tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55883422524063876582024-03-05T17:45:19.921-05:00Sara Studebaker - BiathleteSara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-64959532856622934292014-03-18T11:58:00.000-04:002014-03-18T11:58:58.572-04:00Onward to Oslo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One last week...this season has flown by! At this point in the season, everyone is tired and homesick. There's been a lot of up and down for me, but I've still got fight left! Pokljuka was a great weekend with two top-40 results. Finland was tough, though, with challenging conditions and some rough shooting. These last two weeks have been fun, hard, frustrating and exciting. But it's been perfect and I've been enjoying every minute of my last biathlon adventure. I know Oslo will provide the perfect ending to a wonderful career!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJu2EnuNbC0/UyhqSQtWiFI/AAAAAAAABro/LxElDe4502U/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJu2EnuNbC0/UyhqSQtWiFI/AAAAAAAABro/LxElDe4502U/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pokljuka never disappoints. Bled is the best place to stay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, off we go for the final push!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkgIC08upx4/UyhrC5jqA0I/AAAAAAAABr0/e4ehWTsk2YA/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkgIC08upx4/UyhrC5jqA0I/AAAAAAAABr0/e4ehWTsk2YA/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the end!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-15568134965516928542014-03-09T05:21:00.000-04:002014-03-09T05:21:02.008-04:00Announcement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After much consideration, I've decided that this will be my last season of professional racing.<br />
<br />
I love biathlon and am excited to stay involved in the sport through coaching and development. I know there will be times when I will miss competing, but I am excited to start this new phase of my life!<br />
<br />
I want to thank everyone who has supported me along my journey to two Olympics, three World Championship teams, and many World Cup starts. I appreciate your support and kind words that helped motivate me for the last 7 years. It has been an adventure I will never forget and one I know I am so lucky to have had the chance to take. Thank you all for sharing it with me!<br />
<br />
That said, there are still two more weekends of World Cup racing this year, and I will race as hard as ever! Keep tabs on my final races via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Studebaker/304901386106" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SaraStudebaker" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and right here on my blog.<br />
<br />
All the best,<br />
Sara<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7xkzFzBMmE/Uxwtg7aZJuI/AAAAAAAABrY/q6ax9WXsdPY/s1600/GuyRhodes_USAToday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7xkzFzBMmE/Uxwtg7aZJuI/AAAAAAAABrY/q6ax9WXsdPY/s1600/GuyRhodes_USAToday.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Guy Rhodes, USA Today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-78615797688407311602014-03-07T10:56:00.000-05:002014-03-07T11:01:39.820-05:00Sochi Rewind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PnKe0Wm7YyQ/UxmI6AglOTI/AAAAAAAABpo/vq9y9-0Mjm4/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PnKe0Wm7YyQ/UxmI6AglOTI/AAAAAAAABpo/vq9y9-0Mjm4/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Better late than never, right? Here's a photo look-back on the last couple weeks (end of the Olympics, a quick trip to Venice, and training in Inzell, Germany before heading to Pokljuka, Slovenia for World Cup #7).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RMke_s6Rwg/UxmJGrt3suI/AAAAAAAABp4/gK8VxK1hFak/s1600/Sara_Individual_RandyWilbur.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RMke_s6Rwg/UxmJGrt3suI/AAAAAAAABp4/gK8VxK1hFak/s1600/Sara_Individual_RandyWilbur.JPG" height="234" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racing in the 15km Individual. Sochi was nothing if not beautiful! (photo: Randy Wilber)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqJvjscaGYg/UxmIvQa69tI/AAAAAAAABpY/HCPEq-PwAVs/s1600/20140219_140528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqJvjscaGYg/UxmIvQa69tI/AAAAAAAABpY/HCPEq-PwAVs/s1600/20140219_140528.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents and me watching way too many Olympic events on TV at the USA House.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBq-Wnr8CwY/UxmIyY_T9DI/AAAAAAAABpg/Jf5sAovSS1g/s1600/20140222_192553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBq-Wnr8CwY/UxmIyY_T9DI/AAAAAAAABpg/Jf5sAovSS1g/s1600/20140222_192553.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the scene at Olympic Park!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOZXSJkMGhs/UxmJCa1tJgI/AAAAAAAABpw/1ufHha9AEqE/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOZXSJkMGhs/UxmJCa1tJgI/AAAAAAAABpw/1ufHha9AEqE/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers in Olympic Park...beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ9e6n7B4S0/UxmJrusGFaI/AAAAAAAABqQ/WUNPyHoVgFk/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ9e6n7B4S0/UxmJrusGFaI/AAAAAAAABqQ/WUNPyHoVgFk/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Olympic Rings overlooking the Black Sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd4UO4bnFGE/UxmJwht2wXI/AAAAAAAABqg/3ESFxSFPDQg/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd4UO4bnFGE/UxmJwht2wXI/AAAAAAAABqg/3ESFxSFPDQg/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to the Coastal Village for Closing Ceremonies...and they had BIKES!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zt0QJDGNGo/UxmJbiqDhqI/AAAAAAAABqA/R9XSMmNhYo8/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zt0QJDGNGo/UxmJbiqDhqI/AAAAAAAABqA/R9XSMmNhYo8/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USA Biathlon Women ready for Closing Ceremonies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUYsv3a3ZpQ/UxmJuFGAGQI/AAAAAAAABqY/ArKRNX_3a20/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUYsv3a3ZpQ/UxmJuFGAGQI/AAAAAAAABqY/ArKRNX_3a20/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know that I'll be back all that soon, but it sure was fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDfMwHxS-Ak/UxmJzdMHndI/AAAAAAAABqo/oFowAa8OAgo/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDfMwHxS-Ak/UxmJzdMHndI/AAAAAAAABqo/oFowAa8OAgo/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onward to Venice where Carneval was picking up steam!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyNfJOZUwGU/UxmJ608t_yI/AAAAAAAABq4/kOEDlRauUVQ/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyNfJOZUwGU/UxmJ608t_yI/AAAAAAAABq4/kOEDlRauUVQ/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring had also arrived in Italy, meaning lots of fresh produce at the market!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIHj45dI5Cw/UxmKDshqqNI/AAAAAAAABrI/KtnRP72dHcQ/s1600/Masks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIHj45dI5Cw/UxmKDshqqNI/AAAAAAAABrI/KtnRP72dHcQ/s1600/Masks.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carneval means Venice is full of costumed people and mask shops. What better way to celebrate Mardi Gras together?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now I'm back in race mode here in Pokljuka, Slovenia. It's beautiful and Spring-like down in Bled...even the flowers are blooming! But two more weeks of World Cup racing after this mean I can't quite shift into Spring mode myself. I scored my first World Cup points of the year yesterday in the Sprint, so I'm looking forward to ending the year on a high note over the next couple weeks!</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-31047087160751232852014-02-13T14:49:00.002-05:002014-02-13T14:49:50.700-05:00Sochi update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edlObxA7tXc/Uv0gu1cp-dI/AAAAAAAABo0/Qkqw4PKla5U/s1600/flagpanorama.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edlObxA7tXc/Uv0gu1cp-dI/AAAAAAAABo0/Qkqw4PKla5U/s1600/flagpanorama.jpeg" height="162" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The running track around a (partially) frozen pond behind our chalet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Individual race tomorrow! I'm looking forward to another chance after feeling good skiing in the pursuit but having a rough first shooting stage. I've been pretty relaxed racing here, and I think my prior Olympic experience is helping me be more calm about these races. The beautiful weather and having my family around of course hasn't been hurting, either. It's been a great Games so far, and there's still more than a week to go!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0RlbLy95HUY/Uv0guhuYwPI/AAAAAAAABow/zVEsjuEsHdk/s1600/LukeSochi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0RlbLy95HUY/Uv0guhuYwPI/AAAAAAAABow/zVEsjuEsHdk/s1600/LukeSochi.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In case all the snow melts in this warm weather, we're prepared for swimming races.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qv32Mb7BW6I/Uv0gu2FQF6I/AAAAAAAABo4/Km8mViqHOQE/s1600/MascotFamily.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qv32Mb7BW6I/Uv0gu2FQF6I/AAAAAAAABo4/Km8mViqHOQE/s1600/MascotFamily.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family meets the Olympic mascot in the Endurance Village!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wLaiGJ__Sw/Uv0gv7UoagI/AAAAAAAABpE/nrSu0rbxg1w/s1600/flagsnight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wLaiGJ__Sw/Uv0gv7UoagI/AAAAAAAABpE/nrSu0rbxg1w/s1600/flagsnight.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodnight from Sochi!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-91286482318615803152014-02-08T14:47:00.000-05:002014-02-08T14:47:14.772-05:00Let the Games Begin...