SARAH MURPHY

Have a gander at this article :)

2012-01-12T18:28:00.001-08:00

http://www.rmoutlook.com/article/20120112/RMO1101/301129978/-1/rmo/kiwi-biathlete-back-in-a-big-way

New year, New Job, New experiences!

2012-01-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

Well, Happy New Year everyone! A bit late I know but I thought I should just put it out there! I hope everyone is loving 2012 as much as I am.

Training has been going great. The weather has been very, very warm (until today...-24!) so it was easy to go out and do nice long workouts and shooting sessions. Christmas was great in the Murphy household, and New Years was fabulous with a trip with old and new friends to Revelstoke, BC for some great skiing. I felt very lucky!

The races I did last weekend (last update) were great, and it was so nice to be back into the racing scene. Today was also my first day at my new job- ski patrol at Lake Louise Ski Field. I will be working 3 days a week there, and training 4 days a week. I am really excited to be using my Pre-Hospital Emergency Care certification which I received in New Zealand. It is really exciting to be doing new things, as well as making some money to fund my biathlon!

I also found out today that I will be racing in the Arctic Circle Race in Greenland in March! I am very excited to be going and to be given this amazing opportunity. Check out the race= http://www.acr.gl/

Take care everyone and go out and live life!!!

:) Sarah

1st Races of the season!

2012-01-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

Well, the first races of the season just passed and it was so great to be back into racing again!

The races this weekend were Calforex Cup races in Canmore, Canada. On Saturday was the 15km Individual, and Sunday was the 7.5km Sprint.

The race on Saturday was very interesting. The skiing felt great- I felt quite strong and my technique felt good. My shooting, on the other hand, let me down slightly. I missed 2 in my first prone, and then 3 in my first standing- Ah, not a good start! I came in for my next prone and hit all 5- yippee! Coming in for my last standing I was feeling strong- but missed 2. Ah, 7 misses- 13/20. That means 7 minutes was added to my time. At least I didn't have to ski penalty loops! I places 2nd this day, 8 seconds behind Kat from the Academy team.

I have been experimenting with foods and race preps, so that night my father and I had pancakes and bacon for dinner. I'm not sure if it worked or not, but it was delicious!

The next day was the sprint race and I was the last starter in the Womens category. The conditions were good, but tricky skiing with hard ice covered in a dusting of sugar snow. I hit all my targets in the prone shooting, and it felt very nice to ski right past that penalty loop. I was concerned about the standing, so I took it easy coming into the range. I hit my first 4 (9 out of 10- Ya!) and then on the last target my mind got to me and I missed it- Ah, almost clean! All well, I am still very happy about 9/10. I placed 1st in this race, 18 seconds in front of Karen Messenger, who shot 10/10! Good on ya, Karen!

Thank you very very much to the amazing people who came and cheered me on! I really appreciate it! Also, well done to Biathlon Alberta and the Rocky Mountain Racers for great organizing!

Take care, have fun and smile!!

:) Sarah

Season plan....but they can always change ;)

2011-11-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I have now been back in Canmore for almost a month, which is crazy! I have just been training and visiting with family in that time, and trying to figure out a plan for this coming season. I currently do not have a coach, due to the fact that I cannot afford one. So I am creating a training plan for myself.

This season, the plan right now is to stay in Canmore and train. The plan is to compete in the Canmore IBU cup races and then go to Germany for the World Championships. From here to then I will compete in local cross-country and biathlon races.

Not as exciting as other years, but I think it will be nice to stay in one spot for a bit!

Take care, have fun, and smile :)

Sarah

THANKS LIFEWORKS!

2011-11-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

Lifeworks has come on board to help keep me strong! You Rock!

Mount Aspiring!

2011-11-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Now this was a very special trip!

Mount Aspiring

We did not decide to do the trip until 10am that day. After calling up the helicopter company we found out there we just 2 spots left in the chopper, which was perfect for us as it means it is also cheaper! So we frantically threw all our stuff together and drove to Raspberry Hut parking lot, about an hour from Wanaka. From there we flew up to the only Department of Conservation allowed landing spot and skied across the Bonar glacier to Colin Todd Hut.

Driving up the valley

Our helicopter


Up to the hut

That afternoon we went for a little walk just to get into the groove of things. It was a very clear night, with a beautiful sunset.

Mount Aspiring with Hut

There were 4 Italians, an man from Israel, a man from Belgium, and a kiwi guide. It was cozy. We woke up at 4:30am the next day and set off on our adventure at 5:30am. I was very excited! We climbed while the sun was rising. We were very lucky to have a clear, blue sky day and not a breathe of wind.

Ready to go!

Mr Hasler, the brains and skills

Climbing my headlamp

Here comes the sunshine!

We are getting there!

Gorgeous.

The route we took went up whats called the 'Kangaroo'patch' and then up the normal NW ridge route. We made it to the summit at 9am, and had lunch....which seems strange as it was 9am. It did not feel that early though. It was so beautiful! After a nice relaxing 20mins on top, we headed back down via the ramp. We only had to do one small rappel and then we were homeward bound.

Bruce on the summit

Team extreme!

Yahoo! Me on the summit

An amazing day!

Now back down the ramp

Up the glacier

Once we got back to the hut we had a real lunch of soup and lollies, packed up, and headed back out enroute to French Ridge hut. We ski toured up the Bonar glacier with an ominous cloud following us. Luckily is seemed to stop just at Colin Todd hut and we had a clear tour up the glacier. The crevasses were amazing, and it was the most amazing experience just being in the middle of nowhere, using your own strength to get around, as well as having had a successful climb. I was very happy. We skied up to the 1/4 deck and from there had the most amazing ski down to French Ridge hut. It was the best snow I can remember ever skiing. It made for an amazing end to the day.

The ominous clouds!

It was amazing

Fortunately they just stayed there

Aspiring in the background

French Ridge Hut

It was so nice to get here, which was at about 6pm! The first thing we did was make a cuppa and jump in our sleeping bags for a nap. Our faces were very red and our bodies were quite tired, but it was a very satisfied exhaustion. That night we just cooked (pesto and pasta!) and went to bed. Party!

The next morning we headed down the ridge. And what a ridge it is! Hiking down in plastic mountaineering boots with your skis on your very heavy backpack is ridiculous! The ridge is more like a beaten path, and with the skis on your back both tips get stuck on either the trees above or the rocks under you. This then pitches you forward to your death. I down climbed a lot of it facing the hill because it was so difficult. This was the hardest part of the trip! Let me tell you, getting to the river at the bottom was a very good feeling! Too bad there was still more than 3 hours to go.

Down the ridge

Fun times

Beautiful though

Finally the river!

I was happy to get to the bottom,

We then set off and hiked for another 3 hours along the valley. It was very beautiful, although it felt as though my feet were going to fall off. Luckily they didn't. Making it to the end was very exciting, and I felt very privileged to have been given this opportunity to experience such an amazing New Zealand gem. Thanks to Bruce for the most amazing guide and friend in the world, and for getting me home safely. And thank you to Outside Sports in Queenstown for the skis- Without them I would have been walking! You ROCK!

Mueller Hut and Annette Plateau- The windy wonderland!

2011-10-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Adventure galore have been happening here in New Zealand, with two amazing glacier trips lately: one up to Mueller Glacier in Mount Cook national park, and the other was climbing Mount Aspiring in Mount Aspiring national park.

The Mueller trip was forecasted to be beautiful. Murphy's law it wasn't. The winds were so strong (60 - 80km/h) that camping in the wind scoop on the top of Annette Plateau blew my socks off, and us almost off the mountain! Cooking dinner was a mission in itself, not to mention the 6 hour ski tour to the plateau.

Sleeping in the single-skin summit tent, it felt as though the sides of the tent were going to be torn apart. Actually, it was probably a large possibility. It was a fun game though, trying to read the wind and then press yourself against the side of the tent to give it a bit more stability. Needless to say, it was a sleepless, shaky night, and in the morning it was a treat to find the cooking pots and stove frozen solid and covered in snow. We made the decision to pack up as fast as possible (it was 7am) and make our way back to Mueller hut (without breakfast or tea!) to get some shelter from the wind.

I may look a bit special, but this is me trying to tackle the wind. I lost :(

Upon our arrival to Mueller hut, we made copious amounts of tea and oatmeal, crawled into our sleeping bags, and chatted with a random man named Ingor. It was very peaceful, oh, apart from the wind outside which sounded (and felt) as though it was going to blow the windows apart. At 4:00pm we decided to head down, even though we had planned another day up there. The weather was not looking good for the next day either. We skied as far down as we could, resulting in becoming to far left of the trail, and requiring a little bit of vigorous bush wacking and a bit of down climbing with ice axes. It was magical!

But we made it down safely! All in all it was a great experience and fantastic trip!

Nice article on finishing school

2011-09-27T14:39:00.001-07:00

http://www.scene.co.nz/292161a1.page

Schools out for...ever!

2011-09-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

The snow is melting, but the skiing is still fabulous! It is September 22nd, and training at the Snow Farm yesterday was absolutely amazing! The sun was shining, the targets were falling down nicely, and it was a Wednesday. This meant I was not at school because....I have graduated!!! Yahoo....I have now completed my diploma in Adventure Tourism Management at Queenstown Resort College! Ah, what a feeling it is to not have to go to school from 8 to 4, staring outside and thinking of all the amazing things to do rather than study-- and now I can do them!

My class at out fairwell dinner- can you spot me?

The rest of August and start of September were ridiculously busy- it was full-on school work with many assignments and reports due in, and some pretty tough exams. This has been the most challenging part of the school/training balancing act. I was still able to train, with skiing on the weekends and strength and running/biking during the week (Oh, and a little bit of ice climbing!).

So now, I am just into full-time training mode, and it is such a treat! If any athlete is ever getting sick of full-time training, go do full-time school, and you will run back to training with your arms wide open!

The plan is to train in New Zealand until October 12th (ish) and then head on over to Canmore, Canada and start training over there. Currently, I do not have a coach, so I am on the hunt for one of those! But Canmore is full of amazing support that I think it will all work out!

Take care, have fun and smile!!

Sarah

Winter Games

2011-08-31T02:05:00.000-07:00

Well, the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games have come and gone. What a great two weeks! This was New Zealands second winter games, and it was fantastic. Being the largest gathering of winter sports outside the Olympics, it is a great event to have here, and even better to be a part of it!

The 10km Classic race was one of the first competitions of the winter games. Now, let me tell you I am not a classic master, but I do enjoy it, and as there were no other Kiwi women in, I decided to go for it. Not much competition, you know, only the 2010 Olympics gold medalist in the cross-country 30km. Nothing to worry about really. So naturally, I put my goal as to be in front by 2 minutes...Not. My goal was not to be last. There were 6 women, with 3 from Korea, one from Japan, myself, and Justyna Kowalczyk. It was a gorgeous day and I felt surprisingly good on my skis.

I ended up in 4th place, which I was smitten with, and spent the rest of the morning watching the glorious men in spandex do their thing. There were two Kiwi boys (Andy Pohl and Nils Koons) in the race, along with both the American and Canadian national team men (Just a couple World Champs and Olympic medalists). It was a great race and the boys did great.

The next day was the Sprint race and I thought it would be a good idea to do that one as well. The shortest race I ever compete in with biathlon is 7.5km, so the 1km loop was a bit of a wake-up call for my poor muscles. It was a bit of a miserable day compared to the classic day, with blizzardy type conditions, but it was still great once you got out there. Justyna Kowalczyk was once again racing, along with a couple Russian cross-country skiers, with one of them also having an Olympic medal.

Racing in the qualifier

Since there were 9 women, 8 moved on to the semifinals. I qualified 6th, so in the semifinals I was partnered up with Justyna and another Russian women. It was great. I had fun, and I tried my hardest, but unfortunately I did not have my gold medal legs on today. It was still great to be out racing with some pretty fast chicks.

That's me in the back!

The next race was on Tuesday. I was excited for this one as it was the 5km skate, which is a bit more to my liking. Well, on the morning of the race it was awful weather and the wind was howling like madness. The organizers had to make a decision and decided to cancel the race. And that was it for the cross-country portion of the winter games! It was a great time and I am looking forward for the next ones in 2013 where we are REALLY looking forward to hopefully have biathlon in there!

Smile! :)

Sarah

Just a few articles from winter games!

