Collision. Impact. Chance.

Collision. Impact. Chance. Sometimes I look at life like a massive web of interconnected lines and stories with criss-crossing intersections, some of which pass by each other smoothly and others that completely change the course of another life. Being here and experiencing Italy made me realize that standing on the start line of today’s race was a result of those moments. You see, I’m not supposed to be here. As of July I wasn’t even going to be skiing this year, I wasn’t going to be at UW, I wasn’t supposed to be on the WUG team, I wasn’t going to be on a ski team at all after several life transitions. But here I am!  Breath in. Breath out. Every sinew of my being is present in this moment as I realize the magnitude of the events and impacts that occurred to bring me to this red line that I’m about to cross at the start of the women’s 5k freestyle. Five four three two one, and our legs know exactly how to carry out the job for which we have trained them for so long. All the overwhelming feelings fade away when the only task in the moment is to embrace the pain that strains against the gravity of the hill. All of the built up anxiety is thrust into every new stride.

            There is never a more beautiful sound that the voices of my wonderful teammates and beautiful coaches who scream their hearts out as if to transfer more energy to us with every cheer. We Americans are by far the loudest people in the entire valley. The fact that each and every one of them has impacted me over the time that I have known them makes their presence even more motivating. I can’t imagine having two more inspirational women than Christi and Rachael pour their hearts and souls into my racing experience and the personal development of every one of their athletes. The chances that I have been given overwhelm me. I can only hope I can have the courage to take full advantage of the impacts, and end up completely spent in a gasping heap on the finish line knowing that the job was done fully well. Being content in knowing that I have nothing left to give is the best feeling in the world. Collisions, impacts, chances: make the most of the moments you’re given.