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2Hiu8uiBjA/UvaISlvaLPI/AAAAAAAABnc/LVSbEiEFS1Y/s1600/BiathlonPanorama.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2Hiu8uiBjA/UvaISlvaLPI/AAAAAAAABnc/LVSbEiEFS1Y/s1600/BiathlonPanorama.JPG" height="155" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Laura Biathlon Stadium is ready for action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Opening Ceremonies were last night, and though we weren't able to go we got in the spirit anyway!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmfTdTYQP7g/UvaIRmTDPHI/AAAAAAAABnU/UmFC80DV9iY/s1600/Opening2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmfTdTYQP7g/UvaIRmTDPHI/AAAAAAAABnU/UmFC80DV9iY/s1600/Opening2.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stylish in our Ralph Lauren gear!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UW_KPmOX7w/UvaIRpvGpMI/AAAAAAAABnQ/q424UreD404/s1600/Opening3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UW_KPmOX7w/UvaIRpvGpMI/AAAAAAAABnQ/q424UreD404/s1600/Opening3.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the Opening Ceremonies with XC ladies...there in spirit (and in dress)!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tomorrow is my first race of the 2014 Olympics. The women's Sprint goes off at 6:30pm local time, 9:30am EST. I'm bib #74 and psyched to get racing started! Let the Games begin!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1qI9Pe6SNA/UvaIaXP-zjI/AAAAAAAABnw/GSXlVh08jOY/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1qI9Pe6SNA/UvaIaXP-zjI/AAAAAAAABnw/GSXlVh08jOY/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ski testing at sunset. This place is BEAUTIFUL!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JK-clGya1Cw/UvaIg15wevI/AAAAAAAABn4/MSrNcn5BRlo/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JK-clGya1Cw/UvaIg15wevI/AAAAAAAABn4/MSrNcn5BRlo/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USA ladies are ready to rock tomorrow. Thanks everyone who helped us along the way, especially the Women's Sports Foundation for the Travel and Training Fund grant that helped us make our Sochi dreams a reality...together as a TEAM!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-31984827531228424522014-02-03T14:14:00.001-05:002014-02-03T14:14:52.352-05:00The Final Stretch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7QRYOIrpiU/Uu_oiXIoIVI/AAAAAAAABl4/XjQNDz8131w/s1600/20140203_121838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7QRYOIrpiU/Uu_oiXIoIVI/AAAAAAAABl4/XjQNDz8131w/s1600/20140203_121838.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the metaphor that is the Road to Sochi, I'm entering the city limits. It feels amazing to be here. So different from Vancouver, yet so much the same! Some of my first impressions:<br />
<br />
-The volunteers are SO helpful. From helping with luggage to directing us where we need to be, they are always there. Even just smiling and saying hello, they make the atmosphere fantastic.<br />
<br />
-The food is good. I have to admit, having been to Russia before, I was prepared for some very foreign food. But the organizing committee has taken their job seriously in welcoming the world, so the dining hall is filled with all kinds of different cuisine. On top of that, the US Olympic Committee has stocked our chalet with enough peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, applesauce and fruit leather (among other things) to feed an army. So if the apocalypse comes at some point during the next three weeks, we'll be all set up here in the Endurance Village!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qQgw1hmN_lk/Uu_olx-XbMI/AAAAAAAABmM/t_y6xpjUslM/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qQgw1hmN_lk/Uu_olx-XbMI/AAAAAAAABmM/t_y6xpjUslM/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No going hungry here. Thanks USOC!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
-The trails are great, and the venue is beautiful. While some set-up is still happening, the Olympic atmosphere can be felt in full force. It's great.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFygAUDMvPQ/Uu_olhLPAzI/AAAAAAAABmQ/TCLCsohu4qY/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFygAUDMvPQ/Uu_olhLPAzI/AAAAAAAABmQ/TCLCsohu4qY/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the range. Welcome to the Olympics!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It hasn't hurt things that the weather was beautiful today and the mountains make for great backdrop to the Laura venue. I'm looking forward to the next three weeks in the Endurance Village...it should be an awesome time!<br />
<br />
Also...for any of you who were excited to hear about this from last year:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfZ5P2JmoRY/Uu_ofwwK41I/AAAAAAAABlw/fdGFOu8duSA/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfZ5P2JmoRY/Uu_ofwwK41I/AAAAAAAABlw/fdGFOu8duSA/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They've fixed the issue. Much better!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ELFYQSbkCM/Uu_olhbxrHI/AAAAAAAABmI/lc3hSDYYP9Q/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ELFYQSbkCM/Uu_olhbxrHI/AAAAAAAABmI/lc3hSDYYP9Q/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-60013078203341925662014-01-23T09:21:00.000-05:002014-01-23T09:21:35.015-05:00Olympic Journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What a blur the first part of this Olympic season has been! In short, December didn't go as well as I had hoped, though there were some bright spots in the form of our two 8th place relay finishes! In the end, I had to go to the final stage of U.S. Olympic Trials at the IBU Cup in Ridnaun, Italy just after Christmas. Here's a quick run-down...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XJcPtrqoz0/UuETDwp8gAI/AAAAAAAABkA/S0Rc_5s-aec/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XJcPtrqoz0/UuETDwp8gAI/AAAAAAAABkA/S0Rc_5s-aec/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over Christmas I had the chance to ski at my home ski area - Bogus Basin in Boise, Idaho. photo: Zachary Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First, I have to start by saying that I haven't raced at the IBU Cup since Olympic Trials in 2010. Four years later, I was nervous trying to make the 2014 team. There were lots of things for me to remember, like testing my skis without the help of our excellent technicians. But there was also the comfort of being on a slightly smaller stage, and the chance to have some good, confidence-building results. There were four races (two weekends of IBU Cups) that were to be part of trials. The first weekend was two sprint races, and the second an individual and a sprint. The day before the first race it started snowing, well, dumping really. The snow continued through the night and into the next day. All told, we must have received a couple feet of snow, so needless to say, race conditions were crazy. You could barely see on the downhills, lots of racers fell, and there were even a couple broken rifles. I was nervous, especially given the challenging conditions, but was proud of myself for sticking to my routine and executing a solid race. The next day was calm and fast, and I put together a great race, finishing as the top American in 9th place. It was reassuring to have such a good result and from there the nerves subsided and I was able to focus just on racing like usual.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3hrBNBJvyA/UuEgxLSyLqI/AAAAAAAABkg/1GnO-QMBHyI/s1600/20140112+260+Biathlon+Ridnaun+SP+D+(USA).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3hrBNBJvyA/UuEgxLSyLqI/AAAAAAAABkg/1GnO-QMBHyI/s1600/20140112+260+Biathlon+Ridnaun+SP+D+(USA).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racing in Ridnaun. photo: Detlef Eckert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It wasn't all stress and racing though. There was a torchlight parade to a mine near the venue where we were able to take a nighttime tour and then enjoyed a small party outside the bar near the mine. The weather was also beautiful. While our teammates were dealing with fog and rain and less-than-ideal conditions on the World Cup in Oberhof and Ruhpolding, we enjoyed lots of blue sky and sunshine after that first snowy race.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBCQIweTqSk/UuEMLYzfUwI/AAAAAAAABjg/OAUOlYLYPyk/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBCQIweTqSk/UuEMLYzfUwI/AAAAAAAABjg/OAUOlYLYPyk/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torch parade! photo: Hannah Dreissigacker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xJaXWpMLy0/UuEMrN7ZO4I/AAAAAAAABjo/UsC0XcO2DN8/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xJaXWpMLy0/UuEMrN7ZO4I/AAAAAAAABjo/UsC0XcO2DN8/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful ski in Ridnaun as the sun goes down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The second and final weekend of racing started off with a tough individual. I didn't have my best race, not skiing aggressively enough and not shooting as well as I had hoped. However, I was able to rebound with a solid result in Sunday's sprint and put myself in a comfortable position on the points list. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSTcNDm8lEs/UuET_HB5F0I/AAAAAAAABkI/BoqZqgFVFbs/s1600/IMGP2881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSTcNDm8lEs/UuET_HB5F0I/AAAAAAAABkI/BoqZqgFVFbs/s1600/IMGP2881.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm looking forward to seeing these five rings all over the place again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've seen myself on the 2014 Olympic Team almost since leaving Vancouver in 2010. Getting here, though, hasn't been easy or certain. I've had my share of ups and downs, but that only makes finally being able to once again say I'm an Olympian (a two-time Olympian!) that much more exciting. I'm really looking forward to competing in Sochi, and couldn't ask for a better team to share this experience with!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFjjatnwF90/UuEMr8bpXoI/AAAAAAAABjw/AroC1PsU5sQ/s1600/JumpingGirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFjjatnwF90/UuEMr8bpXoI/AAAAAAAABjw/AroC1PsU5sQ/s1600/JumpingGirls.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These girls! Two 8th place relay results and all-around awesome teammates...on to Sochi! photo: Nordic Focus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-83671335252543866912013-09-07T14:45:00.000-04:002013-09-07T14:45:59.025-04:00Oberhof Ski Hall<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
