Tickets, Please!

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.