Until Now

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.