What is “the birkie”?
What is “The Birkie” you may ask? “Birkie” is short for the American Birkebeiner, the largest cross country ski race in North America. The actual Birkebeiner race is around 50 km, but there are a whole slew of different events during Birkie week. The events take place in Northern Wisconsin on the (you guessed it), Birkie trail. The event was named after the original event in Norway. There’s a pretty cool historical story behind the race, which you can read about here if you like. For those in the Nordic skiing world, this is a big event to participate in. People come in from all over the country and world to compete. More than 10,000 skiers participate every year! Check out this video to see what the Birkie is all about!
my birkie experience
I completed my first Birkie in my early 20s. After a long break while my kids were young, I decided to try it again last year. I was out of shape and didn’t train much, so I was pretty slow. This year, I plan to do it again, hopefully a bit faster. 😉
I mentioned completing the Birkie last year (2022), but did you know my kids raced too? Ok, so they didn’t complete the 50k Birkebeiner race, but they did the BarneBirkie (races for kids). We spent a few days near Hayward, WI, going to the various Birkie week events, skiing and snowshoeing on local trails, and completing our races. We had so much fun! Renting a cabin in the woods for a little family time and relaxation was perfect. Side note- I just have to tell you that the skijoring race (skiing with your dog) during Birkie week is called the Barkie Birkie….this cracks me up, LOL! Check out the pics below of my kids at the Birkie last winter!
why I do the birkie
Now, maybe you’re wondering- why on earth would someone cross country ski for 50km (26 miles approximately)?! The first time I did the Birkie, it was mostly to experience it, because I had heard so much about it and it’s kind of a big deal in the Nordic skiing world! I had only done high school races before, never a citizens race. The Birkie was so fun! Skiing with hundreds of others skiers, talking to people on the trails, seeing cheerful people at the aid stations to hand out water and snacks, and lots of fun fans.
That first year, I was going up one particularly long hill, and there were a bunch of spectators dressed in Marti Gras costumes, cheering us up the hills, and placing beads around our necks! Hilarious! And totally helped take my mind off the hill I had to go up.
When I decided to do the Birkie again last year, it was for several reasons. First, I really needed something to motivate me to get back into shape, Plus, I really missed skiing and wanted to get back into the Nordic skiing community. (Check out this post about why I love Nordic skiing so much and what it means to me!)
I also wanted to share the Birkie experience with my kids and make it a tradition to go every year. I taught all my kids how to ski, and last winter we went out frequently to enjoy the trails together. It was so good for my relationship with my kids and for their health. I loved the idea of gifting them with a healthy love for the outdoors and exercise. We also joined a local ski club so they could meet new friends and ski with other kids their age. They LOVED it!
So that’s what I’m up to this winter- Birkie training! The race day is February 25th…..coming up soon! Drop a comment below and tell me how you stay motivated to exercise or get outside!