About 8 weeks ago Nordic athletes across the country punched
their tickets to enter the mysterious, exciting, scary, rewarding carnival
which is the 2015-2016 ski season. In the lead up to ticket time some athletes
could be seen walking (others running) to the parking lot, offering cheers and
goodbyes to friends and teammates. Others where circling frantically, trying to
find a way to pay for just one more admission to the carnival. Most chatted
amongst themselves, ready to begin another go-round.
Once inside the gates, each individual must choose which
attractions to attend, with only a limited amount of entries and time, this
choice must be made wisely. Not all rides are open to everyone. Many found themselves
disappointed in April, when they saw their names where no longer on the
admitted list to one ride or another. A few rides closed down altogether,
leaving their patrons the unpleasant task of finding a new place in line on opening
day. I will be boarding the University
of New Hampshire’s College Carnival
Coaster for the second and final time. I am really excited to see what the
ride will look like this year. I am planning to bring my best shape when the
ride reaches its peak in February and March.
The College Carnival
Coaster is notorious for its twists, turns, highs and lows. Right now,
during the summertime the ride is slowly ticking up the start incline. It is a
bit of a grind, but the view gets better and better as it goes on and the
company is excellent.
This summer I am working through a few summer courses to ensure
that I am on track to graduate next spring with a degree in Communication. In
addition to training I will be helping with some summertime home improvement
projects and closely following the Women’s World Cup with my sister. Despite a
few bouts of sickness I am in a good place with my training, albeit a bit low
on hours. (Hey wasn’t that the plan?)
Since this will be my final college ski racing season, I am
making NCAA competition my focus. I will not be training or racing any
biathlon, at least until the spring, but that is also far from locked in.
The best part about the ski racing carnival is that anything
can happen and everyone gets to experience it together. It is always a heck of a ride.
