Living Moment to Moment

Hey Tree Huggers! I never understood how something could go so wrong so fast, and not get better just as fast. As humans, we think and think about everything. When something goes wrong we think a lot about it. You may only take one step backwards but have to take four forward to get back to where you were. I have been learning more about confidence lately and how to bring yourself back. It turns out fear is caused by less self confidence. To avoid negative self talk you need to focus on the positive.

GoPro Training; Left to Right Alyssa, Liza, Gabby

Right before Bogus I fell jump training and ended up getting slightly injured but mostly terrified. I guess I was pretty scared before the jump training but it just pushed me over the edge. I was questioning even racing at Bogus before the race, in the start, during the race, and repeat. Once I finished I was so relieved and excited I finished. The time and place didn't even matter, but I do wish I did better. Coming back from that mental rockbottom I have been trying to go from point D-A all at once, but have learned it will come over time. Something that is on the right track currently, and with the amazing support of my teammates and coaches. I'm back in it and really excited for WinterPark!!

I have learned these exercises from Sports Phycology. One for focus and the other to stay positive and take pride in the daily successes from daily goals that are set.

FOCUS 5321: these all uses different aspects of focus.
Broad External for 5 minutes: close your eyes; focus on the sounds around you without letting you mind get distracted in thought.
Broad Internal for 3 minutes: close your eyes; focus on how you are feeling physically and what is happening inside your body without letting you mind wander.
Narrow External for 2 minutes: find a small object; focus on every single detail of that object without any distractions
Narrow Internal for 1 minute: close your eyes; focus on absolutely nothing just like when you space out and keep from thinking about anything else or any distractions. THINK ABOUT NOTHING

DAILY GOALS:
- What is my goal today?
- Did I achieve this goal? If so, how?
- What was good about today?
- Is there a new goal/approach for tomorrow?

These I have just recently started to try. I will let you know how it goes.

Yes, these are the mens bibs...so the guys looked like they were wearing baby bibs!
Left to Right: Julia, Char, Bridey, Kati, Liza, Shaye, Sicily, Alyssa, Ava

BISOUS,
LYSS

Season of a Lifetime!

Hey tree huggers! As we are getting closer to ski season we have received our communication coaches.  It was the first time my mom has really stood up for what's best for me.  I have never had a mother who was really proactive in getting what's in my best interests done.  She had to get her hard hat on and push for what we want.  The divorce has been difficult and really took her off the map.  Always chauffeuring me around, but her life can't be completely surrounded by my needs.  She needs to be able to say NO! She has made a change in coaching that will benefit me.  Time to prepare for the season of a LIFETIME!

Season Preparation began with goal setting which gives an overlook for where we want to go during the season.  Do I want to be in the Olympics?  Of course, but is that really realistic?  No!  You want to set goals that you can reach.  Having success gives success in the future!  We are tapering dryland and starting to really prepare for the on snow season.  My Rossi skis are here and ready...we just forgot the lifters so that'll be a last minutes adjustment.  Rossignol has always made incredible skis.  The best feeling is being able to know your skis WILL make that radius you need.  Not having to worry about your skis being able to make that "next gate" is a game changer.  Locker move in is tomorrow and I'm being moved up to locker 14 in the team room! EXCITING!

Forget about the positioning and look at the CUTENESS! 

Life Update! So while I'm away, in St. Louis and then moving on to Chicago, Park City Mountain Resort will open. No matter what the conditions are skiing will be a challenge.  Let's think about what it looks like in New York City in all the traffic.  Imagine having to squeeze your way through all those cars on a motor cycle.  So, that's why I'm not too disappointed to miss opening week.  I will be spending time with those old people, and I guess, some young, that I've never met.  Then I will spend Thanksgiving with my Dad's family.  Can't wait to get back to our supposably "Best Snow on Earth?"

BISOUS,
LYSS