Daily Goals and Precious Medals

Thinking about medals doesn't help before a big race. Results-based goals don't mean anything when you're on the brink of a big competition. Those are the ones that get you out the door on cold, dark days in the winter. Brent and I talked about this a fair bit this summer leading into the Worlds - focus on what you can control and make goals accordingly. It worked well and at the end of the season, I could say that I met some big goals, even if my results-based goals weren't quite as good as I had aimed for.

At the AthletesCan conference last month, Deirdra told a good story about coming back from a crippling injury halfway through her career. She made goals, big and small, every day. She wrote them down and checked them off, every day. After weeks and months of little steps, she was able to compete again in Turin.

Make a goal, write it down! Then, as Jeff says, Dare, Dream and Do!

But...since it is the beginning of the season, I can dream about medals! And what better place for some inspiration than at the Hockey Hall of Fame - Olympic medals from 46 different games! Only until January 15, 2010. I hope I have a chance to check it out.

Urban Orienteering

Can you figure out where this is? Come try some urban orienteering on Wednesday at the Ultimate Fit Centre! Usual time for club run at 6pm - bring a headlamp and a pen.

Who is your team?

The first few weeks of 2010 have been great. I've settled into a good routine and am enjoying some long hours wandering new trails and taking in a wonderful fall in the mountains. One of my big goals this time of year is to recharge my motivation and find enjoyment in the process of working towards the big goals of 2010. I've also spent a lot of time reflecting on the past season. It is cool being in Canmore around so many top Canadian athletes. In a way, it's a bit artificial because it's probably the highest concentration of Olympians and wold class athletes in Canada. But at the same time, the atmosphere of hard work, enormous dedication and the pursuit of excellence is contagious in the community.

I came across this great clip by hero Simon Whitfield. Check it out. He really hits the nail on the head.

Especially at this time of year, I find myself thinking a lot of his thoughts. Mike commented on my training log with some good questions.

Think about it!

Who is your team?

What brings the best out of you?

What inspires you?

Fall in the mountains! It doesn't get much better than this. A dusting of snow to make the peaks as scenic as the come, but nice warm running trails below!

Then home to dive into some squash soup with goat cheese....mmm

On the road again

After a quick two weeks in Hungary, the 2009 World Champs are over, and I'm on my way home to Manitoba. The Canadian Champs start in a few days, but first I am looking forward to the annual National Junior Training Camp. The camp is always a great experience a great chance for the young athletes to get some excellent training, hang out together and have a ton of fun. Hopefully, I'll be able to post some photos and writeups from the camp over the next few days.

Now sitting in the Budapest airport, I have a bit of time to reflect over the whirlwind two weeks here. Right now, I'm mentally and physically drained, so will fully digest the races later. But most importantly, thanks again to my team mates, friends and family for all the support along the way. 349 days to go!

2009 WOC Done

With the relay over, WOC2009 is done for Team Canada. I am wiped! Running 3 hard races in 36h was tough. I knew it would be, so I was prepared for a fight in the 1st leg of the relay. But of course, it's a fairly ruthless race and didn't have a great race after losing time right off the start. When you lose the lead group, motivation suddenly drops and you realize how tired the legs are! This was my #2 goal of the year, so I was disappointed and angry at letting the opportunity go. That will fuel my training for the next 351 days.

The Long Final will be run tomorrow, and I definitely feel sad not to be running it. I had mentally and physically prepared to be running it, and it feels like the week shouldn't quite be over yet.

But the silver lining is that we get to enjoy the last 2 days here in Hungary fully in holiday mode. After the race, Louise and Carol greeted me with a kuruskalac (warm Hungarian cinnamon bun!) and beer. What could be better!

Top 40!

Yesterday was a big day here in Hungary! I broke into the top 40 in the Sprint for a new PB on the world stage. My qualification race in the morning went well as ran a safe race and placed 11th of 37 to make the top 15 cutoff. I was very motivated to perform to my capabilities, so was happy with the morning's run.

I was definitely tired for the afternoon's final, but ran another good race to finish up in 38 of 46. I ran technically well and pushed to my physical limits, so I am satisfied and content with the day. But of course already hungry for more next year :)

We're off to the relay soon, the final event of the week. Thanks for all the support from everyone watching from home and here in Hungary! I'm looking forward to sharing the stories when I get back to Canada.

A relay viewer's guide is up on the Team Canada Blog