Fall has got to be one of the mentally toughest periods for training of the entire year. Getting to the 6-7 month mark into training season, I am just ready to race and begin the season. For me personally, this fall was one of the toughest training-wise, physically and mentally. Had a lot of personal stuff happen and nagging pains made the focus on training more difficult than normal. And I was beginning to realize it had been a long 2 months since I had been genuinely happy, had a genuine smile on my face, I was just not having it … and I think it wore off a little on my training and focus. Through October I had workouts for the first time where I just could not focus on my workout goals, which was a bizarre sensation. Training is usually a nice escape for me and I can give every workout 100% focus and there was nothing else in the world that concerned but my goal of the workout, but there were blocks of workouts in the past month or so that it was just not happening no matter how hard I tried. Overall I was not happy with how I personally did some of my workouts in the fall. I don't believe that it was low quality training, still did all the hours, I just didn't train at a quality that I expect of myself in some of the workouts. It was a good reality check to test the limits of my motivation and is something that is good to look at and breakdown to learn from for later in the season or in seasons to come.
I recently returned from OST/NDC Thunderbay camp in Foret Monmorency for some early on snow hours. Coming from a bummed, unmotivated mental state from the early-mid fall, this camp is exactly what I needed. Being surrounded by a group of people that are so motivated and want to attain their goals and aspirations just as much as I knew I did was such a refreshing sensation.
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| Team Jackson reunited (photo Angus Foster) |
The goal for this camp for me was to hit volume hard and get as much time on snow as possible. I was pretty amped to hit the largest week of training I've ever done. Unfortunately this meant not participating in the time-trial with everyone else, after much discussion with coach we decided that I would get more benefit from spending more time in Z1, staying fresh, and focusing on my technique. I understand the idea, and I definitely made some huge technique gains and did a lot of super high quality hours … but deep down it killed me to miss out on an opportunity to compete against everyone in my category for the season. None the less, it just is getting me that much more excited to race everyone this winter.
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| Some pictures of the trails |
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| Evening workout because why not (photo Kieran Jones) |
This camp definitely got my mind out of the gutter and set me back on track. The transition has begun, winding out of training mode and getting ready to race. I don't think I've ever been this excited to race, although from talking to others I felt like I was the only one this excited to race at this point in the season. At first I was concerned, maybe I was getting to eager and was jumping the gun on the season, but I think this season is just going to be too intense to settled back for, I don't have time not to be stoked to the max. Choosing the path I did this year, it's going to be a whole new ballgame, everyones been working and grinding and it's time to see what we can do. First races for me are in Canmore in early December, a 3 race weekend of sprints, distance interval start, and a distance mass start to kick off the season.
I still get comments here and there from people questioning what I am doing this year, and the sense of doubt I hear from them is so motivating. I can't wait to prove a them all wrong.
In other news, I recently returned from a trip to the University of New Hampshire. I went down to visit on a little recruitment trip to get a grasp for the ski team and university student environment there. It is safe to say the states skiing is a totally different environment than what we have here in Canada. I was there for 2 days and had the opportunity to live with a couple of the team members and get a good understanding of there routine, sat in on a few classes, etc. definitely a worthwhile trip.
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| UNH at centre campus |
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| Found some broken mirrors in the local forest in Durham |
Even though I set off to Ottawa this year, I am still not sure what path I want to take to accomplish my goals. Right now I just feel like there are so many different pathways for people to choose, and my focus is to be a living example of them. So keeping the idea of going to the states to race next year is an awesome option, but so is staying in Ottawa, so is whatever I decide to do, no matter which step it is I'm gunning for it and I'll make it work.
Which leads me to a point I want to make to anyone who isn't sure about what they're doing next year, going to university, in terms of skiing, or any kind of switch. I talk a lot with my teammates about how easy it would be to back off of skiing and go live the typical university life, go out all the time and just focus on school. And if I'm entirely honest, for the first few weeks of university I felt that way, felt like I was missing out. Seeing all of my friends having the times of their lives, meeting so many new cool people, just living life and having a good time. This is something my teammate Kieran and myself discussed frequently. And what we always came around to, is that what we were doing is so unique and special. Using skiing as a specific example, it creates such a vast opportunity for us and is something I really feel a lot of us take for granted. For most of us, it is something we love to do, it's a passion. We get to travel the country, continent, the world and ski. It's pretty unreal when you break it down. So for those who are beginning to contemplate their post-secondary step, take a step back and really break down what is more valuable to you, what you truly aspire to accomplish down the road. I personally never want to look back at my career and say "what if" … I want to take it as far as a can, I see what I am capable of. The next step doesn't have to be a compromise, don't think because you want to go to school somewhere for example, that you have to back off on something else. If you want something you will make it work, it may be more difficult than more typical and worn paths, but if you the put the work in the results will follow. Dedication's your most loyal right-hand man.
Apologies, this blog is all over the place. I took a pause in the middle for the trip to New Hampshire and then had a bunch of school to catch up on. And my thought process is very sporadic and unorganized, but I hope I've been making at least a little sense.
In conclusion, it's the time of year to transition, change gears and get ready to hit the season hard. As I said before I am so amped. I miss the feeling of my lungs being on fire, seeing stars and blurs, and pushing to the point where the my ears hearing gives out. I'm ready. Whether the transition goes well, I'm ready. Goes horribly, I'm ready. Regardless of what gets thrown into play, I am amped for it and prepared to take it head on. Time to go give everything and kick off an awesome season. Hope everyone brings their A-game. See you out there.
Until next time,
Rj out
