Final Race

After many weeks of phone calls, emails, crying and paddling I have decided it’s just time to return to Colorado. On top of all the political red tape I’ve been running into, my hip has been giving me lot problems.  There is likely a serious issue but I was hoping to be able to push through. I need to see my surgeon and honestly probably give my body as a whole a break.  I’m struggling with this decision but I figure if my hip isn’t as bad as I think or the pieces fall into place with the paperwork, Burton and will return. 

Before leaving I wanted to do at least one more race. The whole team traveled up to Bellingham for the Bellingham Regatta 2015. Lake Padden is beautiful and the Kenmore~Cascade Team had a WONDERFUL time. I raced hard and fast. I raced the 2000m, the 1000m, the 500m, and my favorite the sprint 200m!  I had so much fun racing able-bodied athletes and walked away feeling so blessed!

Trials... and tribulations

Sprint kayak racing is not an easy sport. I may have mentioned this once or twice, it’s actually rather tough. It’s physically and emotionally demanding, especially when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. Thankfully, I am training with Dan Henderson and the Kenmore-Cascade Canoe and Kayak club and it makes things a LOT better.

U.S. Team Trials were held in Oklahoma City. 

Dan drove our boats out there. Dan made a training schedule and set arrival dates so we had plenty of time to prepare, Dan organized for the Team to eat together and leave together. Basically we have an awesome team who helped each other out and Dan Henderson is a great coach and a really good person to have in your corner when you are trying to qualify for an international race in a sport that is cutthroat.

The months of training leading up to my ONE 200m race (that would potentially qualify me for World Cup) were brutal. I worked hard, I paddled hard and I felt prepared. I knew I was capable of reaching the time standard I needed to reach but there are so many variables I just didn't want plan on it until I had done it.  The weather the days prior race day had varied from great to terrible. Wind speeds and directions changed, and we had fought with rain and lightning, so it was a wild card. They changed the ladies Paracanoe race from mid-afternoon to 08:00am to give us the best chance at good weather.

Thankfully Mother Nature was kind. We arrived early to the boathouse so we could go through our warm-up and be ready to go for the first race of the day.  My parents drove out from Colorado to be there, and another Paracanoeist and his wife came to watch as well.

We got called to the starting line… ready, set, go! I got a bad start; I didn't get the strength I wanted off the line to pull away. I had watched video after video of athletes recovering from poor starts to win, so I dug in, tried to breathe, look forward and push to the finish line. At ~50m to go I had a serious chat with myself about finishing strong. How could 200m hurt so badly? My body was revolting against me; it was hard to sit tall, the water felt heavy, my legs were screaming, but I did everything I knew to do and kept digging towards the finish. When the horn sounded as I crossed the line, I didn't win and that hurt. I wanted to win.

I caught my breath and went to the scoreboard, I may not have been first across the line, but I had met my time standard and accomplished a PERSONAL BEST time.  I was going to Germany!! Holy moly, I qualified for a World Cup event for the first time in 5 years… in a new sport!!! Best part was my parents were there to see it. 

Hard work does pay off.  4 of 6 of the Kenmore~Cascade team members qualified for the international spots we were hoping for, a darn good effort by everyone!!

I have a couple weeks before I leave for Duisburg, Germany and I am training hard to improve on my time and my performance! 

Paddler’s Cup

The sprint race season has begun with Kenmore-Cascade Canoe and Kayak club! As a 200m paddler this is very exciting! The Gig Harbor Paddler’s Cup was a really fun event. There was something for everyone; distance, sprints, SUP, and fun booths. Unfortunately the weather was not so kind and we had everything from rain, wind, sun and hail. Thankfully it blew out as fast as it blew in so it wasn't terrible for long. My good friend Lisl came out despite the weather to watch me paddle... which made it all the better. 

I did well in my races and I was award the “Para Paddle Queen” for the weekend. 

Racing For Cookies

Paddling at Kenmore-Cascade Canoe and Kayak club is always interesting and things have improved for me, almost exponentially the past couple weeks. The stability and control I’m finding in the boat is so much better! That is not to say that I have been staying out of the lake every workout, but it’s on occasion, not regularly.

We are doing weekly time trials at Green Lake and those have been some of the most challenging moments I have faced. It feels like pulling it together for 200m is nearly impossible, but I’m not giving up. Each effort I try to draw something positive for the next time.

