Zen and the Art of Speedskating

There are several large meets I “missed” this year, one of them was the Masters international Canadian open in Calgary this past February 9th & 10th.

However Peter Haeussler & Tim Demerjian have sent me some FABULOUS images of these races. Looking forward to Masters world’s next week, this is some of the vibe that will be happening.

Getting ready for the ice-

Speedskater Kevin Frost, who is an amazing story due to his Usher’s syndrome, getting ready next to his guide dog, Nemo.

Several Norwegians who made the trip to race (as well as Russians and Americans). Here a Norwegian going very fast. It’s probable this is 50-55 year old skater Brynjulf Makestad or 60-65 year old Knut Nesse, who both set masters records during this meet.

This great image really captures how skating “feels”, thanks Tim!
Click on it for a “desktop-sized” version

Peter writes:
Cheering for everybody is part of the Masters racing scene. Here’s the ladies (who had finished their races), cheering on 78 year old Peter Blokker on his 3K race. Closest to camera is Kaari Cox, then Jan Zurcher.

Another picture of Peter Blokker and another athlete in the 75-80 age group. Peter Haeussler writes

I guess I’m just really impressed by their ability at that age. I’m 46, so I’m hoping I can perfect my technique in the next 34 years!

Canadian Brett Arnason chasing a fellow competitor in the 55+ age group

Just in case you didn’t know this, it’s a good tip! Ha!!

Warmup lane chatting… Catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones, is a huge part of masters skating.

Randy Plett and Pat Kelly were 1-2 overall. Randy is an “allskater” & does very well at both ice & inline. Pat was on 2 Canadian Olympic teams & lowered his own 1000m masters record at this meet (he was paired with me when he set his first 1k record, a loong time ago).

Here is Pat & Randy, going at it in the 3k, here is a link to the results.

There are many fun things about racing in Calgary; one of them is the food court within easy walking distance. You don’t even have to step outside! This is a poster from there.

Maybe skating is, in an absolute moral sense, like most sports & human trivialities, a stupid thing done very quickly and taking a lot of energy.

But like coffee, how wonderfully pleasant & rewarding the sensations…

Whoooosh!!!

Again, thanks Peter & Tim!

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