Fresh New Fit: Crashed Ice!

By Jessie

Last night, the Dustin, our friend Mason, and I went to St. Paul to check out a new type of "fitness". We were only spectating, not participating. The event was the Red Bull Crashed Ice, and it was an event unlike any other I have seen.

From Kare11 news:  

What: The world's toughest, fastest, and most fearless skaters will descend on downtown Saint Paul to take on the most intimidating ice cross downhill course ever created for the U.S. qualifier of the 2012 Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship . With more than three weeks of construction, the 1,400-foot frozen track wraps around the Cathedral of Saint Paul before plummeting down its steps towards the Mississippi River.

Who: Athletes will come from around the world to race in Saint Paul, which is the first stop in the 2012 World Championship Series. Among the standouts competing are twice World Champion, Artu Philhainen, of Finland, and a fleet of Red Bull Crashed Ice veterans from all over the world. This year, however, the American team will be a force to be reckoned with. The U.S. competitors were selected through a series of Qualifiers held nationwide. They range from teens to middle age, both men and women, with backgrounds ranging from ice hockey to rugby, speed skating to downhill skiing, and football to boarder cross.

Where: In front of the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The event was free, so after a drink at the Muddy Pig for warmth, we headed towards the Cathedral.  After a brisk 15 minute walk from the bar, we were greeted with this brightly lit starting line.

 It was quite crowded by the start. With 80,000 people in attendance, working our way through to find a good viewing spot was a challenge of its own. We finally made our way to a midway point on the course, where we could see two hills, and the "big turn".

The event was fascinating to watch. It seemed pretty dangerous, with several falls and tumbles, and the skaters were moving an incredible speeds. It was fun to observe this "fresh new fit". I could appreciate the athleticism of the participants, as well as the extreme physical challenge of the event. It might not be my type of "favorite fit" but I was happy to have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle. 

Time to bundle up! 

It was about 16 degrees- quite cold to be standing outside, so I was bundled up in my "sleeping bag coat" (i.e. Patagonia Women's Down With It Parka), hat (The Gap), scarf (gifted), Hunter boots with the warm socks underneath, and jeans. 

Our friend Mason bundled up in a classy all black ensemble, complete with scarf and earmuffs. 

And ladies..he's single!

Dustin wore his Hunker Down Mountain Hardware Jacket, Dale of Norway Fjord hat, jeans, and Waxed Canvas Maine Hunting Shoes from LL Bean

 

For more information on the Red Bull Crashed Ice, check out this website: http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Red-Bull-Crashed-Ice/001242785030624