Monday 26 January 2015

Back into Racing



So recently, after about a month long hiatus, we are finally back into racing again! Two weekends ago, I raced in the Cross country Western Canadian Championships in Canmore in the sprint and 20km skate races.


My better day was Saturday, the sprint day, which is very unusual for me because I have never been much of a sprinter.  Both the quarter and semi finals went well, and although it was far more aggressive on the part of my competitors, I think the A-final was a success.  I ended up placing 4th, which is far better than I have done in a sprint race in many years, so I am very happy about it.

Saturday Quarterfinal
Sunday's race was a 20km skate race on the world cup trails. That race was not quite as good for me, because of some poor snow conditions (it was dumping all night before our race) and general fatigue.  I wasn't feeling 100% after the sprints - only today did I stop coughing stuff out of my lungs - so really I didn't expect to be on top of the standings.

Dumping snow on the 20k
All in all a good race weekend.

I was also in Edmonton last weekend for the Biathlon Western Canadian Championships.  There ended up being only one race, due to lack of snow.


It certainly wasn't my best race ever - probably the worst this year. However, I don't really see this as a failure or what have you, but rather as a learning experience, for me to figure out what I need to work on.


And all this is gearing up towards my trip to Europe! I leave on the 3rd of February, where I will compete in IBU Cup 6 in Oserblie, Slovakia, and then to Minsk for World Junior Championships. I am super excited and proud to have this opportunity to race for Canada at international events like these, and I will update more frequently during my trip.


I also have a crowd funding initiative going on right now at Make-A-Champ, where you can support my trip to Europe.  Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. I only have 7 days left in the campaign, and I am 18% there! Help me reach my goals!