Mid Winter 2012/2013, Training and Racing

 After a restful Holiday a home with my family I jumped back into a training block, in order to be in top form for the second half of the season. Despite missing the IBU Cup team my season is far from over, with North American Biathlon Cups, Eastern Cup XC racing, and the possibility to European biathlon racing on the horizon.  I took advantage of the racing break to put in some quality hours on snow at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine. Right now I am in Fort Kent completing specific biathlon training in preparation for the upcoming North American Cup biathlon races in Eastern Canada.

10th Mtn in Fort Kent during night shooting 

Last weekend I took the opportunity to join the Maine Winter Sports Center Cross Country team for an Eastern Cup race in southern Vermont. I competed in a 1.3km skate sprint on Saturday and a 9km classic race on Sunday. It was fun to hang out with the enthusiastic MWSC junior athletes, and compete in fresh formats and techniques. Despite my lack of specific preparation for sprinting and especially classic skiing I was pleasantly surprised with my results. I took 1^st place in the skate sprint thanks to an uphill finish and speedy skis. I was 16^th in a competitive and tightly packed field in the classic. These results are an indication of good race fitness and I am very glad I made the trip.

Southern Vermont 

Vermont Eastern Cup Stadium 

I am looking forward to the upcoming NorAm Biathlon races in Canada. I feel that my training has gone well, and my race fitness is near optimal. If I can impress the International Competition Committee at US Biathlon with my racing in the next 3 NorAm Biathlon races, there is a possibility I will be selected to compete at the European Championships in February. I am moving into the New Year with confidence in my preparation and a desire to prove myself.