2015 Canada Winter Games

Last week I was lucky enough to represent Nova Scotia at the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Myself along with my number one training/racing partner Colin Ward, and the rest of our awesome teammates and amazing support crew had some of the best races of our lives, which was followed up by an action packed week that comes with just being a part of the CWG.

Cross country skiing was part of the second week of the CWG, our trip started off with a delayed flight that had us on the red-eye flight, followed by a day of checking out the race courses and settling into our hotels. Our first race was the 10 Km classic race which was going to set the mark for the week in terms of results and my placing amongst the best U23’s in Canada. The race went very well from my point of view, conditions were icy and the grip wax was fading fast but I managed to be second Nova Scotia (behind Colin) and beat one of my main rivals from N.B.

The Following day after the 10 Km classic was the 1.5 km Classic sprints. I did not have high expectations in myself for this event, but that did not stop me from taking risks on the descents to try and qualify for the heats. Sadly, I missed my mark, and so did a lot of other East Coasters, we were still getting to grips with the jet lag, but now we had a rest day before what was my main event.

The fifth day of our Canada Games experience had what was for many of us our main event, the 15 Km mass start skate race. This race was why I was here, the main goal. This was the first time all week that I had felt nervous before the start, I knew I had to perform. I know that when it comes to skiing, I don’t have the best technique or specific training to excel to a CWG podium, but I was keen to do my very best and see how I could do compared to these guys.

The mass start was much tamer than I thought it would be, with all 60 skiers staying on their feet after the first 2 km. I had moved from my starting position in the second last row of seven skiers (there were 9 rows) to about half way up the field inside the first 600m thanks to some good old fashion aggression. I had now placed myself behind Colin and my N.B. rival Kevin. The race started off with a lead group of about 15-20 and the rest were all single file trying to stay in touch, the three of us were about 15 seconds down leading into the first climb (of which there were many). Colin and I were moving up the trail very well together, taking turns on the front and everything. I put in a surge to distance our N.B. man Kevin and the two of us continued on our hunt for good result. We were getting time splits and everything from our coach and loyal Nova Scotia supporters that were really motivating, and best of all we were still catching people as we enter our final lap of the 5km course. Colin and I started the last lap together, but that did not last too long, with Colin still feeling strong and my technique starting to falter, he made a small acceleration and the gap between us slowly started to go out. Colin moved away from the group that had formed behind us, composed of Manitobans and Albertans, and left me with four guys to dual it out with at the finish. I tried one more acceleration to try and get a gap, but it came to nothing and I was left dangling off the back when another made his move, the five of us came into the finish with some distance between us. Colin had managed a very good 18th place, and I a 24th. Overall I was very happy with my race and so were the support team.

The Games for me were just about over, with only a team relay race remaining. I went for a long ski on our following rest day to try and get in some base miles for the fast approaching road season, and do some exploring of the amazing trails in Prince George B.C.

Lastly I would like to thank all of the athletes, coaches, volunteers and Team NS for making the games an experience I won’t soon forget!

-Edward Walsh