2011-08-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/winter-games/5368192/Cold-rush

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/winter-games/5317437/Olympic-champ-confirms-for-Winter-Games

Training camps galore!

2011-08-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

Well, we biked the Heafy track, we biked the Queen Charlotte track, we kayaked the Abel Tasmin, we ran through Nelson, we explored Kaitiritiri, caught up with old friends in Nelson, and managed to fit in a rugby game to boot! What a great training camp. It was an amazing time and after this adventure I was excited to get back to school.

Term 6! Last Term of my Adventure Tourism Management diploma! 5 new classes and a very busy term ahead, it seemed like a great idea to take 2 weeks off of school for an International Biathlon Union Development camp. New Zealand was very lucky this year to have the international camp take place at the Snow Farm, 45 minutes from my home. And with 6 new targets and mats, it was going to be the real deal. Ubaldo Prucker, an enthusiastic Italian, came to run the camp and help with the development of the sport in NZ. Us 7 Kiwis, along with 4 Australians, trained together in the morning with shooting and biathlon practice, with ski technique in the afternoon. The SHPG (snow farm) Lodge outdid themselves once again with great accommodation, and Flying Trestles exceeded expectations in the food department! Thanks guys!

On the last day we had a 10km biathlon race. There were about 30 competitors! Nils Koons (Ben, his brother, went to the Olympics for X-country skiing) was involved in the camp and raced as well. It was some tough competition. I hit 17/20 with 40 second penalties, and Nils hit 12/20. The results came out, and with a 5 second difference....Nild in 1st, and I was in 2nd! ahhh so close! But it was a great day and we all had an amazing time. Thanks to the IBU for support biathlon in NZ and helping us develop, also to Ubaldo Prucker, and all the parent volunteers! Without you biathlon in NZ would not be where it is now!!! You guys rock!

After a great recovery week, I thought it would be a great idea to compete in the Peak 2 Peak, a multisport race I have competed in for the last 4 years. I died! It was so difficult, with a strong Southerly wind (which is cold in NZ!) on the kayak causing us to have to pull-out early, and a nice strong headwind for the 9km run and bike up Coronet Peak! It was tough! I palced 7th in the open women category with a time of 3 hours a 12 minutes, 15 minutes slower than last year. I blame it on the conditions! But it was so fun and I think everyone enjoyed themselves!

Now I am back in class, and the Winter Games are coming up this weekend with 4 cross-country races, and the Winter triathlon! Woohoo, should be a party!

Hope everyone is happy and healthy and loving life!

xx Sarah :)

Training camp begins!

2011-06-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am alive and shakin- Literally! New Zealand is being hit with Earthquake after earthquake! Queenstown, where I live, just had a little bit of shake 2 days ago, but everything is all good!

School is now officially finished for the term! It was such a nice feeling finishing my 5th exam worth 70%. The term was really great though, with a fantastic 4 day trip down to the Catlins filled with paintballing, kayaking, surfing, costeering, and horseback riding. It was great fun, but they punished us for having so much fun with a boat-load of exams and work on our return.

Bruce and I are currently on day two of our 2 week training camp. We left Queenstown on Saturday, after I had a nice strength session, and drove up the West coast to the Franz Josef glacier. It is my first time, that I remember, coming up the West coast, and it is gorgeous. Strangely enough our neighbour from Nelson, NZ from 14 years ago was going to be in Franz that week as well, so we got to catch up 11 years later! It was great. Thanks Pam!

Day two found us on our road bikes for 3 hours. We biked from Franz Josef to Okarito and ran up to the Trig lookout, and then biked back. Great views of the ocean and snow capped mountains.

We left a little later than desired, but none-the-less, we jumped in the packed car (4 bikes, 2 kayak paddles, 3 tents, 4 sleeping bags, random camping gear, ski poles, rollerskis, food, a mattress, and an abundance of shoes) and drove up the West coast to Karamea. By coincidence, we had some other family friends from Nelson who own and run a lodge up here called 'Karamea Lodge'. (http://www.karamealodge.co.nz/) We called ahead and asked if we could pitch a tent, but of no! We have been put up in luxury! It is amazing- right on the beach front with the most amazing views and sunsets.

Today, day 2 of our training camp, found us running on the most beautiful forest trails. We went up to the Oparara caves, which are open to the public and you can climb in them with a head torch. We also ran to these amazing natural arches, with one towering high above.We saw 2 people the whole day- it was amazing.

Tomorrow we are off to bike the Heafy track. It is the first year they have opened it to mountain bikers, so we are really excited to do it!

I will try and post some more pics on my picasa site.

SMILE!

Sarah

Quick note

2011-05-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

I am alive and kicking! It has been a crazy month. With school 8:30am to 4pm or 9:30am to 5pm, it has been very busy. After two weeks of yet another lung infection, I am getting back into the swing of things. I have my roadie and mountain bike all set up, although it is getting pretty chilly over here! I am currently on the stationary bike at Queenstown gym looking out at the snow covered mountains- gorgeous, but a little scary to think I am headed into my 5th year of non-stop winter.

Queenstown gym has been awesome and hooked my up with a free membership. Outside Sports has also been great with giving me a sweet deal on my new bike, and hopefully some touring skis! Yahoo! I am going to bikram yoga once a week, maybe just to make it feel like I'm on a tropical holiday, but it is really great. Other than that, indoor rock climbing once a week and lots of strength and that's me! I am still coachless, but here's hoping that will change soon.

Smile!

2011-04-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! What a crazy last month!

The week in Canmore was delicious- The skiing was fantastic, lots of school friends were home, my sister arrived off the cruise boat, and my bed was there waiting for me. I was home for one week, and on the 28^th my sister and I hopped in the car and drove to Vancouver Island to visit more family.

The week in Victoria was great- filled with happiness and laughter and family gatherings. Although, my brother was disappointed I didn’t buy him a Russian hat. Next time, Christopher! After a week on the coast, my Sister dropped me off at the Vancouver airport for me to catch my flight to NZ, and for her to make the 11 hour drive back to Canmore. What a great sister!

The flight was good. Oh, well, there was an awkward moment- I was not feeling fantastic on the plane and was sure I was going to be sick, so I got up and power walked to the bathroom. I may have power-walked too quickly, who knows, but the next thing I remember is waking up in the airplane bathroom floor. Yep, I had fainted in the bathroom, and banged my head and shoulder hard, causing huge bruises. Crazy! Well, from then on it was just a bit dramatic, for my liking. I rang the call button in the bathroom and the flight-attendant came running, and next thing I know I am getting oxygen strapped onto my face, blood pressure taken, and blood glucose levels. Kind-of felt like a VO2 max test.

Well, anyways, after that big hullabaloo, the flight landed and I boarded my next flight down to Queenstown. Almost home! Nothing exciting happened on that flight, sorry, but touching down was a great feeling. I was deathly ill the first few days but on the Monday, Bruce (Kiwi support man) and I headed off and did the Routeburn track, which is a fantastic 3 day hike staying in huts. A great experience and highly recommended.

School started on the next Monday and man-o-man is it ever busy with 6 classes! Monday to Friday- 8:30am to 4:00 pm- It is like a full time job! Ahhh! The classes are really interesting this year, including: eco-tourism, human resources, and managerial accounting. Party-on!

Training is starting up again after a bit of a break. Lots of fabulous biking and running missions which have been great fun. The biathlon development is really taking off and we have 2 camps planned for this coming winter, as well as 6 new targets purchased for our new range! Go Biathlon, Go!

Nowhere like Norway

2011-03-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

Leaving Russia was hilarious. The mornings breakfast was all of last nights dinner, and no breakfast food = yum, deep friend salmon steaks and spaghetti. We got onto a random bus and were taken to the airport at 7:45am. All our rifles and ski bags were to hopefully meet us in Oslo. We pretty much just threw our bags on a truck and hoped. The airport was pretty simple- huge lineup and bag taging. No seats given, just a free for all. It was a good flight, and all the bags arrived when we arrived. Oh, except my ski bag was taken to Holmenkollen, where I was not going. But they delivered it to my accommodation and everything was cheery.


A nice helicopter on the tarmac

Oystein and Uiloq Slettemark, whom both race for Greenland but live in Norway, invited me to stay with them for the week as I was not competing. Oystein and I jumped on a bus at Oslo airport headed for Nittedal, a small suburb outside of Oslo. What a great place! Beautiful home (not just a house!) and hundreds of kilometers of ski trails right in their backyard, including a 25 lane range. It was just fantastic. I did not bring my own classic skis, but thank goodness the Slettemarks had some gorgeous skis and boots from the 1980's I could use. They didn't look the part, but they functioned perfectly, which permitted for adventures galore!

We skied every day, and on Thursday Uiloq and I went to Holmenkollen to watch the mens and womens pursuit. We had a great skate ski before the races, visiting a great wooden church in the middle of nowhere, and then we had managed to get VIP tickets so we had a gourmet lunch in the VIP area, and watched the races. It was a fabulous.

On the Friday, the family and I drove to the middle of somewhere in Norway and spent two nights at the family cabin. It was absolutely incredible; amazing trails, gorgeous weather, great company. Couldn't ask for anything better!

The two nights flew by, and before I knew it we were back in Holmenkollen, watching the mass start races. It was a really great day and we arrived back home at 6:30pm, just in time to pack and get the kids to bed. We then woke up at 3:30am and drove to the airport where I was dropped off, and jumped on a plane to Calgary, Canada! I am now in Canmore, at home with my parents and dog, and am off again for more adventures on Monday the 28th!

Thanks again for all the support this season. You lot are fantastic!

From Russia, with Love part 2

2011-03-09T09:31:00.001-08:00

That was not how I planned to end my season. 50% shooting. 10/20. Oh goodness it hurts to even write it. It was a windy day, but I wont blame the wind. I think it was mostly me. I came in for my first prone and missed 3. The wind switched directions while shooting and I was completely off- I should have noticed though. I then came in for standing and missed 4. All me. I was feeling really good on my skis, and after my 7th miss just decided to enjoy the bloody race and get it over and done with.

I came in for my second prone and missed 2. Alright, 9 misses already- thats cool. Now I just wanted to enjoy the scenery. Lalala- oh look at the army men. Last standing- 1 miss. That's nice to finish with. I felt great on all the up hills and just enjoyed the skiing part of the race.

So...We are looking at the glass half full. Did I miss 10, or did I hit 10? I say I hit 10- so there's another positive. I ended up 88th, but three other girls missed 10- so it was not just me!

Now what? Well, I am off to Oslo. Why? Because I was hoping to be qualified for Oslo and be racing there. Unfortunately I am not, and will just be having a small vacation there instead. It sucks, but maybe I'll buy something cool like a onepiece, jumpin (www.onepiece.no). I fly to Canada on March 21st to see the family for a week, and then driving out to Vancouver Island with my sister to see some other family. April 3rd (haven't booked yet but am planning too!) is when I fly to New Zealand and start school on the 18th. Yahoo- What a month I have ahead of me!

Have fun everyone. Let's just say this season was a 'catastrophe'. I am excited for the future and to start trainingas long as I find a coach, and some sponsorship. Ahhhhhhhh-----Just keep your chin up, and all will be fine ;)

From Russia, with Love

2011-03-09T00:24:00.001-08:00

Russia is wonderful. Really, actually, 100% serious, I truly love it. We are staying at Hotel Olympic, which was built in September specifically for the Chess Olympics. We are the 2^nd group to stay here, so it is pretty new, with very high ceilings and very low light switches. Usual food choices are: fish, creamy coleslaw type salads, oil-soaked meat, potatoes, some sort of rice, and some soup. The oatmeal in the morning tastes like rice pudding, which is odd and delicious at the same time, and the array of miniature cakes at breakfast, lunch and dinner is impressive, even though I’m not the biggest fan of cake.

The venue is fantastic. Great trails, great snow, and the temperatures for the most part have not been deathly cold. The wind though, that’s what will take you down, but when skiing in the trees it’s not a big issue. We arrived 4am Monday morning, so Tuesday I only went for a short ski to have a look at the racecourse for the sprint. Really nice. Opening ceremonies was neat, with kids running around with lighted wheel things, and some random winter ballet dance- exciting in a Russian kind-of way.

