Beaver Creek
Here I am. First race of the year... I am excited, nervous, ready. Anxious for the race season to begin. I have recently realized that I'm getting sick of training. Run after run. Time after time. Tweaking equipment. Tweaking technique. Tweaking mindsets. I'm ready to forget everything and just ski.
Training takes a lot of thinking, preparing, changing. Racing just takes knowing. Belief that you have prepared. Confidence in your skills. Calm in your intellect. Although it's incredibly difficult to realize and maintain the right mindset, the fast mindset, when you find it it feels right. It feels easy and fluid. It's just a matter of getting there....and I am looking forward to stepping up to that challenge this season and discovering my potential. In all aspects. Whatever happens, if I'm slow or fast, smooth or misshapen, I want to enjoy myself. I just want to go out there and ski. Forget everything I've learned. Do it for me, for the fresh air, for the mountains and the sky and the adventure. Just go out there and ski. So here I go....
Training takes a lot of thinking, preparing, changing. Racing just takes knowing. Belief that you have prepared. Confidence in your skills. Calm in your intellect. Although it's incredibly difficult to realize and maintain the right mindset, the fast mindset, when you find it it feels right. It feels easy and fluid. It's just a matter of getting there....and I am looking forward to stepping up to that challenge this season and discovering my potential. In all aspects. Whatever happens, if I'm slow or fast, smooth or misshapen, I want to enjoy myself. I just want to go out there and ski. Forget everything I've learned. Do it for me, for the fresh air, for the mountains and the sky and the adventure. Just go out there and ski. So here I go....
back on it
It's becoming chilly outside. Days are getting darker, wind is rustling my branches, and snow is around the bend....
I'm excited for ski season. And I'm also excited to delve back into my blogging life. I constantly feel the need to blog, but I feel similarly about blogging as I feel about GoPro'ing. Which is lame, unless it has to do with my skiing life. I can video all the flying, training, water skiing, mountain biking, and silliness that I want...but it's not nearly as exciting as my ski racing life. Luckily, my ski racing life is about to begin again. And, hopefully, my blogging will consequently frequent itself as well. For now (as I become anxious)...I am going to post some pictures. Picture blog!
I'm excited for ski season. And I'm also excited to delve back into my blogging life. I constantly feel the need to blog, but I feel similarly about blogging as I feel about GoPro'ing. Which is lame, unless it has to do with my skiing life. I can video all the flying, training, water skiing, mountain biking, and silliness that I want...but it's not nearly as exciting as my ski racing life. Luckily, my ski racing life is about to begin again. And, hopefully, my blogging will consequently frequent itself as well. For now (as I become anxious)...I am going to post some pictures. Picture blog!
Chile #2
Here I am. Back in Portillo. Back in these beautiful, crazy mountains. Amidst the cliffs, snow, water, and sky. In this mad, still time-warp. It is elementally identical every single year: I'm staying in the exact same room, regardless if it's a different number. I'm skiing the exact same slopes: sometimes a little less snow, sometimes a little more snow, sometimes icy, sometimes slushy. I'm eating the exact same foods, walking the same paths, breathing the same air, viewing the same sights. It's like I'm reliving my past--it's dreamy. Yellow, blue, white, black. Foggy, sleepy, congruent. But every year I seem to get excited, regardless of the similarities and repetitions. The training is challenging, sometimes frightening. The people are kind. I know I'll find old friendships and I'm likely to create new ones every year I'm here. I learn something new every single day: every turn I make, every chair I ride, every video session. It's amazing that something so familiar can be so refreshing and awakening. Sometimes rude, but often crisp. I love it here and hate it here at the same time. I'm always glad to arrive, and always grateful to return home. It's a strange addiction, Portillo.... it's an old friend: reliable and attentive. It's the motionless, calm stop I can barely breathe with every year. And I'm so happy to be here, so happy to immerse myself in this insanity, and learn from my affinity with it. It's one of those things that just is. Never changing yet always absorbing. Here I am. Back in Portillo.
Chile #1
El Colorado has been incredible. Cold. Snowy. Love. I just realized (again) that I am obsessed with skiing. Check out my blog post, from down south...
And back
But I always return home. It's a bit of a funny concept to me--home. I spend more time away from it than I do in it, so it seems that my home is truly the road, the skies, the mountains, the wild. But to have a place to return to is something I find more and more warming every time I do so. And now I'm home. In my bed. In my home head. In my homestead. And yes to that.
