World Cup #8- Sochi

Hello friends!

A view from the top of the Sanki Sliding Center

The final week of regular season World Cup competition came to a close here in Rosa Khutor, Russia! I can’t tell you how excited I was to finally slide the track that was host to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.  The Sanki Sliding Center is a gorgeous venue and although it was pretty warm for most of the week, we had good ice and a smooth track.

The season up to this point had left me feeling (more like reeling) a whirlwind of emotions.  I got off to a great start at the beginning of the season in Lake Placid and Calgary and set my expectations high for the season.  However, I didn’t manage those expectations or my emotions very well second half and that- paired with several poor finishes- really took a toll on my confidence.  I had dug myself into a hole.

The skeleton start

The first rule of holes is to stop digging.  In Sochi, that was my goal.  I once read that the key to overcoming a slump is finding a difference that makes a difference.  I was so excited to train and compete in Sochi and wasn’t about to let anything or anyone take that excitement and positivity away from me.  I love what I do- the speed, the flow, the travel and most of all, representing my country.  But I was letting my results and negativity from others take that love and optimism away from me, and it seemed to amplify the voice inside my head that didn’t trust my stuff.  I lost sight of my goals and I lost sight of myself, and it took several conversation with my massage therapist back home to show me that.

This week I decided to take it back.

While a 15th place finish wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, I feel like I’m back on the horse (and I’m being softer on myself so that I don’t restart digging that hole).  I had some great training this week that put me in the mix, so I know I have it in me to compete, it’s just a matter of learning to harness my emotions on race day and to be more consistent with my slides which will come with experience.  I like to forget that it’s my first year on World Cup- in which I finished 15th overall- and only my fourth year competing.

Whatta view, flying Sochi to Munich. Such a lucky life.

Next on the agenda is World Championships in Winterberg, Germany.  Well, sort of.  First things first, I have a pesky race-off before that happens.

Yes, you read that correctly.

It was decided that if you’re not in the Top 12 in overall World rank, your spot is on the line.  So, we flew back to Munich today and we’ll wait here a day or so for our equipment crate to come in with our sleds and then we’ll grab our gear and drive back to Igls, Austria.

I’m not particularly pumped about the situation.

However, it’s out of my control so I’m rolling with and preparing to crush it.  I may not like the situation, but I sure as hell can win the damn thing and remind everyone why I’m here and that I deserve to race.  So bring it on, and look out World Championships because I’m coming for ya.

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