Finally a full-time skier and part-time coach!

It's been a long time in the making but a couple of weeks ago I officially became a full-time skier and a part time coach. That's right, I reversed my roles. I used to be a full time coach and part time athlete.  Now, it's the opposite.  I have to say, life is still as busy as ever but it's good. I'm not complaining!

Fall colors are already out in Anchorage.  This picture is from Glen Alps 

I have many people to thank for helping make this change possible.  First and foremost, my husband Rob has been awesome. As an ex-ski racer himself, he knows "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of ski racing. My employers, Alaska Pacific University and my boss/coach, Erik Flora have been encouraging and flexible.  My co-workers, Eric Strabel and Dylan Watts have taken on larger responsibilities at work. While I used to be a head coach of two programs I am now an assistant coach.  I still get to interact with other athletes on a daily basis (which I love to do) but have handed the decision making and planning off to these two guys.

And now the shameless plug to my sponsors..... why? Because they make being a ski racer possible physically, financially, emotionally, and logistically.  Financing your own athletic career and paying for everything from race entries to roller ski wheels and over-sized baggage fees is expensive and I'm happy to say that because of my generous sponsors I'm not accruing credit card debt in the process.  I know that not every ski racer has the support that I have and I am very lucky to be so fortunate.  I think the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child" relates to skiing 100%.  It certainly takes a community to raise an athlete.  Anchorage is a wonderful, vibrant place to be a ski racer and I hope that I can give as much back to the community as I receive.  But back to my sponsors - they are listed in the column to the right.  Some have supported me with cash donations, and others with in-kind support.  They have all been wonderful to work with and I appreciate their support immensely!!!!!  Please check out my sponsor's links by clicking on the company logo and (when applicable) help me by utilizing their services!!!

What else?

Its been a busy month .... honestly characterized by some less than desirable weather.  Here in Alaska we actually broke the record for consecutive rainy days, something like 34 (?) days straight of rain!?  Working outside is a blessing when it's sunny out but for the straight month plus of rain lets just say it was character building! :)

Here are a couple of pictures from recent days....

A bunch of us went to the state fair for "Olympian Day" the friday before Labor Day.  The day was spent signing autographs, taking pictures, and answering questions/telling stories about the games.  Pictured are Callan (snow boarding) me, Kerry (hockey) and my APU teammates, James and Kikkan. 

Kikkan and I wandered around the fair after our event and found time for another workout with these cabbage weights!  I also saw the record breaking pumpkin weighing in at 1101 pounds! 

This picture basically sums up a lot of our weather... 

And when its less than desirable its even nicer to have teammates to train with.  Here is an "after shot" of me, Katie, and Kikkan after a great (and dry!) three hour skate ski last weekend.  Training with others is the best.  Never underestimate the power of having a team!

That's it for now - more to come so stay tuned! 

Holly :)