The Final World Cup

I can't believe that the 2010 World Cup season has come to an end.  It has been a great season with highs, lows and flashes of brilliance.  I have never felt so completely exhausted in my body, mind and soul.  I really put everything into this season and I can walk away saying that i wouldn't have changed anything.  I feel so confident that I prepared myself the best that i could have for the Games, and that i really took in the whole experience.

The final three weeks of the season were definitely a struggle.  I have gone through so many emotions and feelings about my performance at the Games.  Every day feels different right now when i ski.  Some days I feel more motivated and inspired than ever, and some days I hardly have the energy to get out of bed.  As i talk to the coaches and other athletes on tour, it seems to be a common trend.  It is a phase just after the pinnalce of our careeers, where many people are drained and searching for what is next.  We have all had such a clear focus for the last 4 years, and now it is time to clinch onto that next idea, that next dream, that will guide us forward in our lives.  The challenge is figuring out wht that direction is going to be.  And so I ask myself; What drives me now, and what do I feel pasionately about?

The last 3 weeks of World Cups has just been about the experience, and enjoying my time as an athlete.  i have been spending more time with the other athletes on tour, and really opening my eyes to where i am and the opportunities that are presented.  i really enjoyed each of the World Cups in their own respect.

Right after the Olympics we flew to Inawashiro, Japan.  There I enjoyed the familiar Japanese cuisine, culture and venue.  The compeittion was a struggle becasue of fog, but I challenged myself to be mentally prepared for anything. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are, Sweden was our next stop.  It is a beautiful setting, with very friendly people and a fun course. I was focused on putting more ephasis on my skiing technique there.  i had some great new feelings and realizations about my technique.  it was very worthwhile.

Our final World Cup was in Sierra Nevada, Spain.  It was a new World Cup venue for us, so it was fun to be in a new place with a different culture.  We flew into Madrid, then drove 5 hours to the resort from there.  We passed through what I would call the "Napa Valley" of olives.  it was rows upon rows, orchards upon orchards, for the entire drive.  Sierra Nevada rose up to about 8000 feet after about 100 switchbacks on the mountain road.  We had 2 beautiful sunny days for training, then had a bit of struggle on contest day with fog, snow and flat light.  The course was really fun though with big airs and great turns.  After the contest we spent 2 days in Granada, a quaint city at the bottom of the valley.  We visited the famous Alhambra palace there, and indulged in the local tapas, music and daily life.  it was such a great end to the season to enjoy a relaxed time with friends and team mates.  It is these moments and memories that i will remember forever.  These are the priceless experiences about traveling and skiing around the world.  I feel very fortunate, and it makes me realize that it is in these moments that I wil find the real gold. 

A medal means nothing without the memories and experiences attached to it.