Racing to third place in IBU Cup trials in Mt Itasca.

Racing in Ironwood in some nordic races as prep for IBU trials.

The Racing Season

The racing season is in full swing now. I am now in Vt for Jr World Trials. I just got back from MN from IBU Cup trials and spending some time with my family. Racing at IBU Cup Trials went really well. I skied really well even though it was a really hard course, so I was happy with the progress I have made. This was the first time that I could really test my fitness from nine months of hard work in the off season and I was happy to see that the work had paid off. I ended up third in all three races. I raced really well and felt really strong skiing but also shot really well. This was the first time that I came into the race really confident in my shooting because of all the work that I have been able to do over the off season with the help of the coaching staff.

After the IBU Cup Trials it was nice to spend some time at home. My sister was home all the way from Germany with her boy friend who is a native German. It was really nice to meet Chris and see my sister who I have not seen in a year. I had a great time at home but it was important to prepare for Jr World trials which I left for the day after Christmas.

I got to Vt on the 26^th late at night because of the huge snow storm on the east coast but I was there for official training on the 27^th and that was the most important part.

Today was the first race of Jr World trials. It was a 10 km sprint race. I did not ski particularly well of shoot well and had the worst prone shooting and tied for the worst shooting of the year but it was enough to be the top American. I am sitting in a good spot right now. I need one more good race and will have punched my ticket to the Czech Republic. I was a little behind two Canadians but that’s ok I will close that gap tomorrow.

One race down two to go and the team will be named on the 30^th around mid day so check in again to see how it goes.

Canmore

Hey All,

I am back in the county after spending 2 weeks in Canmore, Alberta. Canmore was great. I was able to get on snow earlier in the season this year than any other previous year. When we first got there, it was I high of 35 and there was only 800 meters of skiing but two days in the temp dropped atleast 35 degrees and we got a few inches of snow and they opened up a few more k of skiing. I don’t know what was better; skiing on a small loop in a headband or having a bigger loop with a few hats and a buff on. Well I really didn’t get a choice and dealt with the conditions as they came.

It was nice to get on snow, not just because it meant no more roller skiing, but also because I was able to try all the new equipment that I got this year after switching on to Madshus this year. It took some time to get used to everything, especially the boots. Well, I had been skiing in my old boots for the past 3 years and they were great but now it is time for some change.

Being in Canmore for the first two weeks of the season really set me up for a good season. I am excited to get to some racing as I feel really ready to rip up everything that stands in my way.