It's been great putting the "coach hat" back on for the week. It adds good balance to my life as a skier and I absolutely love working with the kids. Its funny to see the same nervousness that I experienced just two weeks ago at the Olympics (myself) in them now. It really brings the experience full circle. All in all, they did a great job and I'm really proud of each and every one of them.
Awesome J2 girls in the van pre-race :)
Today was the third of three races and APU juniors had some stellar results - both with places and learning experiences. For some of them, it's their first time at a National-level race and it was hard to come into the experience with specific goals beyond "making the team." I can relate to this with my first world cup and Olympics. I didn't know what to expect or where I would fall in the pack. I only hope that the experience has been positive for them and that it will motivate them to train hard this summer!
Sunny day - sunny venue
J1 boys "Potato Ceremony" (Because that's what they do here.) Forrest Mahlen is in second and Jack Novak is in fifth. I'm sorry that I didn't catch the other ceremonies but I was still working - this was the last of the day.
Special note: Both Forrest and Jack made "MOM"patches for their jackets to represent their sponsor!!!
Me and Kyle
APU boys signing autographs for the local kids :)
We have a U-haul to carry around kid's skis and bags for transport.
I haven't taken too many pictures here but this shot exemplifies many of the trails here.... I will get more active with the camera next week while I am here waiting for the national 30k championship and Super Tour finals - Tour de ski style. (More on that later)
Time to move on with the night's chores. I am giving a talk at the closing ceremonies/awards presentation tomorrow and I need to organize my thoughts.
On a completely separate note, my brother finally posted his Olympic-trip overview in case you haven't seen enough pictures. You can check it out here. He has a TON of pictures. Thanks for doing that Scott!
More to come soon - just have to write that speech and watch the Alaskan kids kick some butt in the relay tomorrow!
Good night,
Holly :)
