Hello 2011!

It seems like just a short time ago that I was welcoming in 2010 and imagining the possibilities it could bring...how time passes! A lot has happened in just one year; I've met and surpassed many of my personal goals and seen some great things happen within the US Biathlon Women's Team. I can't wait to see what 2011 brings...let's hope the successes and excitement keep coming!

I'm currently in Oberhof, Germany, site of World Cup 4. Laura Spector and I will race the sprint race on Saturday, but since it's back to only two of us, we won't have a relay team tomorrow. Since we only have one race, we're treating this week as an extension of our holiday training block. Laura and I were both in Ridnaun, Italy, along with my boyfriend Zach Hall, who is competing in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic this weekend for a chance to make the World Cup team. It was a great couple weeks of training-a rarity for us during the winter. We race so much that often we end the season slightly out of shape since we've been racing and not really training. With World Championships being so late this year, it was really important for us to get in some good mid-season training, and Ridnaun was the perfect place. Thanks to Gabriel and his family at the Landhaus Rainer for a great place and warm hospitality! There were too many wonderful experiences to mention, so hopefully you'll enjoy some pictures instead!

On an off day, we took a trip into the small town of Vipeteno/Sterzing to check out their Christmas Market.

We had a few cloudy days in the beginning of our vacation, but it was still beautiful.

The trails went through small villages and around a couple hills with churches on top.

Most days were sunny, though, which made for beautiful training and happy athletes!

Beautiful Val Ridanna.

A mini smörgåsbord on Christmas Eve!

View down the valley from the trailhead...though you could really jump on the trails from anywhere!

Happy New Year 2011!!