On the 21^st of March we had our Race for the Cookies at Squire’s Landing. It was a 2km, individual start, race. Thankfully we did the whole 2km on the river because that day Mother Nature was NOT happy. We had strong winds, rain, and clouds. Of course after it was all done the sun came out, but that’s how it goes sometimes. I raced a lot faster than the previous distance races I've done, doing about 7:26 minutes per kilometer, my race in November was just under 8 minutes per kilometer. Measurable improvements feel good.

Pre-race meeting photo credit Karol Osuský

Me, Diane, and Thomas. photo credit Karol Osuský

Just under a month to go until Trials in OKC and I’m pushing to find speed.  Each day is a challenge but I truly believe hard work pays off! When I reach my time goals in OKC, I will be qualified for World Cup so the fundraising push is on to get me to Germany... as well as races later this year. I'm so appreciative to all the people that have donated already but I need much more for international competition. If you know of anyone that might be interested in helping a Paralympic athlete be successful please send them my way. 

U.S Canoe/ Kayak Sprint Nationals

Since I did not make it to World Championships this year I decided to attend U.S Canoe/Kayak Sprint Nationals. It was an opportunity to represent Paracanoe on the national level and possibly improve my times.

I had about 3 weeks to train and work on my boat set up after Lake Placid. With the help of some great friends I had some good quality training and finally figured out a boat set up that worked. I didn't know if I was ready for the races in Georgia but Burton and I loaded up and headed south. Our travels were uneventful and we arrived to fairly calm and warm waters on Lake Lanier. I had a couple days until my first race so I took advantage and paddled, rested and worked out.

I raced my first 500m race on the 1^st of August. We didn't have many Paracanoe paddlers so we were mostly racing together. I didn't break any records but I paddled really well winning the women’s race and didn't finish far behind the guys. I was the 500m Paracanoe K1 National Champion!! I was really pleased with my paddling and I wanted to use the momentum for the next day for the 200m races.

The following day the weather was in our favor again, with warm temperatures and only a slight wind, that was mostly a tail wind shifting occasionally to the side.

Being classified as a TA I can race both the TA and LTA divisions of Paracanoe. The first race was the K1 200m LTA race. I came off the start okay and paddled strong to the end. There is plenty I know that could be improved but I gave it everything I had and I was 3^rd of 5 racers! I won the women’s race and even beat one of the guys. Best part was that made me the 200m Women’s LTA National Champion! I was very pleased and my time was much improved from the Lake Placid race. I still had another race to run; I had 2 hours to come up with a way to improve my time even further.

Paddlers ready…set… HORN (go). I got a decent start but the wind direction had changed. I really needed to push. 
I sat up straighter, dug my paddle in as much as I could and really tried to move the boat forward. 
With 50m to go I was right with the guys and knew the opportunity for an improved time was at my fingertips, literally. 
I dug just a little too deep on one paddle stroke and nearly dumped myself... BUMMER! 
I didn't stop but I had to regain my balance in order to finish my race as strong as possible. 
I crossed the line well behind the men but knew I did my best. I didn't better my time but I was happy, and best of all... the 200m Women’s TA National Champion! Not a bad week of racing and the results were good! :)

I was really glad I went to Georgia! I had an amazing week with wonderful people and paddled well. Now it’s time to train harder and improve more… always striving to be the best!

Group shot

Paracanoe Women 500m K1 TA National Champion!

Paracanoe Women 200m K1 LTA National Champion!

Lake Placid International Regatta

I was so excited after my trip to Finland to show off my new found skills but unfortunately things just didn't go as planned.

The days leading up to the race I had some nice days on the water and enjoyed getting to know other paddlers. I was there with an excellent group of people and it was great to be on the water twice a day. We also had a few very strong rain showers that tested our strength but ultimately Mother Nature with the power of lightening won and we fled the water.  I took the time on and off the water and to try to use other people’s experience and worked on different seat and paddle adjustments.  I felt like I made positive changes but nothing fit  perfect.

Come race day the sun was shining and we had gorgeous water with a strong side wind. I was eager to race and hopeful for good results. I had one race to paddle as fast as I could to qualify for the World Championship Team and go to Moscow one month later. In that race, I had troubles in the start and just couldn't make it up. I finished strong but just not very fast compared to the winner. 

