February 27, 2013

World Champs Wrap-up

In sport, as with life, it's important to remember that how things start is not always how they end up.  After a dissappointing Sprint race, I was looking forward to a chance at redemption in the Individual, and I was able to make it happen.  With just one penalty, I ended up with a seasons-best performance in 27th place.  Our team had a great day as well, with Susan Dunklee placing 15th despite a fall in the last loop, and Annelies Cook grabbing a couple World Cup points as well.  Hannah Dreissigacker had a solid day as well, with her best World Cup finish yet.  Despite some difficulties in the Relay, we had a good day, placing 11th, and I was especially happy to turn in a solid second leg. 

You might not be able to tell, but this was a nice sunny moment in Nove Mesto...we were basking in it!
Post-relay team cool down...excited to end the Championships with a solid relay! (photo: Annelies Cook)
After that, racing for the US women was done, but our job was far from over.  We headed out both Saturday and Sunday to cheer on our men in their Relay and the Mass Start.  It's always fun to cheer for your teammates, and we enjoyed getting into the spirit of things!

Lots of red, white and blue to cheer the men's Relay!
Once racing was over, it was time for some well-deserved rest.  Most of the team headed to Inzell, Germany (near the Ruhpolding World Cup venue) for a week of rest and training.  We hoped for some sun, but instead got near constant snowfall.  No one was complaining, though, as our hotel was fantastic, the skiing was great, and even the cloudy days were brighter than what we left behind in Czech! 

Sauna in the snow in Inzell! Thanks to the Rauchberblick for a wonderful week!
We arrived in Oslo Monday night, and have been enjoying constant sun since then!  Racing starts back up here on Friday with the Sprint race.  Though there's just three weeks left of World Cup racing, they will be packed - including a stop at the 2014 Olympic venue in Sochi March 5-10 to check out the tracks for next year's main event.  I'm looking forward to a chance for more racing...it will certainly be an exciting finish to the season!

February 12, 2013

World Champs, Part 1

I was hoping at this point in the Championships to have some fantastic results to report, but unfortunately, I didn't have the start I had wanted.  After a disappointing Sprint and failing to qualify for the pursuit, it was back to the drawing board to focus on tomorrow's Individual Race.  It's been a really good couple days here in Nove Mesto - cheering for Susan and Annelies in the Pursuit, breakfast making with the girls in our hotel suite, and some great skiing around the trails and jogs near our hotel. 

Hannah and I attended Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday...always fun!
Yummy GF French Toast and fruit. Cooking helps pass the time on our long mornings waiting to train and race!
Hannah and me checking out the church in Žďár nad Sázavou, Czech. 
Tomorrow is a new opportunity and I'm looking forward to getting back out there and enjoying the biathlon ride!