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Having collected my first Worldloppet Medal, I considered - what to do now? Two options looked attractive - either go for the next medal, or go for as many beautiful races as possible. The second option appealed more to me. Of course I would like to compete in remaining Worldloppet races. But to win the second medal, I would need to repeat 5 races which I've already done. Isn't it better to try something new? It looked better.
My first choice was Japan. Firstly, I had known that it is a country with great winter and snow. They already hosted Winter Olympic Games in 1972. Secondly it is much closer than Europe or North America. And there is no problem with jet lag.Thirdly, they have a Worldloppet race. So what I needed were some more races to keep me busy for at least 2 weeks.
I got in touch with Kenichi, whom I met previous year in France and he invited me for a ski marathon in Ohtaki, few days after Sapporo Maraton. In some ski magazine, I found information about Miyasaka Maraton in Biei. I wrote to organizers asking about details, where abouts, accommodation. What a surprise it was when I received an invitation which covered cost of my race entry, accommodation in first class hotel and even travel from Sapporo.
In Sapporo I booked into a Youth Hostel and it was a good lesson of Japanese habits. Firstly, the receptionists watched very carefully that I leave my boots in the entrance hall and change into slippers. There was a first confusion. I put on my
own, leather slippers and he protested vigorously showing me a shelf with slippers for hostel guests. These were plastic and too small for me.
I insisted to stay in my own and he very unhappily agreed and led me to my room. There were no door, just some plastic strips, no shelf nor wardrobe nor lockers. Just very wide bunk beds covered with mats. I noticed, that people left their belongings including wallets, passports, cameras just on the beds. The receptionist ensured that I took off my slippers before entering the room, left all my luggage on my bed and then showed me toilets and a bathroom.
Here was the second confusion - I entered toilets in my slippers. He raised his arms in alarm. He showed at my slippers - after entering the toilet they were disqualified from the hostel. I should have left them outside and wear separate slippers for toilet only.
So I slipped into official plastic slippers and left my in the hall, next to my boots and since then we became friends.
Next great discovery was Terye Komatsu. Young Japanese student who stayed in same room as me. He led me to the ski fields, dined with me in typical Japanese restaurants, showed some attractions in Sapporo. At that time, cross country skiing was not very popular. The closest ski trails were quite remote. Downhill skiing was a different story - many ski shops and many ski areas lit till late night. For the beginning I spent one day on downhill. Next day they opened the official race tracks for training and I could prepare for the race. There I met a mate from Melbourne Nordic - Claude Pietersen.
Sapporo Maraton. There was a surprise at the start - organizers put all overseas skiers in the first line - photo above, I am the one in red pants. I felt fine, but only for the photo. After the start, I felt breath of Japanese elite skiers on my back, and I took first opportunity to let them go ahead. The race was quite hard. No wonder, it was an Olympic track, many sharp climbs and tricky downhills gave no opportunity for rest.
Ohtaki Maraton. Kenichi drove me to Ohtaki and hosted in his holiday home. Place is famous for springs of hot water, so we enjoyed delicious bath at every opportunity. There were not so many participants in the race. It was 30 km long, with one long climb and perfectly prepared trails. Good exercise after Sapporo.
Miyasama Maraton. As promised, I was accommodated in Shiragano Kanko Hotel, was driven to ski trails, enjoyed excellent food. I was only bit short on company as nobody around spoke any English and all hotel guests were downhill skiers. Fortunately I found some Australian skiers nearby.
The opening ceremony was a very dignified event as the patron of the race was Prince Mikasa, close relative of the Emperor of Japan. There was great food and no end to ceremonial bows. Race course was ideally prepared. Start was great with 10 km slightly downhill. But it was followed by a long climb and on the other side of the mountain, snow was soft and slow.
At the finish line, each skier was rewarded with a 1 kg bag of Japanese rice. Then presentation of winners and what a joy it was when Australian - Jenny Altermatt was declared a winner among females and rewarded personally by Prince Mikasa with 10 kg rice bag!!!
Snow was good and the race returned to its normal
course. If you can call "normal" the course, on which the race
has been run only 2 times in 6 trials. At half distance mark, I caught with Michael and I looked to be in better shape than him. I got very excited at the Wallace Wall, as I climbed this steep section smoothly, passing quite a number of skiers. So maybe I will make the race under 3 hours? This idea nurtured me when I reached drink station at Wallace Hut. Somehow I imagined that the lake was just around the corner. I skipped drink station and soon noticed the sign - still almost 10 km to go. And then I was hit by the opposite wind, I was loosing energy quickly. I slowed considerably, skiers were passing me. What a fool I am - I cursed myself. It will be 3,5 hours again. So it was quite some joy, when at the top of Nordic Bowl, I saw 2:59... at the clock. And what a disappointment, when I crossed the line in time 3:00:33,7.
Had I had some drink and snack at Wallace Hut, it could have been under magic 3 hours. Michael finished 7 minutes after me. His explanation was, that he just returned from 6 months stay in Europe and was not fit at all. Ania competed in Birkebeiner, came 3rd in her age group. Sylvia was a new addition to the race.
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