I had two other races to improve my time but that didn't work out either. My second race I tried another boat that was lighter but had a malfunction with my rudder and zig-zagged down the course. My third race was the best of the day, but I only improved my time by a few tenths. Click here for results

Overall, I enjoyed my time on Mirror Lake and in the town of Lake Placid but I didn't qualify for World Champs. The silver lining was that at least I paddled decent and met the emerging time standards.

First Paracanoe Race

This Spring we were fortunate for very warm and mild weather and I had had an opportunity to train on the water on my own several weeks prior to Paracanoe trials. The event was US Olympic Trials for London and Paracanoe trials to qualify for World Championships in Poland and it took place at the Oklahoma City Chesapeake Boathouse.  I was excited and nervous. This was my first race and felt I didn’t have enough training under my belt to do well and I had just been told when I returned I would have to have major hip surgery again. I weighed it out and decided that we all have to start somewhere so I honored my commitment; I loaded up my boat, myself and my dog and drove the 700 miles out there.

The facility was incredible, everyone was VERY nice and I met lots of fabulous people! I got out on the water when I arrived in the afternoon sun. I had a chance to practice a couple times in the start gate which was brand new to me and I was very grateful for the opportunity to do that before the race!

View of the starting line from the docks

Unfortunately, when race day rolled around the weather did NOT cooperate. After years of ski racing you think I’d know how to expect the unexpected but everyone kept hoping and thinking the bad weather was going to blow through and by our evening start times we’d be good. But when you’re at the mercy of the water and the wind it can be a very tough. I went out on the water in the morning to try to figure it out, just in case but I’ll be honest and say I just didn’t know enough to paddle straight with a 20 mph cross wind. I tried for about 45 minutes and decided I’d take a break and come back later before the race to warm up and be ready to go.

Because of the wind there were numerous false starts in the races before ours and we were just hanging out in our boats paddling around in the wind waiting. We too had issues with false starts which made the process even longer. By the time we had a good start we were behind schedule by about 45 minutes and my body wasn’t happy.

I paddled as hard as I could for the 200m but I zigzagged down the course fighting the water and the wind the whole way. I placed 3^rd in the LTA class and got to be on the podium with my competitors but I was not happy with my time or my performance.  Honestly I was embarrassed to paddle so poorly with so many top athletes around and so many spectators watching. I had to remind myself I’m just a rookie and we all have to start somewhere. I walked away knowing I had a lot to work on but confident that I had the ability to improve by the next race. Guess that’s all I could ask for right then.

Race1- photo credit Ben Kvanli

Hannah Race 1- photo credit Kevin Carr

3rd Place LTA, At least the sun came out for awards

Post Paralympic Reflection

Snow is still on the ground in Winter Park, CO but the mountain is closed and most people (including myself) have put the ski gear away. I sit here looking out at the snow and think about how I am not done ski racing just for this year, I’m really done.

It’s a very odd feeling knowing that the path you’ve traveled for the past 13 years has reached the end. The highlight reel that runs in my mind has so many highs and lows. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had and the friends I’ve made! I have been able to do so much and see so many places I never imagined seeing. One part of me feels like the luckiest person in the world while the other side of me is somber with the reality that the ride is over. My family, friends and sponsors have stuck by me through it all and made it possible!

Ironically enough, two years ago today I had the PAO surgery on my right hip. I walked into the operating room knowing that there was possibility of my racing career coming to end that day. Obviously it didn’t end that day but in the many days to follow it seemed to slip away. Somehow despite it all I got back on snow. I didn’t have 2 more seasons of racing, but this last one was just fine. The fact that I persevered beyond that surgery and everything else I’ve endured since, to make it to my 3rd Paralympic Winter Games, is just short of a miracle. Maybe miracle is a bit strong but after lying in a hospital bed unable to move my legs just 14 months before opening ceremonies- it feels pretty miraculous to have made it.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympics were fantastic! In comparison to 2006; I didn’t have to travel for weeks prior to leaving, it was a relatively short flight to Vancouver, it was a non-snowy and uneventful drive to Whistler where the village was actually complete, our housing was close to other athletes, the gym and the dining hall, and we had strong staff there with us. In addition; I had my parents, my boyfriend and a couple other close friends up there in the stands supporting me!

