Alberta Bound

                Today was an early morning! Just when I was getting used to the school schedule for the short two weeks we have been home from Austria I had to wake up and leave my house at 4am to catch a flight to Calgary at 7am. Even though I have only been home for a short period of time, I feel like I have made a ton of gains in the gym and feel more confident than ever with my knee. With  the race season quickly approaching I feel like I’m ready to start raising the intensity level in my training. Even though I feel like I haven’t had much time in gates this year, I am mentally prepared to start into racing again. Surprisingly, I am doing a lot better than I thought I would emotionally. Looking back to this time of year last season, I wouldn’t have ever imaged the experiences and disappointments that were ahead of me. The thought of getting injured never crossed my mind and for some reason I still can’t believe it really happened to me. Even though for the past 8 months my ski racing careers has been put on hold I have truly learned a lot about myself and the incredible sport of ski racing. I learned what it feels like to be on the top, and what it feels like to be watching on the side lines. In a sense, I got a taste of everything this year; facing disappointment of injury being the biggest, and dealing with the emotional set back of it all. I feel my experiences with injury this year have made me realize how important everyday on snow really is. It reminded me of how much I love this sport and how everyday on snow can’t be taken for granted; especially the days with bad snow conditions or even the days I am not skiing my best. Since my injury, I have had to have a positive attitude and continually focus on what I can do rather what I can’t and what is out of my control. Focusing purely on my goals and my technique are the only things that will help me to reach my goals. With the results I had in Alberta at this time last year I feel confident that I will have success again. I’m finally making a comeback and I can’t wait to show off my new attitude. Since last year I have made a lot of new friends with ski racers from all around Canada and I can’t wait to train alongside my competition. I live and breathe the competitive atmosphere ski racing brings and I can’t wait to go head to head with the best athletes in North America! WISH ME LUCK!!

Julia