WUG Reflections

We are relaxing at our house in Bozeman, MT. The boys bounce a lacrosse ball in the next room and the faint smell of wax is in the air as people finish grooming their skate skis for tomorrow's battle. The sun sets on the huge peaks above us that have survived another day of avalanche blasting. The wind howls outside, causing us to hide within this building that quickly became home.

Just two weeks ago we exchanged white elephant gifts in Florence, hugged coaches goodbye, and made the mad dash back to the U.S. The travel seems like a dream now though the feeling of the return is fresh in my mind. I find home coming uncomfortable. I suddenly remember the life that is my reality, the good and the bad, the triumphs and fears, the responsibilities. All of these things mix with the experience. This return was even stranger as I returned to my first alternate reality, college, and then my second, back home with my family. I found myself dreaming of the Italian trails and wishing for another chance on the course as I skied my home trails again. As required, I had memorized the Val di Fiemme trails, making it even easier to mentally remain in Italy. 

Today the women battled a 5k classic and the men battled a 10k classic in Bozeman. I say battle because it was. We may have left Italy, but we did not leave the challenging competition. It was an honor as usual to start a race with these D1 women. They are so strong and skilled in their art: each movement of the leg, a powerful pendulum and each strike of the arm drives the momentum infinitely forward. I am again reminded of my vulnerability and of the weaknesses in my ski technique. My mind fights to stay positive as we all line up behind the start line. Electronics wrapped around our ankles and bib adorned, we challenge ourselves once again against the elite.

Italy sticks with me now as an amazing chance at international competition. But more than that, the desire to keep improving and keep pushing into the next level is strong and it will be hard to smother. Elise’s amazing performances continue to give me hope that we are on the cusp of a breakthrough. Just waiting now for the alignment of my health, strength, and desire. Meanwhile, I will be visualizing the trails of the Val di Fiemme.