My first race was the sprint. I was starter 52, which was nice, and felt 100 times better skiing than at European champs in Ridnaun. I came in for prone and hit 5- yahoo! Feeling good I skied straight passed PL (penalty loop) and went out for my 2^nd loop. Coming in to standing I was thinking of relaxing and just shooting like I do in training. Obviously standing shooting and I have not resolved any of our issues and are still in the middle of a divorce, as I missed 3. Completely frustrated I left the range to hang out with the PL for a while. Wholly man alive- 3 penalty loops is a killer. I went out on my last loop feeling slightly more fatigued than before, and finished my first 2011 World Champs race in 85^th.

Today is the individual starting at 17:15. I am bib 61. It is an awful windstorm outside right now, with violently blowing snow. Perfect conditions for an exciting race, if it keeps up.

Party hard everyone!

Xx Sarah

Info on Khnatu-Mansiysk

2011-03-03T23:52:00.001-08:00

http://wm2011.biathlonworld.com/en/khanty-mansiysk.html

Ridnaun to Russia

2011-03-02T05:26:00.001-08:00

Who needs pursuits anyways? That, I think, is an excellent question. I sure don't need them- especially when I miss 2 in both prones and am forced out of the race. Not the best and I am thoroughly disappointed with this race. I am severely hoping things will pluck up!

The next day a whole new adventure began. At 6am, petr and myself, and the four Aussies booked it to Munich. It was a lovely drive, and when we got to the little town of Haar, I was dumped on the sidewalk and left to wander the streets aimlessly. What I was actually trying to do was find the train station to catch the train from Haar to Munich East train station, and then the U5 train to 'Max-something' station, and then find my way on foot to the Russian embassy. It was fantastic! Has anybody seen 'Trains, planes and automobiles'? Great movie, and I think it explains everything.

I arrived at the Russian embassy and told that man whose boss: me! He tried to make me wait and I had had enough of the Russian waiting policy where it is whoever is pushiest is next, so I told him "no, I have a flight, I need it NOW!" (hand gestures and everything- I tried the Russian scowl but mayb have just looked nauseous). He gave it to me right away without a fuss- Success! (It wasn't a rude in any way, it was just confident!).

I then made it back to Max-something station, ate breakfast and lost my mittens and waterbottle, and then hastily followed a little old woman around the train station and she helped me find my correct train. What a lovely lady....maybe she stole my mittens? I made it to the Munich airport, and found Petr in line with about 200 other people to check in for our flight to Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia! We waited, and waited, and then lined up in a new line and waited some more. We then got into the plane, and I think we did some more waiting. Taking off was an exciting change to the waiting, and when we arrived in Russian I heard the wonderful sound of the border-man stamping my passport, and we were in! We then waited for our bags, and then waited on the bus and at 3:30am we arrived to our hotel! Success…don’t worry, just one more wait as they did not have a room for me, but then….bed….oh how glorious! Gold bedding and curtains- High class over here in Siberia! (Over here? Maybe up here..depends where you are currently positioned on the globe).

And now I believe I love Russia. I have not seen a lot, but I have seen an abundance of fur and camo, counted 38 army men just on the 2.5km loop at the stadium, and a very impressive church. Today I will attempt to buy something from the grocery store. I know, pretty crazy, but what can I say; I’m living on the edge!

Ravishing Ridnaun

2011-02-26T11:01:00.000-08:00

If a place could be ravishing, then Ridnaun would be it! It is gorgeous. Petr and I arrived on Friday the 18th and moved into the nicest apartment- right on the ski trails and in the sunshine. Unfortunately, my rifle and bags did not arrive until Saturday night very late, so I was not able to train the Saturday. On Monday I had a frantic drive to Munich in a snow storm to try and get my Russian VISA for World Champs- well, that was disasterous and it is not going to be ready until this coming Monday morning- the morning I am supposed to be flying to Russia. FINGERS CROSSED!

On Tuesday was the 15km Individual race. After my lung infection, I had not trained long intensity, but surprisingly the skiing felt alright. Shooting on the other hand...well...it started off fantastic! Clean prone, one miss standing, and another clean prone. 14/15! Rock on! Then....Dun dun dun....I came in for my last standing. 1 miss, 2 miss, 3 miss, 4 miss, 5 miss. 5 misses.....is that even possible? Yes, yes it is, and I did it. What a disappointment...but maybe I'm just getting it out of my system before World Champs? That's what we will tell people ;)

I once again decided not to race in the Womens relay, tough decision, but I really don't think I am ready to race 4 x 6km by myself. Who knows....maybe one day :)

This meant I had 3 days off to train and enjoy the perfect Italian weather (apart from some slight wind). Today was the 7.5km sprint race, and I was starter number 2! Yahoo....I really enjoy starting early, and do not often have the opportunity in World Cups, so it was fantastic. It was so hot that I raced with no gloves (Thank goodness I painted my nails last night!) a headband, and with my (new) race suit pulled up. I think it helped with my Vitamin D deficiency though= positive!

I came in for my first prone and hit all five- take that Mr. penalty loop! Skiing was beautiful, and I came in for standing feeling good. Too bad standing shooting and I are in the middle of a divorce, so I missed three. Dang....3 times around the penalty loop = not nice, even if it is perfectly round and one of the nicest on the tour.

So, 7/10, and I finished 44th. Tomorrow is my first pursuit of the season- Someone even had to remind me if it was 12.5km or 10km. Turns out it's 10km- YES!

I hope everyone is happy and healthy. I am sending all positive and healing thoughts to everyone in Christchurch and all of NZ! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

2011-02-24T05:43:00.000-08:00

Sad news this week. On Tuesday the 22nd, around 1pm in Christchurch, New Zealand. Church spired, and many buildings have collapsed. Right now there are 98 confirmed deaths and over 200 people trapped under collapsed buildings. Here's some articles and videos.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcGUg4tNR2M&feature=aso

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/videos/4689646/Aftermath-of-Christchurch-quake

I will wear a black and red armband on Saturday to show my support. I feel bad because that will not do anything to help, it will just show my support.

Here we go again

2011-02-18T12:22:00.001-08:00

The first two weeks in Canada was filled with doctors’ appointments and the continuous emptying of tissue boxes- I was sick. It ended up being a viral infection in my lungs with the only medicine being time. Well dang, what a downer, but it was probably just a way for my body to tell me to slow down and just sit for a minute. It was -35 out anyways, so the cozyness of the couch was fantastic. The last week and a half I got in some great training sessions in some gorgeous weather. I also turned 23 years old, and met some very generous people including a worker at Wildflower bakery in Banff who bought me a cookie (Anise and fig- try it!). It was fantastic!

After a great 3 weeks at home, it’s back on the track, Jack! I was set: I had my flights booked and my transfer permits for both Amsterdam and Munich. Success! I still did not have a way from Munich to Ridnaun, Italy, where I was headed, or my Russian visas sorted, but I was positive it would all unfold somehow.

I arrived in Amsterdam safe and sound after a great flight, and made the next flight with 1-½ hours to spare (And people say I’m never early!). My plan for my arrival in Europe was to catch a train to Italy and work my way up the mountain to Ridnaun. I also contemplated getting on the speakerphone on the plane and asking if anyone was driving to Italy. To my luck my seatmate was! He was catching a little bus and there was space for me- success! The only problem was that the bus left at 3 and we arrived in Munich at 3. No problem, the security guards were waiting for me with papers ready and even greeted me “aaah, you must be Miss Murphy!” Then we waited for my rifle, and we waited…..and we waited….and the bus waited….and my seatmate and his girlfriend waited….and it never showed up. It was still in Amsterdam. It was now 3:45. Crap! Well, after extensive paperwork, many I’m sorry’s and thank-yous, I am currently on the bus to Ridnaun, and my rifle should be shipped to Ridnaun tonight or tomorrow. Oh man, I’m nervous as my dog is of the vacuum. Everyone, please cross your fingers, and hold your thumbs that my bag will arrive!

I arrived safe and sound to Ridnaun thanks to my good mate, Ginge, who picked me up at the bottom of the valley. That’s when I found out my accommodation doesn’t start until tomorrow- it was all-full for tonight, so Petr and I are staying one night in the fancy Schneeberg! Yahoo!

Well, of course, we start it off with a BANG! (Except with no rifle, because it is probably somewhere in Mongolia). Stay healthy and Happy!

Aint nothin like Antholz!

2011-01-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

Antholz, Italia. If ever anyone gets the chance to visit here, just do it. The weather is always (knock on wood) beautiful, and the skiing is spectacular. The tracks run from almost the valley bottom to all the way up and over the pass and into Austria. Once must, as we did, stop for a Gluwein at the cafe at the top of the pass. The best part is the rip-roaring ski down (this is where the Gluwein helps!) and the ski back across the frozen lake. Really nice.

We arrived Monday to the Bergerhof, a 2 bedroom apartment, which includes 3 cows, a pony, a few (barking) dogs, and 1000 cats. The cows, personally, were my favorite.

The next 2 days were easy training as I was not sleeping well and did not want to push it. On Thursday the men raced and on Friday was us ladies, all 96 of us. I was starter 62 and was feeling good. The weather was nice, the mountains were spectacular, and there was a little wind. The course is beautiful in Antholz, and very fast. In the mens race, there were 60 men within 2 minutes of each other- any mistakes and you could lose 10 spots easily.

After my first loop I came in for prone and missed 1. I wasn't expecting it as it felt like a good shot, and my coach Richard after the race said it was a very close split. Lame! My 2nd loop went well until I fell- it was a silly fall on the S-turn downhill, but I have a nice bruise on my knee. I came in for standing and missed 2- too bad! 3 misses/10 and I placed 94th. It was disappointing as I was not feeling awful, I was pushing hard, and did not miss a ludicrous amount of targets.

That is when I made the decision to fly home to Canmore to have a 3 week break from racing and to just train. It was a tough decision as I was scheduled to be flying to Otepaa, Estonia for Cross-country FIS U23 World Championships. I hated pulling out of a race, but as I am sick now and am not in my best condition, I think it was wise. Good luck to everyone racing there!

I am now in Canmore until Feb18th and then will fly back to Europe to race at European Championships! Thanks to Devonian Properties who once again came to my aid and made it possible for me to come home. You are rockin it!

Take care, have fun and smile! Oh, and I just posted a bunch of pics http://picasaweb.google.com/smurphme12/Europe20102011?feat=directlink

Sarah xx

Rainy (but then sunny) Ruhpolding

2011-01-17T01:08:00.000-08:00

We arrived on Sunday to our nice little farmhouse apartment just outside of Ruhpolding in a town called Brand. There were about five houses in the area, but it was great. When we arrived, there was snow and fog. The fog had followed us from Oberhof and we were not pleased. The next day for training, we woke up to rain. Bahhh- We were again not so pleased. Richard arrived on Tuesday and it was fabulous to see him again- he brought a little bit of sunshine to miserable Ruhpolding when he arrived ;)

Next year the World Championships are in Ruhpolding, and in preparation for this, they changed the course completely. We now ski backwards to what it used to be, and have some new deathly downhills to battle, as well as some gnarly uphills. Training on Wednesday was 'sketch'tacular- with the rain and then freezing in the night, the downhills were tricky. I think I did the downhill 10 or more times to practise, and still shuddered in the night thinking of the next day.

Thursday = Race day = Womens 15km Individual. Four times shooting- 5 times down the three sketchballs hills. I think I sharted myself 47 times in the race, with many near falls myself, and 4 people eating it infront of me, no wonder I missed 6/20. My heartrate was up and down like the springy-yodelling toys they sell here. Oh, and another thing, it was absolutely pouring down with rain. I have never raced, nor witnessed a race, in that type of torrential downpour. My boots were still wet 3 days late even after being under a heater, and after wringing everything out once, was able to wring it all out one more time. It was exciting though. I enjoyed it- my skiing felt good, but with 6 misses, it was a bit of a doozy.

The next day the sun came and out and Bruce and Richard and I went for a fabulous ski, or should I say adventure, up by 3 lakes. With all the rain, the rivers and creeks had flooded and half the ski trails were washed out. We took our skis off six or so times to cross flooded creeks and rivers. It was exciting and a nice ski in the end!

Saturday was the womens 7.5km sprint. I was feeling good, and although woke up to rain, it was not raining during the competition. Yahoo! I think everyone was excited for this race as we only had to do the "wholly crap, Im going to die" hills three times. I went out as starter 73 and hit 5 prone. Yes- no penalty loops! I went out feeling good, and coming in for standing was excited and confident. Well, I missed 2- Shade! (German for 'Too bad!') Two times around the 150m penalty loop and then we were off to finish. I felt good and hit 8/10 so was pleased with this race- but it did not show in the results. I was 83rd in the end, 5 minutes behind. I need to step it up a bit, I think.

