I do not really have the motivation or interest to give a day by day account for my week in Beitostolen. Most days were typically the same generally speaking.
I woke up at a fairly relaxed time and met my friend Anette at her hotel. We walked with our skis about a mile to the ski area. We chose the walk over the bus because we had the time and it was a nice stroll. We skied during the morning, ate our packed picnic lunches, and then skied a bit in the afternoon. We of course chose to walk home in the afternoon as well.
Once I made it back to my cabin I made dinner for Mattis and I and we did enjoy a couple of small dinner parties. Later in the evening I found myself socializing at the hotel bar where hundreds of participants flocked to in the evening hours. On most nights I found myself dancing at some point which is of course one of my highlights! I get such a high from dancing, it really is one my favorite and simple pleasures in life.
I did love and enjoy this event immensely and I feel so fortunate I was able to be here. It is always inspiring for me to see athletes of all ages, and all disabilities compete in sports of all sorts. It brings even more joy to me that I see it happening in another country. I have had the chance to work in this environment all over America and I am just thrilled that the same opportunities exist all over the world.
Of course it was difficult to be here an not compare my week to the Ski For Light back in the States I am so involved with. I missed many of my friends that typically attend Ski For Light. I missed all of the hugging that is so prevalent. I missed the fellowship around meal times. I missed working the event and feeling as though I am contributing to the organization. I must confess though one of my favorite things offered at the Ridderrenn is volunteers waxing the skies each morning. What a treat because I loathe waxing, especially Klister if anyone knows what that is.
An interesting note about the Ridderrenn is the involvement of the military with the event. It is the 47th annual event and the military has been involved since the inaugural year in the 60's. They help with so many aspects of the event such as the waxing, transportation, setting up equipment for the races, preparing and manning the aid stations (including fresh fruit all week!), etc. the list goes on an on really.
I must give a shout out to some very special Norwegians that went out of their way to include me and make me feel very special all week. Anette, Anne, Goldfish, Run Run, Reidun, Mattis, Svein, and Sylvia. This group did everything they could to make sure I had something to do, something to eat and someone to make sure I was having a good time at all times. Thank you to a very special group of beautiful souls!
An interesting note about the Ridderrenn is the involvement of the military with the event. It is the 47th annual event and the military has been involved since the inaugural year in the 60's. They help with so many aspects of the event such as the waxing, transportation, setting up equipment for the races, preparing and manning the aid stations (including fresh fruit all week!), etc. the list goes on an on really.
I must give a shout out to some very special Norwegians that went out of their way to include me and make me feel very special all week. Anette, Anne, Goldfish, Run Run, Reidun, Mattis, Svein, and Sylvia. This group did everything they could to make sure I had something to do, something to eat and someone to make sure I was having a good time at all times. Thank you to a very special group of beautiful souls!
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