The season is off to a good start.

It was time to pack up again and head to Summit County, Colorado.  The U.S. Adaptive Ski Team (USAST) coaches put on a great camp at Copper Mountain for the athletes to train before the NorAm (North American) races.

We had 10 days of training with giant slalom, slalom, and a couple really early mornings with Super G training. We definitely had obstacles to overcome due to cold weather conditions. I actually got frostbite in both of my pinky toes. This is pain I have never experienced before... but it is time to toughen up and worry about things I can change. It was great to have the team together working hard and preparing for this upcoming season.

The Hartford Ski Spectacular is an amazing event put on for wounded warriors and future stars of adaptive skiing. Each athlete on the USAST mentored a young athlete. This is an experience I truly enjoy. I spent my time mentoring Lindsay Ball a young girl with courage and strength. She does not give up. She too is visually impaired and wants to compete in the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. Congratulations Lindsay on your races.  There are a number of future Paralympians I love spending time with. I make sure to stay in touch throughout the year with all of them.

After the Hartford it was on to the races. We had a slalom and GS at Copper Mountain, and then packed up and headed to Winter Park, Colorado for three more races. I have to admit I was pretty worn out by the time the races started. Again it was time to toughen up and focus on the races.

Copper Race Results:

Giant Slalom - Gold
It was a good race. I definitely did not feel like it was my strongest skiing.

Slalom - DNF (did not finish)
First run I was in second place. Went "ALL OUT" in second run in hopes to recover some time and crashed going into a hairpin turn.

Winter Park Race Results:

Super G- Gold
We skied strong and fast. It was awesome. I love speed. J

Super G2 - Gold
Again, another good day.
I felt like the top part of the coarse I was in slow motion... but I picked up the pace and had fun.

Super Combined - Gold
Another victory!!!

It is so nice having my husband as my guide. I trust in him and want to become the best visually impaired team together. Our teammates had a lot of success too. USA had a great North American race series.

Now we are taking some needed time off. Spend quality time with our son Brocton, and to rest and prepare for the World Cups in Europe. I have never been to Europe before. There are a lot of new beginnings for us this season. We will be gone for 3 weeks with 11 total races: 7 in Austria, and 4 in Italy.

Rob and I are very excited about these races. Now we are up against the best in the world. We have only competed in one World Cup series, last season. Our hopes are to medal and be strong contenders for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Team Vision4Gold is so thankful to our friends, family, and sponsors.

We hope that everyone has a joyous holiday season; with laughter, love, and happiness.