Training at Home...

New Kicks

Today I picked up two killer new pairs of running shoes from Scott Running. I trained in Scott trail shoes last season, and I'm pumped to try out the new models. To see the full line of Scott running products click the link on the right.

Spring in Southern Maine

Spring finds me at home in Yarmouth, Maine settling into the rhythm of training. After a long turbulent winter it feels good to be home.

Last winter was the longest and most challenging I have ever been through. My results were not where I wanted them to be, despite solid preparation. I meticulously reviewed my training logs and race reviews and I came away with a few areas and circumstances which caused my across the board underperformance. Despite not having a satisfactory season on the result sheet, I learned a lot about myself, training, and racing, however the most important lesson I learned was: Training alone does not guarantee success. There are a myriad of factors that go into producing consistent top level performances. Last season I was simply missing a few pieces of the puzzle.

After the season was over I took a very enjoyable trip back to Mammoth Lakes, California. That trip helped me to realize that I still love biathlon and want to continue to strive to reach the highest level of the sport.

For the 2012-2013 season I will not be training with the Maine Winter Sports Center. I spent two great years there, and I will be forever grateful to the coaches, organization, and most of all the community members who were there to help and support me during my first years out on my own in the big wide world.

I am back working with one of my first coaches, Bill Meyer and I will be training out of the Yarmouth area for the summer and early fall. I have been having a great time exploring my new town. I have already discovered some killer road bike and rollerski roads, and the mountain biking at Bradbury State Park is excellent.  

I am also excited to announce that I will be running a high school Nordic Ski summer program out of the Yarmouth area over the summer. For more information send me a message on the Yarmouth Summer Nordic Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/YarmouthSummerNordic.

I’m looking forward to a fun and exciting summer of training in Southern Maine.        

   

Mammoth 2012 Photos by Jim Stinson and Jim Barnes

Canadian Nationals Photos Two

Canadian Nationals. Photos by Katrina Howe.

Photos flow bottom to top.

Canada to California-Season Wrap Up 2011-2012

After a disappointing, frustrating, and quite honestly disheartening World Junior Championships I took some time off and spent a few very relaxing days at my parent’s house, before returning to Fort Kent to prepare for Canadian Biathlon Nationals, in Valcartier Quebec. Valcatier is only 3 hours from Fort Kent, so skipping US Nationals in Montana was a no brainer. This race series was also my first racing “with the big boys” in the Senior Category. I was optimistic about my prospects for good results, however during my last hard workout before traveling to Valcartier I experienced very painful cramps and spasms in my quadriceps, accompanied by lingering pain above and beyond normal soreness. Leading up to the first race I was very diligent about stretching, and other recovery activities. I was able to post a 5^th place in the Mass Start, despite not being able to ski my best due to some leg pain. The Saturday sprint race was no as successful, despite good shooting I was not able to ski anywhere near my potential and posted a disappointing 10^th place. The Sunday pursuit race started off well, I had great skis and felt good, unfortunately I only had 2.5k of racing in me, and due to leg pain, a lingering cold, and poor mental preparation I posted my first ever “did not finish” I was ashamed, but glad the race was over. It was a tough way to end what has been a disappointing season.

With the competitive season in the books I headed back to Mammoth Lakes, California to race in the Mammoth Biathlon Invitational. I was joined by Mark Johnson, Corrine Malcolm, Nick Proell, Jake “Big D” Dalberg, Conrad Roberts, and Mr. JR from Stanford. I really enjoyed my time in Mammoth, great people, scenery, and fun racing. The two day event was split by experience, so the beginner adults, juniors, and adaptive categories raced on Saturday, and the Elite, National Guard, Masters and Intermediate Adult races where held on Sunday. It was a full weekend of racing, coaching, officiating and socializing. As an added bonus I was able to hold fast skiing Mark Johnson for the win.

I am now talking a break from training for and thinking about biathlon, while I solidify my plans for next year. Thanks to everyone that supported my though this difficult season. Photos of both events can be found above.