BOGUS OH BOGUS

Hello Tree Huggers! This past weekend I spent racing in the beautiful Bogus Basin. It is about an hour away from Boise, Idaho (not really worth the trip.) Lets just say they don't get much snow, at least every year I've been there. I've always like the sign at the bottom near their snow pond that says "No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk." So that about sums up the sopping clothing and delaminating goggles (rain causes this.) Luckily, I happened to bring some of my rain resistance clothing. I guess the weather man is correct once in a while. Any way, last year Bogus somehow got two four day races...uggghhh but only one this year!!

So, this is Bogus's View on a Beautiful Day...

Last year, we met our Sun Valley besties at Bogus in that mile away lodge. We met them during the Super-G's and one GS race. The GS race was moved from Sun Valley because the lift burnt down. Anyway, Super-G was banned because of an injury for me last year. So, I only came for the tech events. If I remember correctly I fell in the GS, but skied okay in the rest. I might as well have gone swimming in the snow pond because I wouldn't have been any drier.

This year Sun Valley stayed with us at the Riverside Hotel; it's just down the street from a strip club...we thought it was a restaurant...oops. Maybe not one of our smarter moments. The Riverside hotel is one of the nicer ones we stay at. The trip began with a training run which was my very first time ever running that course and hill. Not to mention I was running practically last because of the injury penalty. So, I will give you a run down of the hill. A small flat section into rock shoot then the pitch. At the bottom of the pitch the first jump Waterfall followed by long flats and Bru 1. Then a small pitch into Bru 2 another jump and continue on the pitch. You then go up the compression jump Haystack and flat to the finish. Lets just say I went the wrong way off Waterfall and missed a gate completely. The rest of the series was rough with a couple of crashes. Super-G's just not my thing so we don't need to talk about that. I won't have to race it again until Last Chance in April!!!

BISOUS,

LYSS

Faster, Faster, Hold it Together, Faster, Faster!

Hello Tree Huggers! I have been quite busy lately keeping up with mid-season skiing and school. It has been a long rocky road in skiing but it is starting to come along. This season I have finished one of our 4 qualifiers so far....oops. That is not going to help my chances at making JO's. It has been frustrating, but I did have one of my best finishes ever. My points are still coming down (that's good, the lower the better.) This past weekend I just took an unfortunately too direct line straddling, look below. Yeah, so, that happened and it's not the first time, but oh well.

Upcoming we have the Bogus Basin Super-G's. It'll be really fun and challenging. I found this video of the course online last year before I injured my femur, but anyway it's pretty accurate. The video is from a while ago, but it is the same hills and jumps. I wasn't able to race Bogus last year, but watching was good for this year. I'm pretty fearless with the jumps and the speed, but hopefully I will be able to keep it together for one run. I mean it is only a one run race.

Photo Creds: Jonathan Mulford 

Injuries seem to always find their way back to me. Currently, I am waiting the season out before I have major wrist surgery in about a month or two. I completely tore the Scapho-Lunate ligament along with some others in that surrounding area. That is not holding me back coming into this next series and training blocks. When the time comes I will rehab back and become injury free. Lets hope to stay out of the netting and hospitals for the rest of the season. Get well soon to all my injured teammates.

This year, JO's are in Mt. Bachelor, OR and will be really fun! Since we have never raced there, or even really skied in their race arena it will be a new adventure, something I am always up for. Mt. Bachelor has training for racers in the summer, we spend some time their every summer. I don't remember the resort very clearly, but there is a lot of terrain. This upcoming summer, I am hoping on going to Mammoth and Chile for training. Maybe I will even be an athlete coach for some younger athletes for a week. That's something that would be a great experience to understand more about the sport.

Ski in Peace BA+RB

Hello Tree Huggers! So, I have been realizing that I haven't really explained the process of racing. It all begins with drills that are applied to free skiing and then free skiing to gate training. That's like the beginning of the season and then you have to look at racing as if it is another day of training. In training the focus stays simple but productive. It is all about making discoveries and learning from mistakes. We are ALWAYS GETTING FASTER! After progress is being made skiing, I start doing sports phycology and learn the mental aspect of racing.