Yesterday the sunshine came out and we didn't know what to do with ourselves we were so excited. We ended up going to the indoor sauna. I think we were confused and forgot that sunshines are warm.

Today we are off to Antholz, Italy. Next race Thursday.

xxx Much love, Sarah

More pictures on Picasa!

2011-01-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

Click here to have a gander of the last days of 2010!

World Cup 4 = Oberhof

2011-01-10T12:47:00.000-08:00

Oberhof was not fantastic. What a negative sentence to begin with, but it is factual. We were greeted with Germany's lovliest: wind, rain, and fog. Training, let me tell you, was hilarious on the first day. Here is how it went: Bruce, who is here from NZ for the next 3 World Cups as Richards support and man on course, has never been to a true biathlon race, and he had never looked through a scope. Unfortunately Richard could not attend these races so Thursday, two days before the race, was supposed to be our instruction day where I taught him how to zero. It is really not too difficult to look through a scope...or so I thought! The fog was so thick, that all the coaches were lined up alongside the athletes shooting mats trying to see the targets, to no avail. That day was definitely not the day to learn how to zero.

Friday, official training, was the same. It was very tricky to see the target, and training was a slight disaster. So, that was also not the day for Bruce to learn.

The next day was race day. 4:40pm zero, and a 6:11pm start for me; a late one! The fog had cleared and it was not raining too badly. Well, Bruce tried his hardest! He did rather well, but in the end, I must thank Walter Pichler from the British team who double checked my target and gave Bruce some helpful pointers. It was rather hilarious.

OH, and the race. of course- well, It was not spectacular. I missed 2 in prone, and 2 in standing. 6/10- not grande. I also felt quite tired and flat on my skis. Here is hoping it picks up! Positives: I LOVE the crowd and vibe of Oberhof- I really enjoyed the energy of the race!

We are now in, you would not believe it, foggy Ruhpolding! It is rarely like this here but the Dementor-like-fog has followed us down! Dang!

Much Love, Sarah

Differences

2011-01-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas and New Years in blue sky, crisp snow, cheesy, chocolaty Switzerland was absolutely fantastic. Just what was needed- Staying with Severine and Nicolas and baby Lily, whom I personally think should be up for International couple/family of the year, was amazing. The ski touring was great, as well as the cross-country skiing. There was no shooting for me this holidays as there was no range to shoot on, but I am sure my rifle was happy for the break as well ;)

We went on some amazing missions!

We ate way too much food! But it was amazing!

On January 2nd, Bruce and I ventured over to another valley- A very special valley. My parents, A.K.A. Two of the greatest people around, met in 1974 in Leysin, Switzlerand so it was imperative to go have a gander at this infamous, historical spot. I went for an absolutely breathtaking ski in Les Mosses, where my father worked as a ski lifty. We then drove 15 minutes over to Leysin, where my mother was working in an Gasthaus. It was great seeing these places and going to them- gave me shivers!

The next day we packed up and drove to Oberwald and had yet another beautiful cross-country ski session! It was -21 in the morning, so we delayed our ski, and went at a lovely -12 instead. The best part of the day, I must say, was taking the car transport-train through the Furka tunnel! Yahoo- it was fantastic! We stayed a night in Zurich with the one and only Katie Calder, New Zealand Olympian for Cross-country skiing, and my partner in womens double luge- Olympic gold medalists- Once its a sport I's sure ;) and we are now in Oberhof Germany.

The land of bratwursts and beer is windy and rainy and foggy and blowing like a bagpiper going crazy. It was interesting training today- the fog was so thick that the coaches were lined up on the shooting range beside the shooting mats trying to see the targets- with no luck. Hitting 5 was a great achievement, and the one time I did it I received a nice applause from some coaches- Success!

My thoughts and love also goes out to Kelly McBroom- Downhill skier extraordinaire! She broke her leg skiing and is in the Salzburg hospital with 2 more surgeries to go. SENDING LOTS OF LOVE TO HER!!!

2 days until race day! Yahoo! SMILE EVERYONE!

Amazing ski tour with Nicolas, Severine, and Bruce in Switzerland!

2010-12-27T07:26:00.000-08:00

2010-12-26T23:54:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic day and are getting out and adventuring about.

On Tuesday (21st) I picked up my new New Zealand support crew member, Bruce Hasler, and We drove from Munich to Crans-Montana, Italy- proceeding to get lost about three times. It was exciting though because Switzerland is so beautiful. Since then we have been exploring in the mountains and enjoying life. We are staying with two fantastic people- Nicolas and Severine. Severine is the World Champion in ski mountaineering so it is a pretty extreme household! We have been ski touring and cross-country sking, running and eating raclette- it is perfect.

2 more races gone

2010-12-19T01:26:00.000-08:00

Bled, Slovenia has been as beautiful as ever. The castle on the cliff and the church on the island on the lake always takes my breath away. It is gorgeous.

We arrived safely to our rented apartment on Monday and went for a great ski on blue sky day on the hard tracks. It was really great. Tuesday was unofficial training and Wednesday was official training. I was feeling really good, but still not sleeping full nights, possibly from jetlag. On Thursday we had the 15km Individual race. It was a killer! I felt really tired and had a tough time with the skiing. The shooting started off great with no misses in the first two bouts. That is when the fatigue set in and I started thinking a bit too much and getting shaky legs on the standing. I missed 2 prone and 3 standing on my last two shootings- 15/20 (room for improvement) and a tough ski set me in 88th spot. It was not ideal, but the first 15km of the season is usually not a walk in the park!

Friday was an easy training day- a nice classic in the woods at Pokljuka stadium, a much needed relaxing session. The next day, Saturday, December 18th, was the 7.5km sprint. My ski testing was a bit frustrating as none of my skis felt good and all the other women testing were flying past me on the test hill. Hmm... I had a good zero though, and went to the start with bib 59. The first loop was good, but I was getting passed on the downhills. I came in for my shooting telling myself "Just don't think about it! Just shoot the silly things!" and I hit all 5! Yahoo. Out on course and I could definitely feel it! But having Richard on the big up hill yelling at me to go for it was a great help.

I came in for second and last shooting, and once again told myself "Just like training. No dwaddling. Just do what you know" And hit 4. I was pretty pleased. One penalty loop and then off onto the course for my last loop. Oh man, my legs were hating me at this point. I ended up 78th in this race, but am sure my ski speed could have been much faster with a better pair of skis. Now, to be clear I am not blaming it strictly on skis, but it may have helped to have had a faster pair ;)

I am now all finished for 2 weeks over Christmas and New Years! Off to Switzerland tomorrow for a nice break! Yahoo!

Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Lots of love,

Sarah

Awesome new sponsor Icebreaker! This'll get me going!

2010-12-16T02:12:00.000-08:00

So much Snow in Austria!

2010-12-15T01:04:00.000-08:00

No Snow to WOW, Snow!!

My last week in Canada was fantastic. The weather warmed up from -39 to -5 and the sun came out. Training was great and everyone skiing at the Nordic Centre had huge smiles plastered on their faces. It was great.

My sister was offered a job as a nurse on Princess cruise lines so on Friday the 3^rd, my mother, father and I dropped her off at the airport- She is gone for 4 months and currently in Mazatlan! The next day, we once again packed the car up and my parents drove me to the airport-They are now empty nesters for 4 months!

Upon our arrival at the Calgary airport- about an hour and a half drive from Canmore- I immediately dropped my head into my hands. “Oh no, oh no, oh no!” “What? What? What?” My parents said in unison. I had forgotten my rifle in Canmore. My rifle!! You can replace skis, boots, clothing, most things easily, but not your rifle! And my flight was closing in 45 minutes for check-in. We got on the phone and called every single person in Canmore- and finally we reached the Vukadinovics ie. My Saviors, Tatiana Vukadinovic and I have been friends for a long time, and we were teammates since we were 13. Her parents immediately got into their car, grabbed my rifle from my house, and floored it to Calgary.

I had the nicest check in lady from Lufthansa- and without her I would not have been able to race in the first World Cups. She is the first nice airline person I have met and I will never forget her. My bags absolutely had to be there at 1:00pm, as boarding was at 1:05 and the plane took off 1:30. At 1:10 my mother, father and I were all lined up outside on the sidewalk. Colleen and Dan pulled up, we grabbed the rifle, and all the of us ran through the airport like a crazy family to get the tags put on and get it through the x-ray. At 1:25 I went through security and I made it to my flight! What an exciting way to start the season!!!! I almost died of an anxiety attack!

I could not believe it but upon my arrival in Munich, ALL my bags arrived-.

Well done, Lufthansa, well done!

Driving into Hochfilzen was a bit disheartening. There was not very much snow in the village, but fortunately there was enough on the racecourse, and training the next day was great. Richard Boruta arrived on Tuesday and we had 2 good training days before the 7.5km sprint race. This was my first race of the season, and considering jetlag and sleeping patterns all changed, I was feeling really good. The day before the race, the heavens opened up and down came Schnee! It has not stopped snowing since Thursday and our van is completely buried now. It is slightly ridiculous. So, the races have been extremely exciting and interesting with visibility.

I was starter 48, and Ukraine once again out did themselves- my skis were amazing. My first loop I felt like a Superstar, and my first shooting, which was prone, I hit 5/5!, despite barely being able to see the target Yahoo! The course was pretty tough and the track was covered so quickly after someone skied on it from the heavy snowfall. I came in for my 2^nd shooting, which was standing, and I was shaking like crazy! I was very nervous and had pushed hard in skiing. I hit, missed, hit missed, hit. So 3/5 and 2 penalty loops to ski. My last loop hurt, but in the end I was happy with my race. I ended up 78^th, so no pursuit for me, but my coach bought me some dark chocolate, so that was a nice substitute! I also made my 15% qualification so I am off to the three world cups after Christmas! Woo!

I cannot thank Richard enough. He is helped so much, and it has only been 4 days. We are off to Pokljuka, Slovenia on Monday!

Take care, have fun and smile!!!

Sarah

Sunshine please

2010-11-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

Winter is here! And it brought its friend, Mr. Freeze. Now, New Zealand houses are cold, horribly cold, with no central heating and an electric blanket to heat the house, you get used to it. Buuuut..I do not think anyone can get used to -38 weather. Sounds cool to talk about, not the greatest thing to live through. and this early in the season, it shakes you deep into you bones. So Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week training was moved indoors. But other than that, it has been Fabulous!

Richard and Petr are the greatest people in the world. I could not ask for a better set-up and the training has been fabulous. I raced in the American trial races last week, and a Canadian time-trial this week. It felt great to be racing again, even though they did not go wonderfully. But that is why we do them, so we can get the bad races and Time-trials out of the way before the bigger races like the World Cups come along!

I am here for one more week and then back into the air. Wish for warm weather!

1 month later

2010-11-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

1 month later and I am feeling fabulous!!! It has been great being back in Canmore with the family and back into training hard. I had 3 days off after I came home and then my new coach, Richard Boruta, was all over the hard training right away! Testing and trials just to see where I was, and they went well!

Richard Boruta lives in Canmore and is originally from the Czech Republic. His wife and him run the amazing Wildflower spa in Canmore, and Richard is generously donating his time and energy to coach me. He is making my training plan and coming to all shooting sessions and even some strength and recovery workouts. It is a whole different situation when there is actually a coach there. I feel like I am learning how to ski all over again because I have fallen into some bad habits from not having a coach tell me to fix little things. I bit frustrating BUT we are getting there :) Petr Zidek, who coached me at the Olympics, is also coaching me along with Richard so it is some kind of double force. Going from no coach to two coaches overnight- ummmm.....INTENSE! (But in a good way!) I am feeling really good and I feel I am getting stronger and stronger every week.

I had 3 weeks of really good, strong training and then I had a recovery week...and what do you know but it worked out myself and a mate were given buddy passes from a friend for helping out at their wedding so 2 days before we left we decided to go to....HAWAII! It was amazing- I desperately needed Vitamin D and this was the best cure. We just chilled, stayed at hostels, went snorkelling and took surf lessons! We also saw some turtles- Yahoo! It was a great trip, but the next day Megan was back at work and I was back at training. Holiday over!