Way out
Another plane. Another day. Another dollar. Okay I don't know about the dollar part but it sounds neat. I guess I am not really spending dollars on this trip, but I just bought a coffee so I suppose that counts.
I am, once again, sitting in the Redmond (Bend) airport, waiting for my plane to LA, where I will board another plane to San Diego, where I will arrive at my temporary destination (1 week) and get my ass kicked. I can't wait.
I used to dread these conditioning camps. Don't get me wrong, I am not necessarily looking forward to doing sprints on the beach, carrying people through water, paddling around ocean buoys and probably vomiting a little--but I am kind of excited to feel that exhaustion at the end of a hard day, sleep like a baby (although I don't really understand that phrase), and push my limits. Olympic Training Center, here I come....
Plus, after my conditioning camp this week I get to head to Kona with my family for a week. YES. Can't wait.
I haven't been blogging lately, but I have been posting some photos (of the day!) on my "Photographs" page under the Yumminess tab (or click here). There has not been a new picture every single day, but when I remember I try to post a neat picture to share some love.
It's not officially summer! Although the last 3 weeks have felt quite like summer, it's nice to enjoy the long days and breezy summer nights. I am already looking forward to being back in Bend with my friends: playing music, climbing, living a home life. It's been lovely. But for now--time for some struggle and hopefully some good surf :)
I am, once again, sitting in the Redmond (Bend) airport, waiting for my plane to LA, where I will board another plane to San Diego, where I will arrive at my temporary destination (1 week) and get my ass kicked. I can't wait.
I used to dread these conditioning camps. Don't get me wrong, I am not necessarily looking forward to doing sprints on the beach, carrying people through water, paddling around ocean buoys and probably vomiting a little--but I am kind of excited to feel that exhaustion at the end of a hard day, sleep like a baby (although I don't really understand that phrase), and push my limits. Olympic Training Center, here I come....
Plus, after my conditioning camp this week I get to head to Kona with my family for a week. YES. Can't wait.
I haven't been blogging lately, but I have been posting some photos (of the day!) on my "Photographs" page under the Yumminess tab (or click here). There has not been a new picture every single day, but when I remember I try to post a neat picture to share some love.
It's not officially summer! Although the last 3 weeks have felt quite like summer, it's nice to enjoy the long days and breezy summer nights. I am already looking forward to being back in Bend with my friends: playing music, climbing, living a home life. It's been lovely. But for now--time for some struggle and hopefully some good surf :)
PHOto of the day
Because I have been so awesomely slacking (mostly because I haven't had time) lately, I am going to revert to the photo of the day feature to keep you updated on my life. Please click on the Photographs link under the Yumminess tab to see each Photo of the day. For now, here is photo #1, 2013:
Tommy took this one. He is also in it (see top). We were in the middle of our coast trip down at Tillicum campground near Yachats, Oregon. Thanks Tommy :)
SPRing madness
Whoa. Over the last (almost!) 2 months I have been the most awful, no-good, very-bad, terrible blogger. As in, I have not blogged once. And as you can see (below), my last update was when I was in Ofterschwang, Germany, which was even before World Cup Finals. Yikes. Well, as it turned out, I ended up pile driving into yet another fence in Lenzerheide, Switzerland during the first DH training run of the Finals. So that really shook me up, pissed me off, left me bitter and wanting to give up. I almost threw in the towel on that day--whew. That was a horrific day. I took a step back to rethink my life, my plan, my path. ALAS! I got a few good nights of sleep, free skied a bit (while all the speed races at Finals were cancelled), and got back on that horse that I have fallen off of OH so many times. Hopefully I don't have to do that too many more times or I'm definitely done for. Anyhow... Check out my blog for some more words and pics!
Ofterschwang, Germany
After my weekend in Garmisch I was pretty pumped up and happy with my skiing. I had a few days of good GS training leading into the GS race here in Ofterschwang yesterday, but still couldn't manage to send it enough. Being a 4 event skier is insane and almost stupid, as I have found while trying to be great at 3 events (just silly. but great fun!). I have always loved GS, and I used to rip it. I still do from time to time, but it's really tough to be confident in your skiing when you don't train very often and you still have 12 focuses as you ski down the course. And that was definitely part of my problem yesterday. I have been working on so many technique issues that I forget to go straight and deep--I can't help but hook the bottom of the turn and over-ski the shit out of the course. It just feels too good! So I've got to work on that....
I think I should work on my points, too, because starting 6th from last isn't exactly easy either. Well, DH and SG, I'm moving on...
