So far, the year 2016 has been filled with highs and lows.
This is not an attempt to be cliché, rather the best way I can describe the
events which have transpired over the past 6 months. Instead of creating a
dense narrative update, I am going to share a timeline of images with brief explanatory
captions. The purpose of this strategy is twofold, first I am (justifiably)
burnt out on creating long pieces of writing, second, I hope by employing this
tactic this update will actually be a bit interesting.
Here we go:
January and February
I completed my final year of EISA
racing with my teammates. My carnival campaign was largely unsuccessful, but I
was able to put together enough decent races to qualify for NCAAs.
March
I was very happy to qualify for the NCAA Championships, unfortunately
I posted two very poor results. Aside from subpar (at best) racing I really
enjoyed all other aspects of the trip.
April
I used the month of April to live like a “normal” college
student. No photos from this month are in my possession. This may be for the
better.
During the month of April I seriously considered my
relationship with skiing and biathlon. Many people asked me what my plans where
after my upcoming graduation from UNH. “Internship?” “Assistant coaching job?” “9
to 5?” “Biathlon?” I made the decision to continue my career as an athlete, with
a focus on biathlon.
May
On the eve of the new training year I was struck by a police
car while riding my bike through a major intersection on the UNH
campus. This caused me to lose some days of training. Fortunately, I have yet to suffer any serious complications
from this incident.
I trained as well as
I could while recovering from the crash finishing out my academic responsibilities
and fighting off a persistent cough. During this period, I was informed by 3 of
the 4 ski clubs I had applied to that they would not be offering me a place on
their team for the coming training year. I am awaiting a reply from the final
club.
At the end of the month I graduated from the University of New
Hampshire with a B.A. in Communication. I was also honored with a few academic
awards. I was humbled by the recognition I received. I would like to thank my
family, professors, coaches and teammates for their help and support.
After my graduation I headed home and became quite ill. I lost another week
of training.
June
After an antibiotic enabled recovery, I put in my first good
week of training this year, only to become ill once again. I am currently on antibiotics
to treat suspected Lyme disease. During my recovery I have been watching the Copa
America, Euro 2016, and NBA Finals.
A few days ago my trusty Subaru wagon has been showing signs
that its predicted demise may be very close at hand.
While I am at home, I will have the privilege to work with
James Upham. James is an excellent coach and I look forward to training with
him if I am ever healthy for a few consecutive days. I will continue to follow a plan written by my longtime coach and supporter Bill Meyer from the Nisswa Northwest Biathlon Club. I have also secured a
place to shoot near my home which is a big step forward.
Looking ahead I will continue to obsessively check my email
for a resolution to my final club application and pursue a part time jobs so I
can buy some bullets to practice with.
I am optimistic that despite this rough start, I can still
find success this winter.
