This past week we competed in the Lake Louise NORAM downhill races. Feeling really comfortable and confident coming into the week from forerunning the womens world cup I felt so prepared to lay down some fast runs. Mentally, I kept my head down and didn't let results try and be my main focus but as the week went on and I continued to place in the top five. For some reason, once the two training runs were over I became very stressed and uptight for the races. I started to worry about the little things that I can't control instead of just skiing like I do. I tend to ski best when I'm relaxed and having fun but for some reason on the first race day I wasn't myself. With the extra snow on the track and the conditions a lot different from the training days I became very nervous; something I usually am not. I feel like I have really high expectations for myself since I had such great success last year at Lake Louise. Because of my results in the training days I knew I could really be at the top again this season. Being the first race of the season and my first race back from injury I had such high hopes for myself that I forgot to just ski like I can. I was way too focused on making a strong comeback. I tried to change my line to be faster but in reality it just slowed me down. On the first race day I nailed down a solid run until the second gate on the pitch where I lost my downhill ski and slide inside on my butt. My tips then crossed but I come how recovered from it and got right back into my tuck. Even though my time was slow I knew I skied really well and when I looked back at the video I was reasured that my mistake was due to taking a really agressive line. Although I was disapointed with my results in the races I know I can be up there at the top. I proved it in training and all I need to do is just relax and have fun in racing. After the second downhill race I was talking to my coach and he reminded me that I really have only been skiing for about a month now in comparison to everyone else and that I am still coming back from injury. He reminded me that I shouldn't have any expectations for myself and just be happy that I was even able to compete in the downhill this year this early in the season. Looking back to October and the Austria camp I was successful in my training because I was just able to enjoy the time on snow regardless of how I was skiing. I am reminded that I need to stop letting my emotions control my racing. With this in mind, I am excited to start fresh here in Panorama. We arrived yesterday and have a day off today to relax and regain focus for the next five races in a row. Having no expectations and focusing on my own technique and skiing will hopefully help me more in this next series of races. Regardless of results I just need to live lightly!
Unfortunately, the super g at the Lake was cancelled due to a fresh foot of powder so instead of racing, we packed up and played some good old hockey on beautiful Lake Louise! We played against the USA ski team and dominated them! It was a lot of fun and I finally had some time off from thinking about racing. Here's some fun pictures from skating on the Lake!!
Looking forward I am really excited to start racing tech here in panorama. The hill is challenging and decently steep which is always good for me! I hope it stops snowing here soon though. I am going to continue to stay positive and just have some fun racing with all my close friends from all over North America!
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