So the season plans are to go to Europe on December 4th and be there until March 21st competing in World Cups, some IBU cups, European Championships and World Championships! Busy season it seems, and I am not even doing all the races!

I hope everyone is happy and healthy and loving life!!!

Check out a little mission blog!

2010-10-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

http://blog.apollocamper.com/blog/10-10-15/New_Zealand_campervan_rental_winter_adventure.aspx

Some great shots from ski touring at the Remarkables with Sarah Cairns!

2010-10-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Back in Canada-land!

2010-10-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

6 months, 10 exams, and a lot of fun later I am back in the land of the beaver and maple leaf- Canada, to be exact.

I finished my first year of school- working towards a diploma in Adventure Tourism Management. It was a great 2nd term, learning all about weather systems and planning trips, risk management, and even accounting (Wow, did that get the wheels movin in the brain or what!). We even did a Pre-hospital emergency care course, which was great. CPR anyone- just ask me ;)

My good friend Bruce and I went on some great trip- including being stuck in the big earthquake in Christchurch. We were going to go see my very sick Grandmother but our flight to Wellington was cancelled- This then turned our simple 3 day trip into an extreme road trip up the coast to Blenheim and an impromptu flight on a dinky-toy plane from Blenheim to Paraparam, where my mother and Auntie Sue picked us up. We were able to have dinner with my parents and auntie and uncle- less than 24 hours later my Dad flew back to Canada! It was great to see him, even for the little bit. The worst part was we then had to do the whole trip back down the island! I am going to put this out there: I think it is impossible for me to have a normal trip- but if you think about it- if it was normal....would it be any fun?

My sister was back in hospital, which was really hard for me as I was so far away. She now has an Ostomy bag for the rest of her life due to her Crohns disease, but this surgery went much better than the last and she is doing great! She is the bravest person I know and is out as active as ever: climbing mountains, biking, and playing golf. What a superstar!

It was really sad saying goodbye to everyone in New Zealand- It is hard leaving everyone every year! My last week we drove my big truck, named "Marvie", out to my mates farm, Ban Falconer. Ben did biathlon for a season in Europe, and has a great farm in NZ- we drove around the farm and played with some lambs and saw lots of little baby cows. Marvie is filled to the brim with my New Zealand life- hold up Marvie, I'll be back soon!

The day I left was tough. As I was driving to the airport to check in, my family called and told me my grandmother had died. Although we knew it was coming, it is still really hard to hear it. She is in a happy, better place now, but I will miss her a lot. I took a breath and cleaned myself up and went to check in- wow, I felt awful for the check-in person- as soon as he said I had to re pack my bags as my 36kg ski bag is not allowed to fly that heavy and he was going to have to charge me $200, I burst into complete tears and could not stop. As I was re packing, weighing, getting my boarding tickets sobbing- he took me over to customer service- well, due to the fact I was about to miss my plane (and maybe the waterworks) they ended up not charging me. Yahoo!

As I ran through security, I was able to give Bruce one last hug, before being the last onto the plane. The poor family beside me thought I was having some sort of fit- in my frantic, crying state- I managed to pretty much inform the whole flight I was fine. Awkward....

My flights were all good- everything went smooth. Everyone, please read that last sentence again....everything went smooth! The air host even brought me a pillow from 1st class! WIN! I missed seeing my mother by 30mins as she took-off from NZ to her mothers funeral. I will see her soon though.

Now I am back in Canmore, hoping to sleep well tonight, and get into training!

Take care, have fun and smile!

Sarah

Uni Games

2010-09-25T00:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.odt.co.nz/southern-snow/latest-skifield-news/123905/strong-qrc-team-games

Random shots from NZ

2010-09-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

An Oldie but a goodie...

2010-09-05T03:28:00.000-07:00

This is from 'The Crowd Goes Wild" at the Olympics. Unfortunately I think it will only work in New Zealand...

http://www.skysport.co.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=57&cid=20312&cgid=0

Two articles on NZ Uni games!

2010-08-29T23:20:00.001-07:00

Article on biathlon in NZ!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10669327

&

Article on Mitchey Greig, myself, and the Uni Games!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10669326

Cross-country FIS races

2010-08-10T03:18:00.000-07:00

The past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (6th, 7th, 8th) I competed in the Cross-country FIS races up at the Snow Farm, here in New Zealand. Canadians, Americans, Koreans, Japanese, and Australians were all racing in these races- which made it pretty exciting.

Friday was the 10km classic and it was my second classic ski of the season! But, I decided to do it anyways- Why not!?!?! My skiing actually felt really good, which was a surprise, and I placed 7th, which was the top Kiwi placing. The snow was great and our Russian coach, Alexei, did a great wax job.

Saturday was the sprint day! The usual sprint course here in NZ is usually 800m, but for this race day they changed it to 1600m- perfect for men, but a bit long for women. The weather was crazy! It was great weather for the qualifier, but then the forecasted storm arrived and from then on it was full-on blizzard! It was poor visibility and painful on the face for the rest of the sprints. It was definitely a fun challenge. I won the B-final sprint, which was great.

Sunday was the last day and it was crazy! The race was delayed 2 hours because of the amount of snow that had fallen and the track could not be groomed. Also all cars required chain fitting because of the conditions. The course was changed because of all the snow, so men ended up doing 5 x 2km loop and women did 3 x 2km loop. It was a tough course, with a big up-hill and soft snow, but it was great. I ended up 3rd, which was exciting as a Kiwi was on the podium. Woohoo!

It was a great weekend and I am excited for the biathlon races coming up on Sunday!

Take care, have fun and smile!

Sarah

Ain't no Party like....

2010-08-04T01:16:00.000-07:00

WOW! Is it August ALREADY?!?!?!?! I cannot believe it! I have been running around like crazy I have not even noticed the time go by. The beautiful wonderful snow is here, and has been for months now! I am skiing every weekend are gorgeous Snow Farm and studying Monday to Thursday in Queenstown. You will be happy to know I passed last terms papers, but this term is tougher- so we will see!

We had an absolutely amazing Biathlon camp here in New Zealand. There is a big group of keen teenagers who attended- learning all about skiing and shooting, and then sticking them together. At the end of the GREAT camp we had a biathlon race where there were 30 racers, including myself and Vancouver 2010 Cross-country Olympian, Ben Koons, a fellow Kiwi. It was great fun and everyone did really well. I am so amazed and excited about the evolving biathlon club in New Zealand and the interest that is now developing!

July 24th, I competed in the multi-sport race called the Peak 2 Peak- This involves downhill skiing/snowboarding, downhill biking, kayaking, running and a grueling road bike uphill to the next ski hill, and the finish line. I did it last year and this year improved my time by 25mins, so that was great. (I did get a flat tire though last year so its more like 15minutes!) That was a great race and a great day. Team Fluoro, which I was a member of 2 years ago, won again for the 3rd year in a row, and my good mate Gavin Mason was 2nd! What superstars!

I am now getting ready for the 3 cross-country FIS races happening this weekend up at the Snow Farm- 10km Classic, 1km sprints, and 5km skate. National Teams from; Canada, USA, Korea, and Japan are all here to compete as well so it should be a party!

Hope everyone is loving life and having fun!

Lots of Love,

Sarah

Adventures Galore!

2010-06-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

To be completely honest, New Zealand is really great. I have been having quite the time. Last friday, I went and Bungy jumped the Nevis which is the highest bungy jump in Austrolasia with a 134m freefall. It was amazing! The next day, we did a 6 hour Rogain, which is biking around while navigating and looking for check points! It was great fun- all in the rain- but it was an adventurous experience!

The snow has arrived in Queenstown so on Sunday we hiked up one of the ski field mountains, Coronet Peak, and snowboarded down. It was just spectacular. To finish the day off, I wnt for a nice paddle on Lake Wakatupu. Not even going to lie- I slept pretty well that night!

Heres some pictures:http://picasaweb.google.com/smurphme12/MissionsInNZ?feat=directlink

The snow is here which means the skiing will start! The Snow Farm is potentially opening this weekend- Wooohooo! Prepare yourselves for some fun!

http://www.sportzhub.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9712&Itemid=1

2010-05-01T02:07:00.001-07:00

http://www.scene.co.nz/268893a1.page

2010-05-01T02:06:00.001-07:00

Off again...

2010-03-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

I arrived back in Canada on March 22nd, greeted by my wonderful sister, who is doing awesome after her surgery and everything she has been through. The trip home from Europe was a good one...for once! Rosanna Crawford, Canadian biathlete extraordinaire, and I were on the same flight route all the way from Oslo, and because she is a Canadian athlete she has Gold status when flying. She was also able to talk the check-in lady to let me have 3 bags as well, so I did not have to pay excess luggage- saving me over 200 euro. She was also allowed a guest into the lounges which was nice and relaxing between connections. On our flight from Frankfurt to Calgary, Rosanna was in first class, but I had a good seat not far behind the 'curtain' (I wonder what happens up there). One of the hosts on the plane ended up being my kindergarten teachers husband, Harry, who I have know forever. He brought me a 1st class meal for dinner and some freshly baked cookies, as well as fruit and water. Oh the life- the leftovers from the posh class, but I was still excited. Haha....one day, you watch, I'll be up there!

My sister moved to Melbourne, Australia on the 24th for...how long Erin?...well, she doesn't even know. But she got her dream job of nurse in the ICU unit at the childrens hospital, which is amazing- Go Erin! And then my life changed drastically as well.

On April 4th I made a decision. This Sunday, I am jumping onto a plane to Queenstown, New Zealand to study full time. I am going to study 'Adventure Tourism Management' at Queenstown Resort College (QRC), as well as train full time. The course sounds amazing, and I am really thrilled to be an ambassador for the college. They are going to allow me to train and study, and although it will be hard and very busy, I am so excited and determined to make it work. It is a 18 month program- 6 months study, 6 months internship, 6 months study- then I will have a diploma in Adventure Tourism Management. Check it out: It is truly a rare and exciting opportunity! http://www.queenstownresortcollege.com/

This means I have been home in Canmore for a total of: 13 days this time! Wow, it is a record. Within the last year, I have been home a total of 27 days, on and off- usually 5 to 10 days at a time. You really start to appreciate coming home and how mentally relaxing it is.

I repainted my rifle today, so the pink barrel and knobs are looking as pristine as ever.

Ciao!!

Sarah

And now it's over...

2010-03-22T01:28:00.000-07:00

The end of the season is here. I raced my last race on Thursday the 18th in Holmekollen, Norway. It was the 7.5km sprint and I did the same thing as last week- hit all my prone, and then missed 3 standing. I ended up near the same position again. The conditions were pretty good- a little bit soft but nothing to complain about. But the good thing is my skiing felt really nice. It is nice to finish the season feeling strong, and not dead on your skis.

Norway is a really great country, or at least Oslo is pretty neat. When I first arrived I had the greatest driver from the airport who took me on a car tour of the city; past the palace and the fortress, through the old city, and...it was exciting for me....I saw a prostitute! I got all nervous and averted eye contact. The hotel was great, with good food and a warm room, and about a 20 to 30minute drive to the venue- Not too bad. Myself and the Canadians went to town a couple times to shop which was really neat. It was nice to be in a city instead of the middle of nowhere.

We also had a 'tight n' bright' themed stagette party for Megan Tandy, a Canadian athlete, who is getting married April 3rd. We looked beautiful- I will post pictures when I get them! CONGRATULATIONS MEGAN AND ILMAR!

So, the last 2 weeks have been fun. My races were slightly unfortunate, but overall I am very pleased with my season. I was top 1/2 twice and I competed to my fullest at the Olympics. I raced 8 out of 9 World Cups, re qualifying in each race for the next trimesters- something I did not do last year. I am also qualified for next years World Cups! Great success overall!!!

Again, thank you to everyone for your support. I am now on the prowl for sponsors and I am trying to figure my life out! Always exciting....I will keep you posted!

Much love, and thank you thank you thank you!!

Truly disappointed...

2010-03-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

Today's race was the most disappointing of my season. When I crossed the finish line I was so...angry. So angry at myself, and this feeling of disappointment was something I have not experienced so deeply before. I had bad races at the Olympics, but it was so amazing just to be at the Olympics that it did not bother me as much. But this race, today, is the type of race that athletes must learn to deal with.