More video blogging from Germany!<br />
<br />
Training in Germany's ski hall is fun (though skiing on a 7 minute loop for 2 hours can get a little repetitive). We love being here because it gives us a great chance to get on snow in September! Here's a look inside the Oberhof ski hall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i1.ytimg.com/s_vi/IzixyhhmVQY/default.jpg?sqp=CJzrq5EF&rs=AOn4CLAB2BJ6pGbifKwlliOv1GVnN79QHw" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IzixyhhmVQY?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IzixyhhmVQY?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i1.ytimg.com/s_vi/H5qFRh8dPxs/default.jpg?sqp=CJzrq5EF&rs=AOn4CLDwwpXIlrimiSDsTzbBh0ZCTszhKg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H5qFRh8dPxs?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H5qFRh8dPxs?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-51657942201554488362013-09-06T07:31:00.000-04:002013-09-06T09:28:45.355-04:00Ruhpolding Video Blogging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Check out my new video blog! Curious about the Ruhpolding venue? Here's a little peek at the range area and a more difficult part of the course. The US Team has had a couple weeks to work on this course, which should benefit us this winter at the World Cup! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dKIVHpZdLF0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Ruhpolding stadium area.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/E6z7hN9j8is?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ruhpolding World Cup course section</div>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-17650403205496662022013-09-02T15:35:00.000-04:002013-09-02T15:35:01.776-04:00Germany Training Camp Is...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...sometimes sunny...</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zC4cRxtVK1U/UiTlZ28B0BI/AAAAAAAABe4/rvycKakkLvQ/s1600/RuhpoldingSummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zC4cRxtVK1U/UiTlZ28B0BI/AAAAAAAABe4/rvycKakkLvQ/s320/RuhpoldingSummer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo: Leif Nordgren)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...sometimes foggy...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6SdAwp3wrc/UiTlidrgYcI/AAAAAAAABfA/1r8Py3J2kwM/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6SdAwp3wrc/UiTlidrgYcI/AAAAAAAABfA/1r8Py3J2kwM/s320/IMG_0969.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan on top of Rossfeld.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...a culinary experience...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXrbLbTxAX8/UiTlscL0JVI/AAAAAAAABfI/j91cpX_-FHM/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXrbLbTxAX8/UiTlscL0JVI/AAAAAAAABfI/j91cpX_-FHM/s320/IMG_0958.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday afternoon workout ending with drinks and snacks at the Alm!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...lots of time on the range...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HtsHh9aaukE/UiTl0bkFqFI/AAAAAAAABfQ/V0HdEIL8JoI/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HtsHh9aaukE/UiTl0bkFqFI/AAAAAAAABfQ/V0HdEIL8JoI/s320/IMG_0927.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys waiting for slowfire drills to start in Ruhpolding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...beautiful...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVE-vYOWE44/UiTmLD5BlSI/AAAAAAAABfY/NZF15jatntQ/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVE-vYOWE44/UiTmLD5BlSI/AAAAAAAABfY/NZF15jatntQ/s320/IMG_0962.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inzell!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...lots of "wild" life watching...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QL1ZDj2vRM/UiTmT7qdBzI/AAAAAAAABfg/Xw_nohiijA8/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QL1ZDj2vRM/UiTmT7qdBzI/AAAAAAAABfg/Xw_nohiijA8/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and Susan make friends with the cows near the Backeralm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...2 weeks finished, 1 to go.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7l-9Mzivqlk/UiTmbbmjQHI/AAAAAAAABfo/rc3gVUVpCOA/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7l-9Mzivqlk/UiTmbbmjQHI/AAAAAAAABfo/rc3gVUVpCOA/s320/IMG_0941.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auf Wiedersehen, Inzell und Ruhpolding...Hallo Oberhof!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-62544918996010469882013-07-14T12:11:00.000-04:002013-07-14T12:11:02.865-04:00Travel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello, internet world! I have been woefully absent from blog, twitter and facebook for the last little while, but summer is the time when things just happen and technology falls by the wayside. I've been traveling around a lot since early June, and though many athletes will tell you travel is the worst for training, I think when that travel brings you to places and people you love, it can actually be beneficial. So here's my last month in review...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwC2Pn5NtfA/UeLJQi8g5nI/AAAAAAAABdc/niUQWKEg924/s1600/RedhookSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwC2Pn5NtfA/UeLJQi8g5nI/AAAAAAAABdc/niUQWKEg924/s320/RedhookSunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset off Brooklyn, NY looking towards Lady Liberty. (photo: Luke Studebaker)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a week of solid training in Lake Placid and a brief stop in Brooklyn, NY to see my brother, I headed to Alaska where a "heat wave" was in full force. Much to the dismay of the Alaskans, temperatures were hovering in the mid-70s F with jumps into the 80s F (about 27C)! I, being from the hot Great Basin Desert of Idaho, thought these temperatures were just wonderful. I don't think I've ever worn shorts and a tank top in Alaska - until this June! It was perfect training weather, and the heat coupled with the drought they were also experiencing made for great adventure weather as well. It was a fun couple weeks training and hanging out with Zach and enjoying the seemingly eternal sunshine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DflC-kDrQ4g/UeLJCSRa_AI/AAAAAAAABc4/JJpkQpWahl4/s1600/AKSummerFood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DflC-kDrQ4g/UeLJCSRa_AI/AAAAAAAABc4/JJpkQpWahl4/s320/AKSummerFood.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaskan summer barbecue! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFqchJsPUts/UeLJHjw-WPI/AAAAAAAABdE/8EYciM4KfjI/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFqchJsPUts/UeLJHjw-WPI/AAAAAAAABdE/8EYciM4KfjI/s320/image2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baby moose were everywhere...a true training hazard at times! (photo: Zachary Hall)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeqAwd2wJ7k/UeLJJ7unIcI/AAAAAAAABdM/YBrMznGW2kM/s1600/CrowPass2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeqAwd2wJ7k/UeLJJ7unIcI/AAAAAAAABdM/YBrMznGW2kM/s320/CrowPass2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backpacking near Crow Pass through tall grass... (photo: Zachary Hall)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETOKTkcQ9Ng/UeLKSHpEzrI/AAAAAAAABeA/eaR2OEzq9Bg/s1600/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETOKTkcQ9Ng/UeLKSHpEzrI/AAAAAAAABeA/eaR2OEzq9Bg/s320/image4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and crazy river crossings! (photo: Zachary Hall)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Cb53ckCSzs/UeLJNbJojKI/AAAAAAAABdU/txVamEtIAJ8/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Cb53ckCSzs/UeLJNbJojKI/AAAAAAAABdU/txVamEtIAJ8/s320/IMG_0868.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pioneer Peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IQfRSYC-7IY/UeLJBrvhlKI/AAAAAAAABc0/K3_kEnloqIQ/s1600/AKSunsetJune13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IQfRSYC-7IY/UeLJBrvhlKI/AAAAAAAABc0/K3_kEnloqIQ/s320/AKSunsetJune13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everlasting and beautiful Alaskan sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just after the 4th of July holiday, I headed for a brief visit to Massachusetts, were my extended family was renting a beach house for the week. I was only able to stay the weekend before heading back to Lake Placid for training, but it was great to see my family and connect with the next generation!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zyi9BaIfJtU/UeLJQ4F1QiI/AAAAAAAABdg/TDqBhZPjJ48/s1600/SaraEva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zyi9BaIfJtU/UeLJQ4F1QiI/AAAAAAAABdg/TDqBhZPjJ48/s320/SaraEva.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Eva! (photo: Mike Taveras)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now it's back to the grind in Lake Placid. It's been really rainy here while I've been away, but the weather seems to have turned and we may actually have some dry training sessions this coming week. Everyone is excited to be back together working hard, and we're all taking advantage of the summer with barbecues, dips in the lake, and blueberry-picking hikes. It's going to be a great month!