As far as the mountain and the competition, it was definitely not ideal. In fact it was probably the worst situation and conditions I’ve ever raced in. I always talk about ski racing being a winter sport and it being very weather dependent. When the conditions aren’t good the safety of the athletes is at risk so the organizers generally err on the side of caution. In this case the caution they used was to flip-flop the entire schedule. This does happen occasionally, but I’ve never seen them run the Downhill (DH) training runs to then run the Slalom (SL) race. It may happen but not at any disabled races I’ve been to.

What this meant for me was that I was racing my SL race on the 15th instead of the 21st and my Giant Slalom (GS) race on the 17th instead of the 19th. We’re athletes and we’ve training thoroughly for our events but mentally this was a big hurdle. We hadn’t been skiing or training SL because we all thought we had plenty of time. Plus, the schedule change was because of weather so we knew the conditions were going to be less than ideal. To top it off, SL is my better event and I really wanted to end my Paralympics and probably my ski racing career with my strongest event. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. Not only did I not end with SL but I didn't end with the best SL race of my career either. I know that the fresh snow, the fog and the inconsistent conditions played a big part in this as my balance is worse when visibility is decreased and bumps are increased. I’m not making excuses it’s just the way it is. I raced two solid runs and reached the finish, but not the aggressive yet smooth skiing that wins medals. My goal was top 10 but I finished 16th, not what I wanted but 16th in the world isn’t too bad.

My GS race went about the same. We did not wake up to 10 inches of new snow like SL day but we had fog so thick that 3 gate visibility was pushing it and there was a sleet/ rain mixture on the bottom of the course that added to the level of difficulty. I skied as well as I could with the courses and conditions at hand, but again didn’t ski fast enough. I had a better 2nd run than 1st run but not the kind of run I wanted to end on. I know that I have the ability to ski better but I couldn’t ski to that ability on that day. I went, I raced, and I finished. Finishing isn’t a goal I normally strive for, but to end my ski career without crashing, without injury and to finish 15th place is just fine with me. I felt I could walk away with my head held high.

The Paralympics weren’t over after my races but the ending was about the same. Closing Ceremonies were a very rainy and cool, and maybe a bit of a let down. The truth is though; I enjoyed myself through it all as I really am happy and thrilled to have had the journey I did!

Resolve

“Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.” ~Woody Allen

This is how I feel that this last part of the season has gone for me.
There are some times when giving your all with the best with preparation and dedication just isn’t enough, but there are other days when finding the finish line gives you what you needed. It is bittersweet I guess. I feel like I’m sitting in that place right now. I’ve done everything I know how to do to get myself strong again and ski fast and yet race day still remains a gamble.

I went to the Europa Cup race in La Molina, Spain with the intention to get another SL and GS start and maybe some points. I walked away with some much needed GS points, a Silver medal in the SL and points to keep me in the running for my 3rd Paralympic Games. I was pretty pleased. I knew it wasn’t my best skiing but it was good enough.

I came home for a couple days, trained and headed off to Kimberley, Canada with hopes of going up there, skiing some fast DH and SG and leaving with less than 120 points in at least one event. Points under 120 would mean a possibility to go to World Cup Finals and a chance to compete in a speed event at the Paralympics.

Unfortunately, my goals and life aren’t always in agreement. I ended up dealing with a horrible stomach bug and fought with my body and my mind just to race the 4 races. I felt I had to try, because there was no chance to get my points if I didn’t start. I often repeat the phrase ‘you can’t win if you don’t try’ in my head when I feel like there isn’t much more I can do. I did manage to finish all 4 races, but probably because I didn’t push it. Don’t get me wrong, I put everything I had into each run, but I just didn’t have much strength, energy or concentration- all of which are very important for skiing fast in speed races. I got 2nd and 3rd in the DH races and 3rd both SG races. While I had some good turns and parts to each race, I just didn’t get it done and didn’t get my points. Part of me is broken hearted as this means unless I go to US Nationals these were my last speed races. It’s hard to think that my career as a ski racer is ending and this was the end for me and speed. It would’ve been nice to end it at World Cup or the Paralympics, but it is what it is and I have to move forward and focus on what is ahead.

Team USA for the Paralympic Games will not be announced until 22nd February 16, 2010. I've done everything I can do up to this point so I will wait and hope for the best!!!

