One Year

I am sorry... I had the full intention of continuing my blog as soon as I returned from South America last year, but looking back now, the last thing I wanted to do was write about skating.

So, SURPRISE!

To be perfectly honest, a year ago I didn't even want to think about skating. I had to finish my classes and the previous summer's disappointment was still very fresh in my mind.

I was glued to my TV in February 2010, where I experienced a tidal wave of emotions. It was two extremely eventful and inspirational weeks and Canada dominated! As a Nation we had not only won the Olympics (Yes, we did, I don't care count the golds), but it had turned out to be pretty awesome Olympic Winter Games too.

Though for me, with the closing of the games, I was left hurt and confused about how to approach the coming two months to the end of my season. Still bruised and broken from the summer I had to push through to the last trials.

So I needed time away from it all. I thought the trip to South America would help refresh myself and reignite my convictions in continuing on for another four more years. But alas, I still needed more time.

I pushed the problem down deep and finished my classes (straight A's thank you very much) and inevitably fell back into the routine of things (mainly summer training).

It turned out to be your typical every year short track season, a roller coaster ride to say the very least. I skated two World Cups in China, coming 4th, 7th and 9th in my 500 m distances as well as 15th in the 1500 m. Both World Cups I skated the relay where we got a Gold and Silver. Later on in the season, I participated in the University Games in Erzurum, Turkey. I was 5th in both my 1000 m and 1500 m distances and brought back two Silvers, one in the 500 m and the other in the 5000 m relay. I don't think I would ever go back to China for a vacation, but as for Turkey... I can't wait! I was only there for four and a half days (three of those competing), but it was enough to leave me wanting more. Next time though, I'm visiting during the summer... ha ha.

I'll leave you with that for now, hopefully I'll have more news in the coming few months. We are heading to Montreal next week for a preseason camp and then I believe to Font-Romeu, France for the month of June to train on ice at elevation.