realskiers

Bushwacka,

You are bringing back good memories on the derby.  Fun race.  I wouldn't worry too much about what happens once you get into the woods - all the glory is on the downhill.  I had some top 50 finishes there back in college (early 80s).  Of course, I also broke a lot of equipment and finished bleeding from multiple locations from crashing on death cookies, which are much more difficult to handle on xc equipment than they are on alpine.  The video is a blast.  Didn't see as many bodies strewn around the hill and head sized craters as the last time I did it, but the  video of passing people snowplowing certainly bought back memories.  It definitely helps to get a seeded bib if you want to have a good time!

On the question of whether running sub 6 minute miles will help you on the uphill - it can't hurt.  On the other hand, I've long been a believer that the best way to go fast uphill is.... practice going fast uphill.  There really isn't anything quite like vertical.

For goals... Hmm.

Have fun.

Relax.

Get better.

Repeat.

I love winter.  Sigh.