Swiss and British Championships

I have just arrived in Neustift in the Stubai Valley for the final training and races of the season. I am currently waiting for the rest of the team to join me as they have been out for a week training and racing in the Austrian National Championships.  Before I tell you about what is in store for the next two weeks, I thought I would update you on everything that has happened since January.

At the beginning of January I started an intensive Chiropractic programme to help my body position.  This was following on from an assessment that was carried out in early December. I received the results a couple of days after getting back from Rinn.  The results found, I have a compression around the L5 (Lumber Spine/Lower back) Vertebrae, which to you, and me means there is pressure restricting the flow of messages on the nerve located at this part of my back. This provides messages to the lower legs and feet. One of the other findings (to name but a few) was a restriction around my SI joint which means that my pelvis would only move in one direction.  I started my rehab undertaking 3 adjustments (treatment) a week, slowly reducing over the course of the programme.

After the first adjustment, I was exhausted. I spent the whole day in bed and my balance was awful. The Chiropractor said that when he releases the compressions on the nerves, the body has to repair and this can take a lot out of you.  He said I was his first patient with Cerebral Palsy but my imbalances were not uncommon amongst any able bodied person.  The adjustments were having a big impact on my fatigue levels and my ability to train (not that it stopped me). There was many a grumpy man moods because I had gone and done too much, tiring myself out, but it paid off.  Around the 3 week mark, my balance improved dramatically, my energy levels were higher and I actually felt taller!!! (Always a bonus when you are only 5 ft 6.) The adjustments had worked, my body  was slowly moving into a better position, releasing the pressure on the nerves, providing more feeling to my lower legs and allowing my body to move easier. MEGA !!

 

So what else has happened ?

I am moving out of my house in Basildon, Essex and moving back in with my parents (near Sheffield).  My intention is to commute to London on the train every day. The main reason for this is, I want to cut down on the amount of driving I am doing on a weekly basis. I have, at times, being doing upwards of 800 – 900 mile a week to train whilst still working a full time job.  This isn’t good for my back and it seemed a bit pointless renting a house that I was only in a few days a week.

Right, onto the next two weeks. We are out for the last training/races of the season.  We are currently training in Stubai, Austria for a few days. On Thursday we move to Obersaxen in Switzerland for the Swiss National Champs. We then move onto Tignes for the British National Champs. Tignes will be an amazing event, the races fall at the same time as the able bodied British National races and Freestyle, I am every excited to be a part of this.

There are four races, two Slalom events and two Giant Slalom. I am really excited to get out on the snow and start putting all the benefits I have gained from the Chiropractor into practice.

I shall leave it there for now, I will provide a full update when I get back. Wish me luck.

Love

Alex

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Or email me on alexclarke1992@outlook.com

 

Happy New Year

Hi everyone,

 

First of all, Happy new year :)

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New year, and is finally settled back into the normal routine. I had a great Christmas and New Year, I don’t feel like I have rested but I wouldn’t change it.  You know when you are officially a ‘grown up’ when you receive new ties and work shirts for Christmas :)

On Boxing day my parents and I flew out to Austria for 8 days in Zell am See. We then moved onto Rinn (near Innsbruck) for 2 days racing.  Zell am See is a very picturesque resort, with a huge Lake in the middle surrounded by mountains. When we got there it came apparent very quickly there was a severe lack of snow, but the resort had done very well to keep many of the runs open.

We stayed in Haus Ashling, which is owned by an Irish couple Eugene and Margaret, they brought a family feel to the hotel, which made a very relaxed atmosphere. They also had a hot tub that overlooked the mountains, which was AMAZING!!! 

The first few days of a new resort I always struggle with, I don’t know if it’s my confidence or trying to get my ski legs back, but I am always a bit tentative. My goal for the trip was to get a higher hip position and increase my endurance, allowing me to ski on more terrain, for longer. 

The third day was awesome. We ventured all over the mountain, skiing roughly 20km in a couple of hours, I even skied my first black run :) I had a lot of fun and this was probably the furthest I have ever skied in such a short amount of time. Unfortunately this ruined my back for the next few days and I struggled with pain due to tightness in the lower muscles and vertebrae’s….the hot tub came in very handy.

For our recovery programme we were lucky enough to find a spot next to Lake Zell.  We spent time with the agility cones, trying to get quicker movement through the feet and keep driving forward. We also spent quite some time jumping and hopping, I am not sure what the locals thought to a guy on crutches trying to hop, but it certainly got some interesting looks.

We had the benefit of spending New Year in this amazing place. My parents and I had a relaxed evening going out for a meal and then headed back up to Haus Ashling to watch the fireworks from the hotel with the rest of the guests. The fireworks were incredible and lasted for over an hour, it was a great start to the New Year and will be something I never forget.