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkiYRVc3G00/UeLJQ2bnnbI/AAAAAAAABdk/tNIpOlYRyM4/s1600/GirlsNight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkiYRVc3G00/UeLJQ2bnnbI/AAAAAAAABdk/tNIpOlYRyM4/s320/GirlsNight.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The women's team happy to be back together (chocolate mousse helps, too)!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-25834755660511597722013-06-09T19:44:00.003-04:002013-06-09T19:44:36.227-04:00Spring Training<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJOdoOps9Ow/UbURLWnCWPI/AAAAAAAABcM/N41pDJj8vro/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJOdoOps9Ow/UbURLWnCWPI/AAAAAAAABcM/N41pDJj8vro/s320/IMG_0854.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny, snowy Bend!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This spring has been pretty great for training. I've been able to get in lots of on-snow skiing between Alaska and Bend, Oregon. We've also had some great focused treadmill technique sessions, including a VO2 Max test, and some solid shooting work with both slowfire and combo training. In addition, I was able to spend a week at home in Boise, visiting old friends and training in my old stomping ground. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iRDRiiZmxpU/UbUQML5_lmI/AAAAAAAABbk/c1kb1Uwckw0/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iRDRiiZmxpU/UbUQML5_lmI/AAAAAAAABbk/c1kb1Uwckw0/s320/IMG_0853.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lactate testing in Bend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9dlFmia3SU/UbUQZySLnVI/AAAAAAAABbs/B0YDGVsTUjI/s1600/DeboningChicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9dlFmia3SU/UbUQZySLnVI/AAAAAAAABbs/B0YDGVsTUjI/s320/DeboningChicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and Uncle Ray de-bone chickens...quite the process, but with delicious results!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-393o4-dYzDA/UbUQeCNHrFI/AAAAAAAABb0/iHVaMePcUh8/s1600/2013-05-27+15.18.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-393o4-dYzDA/UbUQeCNHrFI/AAAAAAAABb0/iHVaMePcUh8/s320/2013-05-27+15.18.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Camas Prairie in northern Idaho.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'll be in Lake Placid for one more week and then will be heading up to Alaska for the midsummer sun...and some training of course!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGlSIXC2WLM/UbUQs_InXZI/AAAAAAAABcE/iQ4l0HzTSMA/s1600/Spring+Sunset+Cook+Inlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGlSIXC2WLM/UbUQs_InXZI/AAAAAAAABcE/iQ4l0HzTSMA/s320/Spring+Sunset+Cook+Inlet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A midnight Alaskan sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-60194854711100068602013-05-20T12:35:00.000-04:002013-05-20T12:35:00.808-04:00Full-Swing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The 2013-2014 season has officially started. Well, the training season anyway. After a great first week of training in the Alaskan Arctic, Anchorage Spring meant lots of running (and some crust skiing!) before I headed off to Lake Placid. We began with a week of shooting-intensive work and then traveled to Bend, Oregon to find late season snow. There's definitely less snow here than last year, but the skiing is still great and being able to put in training hours on skis instead of rollerskis in May is awesome. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUDxUJFJsh4/UZpOCSSzHoI/AAAAAAAABa4/R4HEf-LH5AI/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUDxUJFJsh4/UZpOCSSzHoI/AAAAAAAABa4/R4HEf-LH5AI/s320/IMG_0779.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April crust skiing at Portage Glacier in Alaska.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4wtFRh-fz8/UZpODEM-46I/AAAAAAAABa8/Hy3Fh3bpfAI/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4wtFRh-fz8/UZpODEM-46I/AAAAAAAABa8/Hy3Fh3bpfAI/s320/IMG_0783.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zach and me overlooking Blackstone Bay...a beautiful, if windy, view!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUooGo_Zs6Y/UZpN4Zzo93I/AAAAAAAABaw/3zEFUn2i2QU/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUooGo_Zs6Y/UZpN4Zzo93I/AAAAAAAABaw/3zEFUn2i2QU/s320/IMG_0838.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mornings in Bend mean great skiing conditions....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIhsz9UYRQI/UZpOoW8oz-I/AAAAAAAABbQ/cbwsaxgNwss/s1600/2013-05-18+17.19.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIhsz9UYRQI/UZpOoW8oz-I/AAAAAAAABbQ/cbwsaxgNwss/s320/2013-05-18+17.19.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and afternoons mean perfect biking and running weather! I love Spring in the West!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After spending next week at home in Boise, Idaho, I'll be back in Lake Placid for two more weeks of camp and then off to the land of the midnight sun (Alaska!). I'm feeling motivated and excited for summer training. Only 263 days until the Olympics begin....onward to Sochi!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiSnayG2jLs/UZpOEGZm97I/AAAAAAAABbI/JrRBvZYUaEE/s1600/StandingMay13.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiSnayG2jLs/UZpOEGZm97I/AAAAAAAABbI/JrRBvZYUaEE/s320/StandingMay13.1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May in Lake Placid can still mean chilly weather, but it doesn't mean we can't start making things perfect!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-55843150778413804582013-05-02T02:38:00.001-04:002013-05-02T02:38:27.157-04:00Arctic Adventures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There's nothing like starting the Olympic season off by working with kids. Last week, I finished up a two-week trip to the Alaskan Arctic with <a href="http://nananordic.com/" target="_blank">NANANordic</a>. The NANA region encompasses 11 main villages, and I was lucky enough to visit two of them to work with the kids and teach them to ski.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DENE7HKNZk/UYIJgyf9LEI/AAAAAAAABaY/uO4Lgjch_7g/s1600/P1040621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DENE7HKNZk/UYIJgyf9LEI/AAAAAAAABaY/uO4Lgjch_7g/s320/P1040621.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much excitement to go skiing! Photo: Zachary Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My trip started off in the small town of Deering, where three of us coaches worked with the 37 kids during their school day and then skied with them for a few hours after school. Such small groups made it easy to get to know all the kids and really work with them, and Deering, which is right on the coast of the Kotzebue Sound, was beautiful and provided easy terrain for the new skiers. I was able to do a "Biathlon Day" demonstration (without the actual shooting part) with the help of my boyfriend Zach, who was the director for the two villages we visited. It was a great week, and while we were looking forward to the bigger village of Buckland, we were definitely sad to leave the people of Deering.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKtd0FGhEOY/UYGC7FyDWwI/AAAAAAAABaI/gWFqUrYALMQ/s1600/IMG_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKtd0FGhEOY/UYGC7FyDWwI/AAAAAAAABaI/gWFqUrYALMQ/s320/IMG_0710.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set and ready to ski! Photo: Zachary Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0keAbjKpsq0/UYF7u-QJSHI/AAAAAAAABYs/qpDUXfXQYco/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0keAbjKpsq0/UYF7u-QJSHI/AAAAAAAABYs/qpDUXfXQYco/s320/IMG_0717.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was lots of racing happening...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxiaHhKAOpY/UYF8c7FzysI/AAAAAAAABZE/IMD_95T1WCk/s1600/IMG_0734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxiaHhKAOpY/UYF8c7FzysI/AAAAAAAABZE/IMD_95T1WCk/s320/IMG_0734.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demonstrating Biathlon for the 3rd and 4th graders in Deering. Photo: Zachary Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvFv0QbP0fc/UYF8eR4q_JI/AAAAAAAABZM/EGnbWLg9rdw/s1600/IMG_0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvFv0QbP0fc/UYF8eR4q_JI/AAAAAAAABZM/EGnbWLg9rdw/s320/IMG_0737.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biathlon Basketball! Photo: Zachary Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before we could work with the kids of Buckland, though, we had to get there. NANANordic's mission is to bring skiing to the Arctic region, so skiing between villages (when possible) is highly encouraged. The trip between Deering and Buckland is 48 miles (about 77 kilometers). Zach and I were more than game to make the trip and were told the best way was not to follow the snowmobile trail, but to ski point-to-point on the ice and then cut in to the trail at about the 30 mile mark. This route makes the journey mostly flat, with one big climb over Buckland Mountain at the end before you descend into the Buckland River drainage. The day we were to head to Buckland, we awoke to blue-bird skies and chilly temps, so we put all but a backpack's worth of gear on the plane and got started. The ski was absolutely beautiful. We saw a seal out on the ice, plus a fox and two moose once we hit land. The conditions were perfect without clouds or wind to worry about, but the ski was tough. 30 miles on the pack-ice of the Kotzebue Sound, followed by a rolling 18 miles on uneven snowmobile trails with a total of not more than 1.5 miles of downhill to rest on, made for a strenuous day. We made it, though, and skied happily into town 11 hours after starting out. There were several kids waiting for us at the school who were ready to start skiing right away. While we were thrilled to see so many kids excited to ski, we were simply too tired and headed into the Buckland school to find the Principal waiting for us with real beds for the night. In the NANA region, most visitors stay in the schools, and most of the time that means sleeping on the floor. So having a mattress to lay down on after a long day of skiing was huge. That ski was one I'll always remember; while difficult and exhausting, it was beautiful and left me feeling pretty satisfied...I mean, how many people can say they've skied between Deering and Buckland? Probably only two.