Not really. Speed is so fun, I don't think I could ever give it up. Besides, I don't believe that I have to. Skiing more GS is only going to help my speed, and I want to focus on what I'm best at anyway. Speaking of which, I am heading to Lenzerheide, Switzerland today for the World Cup Finals in Downhill and Super G. Last time I went to Lenzerheide I was there at finals for only Super G, and it ended up pouring rain the day of the SG race, so I didn't even get to go out on the hill. So, it's going to be another new course for me! Yipee!
I am a bit sad to leave our hotel here in Ofterschwang, as it is like a miniature utopia city. The food has been incredible, the spa and pool rejuvenating, and hanging out with the tech girls has been real fun and spicy (especially rooming with Resi). But, as it always does, life moves on (fast!) and I'm headed to the last world cup race of the year! Then it's off to a few NorAm races and Nationals in Squaw (can't wait!) to wrap up the season. Come out to support and watch us rip in Cali if you can :)
I think I should work on my points, too, because starting 6th from last isn't exactly easy either. Well, DH and SG, I'm moving on...
Not really. Speed is so fun, I don't think I could ever give it up. Besides, I don't believe that I have to. Skiing more GS is only going to help my speed, and I want to focus on what I'm best at anyway. Speaking of which, I am heading to Lenzerheide, Switzerland today for the World Cup Finals in Downhill and Super G. Last time I went to Lenzerheide I was there at finals for only Super G, and it ended up pouring rain the day of the SG race, so I didn't even get to go out on the hill. So, it's going to be another new course for me! Yipee!
I am a bit sad to leave our hotel here in Ofterschwang, as it is like a miniature utopia city. The food has been incredible, the spa and pool rejuvenating, and hanging out with the tech girls has been real fun and spicy (especially rooming with Resi). But, as it always does, life moves on (fast!) and I'm headed to the last world cup race of the year! Then it's off to a few NorAm races and Nationals in Squaw (can't wait!) to wrap up the season. Come out to support and watch us rip in Cali if you can :)
Garmisch-partenkirchen, germany
What a crazy crazy weekend! After two average training runs on Wednesday and Thursday, I was really happy to be able to throw a good run down in Super G on Friday. I got 9th that day...little did I know what was to come on Saturday...
And then I skied like I have been aspiring to all year. My downhill run was far from perfect, but I stuck my nose in it, tucked like a little bullet, and pulled off some skiing that I know I should have been enjoying all year. It's been a tough year, like I wrote about in one of my previous posts (see Schladming, Austria below), and my skiing has been quite inconsistent. But I found a groove yesterday that I forgot I had. I discovered a crazy fiery fiendish ski racer in myself. And I managed to pull off my first World Cup podium of my career! WAHOO YEHAW YEWWWW
Today was a little rough; I had a hard time sleeping last night because I was so excited (and I couldn't breathe through my nose cause of my silly sickness). I woke up feeling a little worn down from all the excitement, but confident in my skiing and ready to try and accomplish the same thing in Super G. I had a great run on the top half of the course, was carrying some heat and wonder when I decided to sit back, lean in, and make a silly mistake all on the most difficult turn on the course.... so that didn't work out too well! But I still ended up 22nd and am extremely pumped about my electric weekend.
And I feel so much better about my skiing. I now know that I have that racing ability inside of me, and I am going to take that forth, harness my inner she devil and keep on pushing myself over the next few weeks.
It's crazy to think that the ski season is almost over....I only have two more WC speed races left this year! Sad :(. But I am looking forward to this weekend; I am heading to Offterschwang, Germany to race the World Cup GS on Saturday. For now I am back in Sölden taking some time off before a few days of training for Saturday's race. Which is wonderful, because I'm exhausted after such an exhilarating weekend...
So it's off to bed. Bye for now :)
And then I skied like I have been aspiring to all year. My downhill run was far from perfect, but I stuck my nose in it, tucked like a little bullet, and pulled off some skiing that I know I should have been enjoying all year. It's been a tough year, like I wrote about in one of my previous posts (see Schladming, Austria below), and my skiing has been quite inconsistent. But I found a groove yesterday that I forgot I had. I discovered a crazy fiery fiendish ski racer in myself. And I managed to pull off my first World Cup podium of my career! WAHOO YEHAW YEWWWW
Today was a little rough; I had a hard time sleeping last night because I was so excited (and I couldn't breathe through my nose cause of my silly sickness). I woke up feeling a little worn down from all the excitement, but confident in my skiing and ready to try and accomplish the same thing in Super G. I had a great run on the top half of the course, was carrying some heat and wonder when I decided to sit back, lean in, and make a silly mistake all on the most difficult turn on the course.... so that didn't work out too well! But I still ended up 22nd and am extremely pumped about my electric weekend.