I was starter 64. I was very scared of this course before starting because there are 2 big hills in it that, in training, were really killing me. I started off and was feeling great. I got to the first hill and my strategy was to just put my head down and do it. Usually I look up the hill to the top, but these were so long that my plan was to just put my head down and go for it- and it worked. I think. It felt fine at least, and I was doing more passing on the up hills, instead of being passed. I came in for prone and clicked 1 left as the wind was down from zero, and hit all 5. Great start!

I was feeling better and better, so my second loop was just splendid. I came in for standing, and Olga Zaitseva from Russia came in at the same time. My first shot miss-fired twice, (which is when the shot doesn't go off), and this really messed up my rhythm. Then Olga started shooting and the Russians were going crazy in the crowd. Crowds usually don't bother me at all, but for some reason this day, all I could do was listen to them. So Olga hit 5 (she placed 2nd today), and I hit 2. I had become so unfocused, and made such a...I dunno what to call it...maybe 'rooky mistake'. This is what we train for- To block out noises and focus on what we are doing, and I didn't do it. So, 3 times around that damn penalty loop, (who I thought I was over but I guess it just keeps coming back. It is an awful relationship between myself and Mr. PL (Penalty Loop)) and then out on the trail. My last loop I felt was amazing, and I got a split that I was in 59th.

Well, I finished in 60th, but ended up 73rd- 3 minutes 50 seconds behind 1st place, who had no misses. Of course you cannot say this in biathlon, but if I had had no misses, I would have been in approximately 40th position.

I think the reason why I am so angry is because I could have done it. I can do it. I am ready to do the pursuit, but it is just not all coming together when it needs to. Oberhof, 45th position, no pursuit. Antholz, 47th position, 1 hour before start get deathly ill and end up in hospital. Kontiolahti, mess up mentally and throw it all away. I am sure I am not the only one who is highly disappointed in today's results because this is what happens in biathlon, but I really hope it all comes together because I am feeling so good.

POSITIVE OF THE DAY: Congratulations to the Canadians. All 4 women qualified for the pursuit! Good luck to all of them, especially Rosanna in her first World Cup pursuit! Woohoo!

Great article!

2010-03-12T09:01:00.001-08:00

http://www.albertalocalnews.com/rockymountainoutlook/sports/87284367.html

2010-03-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

I just found my other post about Nationals- It's called "scroll down the page slightly further, Sarah" Sorry about that folks!

The pursuit of Finland

2010-03-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

Man, I was sure I had written an update about my first 2 races at national champs! Where the heck did it go? I also spoke about Louise Crawford calling me Canmores little bird....am I crazy? (rhetorical question, no need for an answer!)

Okay, I'll do a brief update then on the races. I arrived home from the Olympics on the 2nd, and raced on the 3rd in Canadian National Championships. It was the 7.5km sprint race and I missed 3 in prone and 2 in standing- 5 misses out of 10 = disaster! I placed 7th, and was not so pleased. BUT if you look at a positive: If I had had a great race I would have been thinking "WHAT? WHY could I have not done that last week at the Olympics?!??!" So after this race it was like "Oh, nice Sarah. At least you didn't shoot THAT bad at the Olympics." Positive, right there.

The next day was the 15km Individual and my last individual of the season. I was nervous my legs would not be fresh in this race, but when I started I felt great. My skiing felt nice and smooth and I had no problems. I came in to shoot my first prone and missed 2! "AHH....not a good start---If I keep going like this, that's 8 misses!" So I was slightly nervous heading into my next shooting, which was standing. CLEAN! Woohoo. Prone again- Oh no....CLEAN! Yessss....okay Sarah, one more shooting. Focus on every shot as its own. CLEAN! WHAT!?!?!?, YESSSSS....18/20 in an Individual. I had no idea how Zina Kocher or anyone else had shot so I was just doing my thang on the race track. Then, on the 2nd last hill, Petr Yells at me "YOUR GOING TO WIN THIS RACE!!!" Best 6 word any athlete can hear, unless its "YOUR GOING TO THE OLYMPIC GAMES!!!" (Which nobody yelled at me, but said in a soft whisper creates the same amount of excitement, I think) So I placed 1st in the Individual, which was just splendid. Oh, and after the race someone came up to me and said "Sarah, why couldn't you have just done this at the Olympics?" hahaha....theory BLOWN!

We had Friday off where I slowly started to digest that I was leaving in two days. Thought about packing, but decided to get my eyebrows waxed instead.

On Saturday it was the 10km Pursuit. I was the 7th starter because of my challenging shooting in the sprint, so I started 35 seconds behind the leader, Megan Tandy (who wiped the field, hitting 19/20!). I came in for my first prone and missed 2- crap! "well, maybe it will go like the Individual!" was what I thought as I left the range. I came in and hit all 5 in my next prone! Wooohooo...on my way to 18/20! Wrong- I missed 2 in my first standing, then 2 again in the 2nd standing. So, that dang penalty loop and I had 6 small dates that day, but it seems slightly lost in life, always going in circles, so hopefully I won't be seeing much of it anymore. I ended up 3rd in the Pursuit, which was still very nice. Petr was not pleased with my shooting, and I even got a few words from Mrs. Zidek about my shooting- I'll try harder just for you Eva!

The next day I hopped on a plane and flew to Joensuu, Finland. Thanks to Devonian Properties for making it possible for me to come here!!! Now I can compete in the next 2 world Cups- One in Kontiolahti, Finland and the next on in Holmenkollen, Norway!

I like Scandinavians- It's cold up here, and lots of snow, but the people always seem happy. They choose their words so carefully that it always excites me whats going to come out of their mouths next! About 5 minutes ago I went and got a new room key and she says, nice and slowly "So, here...is...your...room...key...and.." I thought she was going to say "you owe 10 euros" or something but then "everything shall be working fine now, please have a good day, bye". Sort of seems like a lame story when I write it down, so maybe you just have to experience it yourself- haha. I am staying at the Sport institute with Ukraine and Japan. Back to Russian/German/Japanese/ sign language- Woohoo!

Smile everyone!

2010-03-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

That's me peeking from the side of the podium- I was first this day! I was not allowed on top of the podium because I am a foreign racer. I jumped up there sneakily at the beginning though and did a small jig. The scolding was well worth it ;)

Canadian National Championships pictures- Day 1 and 2

2010-03-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

Slight akward hug between Cindy Clark and I as it was her last race!!! Cindy is awesome and It will be very strange without her!

I love this Earth

2010-03-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

I love this planet we live in and the crazy things that happen. I ran into Blake Skjellerup up at the nordic centre today. I had never met Blake before the Olympics, where we were teammates. He is New Zealands short track speed skater, and a Superstar to say the least. I think it is so neat that crazy meetings and run-ins happen like this, all the time, all over the world. We also found out that we are potentially on the same flight home from Frankfurt on the 22nd. Crazy? I think so.

I also just ate the best sandwich. And this is also why I love this planet, because we don't have a long enough memory to remember the other "best ever" sandwich we ate 3 years ago. So I can say, "WOW, that is the best sandwich I have ever had". Just like I can say "That was my best race", or "most hilarious moment of my life". Does this make sense, or do I sound slightly crazy.

All I really want to say is "I Love this planet, and the people in it."

Just loaded a plethora of Olympic pictures onto my picasa site!

2010-03-05T10:04:00.001-08:00

Some Pictures- Sorry I dont know how to organize them or make proper captions.

2010-03-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

My amazing group of friends! THANKS!

My Birthday cake!!! THANKS NZ!

The Olymcic rings!!!Team New Zealand!!!! What a group!

Canadian National Championships

2010-03-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

I arrived home from the Olympics on the 2nd, and on the 3rd of March I competed in the 7.5km Sprint race at Canadian Nationals. I was definitely tired from the weeks events and knew it was going to be a tough one, but I did it. I had awful shooting- 3 misses prone and 2 misses standing. All my prone misses were in the exact same spot, so a correction may have helped, but in the end that dang penalty loop and I hung out for a bit- 750m extra actually, and I finished 7th. Not a great race.

I am currently trying to adjust a bit to European time, so I went to bed at 8:30pm (Grandma, right here, I know), and woke up at 6:45am. The 15km Individual race started at 10am, and I was there, number 11, on the start line feeling awesome. I was a bit concerned for this race because my skiing had not felt wonderful yesterday and this is an even longer race. As soon as I started skiing, I felt better. I got into the rhythm of the race and my body felt good. I came in for my first prone and missed 2- Oh no, 2 minutes added on already! This is going to be a disaster....wrong. For the next three shootings I did not miss anything. I hit 18/20 and placed 1st!!!!!! I was so happy to have finally shot well, and even more excited that I placed first! GO TEAM NEW ZEALAND! One sad thing is a don't get a medal because I am not a "Canadian". I am a foreign racer.- Haha, oh how hilarious!

Glen and Louise Crawford did an amazing job commentating and making me feel really great to be back on familiar trails. Louise kept saying I was Canmores "Little bird", or Caniwi, or little Kiwi, and all the volunteers and the crowd were cheering for me. It was really nice. Thank you to everyone.

Tomorrow is just a training day, Saturday is the Pursuit, and on Sunday I hop on a plane and fly to Finland! Wholly Cow, life is moving fast!!!!!!

Stay awesome!

A glimpse of home...

2010-03-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

For the past 2 weeks I have been in the Whistler athletes village just enjoying myself. I would go training, then watch some races, maybe go see some 4 man bobsleigh or cross-country skiing events, then relax at night, maybe do some dancing. It was really great. 9 year goal done, now it was time to relax. My amazing friends, who drove out from Canmore to Whistler in one night to watch me race, then drove home after the race, said they visibly saw me relax after the race. I didn't notice it, but it is true. I can now start to look forward, and get all uptight, for the 2014 Olympics!

I went to the closing ceremonies which was, in my opinion, awesome! I think maybe because I did not get to go to the opening ceremonies that I was able to appreciate the closing a bit more then others. The giant moose and beavers, well, I love them. It was hilarious how they brought everything that the rest of the world stereotypically thinks of Canada. I loved it.

We had an absolutely amazing New Zealand team send off on the 2nd. We started it off in our common room at the Athletes village, where we all sat around and everyone spoke, saying thank-yous and just saying what they wanted to say about the Olympics. It got a bit emotional and it was great to hear what people think. The New Zealand team is now very pumped for the 2014 Olympics, and we really want medals! It was such an amazing group of people and I think the New Zealand team is top notch!

We then went to the party portion of our farewell. It was at a neat Italian cafe in downtown Vancouver called 'Sciue'. It was an Icebreaker party, which was one of our awesome sponsors for the Olympics, and a lot of local Kiwis were there to take advantage of the sale and to see the team. There was also an amazing New Zealand band there "Soul Paua" who rocked the night away. It was so amazing to just relax with the team, do some dancing, and enjoy each others company knowing there was no more competitions. What a great bunch of people!

I flew home the next day and was picked up by my wonderful sister, who is doing amazing by the way, and drove to Canmore. Oh, how nice was my sleep that night!!!!

I hope everyone is awesome!!!! Smile!

High-five!

2010-02-27T17:36:00.000-08:00

I would like to give every volunteer at the Olympics a big high-five and I wish I could give each of them a present. They have worked so hard, with ridiculous shifts, without much recognition. They have made these games run so smoothly and they are just absolutely AMAZING!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Best compliment ever!

2010-02-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Best compliment I have ever received. In reference to a picture that was in the NZ Herald. According to John Burridges grandson, I was "looking like a cross between a Ninja and a Star Wars warrior". YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Thank you mini man, that is awesome!

2010 Olympics- Race updates!

2010-02-18T16:51:00.000-08:00

Well, that is the end. My biathlon races for the 2010 Olympics are done. My lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian has come true!

On February 13th I raced the 7.5km sprint race. I was starter 34 which is a great, early number for me. I was excited to be racing again after having some time off with just heavy training, so arriving up at the venue was what I had been waiting for. I had a good zero and was feeling good at the start line. I felt good on the skis and coming into prone I was focused on the task- didn't work. I missed 2/5 and had to ski two 150m penalty loops. Around the 2.5km again and then in for standing where I missed 1/5. I missed three total in this race and finished in 82nd. When I crossed the finish line my mother and father were there with their arms wide open as they are volunteers. Not many people get to experience having their parents at the Olympics, let alone helping out at them, so it was really great.