RACE DAY! Races are rarely at home. Preparation could start weeks before to the night prior to racing. At away races we arrive at least the day before and usually train the venue. The night before races is all about the nutrition, hydration, ski preparation, and sleeping. The morning starts with a warm-up jog, breakfast, and loading the vans. Once at the resort we get our gear and head to warm-up again at the lift. Load and head to the top for free skiing and or training courses. Followed by one to two inspection runs, more free skiing, and then warm-up and ski preparation at the top. I tend to run within the top 30. Depending on the start interval you will run at different times. Start intervals are the amount of time between each racer. Usually between 30 and 60 seconds, but can be longer. It is now time to be IN THE ZONE. A time when you are thinking nothing, remembering nothing, and doing everything automatically. Then second run you start based on result from first run; top 30 flipped and then 31, 32, 33.... First you inspect, warm-up, prep your skis, and run again. In the zone again! Now the race is over. 

Points are complicated. You collect race points based upon the amount of time between you and first. These points are added to the USSA penalty. The USSA penalty is calculated by the top 10 point skiers in he beginning and in the final results. Usually the penalty is below 100 but not always. At open races better point profiles come to the race and get the penalties to about 50. The better you do compared to the winner the better your USSA points will end up. You want your points as low as possible, and there are penalties over the summer. The lowest two scores in each event average out to be your official USSA points at the end of each list period. The list periods usually last three weeks.  Any lower points scored in that period will change the next list period. That's about it for USSA points. 

Creds: United States Ski Team

Rest in Peace to Bryce and Ronnie who were killed in an avalanche this week. They were members of the US Ski Team and preparing for their first World Cup start the following day. Ronnie from New Hampshire and Bryce from Snowbird. Allow them to ski in peace. The ski racing world will miss them dearly. 

BISOUS,

LYSS

In the end, it's not the days that count in your year. It's the life in your years!

Hey Tree Hugger's! As the year is coming to an end we need to reflect on all those fun times in 2014 and dream about 2015. Tonight was my first night out in a while, and good to be around some of my best friends. Memories were made and will always be remembered. I've been making the best of everything and facing challenges as they reach me.

Uhhhh this was really fun! PC: Scott McCulloch

2014 went off with a bang of injuries last year. I was able to recover enough to win the first Super G race that I competed in last season, exciting! Then during the summer enjoying dryland training and ski camps, but also lots and lots of lacrosse. Then all those inside jokes...I just won't go there right now. You'd probably not really understand them; for example "Japanese flag" and going to the "orthodontist". 2014 ended with a bang as well; standing on a lake setting off fireworks and sparklers with friends at midnight. 

One of my favorite nights. 

Here I come 2015! Dreaming of all the fun times to come has been amazing, but to think that they will actually happen is incredible! I cannot wait to see what will happen with skiing this season. Bucket list items to be concurred! Heading to Mexico this summer for almost three weeks, training in Chile, and then hopefully going to Zermatt for next Christmas.  Lot's of traveling this year, and I'm due for another trip to live in Europe.

Zermatt! PC: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Update! So our next race is coming up on the 10th and 11th. It will be a Qualifier, you need to ski well to gather points so that you can get a spot on the regional team, at Snowbasin. I will race one day GS and the other SL. Hopefully be able to bring my new talent to the table, and ski well and fast. Break has been really fun! We had about 6 day off of training, and then luckily Payday opened and we have been able to train three hours every morning! We have upcoming training at the Utah Olympic Park as well, and of course cardio snowshoeing! Lots to look forward to in the new year! 

BISOUS,

LYSS

ERIC HAYES MEMORIAL!

Tree Huggers...10...5,4,3,2,1 GO! The racing has begun! Eric Hayes is a memorial race hosted by Park City every year. However, mother nature hasn't been helping any with the warm weather and NO SNOW! Anyway, the race has been moved to Jackson Hole for the series...unfortunate, but on the other hand the trams open!!! I'm going to focus this trip on racing, but maybe some powder skis next time ;). As you may know, I am fifteen now and really looking forward to driving. But if you haven't noticed there's no time for that. Working on getting my permit soon, but who knows how long that'll take. Since we have a week off of training and a couple weeks off school I'll be catching up on a bunch of work. I haven't exactly finished my geography yet..shhhh.

