End of Season Update
Skiing the sprint race in Ridnaun, Italy
Happy Spring Everyone!
The season is officially over and I can’t believe how successful it was. Two weeks ago I capped off the race season with a 4th place overall at US Biathlon National Championships in Lake Placid, NY. Nationals followed my best international finishes ever with a 27th and 40th in Switzerland at the beginning of March. I find myself in awe of the journey the last three years have taken me on, and I couldn’t have done it without all of you!
Three years ago I had just resigned from coaching and was floating down the Grand Canyon knowing it was the last real rest I would allow myself for a minimum of two years. With no team to train with or even a ski sponsorship; only knowing I wanted to follow my dream. Not to mention I had never skied with a rifle or entered a Biathlon race before, having a history of solely FIS racing.
Now, three years, more than 2000 hours of training and 81 races later, I am impressed with how far I have come. Especially for starting this journey at 28 years old and proving my theory that truly loving what you pursue, being willing to put in the time and work, and believing in your own abilities, are the most powerful tools out there. I’m not sure what my exact thoughts were while sitting on a raft in the Grand Canyon that spring, but I know for sure this story would have caught me by surprise. And I am thrilled to have discovered an amazing new sport while staying true to my love of gliding on skinny skis.
This April I am taking a much needed break from structured training and healing a few nagging injuries (hopefully for good). Taking stock of the many things I have learned and applying them to my next training year and spending time at home (at last). Hopefully seeing most of you at some point too.
It is incredible to see the momentum of the US in the sport of Biathlon right now and being able to jump into the sport, push it forward with my own energy, and race with competitive results, both domestically and internationally. It has been exciting to say the least. I am honored to have all of you along for the journey and I truly couldn’t do this without the support of my community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait to see what this next season holds.
Shooting a standing stage in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic
Shooting a prone stage in Lenzerheide, Switzerland
PS - As promised, I am donating 1% of the funds I raised between Thanksgiving and the end of the season to the Snake River Fund and the Roaring Fork Conservancy. I am happy to be writing a check to each in support of our local rivers and the protection of our watersheds in the two communities that have made me who I am today.
Racing in spring conditions in March
Racing in mid-winter conditions in January