And I feel so much better about my skiing. I now know that I have that racing ability inside of me, and I am going to take that forth, harness my inner she devil and keep on pushing myself over the next few weeks.
It's crazy to think that the ski season is almost over....I only have two more WC speed races left this year! Sad :(. But I am looking forward to this weekend; I am heading to Offterschwang, Germany to race the World Cup GS on Saturday. For now I am back in Sölden taking some time off before a few days of training for Saturday's race. Which is wonderful, because I'm exhausted after such an exhilarating weekend...
So it's off to bed. Bye for now :)
Meribel, France
WHOA. That place was incredible. From the scenery to the vast amounts of skiing to the snow conditions, I couldn't imagine Meribel being more perfect. The DH course was relatively slow, but had nice hero snow and was still pretty fun. I had a tough time trying to figure out my equipment, but I definitely learned a lot from this past weekend and I can't wait to return to Meribel in two years for finals. The Super Combined was pretty good: I was 12th in the DH portion, and ended up 15th overall. I believe that's my best World Cup Super Combi finish yet? Either way, it was a fun day (other than getting hit in the face by a slalom gate! fat lip!).
I am now here in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. We had our first training run today: the snow was wonderful and the weather beautiful. Hopefully mother nature keeps this up over the rest of the season. I think she's paying us back for all of that awful weather we had at the beginning of the year! We'll see....
:)
I am now here in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. We had our first training run today: the snow was wonderful and the weather beautiful. Hopefully mother nature keeps this up over the rest of the season. I think she's paying us back for all of that awful weather we had at the beginning of the year! We'll see....
:)
schladming, Austria
World Championships. It's got a ring--a tinge of substance and ferocity. It's a substantial piece in my ski racing puzzle. It's where I am now.
Being part of such a fast team is compelling and demanding. Knowing I am a part of it, I sometimes have a hard time living up to it. This season has been the best of my ski racing career so far, and yet it sometimes seems insignificant compared to my teammates. It's been tough feeling like the slow one on my team, tough to not compare myself to others, tough to be happy with my results when I feel I should be up there with the others. What's really hard is not getting a spot in my best event in the biggest race of the year...not because I don't deserve it, but because others deserve it more.
But somehow I'm smiling. Because I know it's only one day, it's only one race out of many that I will be lucky enough to race in. I'm trying to be easy on myself, to breathe, to not be so narrow minded. After all, this is only ski racing....
And it's been fun! Racing in the Super G was a wonderful opportunity. I certainly didn't ski my best, but I did take a step back and I saw the bigger picture. I realized some things that I have lately forgotten, things that are of the utmost importance to not only my happiness but to my sanity. There is a lot going on in this world, and I'm like a little ant among mounds and endless mounds. I sometimes think I am bigger and stronger than the rest, but I forget that I'm just standing on ground. I'm just a two-legged creature, trying to touch the sky like everyone else--connected and breathing. So that's weird.
Aside from that crazy stuff, I am planning on sticking around for the team event here in Schladming! I'm excited to race in some parallel slalom to see what I can do. I am certainly not a slalom skier, but I'll be comforted by the panels and fired up by another person racing next to me... so we'll see! The Super Combined was actually pretty good. My downhill run was great, though it wasn't in the best of light. I tried sending it in the slalom as well--things got a little out of control, but I somehow made it to the finish line and got 11th :) I knew that if I didn't give it my all I would regret it in the finish, and I am trying to avoid regret like the plague. By now I have figured out that if I ski passively and carefully my heart only sinks at the bottom. I know what's inside of me (some sort of slalom devil--among other devils--is in there and I KNOW it), and I want that light to show more often, instead of the one that I'm comfortable with.
It's all coming together, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next speed race. For now, I'll work on my paneled slalom and my mental game (life). HIYA!
Being part of such a fast team is compelling and demanding. Knowing I am a part of it, I sometimes have a hard time living up to it. This season has been the best of my ski racing career so far, and yet it sometimes seems insignificant compared to my teammates. It's been tough feeling like the slow one on my team, tough to not compare myself to others, tough to be happy with my results when I feel I should be up there with the others. What's really hard is not getting a spot in my best event in the biggest race of the year...not because I don't deserve it, but because others deserve it more.