No Puedo Terminar una Carrera

I did not finish AGAIN today. I don’t know if I’m more broken hearted or frustrated. It has been years since I have had such a bad race. This is 4 of 4 for the Europa Cup! I came to Spain for a few reasons; to ski well, have fun and gain some confidence in myself and my ski racing in an international field. I think all I have done is crashed and enjoyed the sun.

I’m not sure if I’m skiing well and pushing myself and therefore crashing or if I’m skiing poorly and crashing. Maybe for the Super G races, I was pushing myself? I WAS skiing outside my comfort zone and ended up crashing both runs. The GS, I made a mistake and had some bad luck. Today- I just don’t know. I went out on like the 10th gate!

To give you a better picture of what happened let me explain. The hill is very steep and that it was very warm yesterday then froze overnight, so we had FIRM snow this morning. SO, right out of the start a lot of people were sliding around the first few gates, I was no exception. BUT, I didn’t want to ski like that so I said to myself, “close the buckles and let’s go!” The good thing was that I did it! To my dismay, 2 gates later I hooked a tip (or hit it on the base of a gate), lost my ski and went sliding down the hill for yet another time this week. I gathered myself up, with a smile and said oh well because what else can I do? I was definitely NOT the minority as nearly half the field did not finish first run, but it still sucks. I could’ve really used the finish, and the points.

On a different note, my roommate for the trip, Natasha and my friend Katja both got 2nd today. Also, this girl Petra from Slovakia got her first win ever- so at least I can be happy for them.
Katja getting her medal

Stand up ladies SL Podium

Katja and Petra

Another day at the races

I try really hard to appreciate the opportunities that I have and how lucky I am to be able to travel around and ski race. This morning riding up the lift with the sun shinning looking down at the snow I felt very appreciative. I had a good outlook on the day; I was going to race and whatever happened I was going to enjoy my situation. I came pretty close. I was smiling and happy in the start and the finish but there were a few obstacles to hurdle to stay positive. First run the snow was firm but still very bumpy and once again, the bumps took a toll. I skied the top section well, and I was able to stay on my feet down the pitch and finish the race, but, I had to nearly stop before the flats in order to stay in the course. SO, my time was VERY slow. I was disappointed but at the same time relieved, because I did finish. I needed the points but I’m sick of skiing for points or just to get through, so I’ll take the good things from my run with me and leave the rest on the hill.

It got REALLY warm today and by the second run inspection the snow was so slushy we were nearly water skiing. The cross ruts were so bad that people were getting air during inspection. As I went through inspection I was seriously considering not starting second run because I was already out of the points and I could seriously hurt myself. I’m a much better SL skier and I rather save myself for that. Ironically enough I was told I didn’t qualify anyway.

Despite it all I enjoyed the sun and the racing here at La Molina today and hope for a better day of SL tomorrow.

ROUGH Day

The deal for the day was that the jury was making a decision on what race to run at 0645 this morning. That way we could pack the appropriate skis and head to the hill. I was so excited when they said we were running the 2 Super G’s because I have been skiing well and I need the SG points. Well things didn’t exactly work out so well for me today. The snow was firm, but you could put an edge into it, but also very bumpy. I knew the little bumps would be tough but I was confident I could pull it off.

I guess confidence is sometimes stupidity. As I began first run I already knew I was in trouble the track was tough and I couldn’t seem to get off my edge to start the new turn. I was struggling but I kept fighting because that’s what you do when you’re racing. Well the hill won. I came onto the bottom pitch, got sideways (which is never good) tried to straighten it out but my ski railed out and I lost it. I went head over heals a few times, losing a ski in the process, then slid down the rest of the pitch which was about 100 yards. Not fun. I was a little shaken up and my left leg was wedged underneath me, but I was able to get up, get collected and ski off..

