Kyle Bratrud: Half Way

by Kyle Bratrud
January 5, 2014

It is a crazy thought that after all the build up to Nationals, we are already half way done! That being said, the race I am most looking forward to is still to come: the 30k skate mass start.

The first few races were a mixed bag of emotions. The opening race was the 15k classic individual start. After feeling so technically smooth in intervals a few days prior I was very disappointed with how I skied the race technically. I was bent over when striding and weak when double poling. All that considered, I did not feel well at all and to end up 33rd was rather shocking. It was a humbling result and considering how I had felt, I can accept the result although I would hardly say I am satisfied. Last year I never really had a race that I could point to and say I was disappointed about so I have come to terms that these races happen and it is how I respond that will shape me as an athlete. On a much more positive note my teammate Adam Martin killed the classic race, skiing the top junior male time and Ben Saxton also threw down an impressive 12th place.

The second race was the sprint. As sprinting has never been my strong suit, I was excited to continue to practice and improve. I feel I had one of the best sprint races of my life. I finished 63rd, but only 15 seconds back which is a major improvement compared to some of my previous sprint results. I hope to continue improving in sprinting each year! I could not be happier for Ben Saxton and Logan Hanneman as they finished 2nd and 5th respectively. It makes me happy watching some of my best friends succeeding and fuels the fire in me to continue to improve my personal results. I look forward to going after that 30k with a sense of redemption and I’m also very excited for the upcoming CCSA races back at sea level.

Nationals is always going to be a test against the best in the nation and while I feel so far this year I have not lived up to my own strict expectations, it has been a humbling experience and if I had to pin point one thing I have gain, motivation would most definitely be it.

Two races to go then back to the Midwest!