Race Story: Inga's Top 10

Top 10 reasons to apply to be Inga of Varteig

10. You may be asked if you're “Queen of the Birkie” (this actually happened to me at the Barnebirkie)

9. Pine tar prevents pre-race anxiety about glide wax choice and inhalation of fluorocarbons

8. You don't need to worry about taking off your warm-ups at the start (I just wrapped myself in my cape until we took off)

7. You get a 10 minute head start over the elite wave

6. There's time to down 6 cups of energy drink and eat donut holes at every aid station

5. If you break a wooden sapling pole, you can always just cut another one in the woods

4. You don't feel bad about being passed by thousands of skiers

3. Great parking spots for your support people (the police officer at 00 let my mom park right next to the trail when she said, “I have a dry diaper for Prince Haakon”)

2. The roar of the crowds on mainstreet has to be more exciting than winning an Olympic gold

1. No need to find a babysitter - just strap your little one to your back!