So, imagine this with everything white... PC: http://www.lexskisports.org/2015-jackson-hole-trip

This series started with two days of GS, Giant Slalom, then two days of SL, slalom.  The first day the weather was pretty cold just some cooler temperatures. I was surprised how much my skiing had changed since we had only been in the gates once....that's not the best preparation.  But that wasn't something to focus on.  You have to control the controllable's, and just go with the rest. Next, more racers came and the points were even lower the second day, but I didn't ski as well. The third day, the conditions became awful. The visibility and perception changed dramatically.  I had an amazing first run, but skied out second run. Today the rain came in, we raced, and drove home. The best memories were made driving home in our rented two wheeled drive minivan (do not try at home). Driving through below freezing snow and rain up and down the mountains and detouring around. The was a wrap for our amazing trip.

This first video is of Mikeala Shiffrin racing Giant Slalom.

The second video is of Mikeala Shiffrin racing Slalom.

Skiing has always been my passion, and now we can add to that. My passion includes everything that comes with skiing: racing, moguls, terrain parks, powder, and everything else.  Ski racing is 95% physical and 5% mental, but can grow to become 50% physical and 50% mental.  Think of it this way.  If you couldn't do it physically, you can't do it. Therefore, you have to have the physical to even worry about the mental aspect. So, I have the physical and usually the mental.  My skiing is really coming together. Eric Hayes has been just the beginning of a new me. 

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

YEAR 15 OF MY LIFE!

Sooooo... I was born on November 24th,  just a 32 weeker strong.  Skiing began ASAP.  I was in a backpack (not allowed anymore for safety reasons, oops.) My first day skiing was as a 18 month old, let's just say my parents were egger to get me on snow. I was exactly fond of of skiing, but over time it grew on me. My parents along with Diane taught me how to ski well. I had my first days at Canyons just minutes from my home.  Then as I grew I got better, and my grandfather pushed for racing when I was 5. Racing began as a J6 so I think that was when I was 5 turning 6, as the season usually starts before my birthday. I skied for Summit Ski Team for the next 6 seasons. Then moving onto Park City Ski Team where I have spent that last 3 seasons and more to come.

Ski racing starts young, and always has. Starting with just one day a week for a while and then getting a little older we start to travel with parents to other races in the YSL series (all in northern Utah.) We start skiing weekends which soon moves into 3 days a week, then four.  This is when you start racing in South Series.  Then merging into the Intermountain Division which is when training has grown to 6 days a week.  As a second year U16 now I will be moving into the Western Regionals and then JO's for championships this season.  The events and skis have grown with us, and of course everything is more competitive.  Skiing with friends and family is nearly impossible.  Plan on having your life revolve around skiing including school.  It can be overwhelming, but it's the life I have chosen.  There has always been a way out, and for me I just want to ski through high school and then move on in life. I couldn't imagine anything different.

Photobomb! Thanks to Sam! PC: Mary McCulloch

It's my BIRTHDAY! No, I do not feel any different! It's just one day after yesterday.  I could get my permit now, but I'll wait until I have room in skiing, school, and online classes.  I couldn't spend it skiing, but I got to pet penguins and my family planned a amazing private event for me in St. Louis.  Probably the best birthday dinner ever, and maybe birthday too! I got some incredible gifts and spent it with some of my favorite people.  Since, my parents have been divorced I get another birthday tomorrow when I fly to Chicago.  I'll celebrate again! My grandmother has had dementia for a long time, and is on her final years. Turning 89 this december. It would be incredible if she could recognize me.  I have grown a lot since she has been diagnosed.  She remembers me as an 8 year old.  To be recognized would be the BEST PRESENT EVER!  It'll be hard to see her suffering, and knowing there's lots of secrets in the family.  But she'll be so glad to see me every time her memory resets. It's one of the best times of the year.

BISOUS,
LYSS