Issue Nr. 1 March 2006 - NATO School

What did you particularly like about this race?
Atmosphere and people on the race were really great,
also organization and nature.
What was your first thought when you crossed the finish
line?
I need to warm up my…
Do you plan to participate in the next König Ludwig Lauf
cross country ski race?
Yes I will take a part on next KLL.
Major Mike Paquette
(23 km free style in 1 hr 33 min 22 sec)
Why did you participate in this race?
I enjoy participating in competitive endurance events
mainly because it motivates me to a higher fitness level
during training, and it is a real joy to be a part of that
much energy and excitement on race day. I was on a
Nordic ski team in school, so I had to do be a part of the
KLL.
How did you prepare yourself for the race?
Mainly shorter training runs of about a hour, a couple of
times a week – not an idea training plan for such a
race. This is why I only signed up for 23 km this year.
Were you nervous before the start?
A little, but being too nervous can use up valuable
energy needed for the race. I tried to focus on other
things.
How did you experience the race?
I finished the race pretty much as fast as I could have. I
felt great during the race, and finished strong, so I have
nothing to complain about. It was a great ay for me.
What did you particularly like about this race?
The course is absolutely beautiful. The Ettal and
Graswang valleys are simply breathtaking to see and
be in. Unfortunately, the fog on Saturday didn’t let us
see most of it, but I knew it was there. The people that
come out and line the sides of the course are also
great, and make it a really enjoyable day.
What was your first thought when you crossed the finish
line?
Two feelings - I was very pleased that I felt much
stronger than last year. I was also humbled to be
surrounded by so many other folks that finished the
race ahead of me, and blown away by the double-arm
amputee that finished the race right beside me. More
motivation for the next race I guess.
Do you plan to participate in the next König Ludwig Lauf
cross country ski race?
I would if I were here, but I will be living in Tennessee,
probably prepping for the Knoxville Marathon.
Marian Selles
(23 km classic style in 2 hr 13 min 05 sec)
Although I was eight minutes faster than last year, I was
not really satisfied. I had bad luck several times which
brought me in a bad mood during the whole race. It
already happened directly after the start: I was locked
and I had difficulties to escape the muddle. There was a
slow girl in front of me and in the trails on my left and
right side there was the same problem. Because of that
I lost a lot of time in Ettal. Also, in the woods I had
problems with passing people: at the moment I almost
passed someone that person suddenly switched trail
and I had him or her in front of me again.
NATO School
Community Bulletin March 2006 Edition
After the turning point the 50 km participants joined the
people who were doing the 23 km race. Shortly after
that point two old grandpas in black were moving
forward slowly next to each other while there were only
two trails. I approached them and I had to stop because
the men did not realize soon enough that they had
entered the field of the ‘still fresh’ 23 km racers. The last
ten km went fluently, until shortly before the finish. On
the small wooden bridge I chose the trail with nobody
on it, well prepared to do a sprint. Unfortunately a
Czech switched from trail and he came just in front of
me. I could say farewell to the sprint. Because of these
experiences, after the finish I was thinking about doing
the 50 km next year. A longer distance will give me
much more possibilities to recover the time I lose in the
first part. Of course, it is just a thought……
LTC Steven Wotherspoon
(23 km classic style in 2 hr 57 min 10 sec)
Why did you participate in this race?
Because I am 52 years of age and will never get
another opportunity whilst I’m at the NS!
How did you prepare yourself for the race?
Eight training sessions over six weeks.
Were you nervous before the start?
I was nervous about following the correct procedures;
race etiquette etc.
How did you experience the race?
It was absolutely fine, no after effects, a good training
session.
What did you particularly like about this race?
The beautiful scenery at the Linderhof end of the valley.
What was your first thought when you crossed the finish
line?
How did LTC Uwe Schleimer take 31 minutes off me?
And: I need a few beers.
Do you plan to participate in the next König Ludwig Lauf
cross country ski race?
Yes if I’m available.
SSG Kyeyahn Belanger
(23 km classic style in 2 hr 57 min 10 sec)