Monday 27 February 2017

A change of path

It has been a long time since my last blog and there have been a number of reasons for that. For the last 18 months I have been reviewing my progress in skiing and constantly looking for what is going to give me the improvements I need. If this means an orthotic suit, innersoles, Pilates classes or even dance lessons, I have done it….and had A LOT of fun in the process.

The reason I started skiing was I saw it as a challenge and I wanted to ski with friends, which I achieved. I then wanted to explore the mountain, which I achieved, a year later.  My next goal was to start racing, which albeit it a little early than I should have, I achieved and met some amazing guys along the way.

Now comes a different challenge, I have decided to make the change to sit skiing.

I have always considered this a possibility, but due to my stubbornness and my determined nature, I didn’t want to give in. Over the last year, I set myself goals as a stand-up skier and tracked my performance against them. I’ve also been reviewing how working full time and skiing nearly a full race calendar, affected my condition. The decision to change is mainly around sustainability and the impact that skiing and working has on my wellbeing. This decision also allows me to control the variables more, improving my daily life. Fatigue, coldness and hydration play massive parts on my ability to walk, not only ski and race.  Sit skiing allows me to limit these.

I don’t look back over the last 2 years with the team as a waste, now I have made this decision. I have learnt a lot about myself, skiing, and improved a lot physically and mentally. I achieved many things and I am proud of that.

I have shared elations and also frustrations with you guys and I hope I can carry on doing that.







The most memorable to me, would be finishing my first race in Landgraaf, missing the last gate and having to hike back up. The entire crowd were cheering for me and urged me to cross the line. I received an unbelievable amount of joy and achievement when I did that and will always stand out as a key moment in my career.

SO now brings the next task of getting reclassified to race but also more importantly, to learn how to sit ski.

I have a great support network around me, so I am sure I will be back up and ripping in no time.

I have just got back from a week in Arinsal, Andorra training with Scott Maughan. After a bit of a frustrating start, eating lots and lots of powder, I am started to pick it up.  Scott is great and we had a great laugh, he is really good at focussing the mind and making sure I am not trying to jump the gun, before I have the skills…which I am definitely trying to do.

Unfortunately we only got two days on the snow due to the weather, but I really enjoyed the trip. I am looking at trying to get a long weekend out there early March, to make up for the lost days.

In the meantime I am training hard and currently on the look out for a new job as my contract is coming to an end at work. I am hoping to stay with Post Office but nothing can be guaranteed. Will update you guys soon.




Much love
Alex
x


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