A riveting exhalation has brought the last breaths to the season. As I look back it's hard to believe where the time has gone. Our team has just completed the final races before Nationals and now the pressure of the last competition of the year dawns upon myself. Nationals are an opportunity to shine through and leave your mark on the season whether good or bad up to this point. It's important to remember that the season has not come to a close yet and one of the most important race events is still to be endured. I tend to find myself challenged in focusing my energy on racing as the warmer weather begins to show itself and the relief of some time away from the ski scene is so close. Luckily being with a training centre and living with highly motivated athletes will prevent the temptations I may have if I were back home in Ontario. I'm looking forward to putting all the energy I have to bring myself up to an optimal physical and mental state.
This year the Haywood Canadian National Championships for cross country skiing is being hosted by Blow–Me-Down Nordic, which is located in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. The images of this place have been dancing through my mind for a couple of years now, since it was revealed that Nationals would be held there. The furthest east I've been in Canada is just past Quebec City, and the charming, curious tales of Newfoundland have always sparked my intrigue. I don't think I'm speaking for myself when I say that I'm extremely excited for my stay there and although I will be competing, I hope to submerse myself as much as possible in the unique Newfoundland culture.
Focusing on the days before heading down east, have been as relaxing and enjoyable as possible in order to lift our spirits and energy. We have had opportunities to explore Vancouver, compete in fun team-relays at Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club, have massages, and even practice some aerials training. These days have been greatly emphasizing recuperation – such as making sure I stretch, and adjust the program to how my body is responding. This is essential for performing well at Nationals. Unfortunately my body has given in to some illness at this time, so I've completely cut off training at least for the next day or so. I would rather be sick now however, rather than at Nationals. It has also been a week to adjust to what it will feel like travelling to the other side of the country. The time change from Whistler to Corner Brook is quite substantial, with a 4.5 hour difference. So if we didn't start adjusting to waking up at 7:00 am for races, it is going to feel like 2:30 am for us. It would be such an easier change if I was travelling from Ontario. I'm slightly envious at those with a smaller time change. To prepare, I have started to go to bed early and wake up early, adjusting the time earlier for each day. This will hopefully ease me into the time difference so I'm not as jet lagged when I arrive.
I can feel my energy starting to come up which is a good sign and once I'm over my cold I will be ready to give it all I've got for these last few races. It's so exhilarating coming into these races that even if I'm not quite 100% yet I can feed off the energy that everyone else radiates and give myself the illusion of feeling incredible. All the work is put in now, it's just taking the right steps towards feeling well and racing well.
Liam
This year the Haywood Canadian National Championships for cross country skiing is being hosted by Blow–Me-Down Nordic, which is located in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. The images of this place have been dancing through my mind for a couple of years now, since it was revealed that Nationals would be held there. The furthest east I've been in Canada is just past Quebec City, and the charming, curious tales of Newfoundland have always sparked my intrigue. I don't think I'm speaking for myself when I say that I'm extremely excited for my stay there and although I will be competing, I hope to submerse myself as much as possible in the unique Newfoundland culture.
Focusing on the days before heading down east, have been as relaxing and enjoyable as possible in order to lift our spirits and energy. We have had opportunities to explore Vancouver, compete in fun team-relays at Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club, have massages, and even practice some aerials training. These days have been greatly emphasizing recuperation – such as making sure I stretch, and adjust the program to how my body is responding. This is essential for performing well at Nationals. Unfortunately my body has given in to some illness at this time, so I've completely cut off training at least for the next day or so. I would rather be sick now however, rather than at Nationals. It has also been a week to adjust to what it will feel like travelling to the other side of the country. The time change from Whistler to Corner Brook is quite substantial, with a 4.5 hour difference. So if we didn't start adjusting to waking up at 7:00 am for races, it is going to feel like 2:30 am for us. It would be such an easier change if I was travelling from Ontario. I'm slightly envious at those with a smaller time change. To prepare, I have started to go to bed early and wake up early, adjusting the time earlier for each day. This will hopefully ease me into the time difference so I'm not as jet lagged when I arrive.
I can feel my energy starting to come up which is a good sign and once I'm over my cold I will be ready to give it all I've got for these last few races. It's so exhilarating coming into these races that even if I'm not quite 100% yet I can feed off the energy that everyone else radiates and give myself the illusion of feeling incredible. All the work is put in now, it's just taking the right steps towards feeling well and racing well.
Liam
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