But somehow I'm smiling. Because I know it's only one day, it's only one race out of many that I will be lucky enough to race in. I'm trying to be easy on myself, to breathe, to not be so narrow minded. After all, this is only ski racing....
And it's been fun! Racing in the Super G was a wonderful opportunity. I certainly didn't ski my best, but I did take a step back and I saw the bigger picture. I realized some things that I have lately forgotten, things that are of the utmost importance to not only my happiness but to my sanity. There is a lot going on in this world, and I'm like a little ant among mounds and endless mounds. I sometimes think I am bigger and stronger than the rest, but I forget that I'm just standing on ground. I'm just a two-legged creature, trying to touch the sky like everyone else--connected and breathing. So that's weird.
Aside from that crazy stuff, I am planning on sticking around for the team event here in Schladming! I'm excited to race in some parallel slalom to see what I can do. I am certainly not a slalom skier, but I'll be comforted by the panels and fired up by another person racing next to me... so we'll see! The Super Combined was actually pretty good. My downhill run was great, though it wasn't in the best of light. I tried sending it in the slalom as well--things got a little out of control, but I somehow made it to the finish line and got 11th :) I knew that if I didn't give it my all I would regret it in the finish, and I am trying to avoid regret like the plague. By now I have figured out that if I ski passively and carefully my heart only sinks at the bottom. I know what's inside of me (some sort of slalom devil--among other devils--is in there and I KNOW it), and I want that light to show more often, instead of the one that I'm comfortable with.
It's all coming together, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next speed race. For now, I'll work on my paneled slalom and my mental game (life). HIYA!
Ultental, Italy
We just got to Schladming last night after a training camp in Ultental, Italy. I think it was our first training camp since the prep period that we successfully pulled off some good training... and it was so fun. It was awesome to get back on my speed skis in a setting other than a race course. I got a really good feeling and found my tempo. I am still trying to figure out some equipment issues, but I am definitely getting close to the right setup.
We skied two days of downhill and two days of super-g. It was all quite enjoyable... getting some wind in the face was really wonderful after my lovely vacation in the Canary Islands. Overall, the last 2 weeks really haven't been too bad....
The free-ski on the hill (for SG) was canceled tomorrow, so you can imagine how much snow is falling from the sky. It's quite the contradistinction to the last time we were here (RAIN RAIN RAIN)! There is certainly enough snow to race now...and it doesn't seem to want to stop coming down. It's nice to be back in winter. I am psyched to get out there and race the Super G on Tuesday...maybe there will even be some powder skiing sometime while I'm here. It seems that it is certainly going to be an option!
Good thing I love the snow. yeehaw.
Here are some pictures I took when I was in St. Anton. I'll be making a blog post and will put up many-a-picture very soon (as I have tons that have piled up over the last month...). enjoy.
We skied two days of downhill and two days of super-g. It was all quite enjoyable... getting some wind in the face was really wonderful after my lovely vacation in the Canary Islands. Overall, the last 2 weeks really haven't been too bad....
The free-ski on the hill (for SG) was canceled tomorrow, so you can imagine how much snow is falling from the sky. It's quite the contradistinction to the last time we were here (RAIN RAIN RAIN)! There is certainly enough snow to race now...and it doesn't seem to want to stop coming down. It's nice to be back in winter. I am psyched to get out there and race the Super G on Tuesday...maybe there will even be some powder skiing sometime while I'm here. It seems that it is certainly going to be an option!
Good thing I love the snow. yeehaw.
Here are some pictures I took when I was in St. Anton. I'll be making a blog post and will put up many-a-picture very soon (as I have tons that have piled up over the last month...). enjoy.
wandering the streets
Leanne lookin' snazzy as usual
Alice. WINNING. Oh I'm up there somewhere too :)
trees. mountains. whatever.
checking out the scenery in St. Anton, Austria with Leanne and Abby (Alice's jacket, see right upper corner)
Lanzarote
I am in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote sitting out on my porch looking at the palm trees and the ocean, soaking up some sun. It feels so lovely. Stacey and I just got done with our morning work out, and we're about to head out for lunch, camel rides on the volcano, and to perhaps jump in the ocean on the black sand beach (on the south-western side of the island). We are staying on the eastern side of the island.
The transition from snowy Munich to here was quite strange, this isn't typical for a mid-season break. I think it will be good for both of us, though: refreshing and revitalizing....thus far we've had a great time. We landed yesterday at 130 at the Fuertaventura airport, rented our car (A PANDA!!!!!!) and drove to the ferry in Corralejo. The ferry ride was extremely rough, but thankfully it was quite short, and before we knew it we were driving off the ferry into the sun--sand dunes at our side and palm trees lining the roads. It was a strange adjustment yesterday--my head was foggy and my lungs and skin confused with the mass amounts of humid oxygen. But I'm starting to get used to it, as my white white skin is warmed and kissed by the heavy hot sun.
