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

Listen Feel Listen

Hello Tree Hugger's! The season has started, but I wouldn't say it's in full swing. Eric Hayes, a memorial race, held on my home hill has been moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Mother Nature hasn't been bringing us the snow needed to hold some training on home turf. Therefore, going into the race next week is going to be an eye opener. I'm thinking...new skis, new radius, different venue, no gate training...how am I going to pull this one off? Keeping my mind in the right place even if things don't work out will be important. Luck won't cut it, just approaching it just alike you've been in the flow for a while. There's some nerve coming into racer ready...10...5...4...3...2...1 Go! This will be a completely different situation than ever before. It's time to make the best of it; take advantage of scared and complaining teammates.  Put everything out there, and tree's will always be there.  Something that doesn't make a sound unless someone is there to listen.

Changes have been made and my skiing is completely different. Being able to work with some of the same coaches, but also different perspectives has been game changing. New topics have arisen and been THE FOCUS. I've been working on a narrower stance and flexion. Let me explain, through my exploration during the 2 weeks of free skiing I have gotten a better understanding of EVERYTHING! Through drills incorporating stance I have learned having to big of a stance will only allow so much angulation, and too narrow same thing. Keeping my stance narrower will allow better positioning for flexion and movement. Along with easier and full angulation. That is if I keep from dropping my hip into the turn and pressure too quickly. To do this I need to become more square and trusting the ski. My 185 FIS GS with a 27 meter radius skis are all about feel. Listening to the ski, and you'll know whether your doing something correct or wrong immediately. There's very little forgiveness.

Teammates are always there, just like trees! PC: PCMR

I have come to realization. The better your understanding of skiing the better you can assess yourself.  Your best coach will always be you. Someone can tell you everything it looks like you need to fix, but they will never feel for you. Watching teammates and assessing them will help you understand better, and they may be a good example for something that you are currently working on. Let's say someone has the same focus, and they are able to get it.  You could always watch and ask how they were able to achieve the same thing. "Ski racing: 3% talent, 4% environment, 34% passion, 59% effort." -SMS It has been an amazing few weeks, the skiings been productive, the snow has been cooperative, but I will tell you skiing the same green and blue 4 runs gets old quickly.  PRAY FOR SNOW!

BISOUS,

LYSS