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2OfG2c1hx-I/UYF8f2ayH7I/AAAAAAAABZc/waC43iCiA1M/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2OfG2c1hx-I/UYF8f2ayH7I/AAAAAAAABZc/waC43iCiA1M/s320/IMG_0751.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it pretty close before the seal disappeared down this hole into the water. Photo: Zachary Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nu-1wOkcryE/UYF8fRS42cI/AAAAAAAABZU/IC901NLY-bc/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nu-1wOkcryE/UYF8fRS42cI/AAAAAAAABZU/IC901NLY-bc/s320/IMG_0745.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zach navigating the ice ridges as we round a point on the Kotzebue Sound between Deering and Buckland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Four new coaches joined Zach and me in Buckland the next day, and we set about getting organized to ski with the kids on Sunday and then during and after school for the three following days. Buckland was a world away from Deering in the feeling. It's one of the bigger schools in the region, with about 175 kids, and we had nearly all of them come out during their scheduled school hours. After school we had to schedule two sessions so that all the kids who wanted to ski could. I only wish Nordic skiing had been as popular in my school as it was in Buckland. It was amazing to see how excited these kids were to ski with us, and how much fun they had. If we had let them, they would have skied until 11pm (it wasn't getting dark until after that each night). Each day we would finally have to coax them all back to the school so we could have dinner and rest so we'd be ready to do it all again the next day. It was exhaustingly awesome.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUX8riTUuR8/UYF8uHblJmI/AAAAAAAABZs/EgPIsRK271Y/s1600/IMG_0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUX8riTUuR8/UYF8uHblJmI/AAAAAAAABZs/EgPIsRK271Y/s320/IMG_0766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Send it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3SjuNUEeZ4/UYF8tYt6y5I/AAAAAAAABZk/4J-XgyyQyBQ/s1600/IMG_0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3SjuNUEeZ4/UYF8tYt6y5I/AAAAAAAABZk/4J-XgyyQyBQ/s320/IMG_0763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Kindergarteners in Buckland!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUi5xofa7Q8/UYF9rDhxRwI/AAAAAAAABZ4/JwytlyG900w/s1600/919125_10152756535160066_1788609918_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUi5xofa7Q8/UYF9rDhxRwI/AAAAAAAABZ4/JwytlyG900w/s320/919125_10152756535160066_1788609918_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rapt attention from the younger set on "Biathlon Day." Photo: Eric Packer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So week one and two of the 2013-2014 training season saw me on skis almost 10 hours each day. Now I'm back in Anchorage settling in to a more normal training routine and getting ready to head back to Lake Placid for the first camp of the year next week. The Sochi Olympic Games are about nine months away, and I think things are off to a great start!</div>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-25922455937462207072013-03-17T05:31:00.001-04:002013-03-17T05:31:24.358-04:002012-2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g3WhdUqsOxw/UUWLvxUafkI/AAAAAAAABYQ/rGTa7-sL45o/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g3WhdUqsOxw/UUWLvxUafkI/AAAAAAAABYQ/rGTa7-sL45o/s320/IMG_0428.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish-line in Khanty represents the finish of not just one race, but one more season.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And that's a wrap! In some ways this season has flown by, and at other times, I feel like I've been over in Europe forever! In general it's been a tough season for me, and I'm looking forward to taking a little break, re-focusing, and getting set to charge ahead towards the Olympics in Sochi just 11 months away. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPfBWaIV8_Q/UUWLm0lKXyI/AAAAAAAABX0/MrDFKr3DGu4/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPfBWaIV8_Q/UUWLm0lKXyI/AAAAAAAABX0/MrDFKr3DGu4/s320/IMG_0407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun-drenched Khanty-Mansyisk shooting range.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've had a fun last week of racing here in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia - some great results for our team, and some heart-breakers. But regardless, it's been a fun weekend to end on. We finally found winter (it's COLD here!) and our wax techs placed a close 3rd in the wax tech biathlon competition on Thursday. They (and we) were pretty excited.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuUzX1qu_s0/UUWLnfdZqNI/AAAAAAAABX4/Fb2MXEEWtLY/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuUzX1qu_s0/UUWLnfdZqNI/AAAAAAAABX4/Fb2MXEEWtLY/s320/IMG_0412.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wax tech Mattias behind the scope.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMTTw8xhl7Q/UUWLrUqhT1I/AAAAAAAABYE/enui494ueTU/s1600/IMG_0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMTTw8xhl7Q/UUWLrUqhT1I/AAAAAAAABYE/enui494ueTU/s320/IMG_0417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gara tags off to Toni in second place early in the race.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7Iuu8aKSF8/UUWLuDctW9I/AAAAAAAABYM/CMCWN8AIC1M/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7Iuu8aKSF8/UUWLuDctW9I/AAAAAAAABYM/CMCWN8AIC1M/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty happy with third place!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tomorrow we head to Munich where we'll spend the night before heading home on Tuesday. I'll be making a quick turn-around and heading south for some relaxation and sun! It should be should be a nice month off. So, ciao 2012/2013...bring on the Olympic year!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTPbRrhcAlw/UUWLzKHpifI/AAAAAAAABYc/SZgSVTgtYbI/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTPbRrhcAlw/UUWLzKHpifI/AAAAAAAABYc/SZgSVTgtYbI/s320/IMG_0444.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See you later, Russia!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-45321975718184952972013-03-08T11:29:00.001-05:002013-03-08T11:29:22.796-05:00Welcome to Sochi!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pH46dy9wmQM/UTmoNp66o-I/AAAAAAAABWs/4NX3NTFy_zM/s1600/Sochi_Panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pH46dy9wmQM/UTmoNp66o-I/AAAAAAAABWs/4NX3NTFy_zM/s400/Sochi_Panorama.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Laura Biathlon Stadium; Olympic venue for 2014!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The World Cup's most anticipated stop this year is undoubtedly the new venue in Sochi - which will play host for the Olympic Games in February 2014. It's safe to say that all the athletes and staff were eager to check out these new courses and get a feel for the area, so excitement was pretty high as we began our travel from Oslo to Sochi. Travel days that end or begin in Russia are often long and can be difficult. Gun control in Russia is serious, and papers must be in order (often many times over) well in advance of arrival. We are lucky to have a staff that is very on top of logistics, so our entry into the country was relatively smooth. Unfortunately, we had to wait for all the athletes on our flight to clear customs before our bus could leave the airport for the future Olympic village. After an additional 2.5 hours waiting around, we finally arrived at our house (after what probably would have been a beautiful gondola ride up the mountain, had it not been midnight and thus pitch-black out). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvD5V_7BmlI/UTmoJYcpSpI/AAAAAAAABWk/waTgC6i3Sqc/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvD5V_7BmlI/UTmoJYcpSpI/AAAAAAAABWk/waTgC6i3Sqc/s320/IMG_0359.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan enjoying the (dark) gondola ride up to the future Olympic village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The accommodations here at the village are great. We have a good sized house with 5 double rooms and a good sized common area. All but two of the athletes are in one house (some of our staff is up here in the house, and some stays at the bottom of the gondola since all the housing is not yet finished in the village), so it's been nice having some good "team time" together. While the accommodations are great, the food leaves a little to be desired. Russian food is pretty different from what we're used to, and between the lack of fresh vegetables and fruits and all the mysterious-looking meats, it's tough to adapt to. Eating gluten-free has been an especially tough challenge, but I was prepared, bringing some cereal and bread with me, and between myself and the 4 or 5 other athletes that are gluten-free, we've been having some luck getting the cooks to label things and have some form of GF carbohydrate for us to eat. Buckwheat is a popular choice, and has become a staple of my diet here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGlI9CoHjEk/UToNvU-1ruI/AAAAAAAABXg/4Ub6uXBQXKE/s1600/IMG_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGlI9CoHjEk/UToNvU-1ruI/AAAAAAAABXg/4Ub6uXBQXKE/s320/IMG_0390.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the cabins in the village, with the amazing mountain view behind!