Well, it's time to head out. The camels are spitting my name.
The transition from snowy Munich to here was quite strange, this isn't typical for a mid-season break. I think it will be good for both of us, though: refreshing and revitalizing....thus far we've had a great time. We landed yesterday at 130 at the Fuertaventura airport, rented our car (A PANDA!!!!!!) and drove to the ferry in Corralejo. The ferry ride was extremely rough, but thankfully it was quite short, and before we knew it we were driving off the ferry into the sun--sand dunes at our side and palm trees lining the roads. It was a strange adjustment yesterday--my head was foggy and my lungs and skin confused with the mass amounts of humid oxygen. But I'm starting to get used to it, as my white white skin is warmed and kissed by the heavy hot sun.
Well, it's time to head out. The camels are spitting my name.
COrtina, Italy
I just realized I forgot to post while I was in Cortina... how silly! Cortina. Such a fun downhill course, and always the most wonderful snow. It was a really fun weekend. Yeah I guess that's all :) OH and congrats to Lindsey on the win, and Leanne on her 2nd
St. Anton, Austria
What a weekend! We had some pretty crazy days of training and racing in St. Anton this last week. I have to say I almost pooped my pants on the first training run last Thursday. I went early when the light was very dark and it was extremely fast, bumpy, and hard. So that was an interesting first run of downhill in almost a month! Yikes. But the snow came in hard on Thursday evening and we had to cancel our training run on Friday due to more than 30 cm on the top part of the course. Thankfully the snow let up and we were able to get the race off on Saturday, because it was definitely questionable! The snow was pretty soft in the DH race, which made the course feel much easier than it felt on Thursday. The start was moved down to the Super G start due to bad snow up top, so it was quite the sprint of a Downhill! But skiing through the finish was a relief and a buzz, especially when I looked up to see that Alice was winning! And, despite her expectations, she remained on top that day and crushed her first World Cup podium AND victory! I came in 5th, Lindsey was 6th, and Leanne and Julia tied for 15th, so it really was not a bad day for the Americans (with 4 in the top 15).
The Super G the next day was a little different from the Downhill. The snow managed to harden up quite a bit and it became quite the rodeo with bumps and ruts! It was not my best performance (I came in 17th), but I was thankful to get the wind in my face as many of our attempted skiing days have been shot down by mother nature lately.
It was beautifully sunny for the Downhill and Super G races, so perhaps our luck is turning around...
One can only hope. Either way, I'm psyched to head to Cortina on Wednesday for another weekend of speed. Waahhooooo!!!!!
Check out my blog for some pictures that I took over Xmas break :)
The Super G the next day was a little different from the Downhill. The snow managed to harden up quite a bit and it became quite the rodeo with bumps and ruts! It was not my best performance (I came in 17th), but I was thankful to get the wind in my face as many of our attempted skiing days have been shot down by mother nature lately.
It was beautifully sunny for the Downhill and Super G races, so perhaps our luck is turning around...
One can only hope. Either way, I'm psyched to head to Cortina on Wednesday for another weekend of speed. Waahhooooo!!!!!
Check out my blog for some pictures that I took over Xmas break :)
Schladming, Austria
Here I am, sitting in my hotel, watching the grounds drench and the trees bow to the wind. I think last year it was the same: warm and slushy on the hill, almost too mushy to ski on at finals. But with the time off I am left bored and willingly forced to write. So here is a blog post. Enjoy.
Val d'isere, France
I'm amazed we made it out of that place... what a crazy weekend! Before heading to Val d'Isere, we heard that it had been non-stop snowing there since December 1st. After watching the men's GS and SL race, it was clear that there was a ridiculous amount of snow and that the world cup races were difficult to host. It's tough to turn 3 meters of fluffy powder into compact, raceable snow, but the crew in Val d'Isere did an incredible job to make it happen.
On the day that we arrived in Val d'Isere (Monday), it was still dumping snow. We had Tuesday off, and woke up to even more snow falling from the sky, with hopes that it would clear for our training runs and races. Incredibly, when we woke up on Wednesday morning, the skies were bluer than my eyes and completely cloudless. So our first training run was a bit soft and slow, but fun nonetheless. After training I couldn't help but head out to powder ski... two years ago when our Super G race got canceled (due to 1 meter of new snow over night!), we went exploring on our powder skis. I think about that day of free skiing a lot--the snow was so fun and the runs were so steep and challenging. So I had to go out again....
