FINALLY we made it to the first race of the season. We skied a 1.46km point to point prologue on the Volunteer Trail here in West Yellowstone. Because of the number of skiers they decided to close the course to all athletes today which meant that the course held up really well and stayed fast even by the time the women started after all the men had gone through. I think some of the firm corners surprised some people because several racers wiped out navigating the downhill corners. I, however, stayed on my feet, which is how I prefer to experience a race course. I still felt like I had my typical issue of not being super focused for the prelims but luckily my body knows more or less what it's supposed to be doing when there's a number pinned to a matching spandex outfit and I managed to pull off second place, even though Gaiazova completely dusted me. The girl has even longer legs than I do & I know she'll be a contender for the distance classic race on Saturday too. Shayla was close behind me, another beautiful classic skier who I would also be unsurprised to see win this weekend's classic race.

Happy, happy Thanksgiving on Thursday. I am feeling lucky that my parents & brother are here to share the holiday with me! (Sister is mia as she's opted out of the North American continent for the year.)