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jr98wNAu7U/UTmooP-t8RI/AAAAAAAABW8/t4GkaR9a0is/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jr98wNAu7U/UTmooP-t8RI/AAAAAAAABW8/t4GkaR9a0is/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction is nearly constant here. The Olympic village is nowhere near complete...it will be interesting to see what everything looks like next year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjDVOKhpm30/UTmozVE9qLI/AAAAAAAABXE/_o0vYQpexHk/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjDVOKhpm30/UTmozVE9qLI/AAAAAAAABXE/_o0vYQpexHk/s320/IMG_0379.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the walk between eating and our house - the venue is in the trees in the middle of the picture, and the cabins are off to the left at the bottom of this little hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The venue itself is amazing. The building used for timing, jury meetings, doping control, media, and a host of other things, is the largest ever built for a biathlon stadium. The stadium is huge and well-designed, and no-doubt will be packed next year. Despite having to check our rifles in and out of a locked room each day, and the endless circulation of shuttles between the village and the stadium, things have come off without any major problems so far. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Km8uwFfIgF4/UToOA_2m66I/AAAAAAAABXk/Ohi6y5QvjBI/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Km8uwFfIgF4/UToOA_2m66I/AAAAAAAABXk/Ohi6y5QvjBI/s320/IMG_0376.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stadium, with lots of space for spectators and the massive timing etc. building behind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The courses are some of the most difficult on the circuit. The climbs are monstrous, and depending on conditions, the downhills can be tricky (several athletes had pretty bad crashes in the Individual race, causing some injuries and broken rifle stocks). Working on V1 climbing skills will be paramount to doing well here next year. However, the range approach is downhill into the flat stadium, which provides good rest before shooting. And you can't beat the view...the Caucasus Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to the venue and village. While these are certainly not my favorite courses, I'm looking forward to improving my climbing ability and working hard to better fit my skills for the next time we're here.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53euUzFzK0s/UTmoSTOPBxI/AAAAAAAABW0/ZH2i1w4WyFY/s1600/kuva.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53euUzFzK0s/UTmoSTOPBxI/AAAAAAAABW0/ZH2i1w4WyFY/s320/kuva.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skiing up the first big uphill out of the stadium. The Sochi venue is nothing if not picturesque! (Photo: Jonne Kahkonen)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This weekend racing continues with Sprints on Saturday and Relay races on Sunday. Unfortunately, we only have three women here, so won't be fielding a relay team. The Sprint should be exciting, though, and next week we head to Khanty-Mansyisk for the final races of the season. It's about 11 months until the Olympics, perfect timing to be checking out the venue, and just enough time to work out the kinks and come back stronger next year!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRzGJ4ly9MA/UTmo4EZN4FI/AAAAAAAABXM/9tZE4CS-R5E/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRzGJ4ly9MA/UTmo4EZN4FI/AAAAAAAABXM/9tZE4CS-R5E/s320/IMG_0381.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our fabulous wax techs, Gara, and me enjoying some beautiful ski testing weather!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-56127837644369220252013-02-27T16:23:00.000-05:002013-02-27T16:23:00.977-05:00World Champs Wrap-up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LoYDh_WWaz0/US524tnb8EI/AAAAAAAABVg/QeOqhshAsMg/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LoYDh_WWaz0/US524tnb8EI/AAAAAAAABVg/QeOqhshAsMg/s320/IMG_0300.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You might not be able to tell, but this was a nice sunny moment in Nove Mesto...we were basking in it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_if0Dr3BPmU/USoB3uT_gWI/AAAAAAAABSw/ty-hRdZRhDg/s1600/IMG_2247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_if0Dr3BPmU/USoB3uT_gWI/AAAAAAAABSw/ty-hRdZRhDg/s320/IMG_2247.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-relay team cool down...excited to end the Championships with a solid relay! (photo: Annelies Cook)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YO37Ip4dhXM/US526246pLI/AAAAAAAABVo/AC37dcl9oos/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YO37Ip4dhXM/US526246pLI/AAAAAAAABVo/AC37dcl9oos/s320/IMG_0301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of red, white and blue to cheer the men's Relay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLJgI9wLtRw/US52tWn1mXI/AAAAAAAABVY/_386RHN4sho/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLJgI9wLtRw/US52tWn1mXI/AAAAAAAABVY/_386RHN4sho/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauna in the snow in Inzell! Thanks to the Rauchberblick for a wonderful week!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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!</div>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-4602595232146938872013-02-12T16:39:00.002-05:002013-02-12T16:39:59.360-05:00World Champs, Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHgdOkrT3dU/URqubcLHAaI/AAAAAAAABRc/3aq1pVCbJo4/s1600/IMG_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHgdOkrT3dU/URqubcLHAaI/AAAAAAAABRc/3aq1pVCbJo4/s320/IMG_0281.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and I attended Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday...always fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwUstbLQDd0/URqtLOqbpjI/AAAAAAAABRQ/DWzWpCLZGEg/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwUstbLQDd0/URqtLOqbpjI/AAAAAAAABRQ/DWzWpCLZGEg/s320/IMG_0272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy GF French Toast and fruit. Cooking helps pass the time on our long mornings waiting to train and race!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9vJKt83RhI/URqz_xJbFcI/AAAAAAAABRw/hsnuziAWGSI/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9vJKt83RhI/URqz_xJbFcI/AAAAAAAABRw/hsnuziAWGSI/s320/IMG_0292.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and me checking out the church in Žďár nad Sázavou, Czech. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tomorrow is a new opportunity and I'm looking forward to getting back out there and enjoying the biathlon ride!</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-13024992092060222742013-01-31T11:56:00.003-05:002013-01-31T11:56:37.141-05:00Pre-World Champs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GiG2EMJCFn8/UQqacOtY8MI/AAAAAAAABQs/9D5Dsw1Ecdg/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GiG2EMJCFn8/UQqacOtY8MI/AAAAAAAABQs/9D5Dsw1Ecdg/s320/IMG_0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antholz!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How time flies! Three weeks of racing already done in the new year, and World Champs just a week away! Things started out great for me in 2013, with three top-40s and two clean races! To top it off, we had our best relay result of the season (10th place) in Antholz. It was the perfect way to end the trimester and head into World Champs. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GABHdshzwAA/UQqUaa3cEqI/AAAAAAAABPw/LxwDJZNGofA/s1600/Ups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GABHdshzwAA/UQqUaa3cEqI/AAAAAAAABPw/LxwDJZNGofA/s320/Ups.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty happy with our 10th place relay finish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, we've been training and enjoying great food and sun in Antholz, Italy as we prepare for World Champs in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. The first race starts a week from today (Mixed Relay on Feb. 7). I'm looking forward to getting to Czech and getting back to racing!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_R4gTW7Cyno/UQqVvm9N7XI/AAAAAAAABP4/DLxlVevaRiE/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_R4gTW7Cyno/UQqVvm9N7XI/AAAAAAAABP4/DLxlVevaRiE/s320/IMG_0225.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan doing strength with a beautiful view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vy_13uYGNvg/UQqcUNymqRI/AAAAAAAABQ8/_BLyAgWcVck/s320/IMG_0235.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadows only happen when it's sunny! Beautiful ski at Platzwiese, Italy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWK7tQUlALM/UQqaOnOaCyI/AAAAAAAABQk/OA21Z3KPChI/s1600/IMG_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWK7tQUlALM/UQqaOnOaCyI/AAAAAAAABQk/OA21Z3KPChI/s320/IMG_0262.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-ski coffe and conversation in the sunny Dolomites...life is good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-84339052783064679632013-01-11T08:39:00.001-05:002013-01-11T08:39:30.474-05:00Auf Wiedersehen, 2012!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm sorry, I've been pretty bad about blog posting. I'd like to blame lack of internet, or slow internet, but while that may play a role, it's not the whole story. The good news is that whenever I fail to post for a while, you get a photo update! So here we go, the last month in pictures...<br />
<br />
