It has been a long time since my last blog and there have
been a number of reasons for that. For the last 18 months I have been reviewing
my progress in skiing and constantly looking for what is going to give me the
improvements I need. If this means an orthotic suit, innersoles, Pilates
classes or even dance lessons, I have done it….and had A LOT of fun in the
process.
The reason I started skiing was I saw it as a challenge and
I wanted to ski with friends, which I achieved. I then wanted to explore the
mountain, which I achieved, a year later.
My next goal was to start racing, which albeit it a little early than I
should have, I achieved and met some amazing guys along the way.
Now comes a different challenge, I have decided to make the
change to sit skiing.
I have always considered this a possibility, but due to my
stubbornness and my determined nature, I didn’t want to give in. Over the last
year, I set myself goals as a stand-up skier and tracked my performance against
them. I’ve also been reviewing how working full time and skiing nearly a full
race calendar, affected my condition. The decision to change is mainly around sustainability
and the impact that skiing and working has on my wellbeing. This decision also
allows me to control the variables more, improving my daily life. Fatigue,
coldness and hydration play massive parts on my ability to walk, not only ski
and race. Sit skiing allows me to limit
these.
I don’t look back over the last 2 years with the team as a
waste, now I have made this decision. I have learnt a lot about myself, skiing,
and improved a lot physically and mentally. I achieved many things and I am
proud of that.
I have shared elations and also frustrations with you guys
and I hope I can carry on doing that.
The most memorable to me, would be finishing my first race
in Landgraaf, missing the last gate and having to hike back up. The entire
crowd were cheering for me and urged me to cross the line. I received an
unbelievable amount of joy and achievement when I did that and will always
stand out as a key moment in my career.
SO now brings the next task of getting reclassified to race
but also more importantly, to learn how to sit ski.
I have a great support network around me, so I am sure I
will be back up and ripping in no time.
I have just got back from a week in Arinsal, Andorra training
with Scott Maughan. After a bit of a frustrating start, eating lots and lots of
powder, I am started to pick it up.
Scott is great and we had a great laugh, he is really good at focussing
the mind and making sure I am not trying to jump the gun, before I have the
skills…which I am definitely trying to do.
Unfortunately we only got two days on the snow due to the
weather, but I really enjoyed the trip. I am looking at trying to get a long
weekend out there early March, to make up for the lost days.
In the meantime I am training hard and currently on the look
out for a new job as my contract is coming to an end at work. I am hoping to
stay with Post Office but nothing can be guaranteed. Will update you guys soon.
Much love
Alex
x
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