My skis have taken a bit of a battering of the last year, those of you that have seen my skis will say that is a bit of an understatement. The poor snow conditions dealt the final blow, snapping off part of the edge and leaving me with very little/no grip.  I had ordered some new ones at the beginning of December but due to a number of reasons they hadn’t arrived yet.  This posed a problem for the upcoming race. I have a special attachment to keep my skis apart (a solid tether), which is actually drilled through the top of each ski, which makes borrowing skis a problem.  Justin (coach) kindly said he would let me borrow his skis. This meant I would have to use a clip on tether to keep my skis apart that was made of rope, rather than a solid fixed tether. This is something I have not skied with for quite a while. 

On the 3^rd of January we travelled to Rinn near Innsbruck to compete in two slalom races. A Day & a night slalom.  The events are put on as part of the Roll Rinn festival, which is a charity festival that raises money for children with disabilities in Austria.   The first event was the night slalom; this is the first time I have skied in night slalom. The resort is so small there was only time to practice before the course was set. I tried Justin’s skis using a tether but I did not feel comfortable on these and quickly resorted back to my old knackered skis. Although they had fewer grips, I was more confident on these. I was looking forward to the race but at the same time I had very little confidence in my equipment, which brought on some doubt in my mind. 

As the light faded, the course was illuminated by huge floodlights, signalling the start of inspection. We inspected the course, it looked good, there were 3 rollers and the snow was a bit soft, which was perfect for the equipment I was on. Feeling less doubtful, I queued up in the start gate. This is the first time I have actually un-clipped from skis in the start area and found this made me relax much easier and I was able to activate the right muscles. Shortly after the first racer dropped in, it started to snow. My number neared, so I stripped down to my cat suit and lined up in the gate, the start referee nicknamed me superman because of my second name, which made me laugh, easing the tension. I dropped in and started my run. The snow was soft and was starting to rut, turning the course into a mogul field. My run was rather sketchy to say the least but I made it down, increasing my confidence dramatically. The second run came round; the snow had hardened slightly due to the decreasing temperature but it was still snowing. I dropped in aiming to get my body position higher and really drive the ski forward, I made it down and finished in 15^th Place. I was happy :) As the last skier crossed the finish line this did not see the end of the evening The organisers had put on live bands, fashions parades and great food all in the aid of charity….it was quite a spectacle and was a great event to attend.

The second day came round, I was exhausted from getting back late the night before, but I was keen to get going. I got down the first run 15 seconds faster than my first run on the first day, I was happy. The second run I took a few pointers from our guys and let my skis run on the flatter section. I was travelling with much more speed but a quick lapse in concentration due to fatigue, meant I was extremely late coming out of a turn and I missed one of the last gates.  A bit frustrated with myself but I was happy with what I had done.

John Dickinson Lilley and his guide Jack Davey finished in 2^nd place for the Visually Impaired category and Michael Kear and Rufus Alcott finished in third place on both days. Well done to everyone and great few days.

Following on from my last post I thought I would give a bit of an update on Jeffrey Stuut. Jeff (pictured right) is now out of hospital and is on the mend, he spent some time with family over Christmas but is currently in the Papendal  National Training Centre in Veluwe.  He has been on the anti gravity running machine and is making good progress. Currently running at 60% his body weight. He is very keen to come back stronger than ever. Best wishes for him for the New Year.

So what’s next for me? I am now back at work and right in the thick of it. I am chasing down my new skis, eager to get back on the boards. My next races are in March but before then I am trying to ski as many weekends as I can. I am also seeing a Chiropractor 3 times a week to sort out my body position & posture. I had my first adjustment last Friday and feel this will make a big difference. Speak soon

Love

Alex

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If anyone would like to sponsor my cause please click here

Or email me on alexclarke1992@outlook.com

 

Merry Christmas

Hi Guys,

I’m doing my usual and writing this on my way back to England after a week training/racing in Pitztal (Austria.) Since Landgraaf I have had a hectic two weeks at work. In the middle of all this chaos I found out some awesome information.

ParaSnowSportsGB (formerly the British Disabled Ski Team) have invited me to become a member of their development squad. This is a fantastic opportunity and it is a great honour. This means that I am now an official member of the team and is something I am proud of.  This has motivated me to keep on pushing forward.

On the 5^th of December I flew out to Pitztal Glacier in Austria for a week of training and to compete in two races, a Slalom and Giant Slalom. I had heard two things about Pitztal. One it can be very cold with temperatures going well below zero with strong winds. Two, it is home to a ridiculously long T Bar….something I do not enjoy  (For those of you that don’t know, a T Bar is a type of drag lift that pulls you to the top of the slope.) So I packed extra clothes and mentally prepared myself for the long slog up the T Bar.