After the not-quite-winter of Sweden, it was off to Hochfilzen. They had plenty of white stuff waiting for us.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wf3mLXGlUTA/UO1jGHuZqRI/AAAAAAAABNo/Hd9TIaqKOl8/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wf3mLXGlUTA/UO1jGHuZqRI/AAAAAAAABNo/Hd9TIaqKOl8/s320/IMG_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view upon waking up the first day in Hochfilzen...winter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5PD-N-sB7k/UO1jKKZc3cI/AAAAAAAABN4/RPXPFOw7Vk0/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5PD-N-sB7k/UO1jKKZc3cI/AAAAAAAABN4/RPXPFOw7Vk0/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan and me enjoying the snowy conditions post-pursuit race.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QfPgPEqAFM/UO1jHRcR18I/AAAAAAAABNs/s5DBAYqzu8k/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QfPgPEqAFM/UO1jHRcR18I/AAAAAAAABNs/s5DBAYqzu8k/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was not only snowy, but cold in Hochfilzen...parkas for cool-down skis!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After Hochfilzen, it was off to Bled, Slovenia for the Pokljuka World Cup races. Bled is beautiful, and consequently Pokljuka is one of my favorite venues. Conditions were great for the training days, decent for the sprint, but the pursuit was run in pouring rain. However, I had some solid results, scoring points in both races!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRdAkh_NJkE/UO1nBZplguI/AAAAAAAABOg/Fs20v5dv2g8/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRdAkh_NJkE/UO1nBZplguI/AAAAAAAABOg/Fs20v5dv2g8/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful view of the lake and church from our hotel in Bled, Slovenia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGXrUTMXgsk/UO1m6Op51II/AAAAAAAABOY/kxn8ncvxuSQ/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGXrUTMXgsk/UO1m6Op51II/AAAAAAAABOY/kxn8ncvxuSQ/s320/IMG_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SUN! The training days leading up to the Pokljuka races were sunny and beautiful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RN84CXCmR_8/UO1lwsHbDaI/AAAAAAAABOI/_phYL3PsrFs/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RN84CXCmR_8/UO1lwsHbDaI/AAAAAAAABOI/_phYL3PsrFs/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But the sun turned to rain, turning my bed into a drying rack...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wet and ready for some time off, I headed to Anchorage, AK for the Christmas break. I'd never been there that time of year, and though I was warned the sun was never up for long, the short days were sun-filled and beautiful. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and training.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pddn7qKaWXY/UO1t2Q0T4iI/AAAAAAAABPA/PeyciYEJPBo/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pddn7qKaWXY/UO1t2Q0T4iI/AAAAAAAABPA/PeyciYEJPBo/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold temps but sunny weather met me in Alaska...making for some beautiful skis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7VOfoKE5Tw/UO1sWaLx0YI/AAAAAAAABOw/xUj6o_xC2pE/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7VOfoKE5Tw/UO1sWaLx0YI/AAAAAAAABOw/xUj6o_xC2pE/s320/IMG_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun never got very high in the sky, but it was still more sun than I'd seen most of the time in Europe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhQnphsV7Zo/UO1utUqA3PI/AAAAAAAABPM/oWjYpOMXrmw/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhQnphsV7Zo/UO1utUqA3PI/AAAAAAAABPM/oWjYpOMXrmw/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No visit to Anchorage is complete without seeing moose while on a ski!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ce_BTSXlnPM/UO1xU10352I/AAAAAAAABPg/qO0itB1xOGo/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ce_BTSXlnPM/UO1xU10352I/AAAAAAAABPg/qO0itB1xOGo/s320/IMG_0105.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course I did some biathlon training...in the dark. Luckily the Kincaid range is well lit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And now I'm back in Europe! Oberhof was a solid start with my best result of the season so far (29th in the sprint), and after a slight head cold, things are kicking off in Ruhpolding. The season is about half over, and things feel like they're heading in the right direction for me. Antholz is next, and then we'll be prepping for an earlier-than-normal World Champs in Nove Mesto. Stay tuned for more as the season progresses!</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-81781651672483672232012-11-26T09:49:00.000-05:002012-11-26T09:49:20.222-05:00One down...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-BcHBYTpFk/ULOAF0aFjQI/AAAAAAAABMo/AvmfjFslds4/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-BcHBYTpFk/ULOAF0aFjQI/AAAAAAAABMo/AvmfjFslds4/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ostersund Range, pre-World Cup preparation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally, the World Cup season has started! Yesterday was the Mixed Relay here in Ostersund, Sweden and while it wasn't the start I had hoped to have, it was nice to get things underway. <br />
<br />
After a decent double pole, I was tripped up and fell going out of the stadium, landing in last right away. After some effort to catch back up in the first loop, I used 2 extras to clean in prone. Heading into standing I felt good - just trying to focus on my own race. But the effort and the early season rust were stacked against me, and after using all 3 extra rounds, I still had 2 penalty loops to ski. I skied my last loop as hard as I could and managed to tag off in not-quite-last place. Susan, Jay and Lowell had solid races and were able to move us up to finish in 17th place. It wasn't what we were envisioning, but I know I just needed to get a little of the jitters out and dust off my racing legs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCvtER4lLP8/ULOARoijvGI/AAAAAAAABM4/j-LJUJYbTgQ/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCvtER4lLP8/ULOARoijvGI/AAAAAAAABM4/j-LJUJYbTgQ/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the tracks from our hotel. That green grass on the side is now covered with a nice dusting of white.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The women don't race again until Thursday's Individual, so we have a nice break to reorganize. The weather is slowly improving; things even look a little wintry here after a dusting of snow fell last night. It should be a fun week of racing here before we head off to Hochfilzen and hopefully some more sun!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oIlKs715kw/ULOANu8wG5I/AAAAAAAABMw/CELgV-GSXzU/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oIlKs715kw/ULOANu8wG5I/AAAAAAAABMw/CELgV-GSXzU/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luckily, even in the dark the stadium has some nice views.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-73182402691207960762012-10-29T20:26:00.002-04:002012-10-29T20:26:56.255-04:00Never-ending Autumn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnSTJNsaWuI/UI8Q4BR-cUI/AAAAAAAABLw/GFpDRXUaI2c/s1600/IMG_2318better.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnSTJNsaWuI/UI8Q4BR-cUI/AAAAAAAABLw/GFpDRXUaI2c/s320/IMG_2318better.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The women's team (plus Andrea Henkel) on a hike outside Midway, UT. (photo: Hannah Dreissigacker)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello from Utah! The national team is wrapping up our annual training camp in Soldier Hollow this week. It's always nice to be out here in Utah for the fall, and though in one week I'll be heading back to Alaska and below-freezing temperatures, this has been an amazingly long fall for me.</div>
<br />
After our Germany camp, I headed to Alaska, where the autumn colors and temperatures were in full swing. I was ready for training in tights and long sleeves, and the colors of an Alaskan fall were the perfect addition. About the time the temperature started dropping to that uncomfortable not-quite-fall-not-yet-winter level, I headed out for a week in Boise. The high-desert climate didn't disappoint, and I was treated to cold nights and mid-60F, sunny days. It was great to be home for a few short (and busy!) days. I only wished it could have been a little longer. But Utah was calling, and I headed to the Heber Valley for our annual camp. Temperatures and weather continued perfectly for our first week, but we were in for a surprise during the second week. A drop in temperatures and an early snowfall delayed our second time trial race, but otherwise only provided us with some excitment. A few days later, the snow was gone, and week three has begun with bluebird skies and warm temperatures. As Hurricane Sandy bears down on the eastern US, we are glad to be enjoying the perfect training weather Utah is offering us.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaVsgh6KBNk/UI8RAwtMFyI/AAAAAAAABMA/qb_FW657DCE/s1600/2012-09-30+18.21.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaVsgh6KBNk/UI8RAwtMFyI/AAAAAAAABMA/qb_FW657DCE/s320/2012-09-30+18.21.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday celebrations in Alaska! Mmm, pumpkin pie! (photo: Zachary Hall)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--By1ylbugPM/UI8RGI5VY9I/AAAAAAAABMM/7edn98jL_Og/s1600/2012-10-11+11.50.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--By1ylbugPM/UI8RGI5VY9I/AAAAAAAABMM/7edn98jL_Og/s320/2012-10-11+11.50.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part way up Bogus Basin Rd. outside Boise. A beautiful rollerski I always try and fit in when I'm home! (photo: Beth Studebaker)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvt6CY3mYzA/UI8Q-P6LUZI/AAAAAAAABL4/OoizAI7PJ14/s1600/IMG_2449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvt6CY3mYzA/UI8Q-P6LUZI/AAAAAAAABL4/OoizAI7PJ14/s320/IMG_2449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The women above Orem, UT on a long hike/run. Our new orange jackets were perfect for hunting season... (photo: Hannah Dreissigacker)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
