if there were awards for the individuals who have done the most to improve their team, you guys would win hands down. I can't imagine anyone who has done more to redefine their team's culture, attitude, and aspirations so positively. The work you did on this team will be seen, I hope, for many years to come.
I titled this "A Final Post (for now)" because I do think that perhaps an occasional alumni post might be appropriate if it's pertinent to the team or skiing generally - you know, when Ollie, Chris, and I do the Birkie, I think that's post-worthy. I will, however, as tough as it is, relinquish the right to post on topics such as South Park, run-ins with Austrian Monks, and the like. Well, unless it's really really necessary. I'll just have to resort to being an avid blog reader.
Ski friends, as Peter loves to say, you're the greatest. Good luck team.
Thanks,
Anders
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Livin' the High Life
Before I provide all eager blog-readers with an update on life in Camp Shawnee, I feel the need to share a few favorite pictures that I discovered when I emptied my camera last week:
Nabel and Captain David Woods McCahill construct pod-racing helmets and battle to the death in Jordan South 31. And yes, Nabel is wearing underwear of some nature.
Nabel enjoys chocolate pudding out of a paper cup while snuggled in 4 blankets on my bedroom floor. He then places empty pudding cup on said floor and leaves it there, where it stays until I find it approximately two weeks later.
This is the home that I left on June 1st...
... and the one that I moved into.
Camp Shawnee was a little rough around the edges when I arrived. Fortunately I arrived first, so I promptly bought some bleach and went to town on a few choice items. Jennie arrived second, promptly starting to laugh upon seeing her new home. I sent Audrey a message saying "I think your Mom is going to cry when she sees this..." or something of that nature. But Ann Mangan was not intimidated. She actually went shopping and brought us bag after bag of groceries to put in our fridge, which didn't actually shut unless we wedged something in the door. After some deliberation, however, she declined Meri's empty bed and chose to sleep at the Devlins'. So there we were, left with a week before Meri arrived, determined to clean up our crap-hole of a house.
So we cleaned everything in the kitchen and cleaned it again. We spent two hours scrubbing mold off the bathroom ceiling, black mildew out of the bathtub, and scouring the floor. Kinney Drugs provided us with two bathmats for $3, which covered the 3 square feet of missing tile nicely. We got a neighbor ot tack some plywood over the 4-foot holes in the ceilings downstairs and get the fridge to kind of shut. We bought scrapers and sandpaper and paint and fixed up the most offensive walls and ceilings. Then we covered the remaining holes and graffiti with posters and stolen street signs. Most importantly, however, Audrey bought us a hammock.
Audrey hugs a bag of Oreos in her hammock.
So we finally got Camp Shawnee turned into something that resembled a livable residence, and now that we can actually walk in the bathroom barefoot without worrying about getting diseases, we're settling in. Training is picking up,and employment is at least on the horizon for most of us.
Aww.
More posts and pictures to come soon,
-Schlutzer
Nabel and Captain David Woods McCahill construct pod-racing helmets and battle to the death in Jordan South 31. And yes, Nabel is wearing underwear of some nature.
Nabel enjoys chocolate pudding out of a paper cup while snuggled in 4 blankets on my bedroom floor. He then places empty pudding cup on said floor and leaves it there, where it stays until I find it approximately two weeks later.
This is the home that I left on June 1st...
... and the one that I moved into.Camp Shawnee was a little rough around the edges when I arrived. Fortunately I arrived first, so I promptly bought some bleach and went to town on a few choice items. Jennie arrived second, promptly starting to laugh upon seeing her new home. I sent Audrey a message saying "I think your Mom is going to cry when she sees this..." or something of that nature. But Ann Mangan was not intimidated. She actually went shopping and brought us bag after bag of groceries to put in our fridge, which didn't actually shut unless we wedged something in the door. After some deliberation, however, she declined Meri's empty bed and chose to sleep at the Devlins'. So there we were, left with a week before Meri arrived, determined to clean up our crap-hole of a house.
So we cleaned everything in the kitchen and cleaned it again. We spent two hours scrubbing mold off the bathroom ceiling, black mildew out of the bathtub, and scouring the floor. Kinney Drugs provided us with two bathmats for $3, which covered the 3 square feet of missing tile nicely. We got a neighbor ot tack some plywood over the 4-foot holes in the ceilings downstairs and get the fridge to kind of shut. We bought scrapers and sandpaper and paint and fixed up the most offensive walls and ceilings. Then we covered the remaining holes and graffiti with posters and stolen street signs. Most importantly, however, Audrey bought us a hammock.
Audrey hugs a bag of Oreos in her hammock.
So we finally got Camp Shawnee turned into something that resembled a livable residence, and now that we can actually walk in the bathroom barefoot without worrying about getting diseases, we're settling in. Training is picking up,and employment is at least on the horizon for most of us. 
Aww.More posts and pictures to come soon,
-Schlutzer
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