 

Arriving on the 5^th, a group of us from the team got together to save some money and hired an apartment for the week.  This was a nice change and actually having to cook together brought a new element to the team and we bonded well.  We tried cooking nutritious meals to set us up for the day…..burning one or two pans in the process…whoops!!!

Training went well, Sunday was just a gentle free ski to get our ski legs back and to get used to the altitude. Pitztal is over 3000m so it took some time for the body to adapt. After two hours skiing, I was knackered.  I slept well Sunday evening.

Monday & Tuesday I was on the Giant Slalom skis. My main goal for the days was to create a better hip position to encourage more drive from the skis. On one side I am able to put my hip into a good position but struggle on the other. This is because of a weakness in my glutes and back. I am proactively trying to correct this off the slope. I was definitely ready for a rest day on Wednesday; this also gave me the opportunity to catch up on some work.

Thursday brought the more reactive slalom skis; we spent the day in gates. Euan (my coach) had set an interesting course with a camber on my weaker side. This meant I had to turn even earlier and react even quicker to stay on the line.  I was feeling more confident in the gates and was trying my best to take the gates to the chest and cut valuable distance off the racing line.

Friday was another rest day whilst the other team members were racing in the Super G event. Super G is a speed event….unfortunately I have not been let loose on a set of super G skis. I cannot wait to progress onto the faster skis in the future and the team did well.  During warm-up a friend of mine (that’s skis for the Dutch Team) Jeffrey Stuut, took too much speed going into a drop off and landed on the flat, breaking both his Tibia and Fibular in 3 places. Really sad news but wishing him a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see him back on the skis.

Saturday brought the Giant Slalom, it was blowing a gale and was cold. My goal for the day was to just let the skis run and enjoy it.  The inspection looked good and there was a couple of gates that need a mental note. Lining up in the start gate, I was freezing. I delayed removing all my layers down to the final moment, throwing them in a pile and dashing to the start ramp. I dropped in, the course had held together quite well and I tried my best to keep on the racing line. There was a flat bit in the middle, just before a slight drop off, I came into this turn and over rotated slightly, which killed all my speed. I quickly managed to get back on the line and make it down to the bottom.   I was happy with my result but I knew I could do better, catching up with Euan he said I wasn’t letting the skis run enough and I was losing speed because of it.

 

The second run came , eager to get a faster speed, I dropped in. Being more progressive with the skis they ran faster, the wind had blown all the snow off  on some bits and we were down to the thick blue glacier ice.  I hit the gate  I previously over rotated on just in the right  spot and made it round. Making my down to the bottom to finish my first Giant Slalom event. Needless to say I was happy. It wasn’t a faultless second run, 5 seconds faster than the first but I was happy. The added speed took me off the racing line but I was definitely being more progressive and traveling with much more speed.

Sunday brought the Slalom event, we were back on the more reactive shorter skis. The sun was out and the weather felt good.  The course looked good and I felt good. I was keen to improve on my time from landgraaf.  I dropped into the course, conquering my Achilles heel, ‘the Start Ramp’. I was starting to the let skis run. The course had cut up a lot from inspection and I was being thrown onto the tails of the skis, losing my balance on a bump I quickly went to recover but was thrown off on another bump and ended up on my back.   Frustrated, I was pulled up by a race marshall and exited stage right. Taking my frustration out on the skis, I descended (very quickly) back down to the restaurant, to catch up with the rest of the team to find out how they had done.  My frustrations soon left as I realised I wasn’t the only one to have gone out on that gate. I reflected on how far I had come in the last month and how much further I need to go. I quickly came back down to the earth.

The team overall won 3 Gold 2 Silver and 1 Bronze in the IPCAS races and 1 Gold 1 Bronze in the Europa Cup races, a fantastic achievement.

I thoroughly enjoyed my week in Pitztal and was gutted to leave. A few of the guys carried on to Kuhtai to race in the Europa Cup for which they all did very well. The female visually impaired athletes (Millie, Menna, Kelly and their guides Brad, Jen and Claire) podiuming near enough every race, a great achievement for GB.

So what’s next? On Boxing Day I am heading out to Zell am See for a weeks training and then heading over to Rinn for two slalom events.  If I do not speak to you before that.

Happy Christmas and New Year :)

Thanks again for all the support,

Alex

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If anyone would like to sponsor my cause please click here

Or email me on alexclarke1992@outlook.com 

Big Achievements and Personal Bests at Landgraaf

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

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Photos courtesy of Charlie Booker 

If anyone would like to sponsor my cause please click here

Or email me on alexclarke1992@outlook.com