On Sunday, I'll be heading back to Alaska and marking the end of my autumn. One week in Alaska, then off to Sweden for pre-World Cup camp and then the racing season will be off and running. It's crazy to think the season is literally just around the corner, but I'm feeling excited and ready. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNhSJhuVyFQ/UI8RMvEQyqI/AAAAAAAABMU/N1Nkmcx6BTU/s1600/2012-10-13+13.19.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNhSJhuVyFQ/UI8RMvEQyqI/AAAAAAAABMU/N1Nkmcx6BTU/s320/2012-10-13+13.19.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Boulder Mtns from Pioneer cabin outside Sun Valley, ID. (photo: John Studebaker)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_2011295713"></span><span id="goog_2011295714"></span>Ciao, fall!</div>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-60114269373361881952012-09-04T07:36:00.000-04:002012-09-04T07:36:17.123-04:00Hallo aus Deutschland!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e6s65nHYl9M/UEXjp7i_tZI/AAAAAAAABIY/pel9q5oVTXw/s1600/IMGP4169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e6s65nHYl9M/UEXjp7i_tZI/AAAAAAAABIY/pel9q5oVTXw/s320/IMGP4169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The end of the summer is pretty much upon us, and that means it's time for our final summer camp...Germany! This year has been pretty similar to our camp here last year: we spent two weeks in Ruhpolding and are now in Oberhof for one final week before heading back home. The main difference has been that Ruhpolding, which was busy and a bit crazy last year with all the different teams around preparing for World Championships, was much quieter and not quite as hot (which was nice). Even without all the other teams, we had a very effective and intense couple weeks training on Ruhpolding's world-class venue. Here in Oberhof, we're spending mornings in the skihall testing skis and getting some on-snow time to work on technique, and spending afternoons cross-training and shooting. It's been a great camp so far, and, as usual, I figure the best way to convey what we've been up to is through pictures! Look for my next update after our camp is over and I've settled in back in Alaska!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szWco8tMlNQ/UEXkK033OAI/AAAAAAAABIw/tlp1-SYbWmo/s1600/DSCN3446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szWco8tMlNQ/UEXkK033OAI/AAAAAAAABIw/tlp1-SYbWmo/s320/DSCN3446.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Inzell, near Ruhpolding. (photo: Susan Dunklee)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PefBmv0FN4k/UEXkkOTfyII/AAAAAAAABJQ/GEISjgW-hjQ/s1600/SalzburgTest2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PefBmv0FN4k/UEXkkOTfyII/AAAAAAAABJQ/GEISjgW-hjQ/s320/SalzburgTest2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My rifle all set for our Salzburg shooting test/analysis. (photo: Armin Auchentaller)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGtlMW7QLw4/UEXjs20NRkI/AAAAAAAABIg/eYXuE8_SLDg/s1600/IMGP4178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGtlMW7QLw4/UEXjs20NRkI/AAAAAAAABIg/eYXuE8_SLDg/s320/IMGP4178.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan and me enjoying a beverage after hiking up to an alm (hut) near our hotel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InRUvKHO_FQ/UEXkt89HxBI/AAAAAAAABJY/wYbPzwdyjT0/s1600/SSRossfeld.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InRUvKHO_FQ/UEXkt89HxBI/AAAAAAAABJY/wYbPzwdyjT0/s320/SSRossfeld.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting started on the brutal Rossfeld uphill time trial (it takes about 1hr to complete). (photo: Jonne Kahkonen)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVR3mKy5x_c/UEXjvzvklCI/AAAAAAAABIo/POouC_w5X2I/s1600/IMGP4187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVR3mKy5x_c/UEXjvzvklCI/AAAAAAAABIo/POouC_w5X2I/s320/IMGP4187.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful view while out on a mountain bike ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--p0eXf0zMYE/UEXkNsXfeaI/AAAAAAAABI4/hg5xnDIagAU/s1600/DSCN3451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--p0eXf0zMYE/UEXkNsXfeaI/AAAAAAAABI4/hg5xnDIagAU/s320/DSCN3451.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running near Inzell. (photo: Susan Dunklee)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QfnX0BzYYk/UEXkQwSd-BI/AAAAAAAABJA/FLuWFSYmvfE/s1600/DSCN3464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QfnX0BzYYk/UEXkQwSd-BI/AAAAAAAABJA/FLuWFSYmvfE/s320/DSCN3464.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainpolding! Actually, the weather was mostly very nice. (photo: Susan Dunklee)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNBxDqFF7-s/UEXkVk4Kb8I/AAAAAAAABJI/w1MmSvUdzHw/s1600/DSCN3482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNBxDqFF7-s/UEXkVk4Kb8I/AAAAAAAABJI/w1MmSvUdzHw/s320/DSCN3482.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Oberhof Skihall. (photo: Susan Dunklee)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-66123881738129010982012-07-27T20:30:00.002-04:002012-07-27T20:30:27.740-04:00Olympic Time Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I sit watching the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies, I can't help but remember my experiences two years ago in Vancouver...and my dreams of success in two year in Sochi. The Olympics are a great reminder to us winter athletes of what we're working for, and over the next 17 days, I intend to soak in the Olympic spirit from London and let it inspire me to push harder to reach my goals. Only 559 days until Sochi 2014...<br />
<br />
I haven't been great about posting lately, so here's some pictures. To get more frequent updates, don't forget to <a href="https://twitter.com/SaraStudebaker" target="_blank">follow me</a> on Twitter and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Studebaker/304901386106?ref=tn_tnmn" target="_blank">become a fan</a> on facebook!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxKsuZT7ra4/UBMuUXTxMYI/AAAAAAAABIA/AqrLAgtURt0/s1600/2012-06-09+14.24.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxKsuZT7ra4/UBMuUXTxMYI/AAAAAAAABIA/AqrLAgtURt0/s320/2012-06-09+14.24.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtpkLHRBs8U/UBMucUVRL-I/AAAAAAAABII/sB4WiRlWkFU/s1600/2012-06-15+15.05.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtpkLHRBs8U/UBMucUVRL-I/AAAAAAAABII/sB4WiRlWkFU/s320/2012-06-15+15.05.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gardening...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jf9pO1qGZ5A/UBMrgWCgu3I/AAAAAAAABHc/qhPLJB8cPQU/s1600/2012-06-17+19.10.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jf9pO1qGZ5A/UBMrgWCgu3I/AAAAAAAABHc/qhPLJB8cPQU/s320/2012-06-17+19.10.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and site-seeing in Alaska.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icZmNukeqtQ/UBMskFOEVYI/AAAAAAAABH4/fpE1S1VBwAc/s1600/AK+Range2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icZmNukeqtQ/UBMskFOEVYI/AAAAAAAABH4/fpE1S1VBwAc/s320/AK+Range2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping out some of the next generation of biathletes in Anchorage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUHlTFsCvxE/UBMrmsWhyDI/AAAAAAAABHk/u0YqYYgXOUc/s1600/2012-07-02+19.04.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUHlTFsCvxE/UBMrmsWhyDI/AAAAAAAABHk/u0YqYYgXOUc/s320/2012-07-02+19.04.11.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out with family...the next generation is due in October!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-ARn8JVmYg/UBMroLnpGDI/AAAAAAAABHs/znJdGICXmnA/s1600/2012-07-09+20.44.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-ARn8JVmYg/UBMroLnpGDI/AAAAAAAABHs/znJdGICXmnA/s320/2012-07-09+20.44.55.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing through Hanover to say hello to my alma mater!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1KRIoqp_UDE1hXgoK6ViSgHK0xa9Q_Q6PNmZ6Ms0iPZDirCLa50dPZ1cPBKuZ_KfMC2MYS5khLdt1Q2a43Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And of course, some time trial races in Jericho, VT.</span></div>
</div>Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588342252406387658.post-55801379900683126272012-05-23T00:29:00.000-04:002012-05-23T00:29:18.298-04:00Bend in Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With only 3 more days left in beautiful Bend, Oregon, there's not much to report except positives. The skiing has been great, the weather mostly fabulous, and the company perfect. I even got to spend a couple days with my parents, whom I haven't seen since January. All in all, it's been a successful trip...hopefully the last 3 days won't disappoint!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLDaK9TJQSQ/T7xlpTbcBTI/AAAAAAAABHA/z6DLet1XQ9o/s1600/Rainbow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLDaK9TJQSQ/T7xlpTbcBTI/AAAAAAAABHA/z6DLet1XQ9o/s320/Rainbow.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of rainy afternoons have made for perfect rainbow weather...this one was pretty amazing. Photo: Jonne Kahkonen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrsnioJ8sIQ/T7xlr5GwlNI/AAAAAAAABHI/D3uHtVIrBkQ/s1600/S&A_Bend2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrsnioJ8sIQ/T7xlr5GwlNI/AAAAAAAABHI/D3uHtVIrBkQ/s320/S&A_Bend2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annelies and me on a run down by the Deschutes River. Photo: Lowell Bailey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvZtKF9k87I/T7xlt1hFzEI/AAAAAAAABHQ/3XA_oDENQ88/s1600/Team_Bend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvZtKF9k87I/T7xlt1hFzEI/AAAAAAAABHQ/3XA_oDENQ88/s320/Team_Bend.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team! Can it get any more beautiful? Photo courtesy of Lowell Bailey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxDbXizT_m-ogStiQJUUq0FIQNRO3FK0z5zQV76HJQ-f74N1neI8GcucGeQc2S8o8WUN4XknD7P3MgN0Y0ZSA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Of course, we've been doing a lot of technique work...I think the coaches make up new drills just based on what will entertain them most. ;)</span></div>
</div>Sara Studebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203130102343925535noreply@blogger.com0