Three days later I hoped on the bus at 7:45am and took the 30minute ride up to the venue for the 15km Individual race. I was feeling relaxed and tested my skis, choosing the fastest pair out of 7. I had a great zero, and the day could not be any more beautiful; blue skies, no wind, and a good temperature. The track was hard, but getting softer and softer as the sun rose and more people raced on it. I was starter 48 out of 89 starters. I missed 1 in my first prone, an 2 in the first standing. I then came in for my second prone and hit all 5! Yes, great success. But, different story for my second standing: I missed 3...WHAT? WHY? Well, I was talking to my coach afterwards and he was very pleased with my race. I am exactly where I should be in my sport at my age and just need to build a bigger base so I can handle the longer races and keep my shooting up. So I missed 6/20 and was once again 82nd.

Although I did not have the races of my life at the Olympics, I am still here and I did it! I am an Olympian and I raced the races and did my thang! It was such a good feeling wearing the Olympic New Zealand suit and being out there knowing I am representing such a great country for the first time. The New Zealand support has been absolutely amazing; the team was there today cheering me on, Ginny (physio) was amazing and with me in the start and finish area, Petr did his coaching thang and nailed it, my parents dominated the supportive parent role, and all the support from the friends and family afar has been breathtaking.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

It was amazing, and now it is time to experience the other part of the Games; other sports, the atmosphere, and to really enjoy everything. You are all awesome!

2010-02-18T15:39:00.001-08:00

www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/sport/national-sport/more_headlines

Starter #48 tomorrow in the Individual!

2010-02-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

Go team Go! And good luck to all the NZ competitors tomorrow! It is an exciting day with the Skeleton and snowboarders also racing. GO TEAM!

Erin doing awesome!

2010-02-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

Good new everyone; My sister Erin is out of hospital and feeling good. The surgery went really well and she is now in planning mode for her big move to Australia. She has also decided that when you get tired at the Olympics, or overwhelmed, it is called 'Olympitis'. She is hilarious, my sister!

2010-02-16T16:52:00.001-08:00

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/biathlon/news/newsid=41159.html#kiwi+canuck+gets+buzz+silver+fern

2010-02-16T16:48:00.003-08:00

http://www.biathlon-online.de/content/view/4154/89/

Race 1- 7.5km sprint

2010-02-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

I am now officially an Olympian! Wooohooo! I raced yesterday on the first day of Olympic competitions and it was splendid. Conditions that last few training days have been tough, with a lot of precipitation, making the course very soft and mushy. I was starter number 34 and felt good. They put a whole bunch of salt on the track right before our race which hardened the snow, so I had no problems with the conditions. I had a great new pair of skis which beat out all my other skis- Thanks Salomon.

Right when the women started, it starting raining. But it was okay, I didn't really notice it while racing- just at the end when your soaking wet. I came in for my first prone and missed 2! What?!?! I was confused as I felt good shooting but missed- But it happens so I went on and did those dang penalty loops and came back in for standing where I missed 1. Target Delta and high- this has been a consistent problem this season unfortunately, missing high on Delta and Echo. Out on course for the last loop and I had the most AMAZING skis- Ukraine really got it this time. They were so quick and I was passing everyone on the downhills- I LOVE YOU UKRAINE!

So I finished and my mother was there with arms wide for a hug. Not many athletes get the experience that! It was great. Ginny, our NZ physio was also there and it was so exciting to be done the first race and officially an Olympian. I could say that all day!

My final result was 82nd, which is not great, but every athlete I have spoken too had a bad day. It was a weird day because everyone felt really good, but the results weren't showing it. The World Cup leaders had the same feelings- nobody knows why it was just strange.

Now on Schedule:
Today, Feb 14th- The Day of love- Valentines day
Feb 16th- My birthday! Woo!
Feb18th- 15km Individual and my last race!

2010-02-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

It was a great day yesterday with the opening ceremonies, but also a tragic one. 21 year old Luger, Nodar Kumaritashvilifrom from Georgia, was killed on a training run in Whistler.

My condolences to his family, friends and teammates.

The day approaches....

2010-02-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

We had a training day on Wednesday, where it snowed like crazy and was difficult to see. Snow bullets were getting all up in our eyeballs, so that was unfortunate, but at least it was snowing! It was such wet snow and the track was getting a bit chopped up- But the pink barrel was lovin it!

Yesterday was Thursday and the New Zealand team had a day that we will never forget. We all jumped on a bus and we rolled on down to the Squamish Totem hall, where we met up with the rest of the team from Vancouver. We were greeted by the Squamish Band and were invited into their long house. We had a great feed, which was made by the families, and then some great inspirational speeches by some of the elders.

All the NZ athletes and Staff were then invited into a room where we were blanketed. This is when a special, traditional blanket it wrapped around our shoulders and fastened, and a handmade woven headband, made my children, put on our heads. We then lined around the building and were paired with the Chiefs descendants, whom we walked into the main hall with. We stood on the 'sacred ground' which were blankets and were given amazing gifts from the Squamish people. Afterwards they folded up the blankets, and we gave them to people in the crowd as gifts.

It was then NZ turn and we had speeches from the head of the NZOC, Barry Meister, a speech from Pete Wardell, our Chief de mission, and the NZ Minister of Tourism. They were very inspirational and all the athletes kept looking at each other going "oh man, this is pretty full on", in a good way of course! We then did a team Haka, and then the flag bearer was named.

Congratulations, Juliane Bray, you are amazing and deserve to carry in our flag at the opening ceremonies with pride! You really show the NZ spirit and we love you for it! Well done!

We then gave our punamu necklaces (green stone) to the little kids of Squamish. It was so cute. It was an amazing day, and the NZ support staff put so much work into. Trevor and Robyn, way to go! Thank you for the experience of a lifetime and I personally think you two are top notch.

Our whole team is amazing- a very happy, friendly group of awesomeness. We get along great and are having a blast.

Unfortunately I will not be walking in the Opening Ceremonies tonight as I have my first race tomorrow. It would have been 6 hours in a bus, 2 hours to stand around, 10 minutes to walk in, and not enough recovery. It is sad, but I am here to compete and the timing and circumstances just didn't work out. So, I will go see my parents as it is my Fathers Birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPS!!!! WAY TO BE AN AWESOME DAD! xoxoxo

To the Whis..

2010-02-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

Alright! On Monday, Collen Campbell (awesomest neighbor around) drove me into Calgary to do a CBC radio interview before I jumped on a plane and flew to Vancouver. I was met by Robyn Wong, the NZ team manager, and we rocked it to the Vancouver athletes village. I was supposed to go straight to Whistler but with my head cold, we decided I would stay in Vancouver. It was absolutely beautiful, right on the water with a view of the dome for the opening ceremonies and the humongous Sochi 2014 disco ball (its amazing). I stayed there one night, went to bed at 9pm, and felt better the next morning. I was driven up the Callaghan valley at 10am to do some training. It was nice to be movin and groovin again even though it was easy training. I also got to see the Parental Units! It was awesome to see Mum and Dad dressed up at 'Smurfs' (as they are called here). Go Parents! Woo!

(not my parents in photo)

After training, Petr and I made our way to the Whistler athletes village. I had a plethora of baggage in the car and when we arrived, we carried it up from the bottom of the street and were greeted by the Haka (traditional Maori war dance) from the NZ support staff. It was amazing and it felt awesome to be greeted with something true Kiwi.

I will write more when I am back from dinner. Off to chow down on a delish dish. Stay classy!

Vancouver Athletes VIllage

2010-02-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

I made it safe and sound to the Vancouver Athletes Village. It is amazing- absolutely awesome! I am staying a night in Vancouver just to try and relax and get better ( I have a bit of a head cold, unfortunately) and then I will head up the Whistler tomorrow.

Woohoo!

aaand...break!

2010-02-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

This week has been one to remember. Watching the Cross-country world cups was so great and inspiring, and with the perfect weather, the races could not have gone any better. Congratulations to Andy Pohl and Katie Calder for their great racing, and to the Canadians and Sara Renners Bronze medal! Great job everyone- definitely a great atmosphere for Olympic preparation.

But the real excitement and inspiration happened yesterday, here in Canmore. I was called last week by the town of Canmore to be apart of the Olympic athlete sendoff ceremony. I said yes, thinking it was just a small thing at the civic centre. Well, it was a full on parade. I remember this same parade from 4 years ago when they did the same thing for the Torino Olympics, and how amazing and untouchable I thought the athletes were. As I walked down main street yesterday as a local girl flying the Kiwi flag, walking with all the Canadian athletes, it hit that I am now apart of that group- I have achieved that dream that seemed completely impossible just 4 years ago- even 1 year ago! And everyone in Canmore, everyone, was cheering and smiling and clapping, it was the most amazing atmosphere and that was the first time I really realized how big this all is.

Afterwards, there were speeches by the mayor and past-Olympic athletes, and they introduced us one by one. I was so touched to be a part of this ceremony. I thought that maybe I would be discluded but they treated me just as they were all the other Olympians, and that shows how great and loving people are! Thank you Canmore, I will always think of you, and you will all be taking this crazy journey with me in my heart. (A bit cheesy, sorry, but some times you need some gouda sappyness....hahaha)

I am leaving in 1 hour for my plane to Vancouver. and then its real....

2010-02-08T06:29:00.001-08:00

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/winter-olympics/3304246/Biathlon-always-in-the-stars-for-NZ-Olympian/

Preperations

2010-02-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would be in this position- preparing for the Olympics. It is full on preparation mode now, and I am starting to feel better and better from my disaster trip home. Mum and Dad had an open house here in Canmore where many family and friends stopped by. I was so touched that so many people came to give me their best wishes and congratulations, and even though I had to go to bed at 9:30pm in the middle of the party, it was so nice to see everyone.

I am feeling better, so I am getting more and more excited for the Olympics. It is amazing: My brother and his wife are coming, my Father is already in Whistler, my Mother leaves on Saturday, my Aunt and Uncle live there so they are going, and many friends will be there fore running. One person who will not be able to make it is my Sister: She is one of the bravest people I know and has a tough couple weeks in front of her. She is getting surgery on February 9th at the Canmore hospital and will need 2 weeks recovery, the exact 2 weeks over the Olympics. It will be a tough time for her as no one is home to look after her so her friend is moving into the house, but we will be thinking of her non-stop, hoping she has a fast recovery. I am sad she will not be there, but it is very exciting for her to be getting this surgery! Love you Erin!

I have to thank everyone again...I just cannot get over how awesome this world is!

Have fun, smile, dance, and have an adventure!

Back at it!

2010-01-31T13:16:00.000-08:00

I have now been home for 5 days and am starting to feel better. I was very sick and tired for 3 days and yesterday I started feeling better. I have started to train again with Petr and am getting back into the rhythm of things. It is exciting. The conditions here in Canmore are perfect, -10 and snowing today. There are a lot of athletes training here from all over the world preparing for the cross-country world cup on the 5th and 6th of February. It is exciting stuff!

I leave for Whistler on the 8th of February, next Monday.

Hope everyone is well!

Sarah

2010-01-31T07:11:00.001-08:00

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10622966

2010-01-29T15:58:00.001-08:00

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/olympic-games/news/article.cfm?c_id=502&objectid=10623099&pnum=2

2010-01-28T21:03:00.001-08:00

http://tvnz.co.nz/othersports-news/murphy-confirmed-first-kiwi-biathlete-3344240

small blurb near end

2010-01-28T15:10:00.001-08:00

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/sport/3203315/Prophecies-of-Nostrayoungus

2010-01-28T15:06:00.001-08:00

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/winter-olympics/3270725/NZs-first-biathlete-to-Winter-Olympics-named

The BIG news...

2010-01-27T18:14:00.000-08:00

At 10:21am I received an email from Biathlon New Zealand; Title read "NZL Reallocation process OWGs 2010 WOMEN". This was the email we have all been waiting for. As soon as I read the word "Congratulations" I knew. The IBU had allocated a spot for New Zealand in the Olympics.

I was then officially named to the New Zealand 2010 Winter Olympic team.

I am going to the 2010 Olympics as New Zealands first biathlete ever. I am making history, I am going to complete my life long goal, and this will hopefully help, big time, in the development of the sport in New Zealand.

I am over the moon. (Strange saying, really)

I am currently running on adrenaline as I am so extremely jetlagged as I arrived at 4am after 3 days travel home.

Thank you to everyone for everything. This was our goal and without all your support and generosity I would not be here writing these unbelievable words.