After I raced I decided to go around and watch the men, to get a better idea of what to do for the next run. I’m not sure if that was a good or bad idea because it became very clear this was not an easy course, because of the set, the snow and the hill. I watch several men crash but I had a new plan for next run. I de-tuned my edges a little bit so they weren't so grabby and basically, the plan was; relax, take a high line to stay out of some of the crappy spots and keep moving. In the start it was F--- it and ski. I knew straight out of the start that my skis were better, one breath of relief. I had a high line and was avoiding some of the holes, another breath of relief. I got to the spot that caught me the first run and got a little low but said to myself “not again” and I made a strong move to get off the edge, into the new turn and I was through it. One more breath of relief, but it was short lived as then it started to get REALLY bumpy. I just kept trying to move down the hill and hang on, I knew I was pushing it but I was so close to the finish and then…
… another bump, the straw that broke the camels back. I was done, I tried to hang on but my skis were bouncing off the snow and the next thing I knew I was in the air going head first down the hill. Then, WACK, ouch, wack, leg twisting, sliding, and then finally I came to a stop- OMG am I okay? After a little help getting my legs untwisted and putting snow on my bleeding face, I was able to ski off. I should be good to ski tomorrow. Unfortunately, I think I cracked my cool, brand new helmet and it might have to be retired already, but it did its job and that’s important.

Spanish SL Champion

I won the race today! I think I’m actually the Slalom co-champion, officially, because I can’t be Spanish Champion since I’m not Spanish. It doesn’t really matter the title, I won the women’s stand-up and that feels good. My first run was a lot better than my second run. Second run was a lot faster course which means that you have to be on and off your edge quickly and that’s not exactly my forte. So each gate I got a little and little behind, which isn’t super fast, but sometimes the winner is the one who is the most persistent. There weren't a lot of girls starting today, especially Spanish girls, but I looked at the stand-up men and I think I would’ve been 4th, not bad. It makes me excited for the Europa Cup SL in a few days. For now I’m looking forward to the Super G that is suppose to happen tomorrow but there are already rumors flying that they are going to cancel because the snow is getting too soft and slushy. Slush can be very dangerous for speed events because it’s very inconsistent and when you’re going fast (40-60mph) you don’t want the snow to break away. As always, we’ll see what happens.

US Nationals 2008

This year Nationals was scheduled at Solider Mountain, ID –a place that we could actually have an official speed event so that was a major highlight. Overall, I had a really good week of racing. We were fortunate enough to be able to get 2 DH races, which was a huge thing. The last time that we had a disabled downhill was the Paralympics so it was good to finally make it happen. I skied both races well but just didn’t have the guts to stay in my tuck in two key spots, and then didn’t trust myself to finish the last pitch strong, but I took 3rd both races, and I was okay with that. The Super G, and the GS didn’t go as well as I wanted but I skied strong and made improvements from my previous races and that’s all I could do. I took 3rd in the SG and 4th in the GS. Slalom went really well. First run I laid down a really nice run and I was within reach of the leader, despite the horrible set. I had a good second run but not as good as my first and took 3rd. I was okay with that because it was probably the closest I’ve been in a SL race all year. Now I’m off to Spain for Spanish Championships and Europa Cup Finals.

French GS #1

Well...
I’d love to say that I had a fantastic day and I skied super fast but…
I just didn’t. The snow was soft but surprisingly the hill was in really good shape and the snow actually held up quite well. The courses were fun but the race hill is not steep enough to be forgiving at all.

First run I was able to hold my tuck most of the run to help keep my speed up but then made costly mistakes in the wrong places and ended up with a really slow time. Second run I got late, my line got lower and lower until I had to make a big move to fix it and that isn’t fast. Bottom line, I was slow today, and placed 10th.

The good thing is that I think I know where I can improve for tomorrow’s GS.

Super Combined (SC) #2

The snow did not soften at all over night, which wasn’t a shock at all, so the snow was still “bullet proof.” The set was better than yesterday and I had hopes that I had worked out my problems on my ‘not so fast or fun’ run yesterday. Unfortunately, I apparently did not have the kinks worked out and my run was better but only by a little. I needed it to be exponential better. My confidence took another hit.

Once again I took some free runs before the SL and my SL run was A LOT better. It wasn’t perfect or anything but I I actually skied fast and it felt so good. I think I took 6th or 7th in the SL run. I didn’t ski fast enough to make up for my horrible SG run but at the end of the day, I ended up 10th. Only one more SC race to go then it’s off to France!

