Right well…where to start ?
I am currently sat waiting for the ferry back to Hull after
an awesome few days in Landgraaf for the start of the ski season. My legs hurt and I am tired but I can’t stop
smiling.
This week was the opening of the 15/16 season with two indoor
slalom races over two days. We arrived at Snowworld on Sunday. I was eager to get out on the snow and get
some practice in the gates and more importantly on my achilles heel….the start
ramp.
We started training on Monday, much to my dismay the start
ramp was roped off and we were unable to train on it. The days training was
frustrating due to poor snow conditions. The snow was sugary, which to the
non-skier meant that it was hard work to get the skis to work efficiently and
it was difficult to actually turn. After a few crashes and moving the course to
firmer ground, I regained some confidence but was still nervous about the race
approaching….. It was a long night.
On the day of the first race we awoke to the delights of a 6
am morning activation session. I felt knackered and my body didn’t seem to be
moving. I tried to alleviate this by stretching and working on jumping/movement
patterns to get my body reacting quicker. In Landgraaf due to the size of the
venue you have to complete three runs of two courses, unlike the usual two runs
of two courses. During inspection I took the opportunity to try the start ramp
to plan an approach, being too tentative I overshot it and crashed. This didn’t
help my confidence. The course itself looked good and it wasn’t unlike many of
the courses I have skied in training.
The race started, I felt sick, I had MANY a nervous wee (not
easy in ski gear). I finally lined up in the start gate, my number about to be
called. I was doing everything I could to relax. John Clark (coach) gave me some advice for
the start gate to give me direction for the first turn. I dropped my riggers
into ski mode, the time wand was moved over and it was my time to drop in. I dropped in, eyes fixated on the first turn,
driving my outside rigger through the turn I made it round!!! Huge sigh of relief, my attention immediately
fixated on the next turn and the next. I was taking it steady but I just wanted
to finish. It wasn’t the best I have
skied but I made it down, the crowd was cheering me on and I felt a huge weight
lift of my shoulders.
The next run, I built on my confidence, letting the skis
run, I could feel my confidence coming. The start gate was no longer an issue
and I could focus on the course. I got down much quicker.
The final run. This would determine If I finished the race
or not. I felt nervous but I knew I could ski the course. Aiming for a finish rather than a time meant I
was starting at the back of the pack, so the course was quite cut up and icy in
places. I dropped in, heart racing, taking it steady I made my down the course,
trying my best to stay in control. I neared the bottom, next to last gate my
leg went into spasm and I slid, missing the gate. Cussing profusely to myself,
I flicked my riggers into crutch mode and started the long push. My fellow team mates were screaming at me to
push from the bottom. I made it back up
to the gate and dropped back onto the course, making it round the last gate. I pointed
my skis for the finish and crossed the line. I was hit with a huge sense of
elation, relief and sense of achievement. My teammates and parents all joined
me for a hug…It felt awesome. It wasn’t the best I could ski but my goal was to
finish and I had achieved that :)
The second race came round, enthused with a new sense of
confidence, I felt much more comfortable taking a faster line. My goal for this
day was to get under one minute per run. I dropped in taking a much straighter
line and letting the skis run. I finished my first run, finishing at 53 seconds
(way under my one minute target, I was happy.) My next two runs were around a
similar time and I was over the moon. Overall, I was around 50 seconds faster
on the second day compared to the first day. I was a lot happier with this time
but stillroom for improvement.
Words cannot describe how happy I am with this week and how
much confidence this has given me in my own skiing ability. I achieved my goal
and finished two races. My next goal is to finish again…but faster ;)
It has been a long time coming reaching this goal but the
hard work has paid off and has motivated me to keep on working to achieve my
goals. I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without the support of my
family, friends, coaches and team mates. You have all been a great motivator
and supporter in my journey so far and I hope you stand by me for many years to
come, Thanks again :)
My next race is mid December in Pitztal (Austria), no doubt
I will update you again then :)
Thanks
Alex
x
Photos courtesy of Charlie Booker
