Cracking open a fortune cookie last month in my hometown of Brandon, Manitoba I didn’t think much of it. Then I read: “Your friends will truly be helpful in your next month’s endeavour.”
Those simple, and typically generic words screamed at me.
My fingers instantaneously tucked it, face-up, into the back of the clear protective case on my mobile device; it has been in my line of sight everyday, and a month later – those words could have come from a crystal ball.
Okay, let me rewind a bit.
This season, the criteria was written as one single race in Calgary, AB (Oct 19) and one single race in Whistler, BC (Oct 27). For the women, the racers with the top two highest point totals (combined from both races) would join pre-selected, Sarah Reid on the World Cup Team.The two weeks we had to get our ice brains back seemed to speed by faster than watching us slide through a corner and suddenly, it was the night before Selection Race #1.
Take a deep breath – it goes real quick from here.
After a summer of talking about Skeleton with everyone I met – there was a lot of interest in getting a chance to witness “the crazy people who do this sport” compete, and I invited everyone to come cheer us on in Calgary.
The response was unbelievable; the crowd was amazing!
The weather for the race mirrored that of the week behind us, unseasonably warm and sunny. I trusted my sled set-up and attacked the day with everything I have been and continue to work for.
There was power in my legs and knowledge of lines in my mind. I did my very best to let go and allow all the components to work their processes. There were instances of perfection mixed with mistakes – as always – but I was prepared for them. I didn’t allow my mind to attach itself to either scenario and pressed to stay focused.
I crossed the line through both runs in 1st place.
Twice!
Thank you!
With first place points, I jumped on a plane and headed West ….
Whistler and I have always had a very mutually respectful relationship. I respect the fact that she is fast and demanding and she respects that I merely want to enjoy our time together.
With 5 days of training made available I worked through the early-season growing pains and did my best to not over-think “bad” runs or slower downtimes. Sometimes that worked and sometimes it didn’t – either way, Selection Race #2/ Canadian Championships came.
First off in Heat 1: I acknowledged that I was a little more nervous than normal, and the ice looked shinier than it had all week – but I laid down a run I was satisfied with.
However, the day included a number of significant delays that affected both the women’s and men’s first heats — and once the first results came upstairs – I was slotted as second last off in Heat 2.
“You want this.” I said quietly to myself in my helmet and I surged all the momentum I had left into Phrixus. Pressing my spikes into the ice and pumping my free arm in sequence I willed my legs to move just a little faster. I could hear the voices of family and friends who came out to help support me once again and I loaded onto the sled. I focused on the nuances of the track and kept my breathing steady. Crossing the finish line I would discover I had put together the fastest run of the day for the women. Later that evening, the coaches made the official TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT : I had done what I set out to do. I was named back to the World Cup Team.
Inside your fear is the seed of inspiration. Water it.
Have you ever looked at a group of maple trees?!
Strong. Proud.
But at first glance, they appear to each be on their own. Stoically, they watch over their surroundings and add patriotic beauty to our Canadian scenery – but there’s more to it. In fact, these silent giants are anything but alone – for under the soil those seemingly independent beings share an intricate root system, “wires” of communication; life lines.
Like a family.
When you tug at a single thing in the world, you find that it’s attached to everything else. – John Muir
So, just like a maple tree – when I stand on the race line: strong and proud but my heart threatens – even for a millisecond- to feel “alone” – I remember my roots, and every single person who is connected to this moment, to my dream; to me.
I stand firm in a belief that says it’s alright if we don’t know exactly what we need. We’re always so wrapped up in figuring out, in fixing, in being better and better. And while this constant battle of betterment is truly noble (and crucial to our progression and growth) it should be done with a level of self awareness that acts as a guide. A guide that expects mistakes, celebrates victories but ultimately takes everyday for what it is – an incredible adventure!
Now, let’s get this 2013/14
Extra special thanks – as always – goes out to my wonderful teammates, coaching & support staff who continue (no matter how much I fight) to help keep me on track! <3 font="" nbsp="">