Riesen Slalom aka Giant Slalom (in English)

Have I ever mentioned that ski racing can be very unforgiving and grueling? Today was a perfect example of both. It was a tough day, but not in the same way as yesterday. The weather was a lot better; we had a clear blue sky and the sun actually came out. BUT clear skies in mountains mean cold snow. So all that wet rain we’ve seen the past couple of days actually froze. Therefore, instead of soft, mushy, sugary snow we had hard frozen slush. I mean really frozen, like clear patches in the course. Both the condition of the hill and difficult course sets made for an exigent day of racing. I didn’t ski poorly but let’s just say that the combination of hard snow and challenging courses brought out the weaknesses in my skiing. My first run I skied pretty well okay but my second run I struggled to make through, in the end I hung on and placed 9th. My time was far from good, which is disappointing but I’m not dwelling on it, because I can’t change it. My consolation is that a lot of other racers found today very trying as well. I’m hoping that the SC goes better tomorrow. The Super G should be better as there will be less turning and SL is good on firm snow (at least in theory) I guess we’ll see!

Park City, Utah

Happy New Year!

I was a little bummed about having to race on New Year’s Day and not being able to celebrate last night, but that feeling soon passed. The morning was very brisk and cool as we arrived to the mountain. The race hill had been groomed and the sun was beginning to shine-it was going to be a good day.

I think sometimes your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Today my mindset was good and it paid off. The first run set was challenging to say the least. I watched 2 forerunners nearly blow out of the course before the 9th gate. I knew my line was going to be important and that’s all I thought about, turning early. I skied the line I wanted but didn’t let the skis run, I was sitting 4th. The second run set was a little less difficult and I tried to be more aggressive. The terrain was bumpy and tough, I made a few mistakes but I made it through. At the end of the day I had a Bronze medal around my neck! My first podium of the season and literally of this year! 2008 started off just fine for me. Yeah!

End of the season

Photo by Ken Watson

For Winter Park, the season comes to a close on Sunday. You wouldn’t know that from looking outside as it has been snowing for days. That’s okay though, we need the snow. In some ways it’s hard to believe the mountain is closing but in other ways I’m ready for the break. It feels like it’s been a long hard season. I guess all of the changes and ups and downs, has just taken a toll on me emotionally.

Our racing season ended at Waterville Valley, NH with U.S. Disabled Championships. Because we couldn’t run the speed events they ran 1 Nor-Am race and one National race for GS and SL and then the last day we did a dual GS for fun and prize money. I skied well. I had two of my best SL races of the year and I actually beat my friend and teammate Liz Miller in a few runs of GS, which usually doesn’t happen. In the Nor-Am GS I took bronze. For the Nationals GS I came back from being behind first run to taking silver! The Nor-Am SL was a heartbreaker for me. After first run I was sitting 3rd. Second run the leader DNF and I won the run, but it wasn’t enough and I lost by .58 of a second- OUCH! For the nationals SL I was down by 2 seconds after first run, had another good second run and made up time but it wasn’t enough and I ended up 3rd. The final day was the duel GS and I had another good day. I skied fast in the qualifying and then throughout the day to take 4th place behind my teammate Laurie Stephens. Not bad.

All in all I had a good week but it was bittersweet. At the end of the week we had our individual meetings with our staff and made decisions about next season. The decision was made that I will not be part of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team next year. This was really tough and I wasn’t quite ready to deal with it. I think I’m going to take a step back and focus on training and maybe just local races, I don’t know. I’m not sure how everything will work out but I’m going to stay in Winter Park and WILL be training and racing. There are a lot factors that have affected my skiing but the bottom line is that I want/need to race faster, whatever it takes. Photo by Kurt Smitz

Let's Race

The season has been going really well so far. Our races started at Breckenridge, CO at Ski Spectacular. We had a GS and a SL. I placed 7th in the Giant Slalom and took the silver medal in the Slalom! I feel like it was an excellent start to the season.

I was hoping to carry that momentum with me as I left for Pitztal, Austria for a Europa Cup race. We were intended to race Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom but things changed. Due to the lack of snow on the glacier we were unable to race the Super G. We had a SL and 2 GS races on the training hill, which is very flat. I skied a great first run of SL and was sitting 5th. I really wanted to move up so second run I really went for it. Unfortunately, sometimes when I do that I don’t make to the finish line- DNF. Bummer! I finished both the GS races I skied well but I lost a lot of time on the flats. I placed 8th the first day and 6th the second. These weren’t the results I was hoping for but I did make some very positive changes in my skiing.