On the day that we arrived in Val d'Isere (Monday), it was still dumping snow. We had Tuesday off, and woke up to even more snow falling from the sky, with hopes that it would clear for our training runs and races. Incredibly, when we woke up on Wednesday morning, the skies were bluer than my eyes and completely cloudless. So our first training run was a bit soft and slow, but fun nonetheless. After training I couldn't help but head out to powder ski... two years ago when our Super G race got canceled (due to 1 meter of new snow over night!), we went exploring on our powder skis. I think about that day of free skiing a lot--the snow was so fun and the runs were so steep and challenging. So I had to go out again....
Alice, Julia, and Anna (Julia's physio) joined me for some shredding Wednesday afternoon. The snow was perfect--it was such a cold day, and there were so many areas left untracked, it was hard to call it a day. But with another training run on Thursday and two races on the following days, I knew I had to save a bit of energy. The powder skiing was so refreshing. It's pretty rare that we head out for free skiing off of the runs that we train and race on, but it feels good to get away from all of the intensity that we endure within the ski racing world. It is restoring and allows me to gain a balanced perspective, which I sometimes forget about. It's easy to get caught up in pressure and expectations, and by free skiing I somehow can relieve myself of those negative feelings.
The second training day was very different from the first. The lights were out and it was impossible to see the ground. The snow hardened up a bit, but was definitely bumpier and it felt a bit faster. Come race day and the weather seemed to be cooperating (despite previous reports), it was somewhat sunny and, although the start was moved down due to wind, the wind was relatively calm up top. I had bib 28, and I felt pretty good about the day. When I went I noticed that the light was pretty flat and it was a bit windy up top, though none of that mattered since I lost control and went out on the 5th gate anyhow.... It was a tough race, the course was pretty bumpy and conditions changed throughout the day, but that is part of our sport. I was pretty bummed to have gotten tossed out of the course, but when I got to the bottom I saw that Leanne was in 2nd. NUTS!
I am so psyched for Leanne to have gotten her first podium. I would have guessed that she was going to do it in Super G, but she had a great run and put it together to do it in Downhill. It is so crazy to see all of my teammates skiing so fast. It is inspiring and also comforting, because I know I can be right there with them. I know luck will come my way one of these days and my hard work will pay off. I am just going to enjoy the ride, and trust that I'll ski well as long as I am having fun.
After an excruciatingly long drive yesterday to Sölden (10 hours!), I am enjoying a day off: watching some ski racing (women's and men's world cup GS), doing some laundry, and catching up on emails, blog posts, etc. I am staying here in Sölden for a few days of training before heading back home for x-mas. I am happy to have a few days to train and figure out some equipment issues I have been having, but I am already missing the race scene and can't wait for St. Anton. Until then, I'll post some pictures, videos, etc. of my travels and adventures. I am in the perfect place....
The second training day was very different from the first. The lights were out and it was impossible to see the ground. The snow hardened up a bit, but was definitely bumpier and it felt a bit faster. Come race day and the weather seemed to be cooperating (despite previous reports), it was somewhat sunny and, although the start was moved down due to wind, the wind was relatively calm up top. I had bib 28, and I felt pretty good about the day. When I went I noticed that the light was pretty flat and it was a bit windy up top, though none of that mattered since I lost control and went out on the 5th gate anyhow.... It was a tough race, the course was pretty bumpy and conditions changed throughout the day, but that is part of our sport. I was pretty bummed to have gotten tossed out of the course, but when I got to the bottom I saw that Leanne was in 2nd. NUTS!
I am so psyched for Leanne to have gotten her first podium. I would have guessed that she was going to do it in Super G, but she had a great run and put it together to do it in Downhill. It is so crazy to see all of my teammates skiing so fast. It is inspiring and also comforting, because I know I can be right there with them. I know luck will come my way one of these days and my hard work will pay off. I am just going to enjoy the ride, and trust that I'll ski well as long as I am having fun.
After an excruciatingly long drive yesterday to Sölden (10 hours!), I am enjoying a day off: watching some ski racing (women's and men's world cup GS), doing some laundry, and catching up on emails, blog posts, etc. I am staying here in Sölden for a few days of training before heading back home for x-mas. I am happy to have a few days to train and figure out some equipment issues I have been having, but I am already missing the race scene and can't wait for St. Anton. Until then, I'll post some pictures, videos, etc. of my travels and adventures. I am in the perfect place....
