Reflection

As the 2013-2014 season comes to an end it's time to reflect on what a successful season it has been! Results aside for a second, I have seen such great improvement in both my skiing and shooting. With better technique plus stronger core and upper body I have been able ski more efficiently and faster this season. On the range I have been able to become more consistent and focus better, even in tough situations.

But, the numbers never lie and my numbers this year (in my opinion) were pretty good. I started off the year in beautiful Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Probably the most beautiful place I've ever been. That was for Thanksgiving by the way, which means I've been skiing since late November. Because my season ended just a week ago that means I've been skiing for 6 months! That's the longest season I've ever had!

Maine Winter Biathlon Team in Canmore, Alberta, Canada

After Canmore was Junior World Championship Team Trials in Presque Isle, Maine, USA. I knew going into the week if I had some good races I could end up first or second overall. After pulling through with a good third race I took the overall lead by a 10th of a percentage. Placing first overall at trails opened the door for Euro Champs in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. I knew there was a possibility of qualifying for the trip but wasn't sure until my coach pulled me aside and invited me to go.

Coming around a turn in Presque Isle

Leaving the range with teammate Cody Johnson (blue)

Before Nove Mesto we made a pit stop in Ruhpolding, Germany for some training. Nove Mesto was a great time for me! I had a few good races even though I was racing against an older group of athlete.  I also met athletes from other countries and started international friendships I hope to continue. The big races of the season were right around the corner.

U.S. Euro Champs Team in Ruhpolding, Germany

The stadium in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic

After Euro Champs I jumped back across the pond for Junior World Championships in Presque Isle! Junior Worlds was the event of the year. The training plan was for me to have my best races of the season at Junior Worlds - which I did - sorta. In two of the four races, I was able to kick butt, and in the other two I learned valuable lessons that will make me a better Biathlete down the road.

USA Junior World Champs Team

'Murica

Local fan wanted to know "why are you all wearing blue?"

action in the range in Presque Isle

The surprise of the year was when my coach told me I was going to Sweden. Thanks to my good results at Jr. Worlds, I was one of two men chosen to go to Oestersund, Sweden for Swedish Nationals. This trip was different in that there was less down time and more sight seeing... and curling, so by the end of the trip, I was exhausted.

McDonald's in Sweden

Curling in Sweden

Modeling in Sweden

I met a lot of new friends this year:  Aussies, French, Czechs, Italians, Swedes and Estonians to be exact. All are great people and I look forward to seeing you next year. (I put a translate option on here so there's no excuse for you not to read my blog!)

I am now entering my recovery period of my training plan. My training hours are drastically decreasing, so I have gotten a job at the Glens Falls Country Club, where I will be working with the grounds/maintenance crew.

My plans for next season aren't set in stone yet, but (BREAKING NEWS) I am happy to report I have been named to the National Development Team. Being named to this team allows me to go to national team camps in Lake Placid and Vermont throughout the summer. In addition, I plan on joining the Maine Winter Sports Center for a second straight season. You can follow my training and racing adventures thru this blog. I will try to updated it as much as possible - no promises though!

I hope to see as many friends and family members as I can while I'm home this spring.

Thanks for stopping by
-B$