St. Moritz, Schweiz
Back on track! After too many days of travel, I finally made it to St. Moritz yesterday afternoon. We free skied (super g) on the race hill today and attempted to train slalom, but it was incredibly snowy and windy and not particularly productive. Nonetheless, I am actually excited for super combined tomorrow! I get to start 2nd in the super g portion tomorrow morning, so that should be good fun. The hill is a bit soft, so I'm psyched to be starting 2nd. Hoora!
The super g run starts at 1030 tomorrow, SL run is at 130...so check it out on Eurosport, ORF, or Universal Television if you get the chance.
Lake Louise turned out to be a great weekend--much better than last year. I made it to the finish in one piece, and managed to get 11th in the 1st dh, 18th in the 2nd, and 13th in the super g. I was happy to overcome a hill that gave me a whole new perspective on skiing (and life!) in a not-so-nice way. It felt incredible to ski through the finish, and felt even better to look up and see a decent result. I am so very happy to have that monkey off of my back, and to know that I have the speed I didn't want to think about last season.
But, here we are in Switzerland, and it's time for some super combi, super g, and gs! I'm hoping for a bit of sunshine, a little luck, and to throw down a good run or two. We'll see what happens....
The super g run starts at 1030 tomorrow, SL run is at 130...so check it out on Eurosport, ORF, or Universal Television if you get the chance.
Lake Louise turned out to be a great weekend--much better than last year. I made it to the finish in one piece, and managed to get 11th in the 1st dh, 18th in the 2nd, and 13th in the super g. I was happy to overcome a hill that gave me a whole new perspective on skiing (and life!) in a not-so-nice way. It felt incredible to ski through the finish, and felt even better to look up and see a decent result. I am so very happy to have that monkey off of my back, and to know that I have the speed I didn't want to think about last season.
But, here we are in Switzerland, and it's time for some super combi, super g, and gs! I'm hoping for a bit of sunshine, a little luck, and to throw down a good run or two. We'll see what happens....
Lake Louise, Canada
So I've decided that my homepage is boring. I'm going to start updating more often, with snippets of my daily life (boring as they may be), to keep it a teeny bit more exciting.
Today was day 5 on the Lake Louise downhill course up here in the Canadian Rockies... and, unlike last year, I managed to stay on my feet the whole way down! Yeehaw! The weather was totally insane today, with clouds of misty fog rolling in and out, sunshine every so often, and snow pooping from the sky like crazy at times. Unfortunately, I had to venture down the course during one of the poopy moments...but I had great fun doing it! I managed to sneak into 18th, and was very happy with the way I skied. BUT there was something to be more excited about...STACEY COOK GOT 2ND AGAIN! And Lindsey, once again, took the win! Those two girls really laid it out on the line today, taking out the rest of the field with fierce speed and skill. Julia placed 9th, Alice came in 11th (whoo!), I was 18th, and Leanne was 20th. Not a bad day for the American girls :)
I'm really looking forward to tomorrow...it's back to Super G! Hopefully the weather is just a bit more cooperative and we can get off a fair race. If not, I'm going to make friends with mother nature and do some crazy sun dance naked on top of the mountain before I run. We'll see.... but I'm starting 30th and can't wait to make some Super G turns! Yehawww.
until next time...
Today was day 5 on the Lake Louise downhill course up here in the Canadian Rockies... and, unlike last year, I managed to stay on my feet the whole way down! Yeehaw! The weather was totally insane today, with clouds of misty fog rolling in and out, sunshine every so often, and snow pooping from the sky like crazy at times. Unfortunately, I had to venture down the course during one of the poopy moments...but I had great fun doing it! I managed to sneak into 18th, and was very happy with the way I skied. BUT there was something to be more excited about...STACEY COOK GOT 2ND AGAIN! And Lindsey, once again, took the win! Those two girls really laid it out on the line today, taking out the rest of the field with fierce speed and skill. Julia placed 9th, Alice came in 11th (whoo!), I was 18th, and Leanne was 20th. Not a bad day for the American girls :)
I'm really looking forward to tomorrow...it's back to Super G! Hopefully the weather is just a bit more cooperative and we can get off a fair race. If not, I'm going to make friends with mother nature and do some crazy sun dance naked on top of the mountain before I run. We'll see.... but I'm starting 30th and can't wait to make some Super G turns! Yehawww.
until next time...