THANK YOU

2010-01-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

I have to say a HUGE thank you to:
MANUEL STEINBACH
UND MARIA GREINWALD

They saved me when I was stranded in an Italian hospital with a stomach infection by packing all my gear, staying an extra night, and driving me to Munich the next day AS WELL as re book my flight to Canada, contact my insurance company and contact my family. Thank you so so so so much. Also to Rudy with the IBU and all the paramedics and doctors in Antholz and Bruneck. I am en route to Canada, leaving tomorrow morning from Munich! THANK YOU EVERYONE for helping me! This is when it is tough without a team, but everyone is so friendly!

xxoxo

TV 3 article- some mistakes but it's ok

2010-01-23T22:44:00.001-08:00

http://www.3news.co.nz/New-Zealands-first-potential-biathlon-Olympian/tabid/415/articleID/136578/Default.aspx

Shocked...

2010-01-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

I am so....shocked, excited, happy, exhausted! Today I qualified for the 10km Pursuit race on Sunday. Only the top 60 get to race and this is my first time ever qualifying for a pursuit on World Cups. It is going to be interestingly fun, I hope!

I am feeling better and better on my skis. Ukraine, ONCE AGAIN, waxed a great pair of skis. I came in for my prone and hit all 5! YES! There was a German girl shooting at the same time so they were cheering like mad for her, but I was secretly telling myself it was for me. Haha. I'm a nerd, but whatever gets you going I guess. I came in for standing and decided to shoot on lane 30 as it was in the shade. Bad idea as it made an awful noise against the wall and i ended up missing 2. I went out and skied my penalty loops and back out on course.

At the start of my third loop I did not feel as good, but then I told myself "Sarah, this is your last race before the Olympics. Get up that dang hill. What is the problem here?". Well, there was no problem so I got up the hill and finished in 47th!!! Out of 100 competitors. I was top half and my second best result on the World Cup. (45th in Antholz out of 90 women). I AM SO PUMPED!

I was also informed this morning that I have been named to the New Zealand Olympic Team, PENDING alocation. I was told today I will not find out until January 28th! Scary stuff, but I am feeling so good and excited to Peak at the Olympics!

Woo! Go Team Go!

news.......

2010-01-21T22:49:00.000-08:00

http://www.winterolympics.co.nz/nervous
http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/olympics/90094/first-athletes-named-olympics

Sarah Murphy has been selected as New Zealand's first Olympic biathlete pending confirmation of a quota spot from the International Federation.

sprint tomorrow- Antholz

2010-01-21T11:35:00.001-08:00

Starter #70 tomorrow for the sprint. Watch it live at: www.biathlonworld.com, starts at 2:15pm Italy time. 12 hours ahead of NZ and 8 hours ahead of Canada

Old-lady-who (I didn't know you could yodel!)

2010-01-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

Sooooooo.......I just found out how to read peoples comments on my blog. Thank you so much everyone! You are all so unbelievable and the support is absolutely amazing!

Mark Raymond, Maria Greinwald, and I are going to ski to Austria today! You can go on an amazing ski up to the top of the pass and have a wee treat in the little cafe at the top. I am going to yodel from the top- Hope you will all hear it!

Antholz- 15km individual

2010-01-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

The big one is over; the Individual. We had not had a World Cup Individual race since Pokjluka, which was before Christmas. I had some issues during the zero, and went to the start line frustrated, and not completely into the race. I was starter 57 and the conditions were perfect- tiny bit of wind and clear blue skies. It is absolutely gorgeous here.

I came in for my first prone, things looked good, but then I missed two. Then I came in for my 2nd shooting, standing, things looked good, but then I missed 2. But you know what? I felt so great on my skis. I was so happy and really enjoying the race. It was amazing. My next prone I missed 1 and my next standing I also missed 1. So 6 misses total, adding 6 minutes to my time and putting me 8mins 35 seconds behind total. But I just didn't want to stop skiing. I was feeling just splendid.

My final place was 66th, which is my 2nd best place in a World Cup. This means I skied very well for me. If I hate hit all 20 I would have been 18th, but you cannot say that in Biathlon. But it really shows how much I have improved since the beginning of the season, as in Ostersund if I had shot clean I would have been in 77th position. I am so pleased with my improvement, and I am only feeling stronger and stronger!

Next race is on Friday and it is the sprint! Woo! Hold on to your pants!

Congrats!

2010-01-18T23:57:00.000-08:00

I made it to Antholz safe and sound and it is so amazing. It is absolutely gorgeous and the trails are perfect. The elevation is 1700m or so and we are right at the top of a pass. You can even ski around a lake at the top, and ski to the top of the pass into Austria.

Also. CONGRATS to the Albertans (and Matt) going as team Canada to WJCH in Sweden: Joel Pacas, Scott Gow, Matt Neuman, Tana Chesham, Christian Gow, Aaron Gillmor and Kurtis Wenzel!! You guys are awesome!!!!

Raving Ruhpolding!

2010-01-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

I like Ruhpolding. I have decided that it is a pretty neat place. The atmosphere is amazing with all the fans and the excitement that is reverberating from the crowd is just incredible. I have a problem in Ruhpolding that I cannot stop smiling when training, and even racing. I just really enjoy it here.

The conditions were perfect on race day: No wind and fast tracks. Our race was not until 5:30pm and I did not start until 6:10pm. It is tough when racing so late because you have to try and do nothing, or very little, all day and not think to much about what is coming up. I headed to the range at 3pm and tested my skis, which Ukraine waxed phenomenally, as usual! I was starter 88 out of 118 which was alright. I had been feeling a bit sick for the last two days in my stomach and gobbled down 3 pieces of bread before my race just to try to settle it. I guess it worked because I felt much better once start time came.

I hit all 5 prone and was so excited! Woo...clean. I have been training since I was 13 in biathlon, and it is still so exciting when I shoot clean. I think it will always be exciting to hit all the targets, no matter what! I hit 4 standing, so 9/10! Yes- I was pumped-olad!

My skiing felt fine, legs were a bit tired but I think everyone's are after those dang hills. Why do I like Ruhpolding again....oh right, because of the atmosphere, because it sure isn't the course- It's a toughy!
I ended up 87th, which is my 3rd best result on World Cup.

I am staying with Anna Carin Oloffson-Zidek, Tom Zidek and their son Liam and Petr Zidek. It's nice because we can cook our own meals and just chill and hang out. So, I was 87th and Anna won the womans sprint, so I am sharing a house with a superstar. Hopefully some of her powers will rub off on me! Haha.

Anyways, I am off to Italy on Sunday for the next World Cup and then home to Canada! Woot woot!

2010-01-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Racing dans Oberhof. This is on the big hill. Pretty much a party with hundreds of people lining the side of the track. Go Germany and your hardcore biathlon fans! Ich Liebe Dich!

2010 is an awesome year so far...

2010-01-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it. I DID IT! I DID IT!
Today was the woman's 7.5km Sprint in Oberhof Germany. It was chilly, -10, windy and foggy. Very difficult conditions for shooting. I was starter 54 out of 95 or so. Group 3 was very popular as many believed the track would get faster and faster. I chose group 3 because I can only choose between group 3 and 4 and starting last is lame. Welcome to the back of the pack, you faster athletes. Get on the party train.

I was able to get some physio the night before from the Swedish teams physio because I did not want my leg to act up again. It was good and I was feeling great the next day. I had been having some problems with my sights not moving great on my rifle all week, and the same thing happened this morning so I was so frustrated at zero and left to start the race not so pleased.

So 2:54pm rolls around and I start. The Oberhof World Cup was sold out, around 17000 spectators or something crazy. Usually I have no one on the hills cheering for me and all the coaches stare at me like I am from outer space, but TODAY I had HUNDREDS of people cheering. Maybe not for me, but it still felt awesome. Haha.

So my first shooting I came in and wasn't sure about the wind. I don't remember if I clicked or not, but I missed my first prone and thought "crap, this is going to be awful". But then I hit the next 4. Woo! Around the penalty loop and back out on track. Peter Zidek was on the big hill and it was SO exciting having a coach to run out on course and yell who-knows-what in my general direction. It was very motivating, even if I didn't hear what he was saying. In to the range again for standing and I was a bit nervous as my standing has not been top-notch this year. The wind was...You know what, I don't really remember. The best races, at least for me, are the ones that just happen without thinking. So the wind was doing something, and I hit all 5! Yessss....I do remember thinking I was cross-firing or doing something wrong because they were all going down and nothing ever seems to go so smoothly for me! So, no penalty loops and I ate that last loop up. I don't know how awesome I looked but I skied like a mad woman, or tried to atleast.

I finished in 31st position. This was very exciting for me as usually I finish on my number (ie. 54th) or after it (57th). But today I finished ahead! I ended up 45th position and 12.06% behind the leaders. What is the New Zealand qualification? 12.5%. Which means....I DID IT! I qualified for the 2010 Olympics. Ballin.

Now, don't get excited everyone. There is still one more thing. The IBU has set this nation ranking thing. Top 27 nations have definite spots, and if they do not fill their quota then they do a countback. I am nation #33. We will not find out if I have a spot until January 25th. 3 more weeks and we will know if I will go or not. AHHHHHHHHH!

What a day!

Onerous Oberhof...In a good way

2010-01-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

SO, I made it to oberhof! Woohoo! I left Obertilliach on Monday morning with two Norwegians, Lars Berger and his gilfriend Lenne. We drove 7 hours up Germany to Oberhof, which is a small tourist town. I absolutely love it. The hotel is really nice and the food is delicious. The course is pretty 'heavy' as Krystyna Palka put it, and it describes it perfectly. I have two great reasons why I think Oberhof is great. 1) I have a coach here! Petr Zidek arrived on monday night. He is my coach in Canada and was able to come here for the next 3 world cups. It is amazing having an english speaking coach. We can even have a conversation and it makes sense, usually. Reason 2) I went searching for some durchbad (shower gel) and I got the last bottle of....Neuseeland (New Zealand)- Manuka honey body wash! ITS A SIGN! and if its not a sign, then at least it makes me smell delicious and like New Zealand! 1 point for Sarah!These are some picture from Oberhof. It is very chilly but absolutely beuatiful. Oh, I also went to the opening ceremonies and walked out in front of many many people all alone with the New Zealand flag. The huge Norwegian team went in front of me, and the huge Polish team was behind me. And then there was 1. And it was hilarious and lots of fun. Woo! Go team New Zealand!

So, stay awesome! Smile, have fun, dance, prance, and stay warm!

Overwhelming Obertilliach!!!!

2010-01-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

Incredible: That is how the last two weeks have been. I have been training in Obertilliach, Austria which is a very popular training spot over Christmas for biathletes. There is one bakery, and only restaurants in the hotels, so not much happening which makes it perfect for training. After our crazy blizzardy Christmas day the conditions were absolutely perfect. -12 and clear skies with perfectly groomed trails. It was impossible to be angry about anything whilst training. The Australian team (Coach Paul, Mark Raymond, Giles, Hamish, Tina and Rachel) was here so I was able to use their scope and get sighted in. Allen Eason from Great Britain was also here training and did some videoing so I could do some technique analysis, which I really appreciated. The teams that were/are here over Christmas: Japan, Ukraine, Belgium, some Czechs, some Norwegians, some Austrians, Aussies, New Zealand (thats me!), Greenland, a Slovakian, and a German. So, pretty much a party on the range.

The first 3 days were longer training days, about 4 hours. I would ski from our accommodation in the mornings down to the range, which I think is pretty great, and then ski home afterwards. Afternoons would be shorter with ski strength or a recovery workout.

It was also really nice cooking for myself. It's amazing how quickly you get sick of hotel food. But then again, I am not sure who else would want to eat my cooking. Sarah's cooking tips: Throw anything and everything into a pot and eat it. Usually turns out pretty successful.

I like to think this picture is like a runway into the sky. For New Years we all jumped into the van and went to Lienz for dinner. The internet is amazing- we searched "Lienz restaurants' and lots of different places popped up. We chose one, clicked reservation, added our details, showed up and it was set! I was excited it worked, and the restaurant was too as it was the first internet reservation they had ever had! Yes! After a delicious dinner (Lamb shanks!) we headed back to Obertilliach (40mins or so) and went for a midnight ski in the full moon! We skied up the downhill ski slope and watched the fireworks. The best part was skiing down at the end. It was fresh groomed tracks and lots of fun.

No rest for athletes, as we were at the range by 9am the next morning doing intensity, and it was great. As I said, you cannot be upset about anything in these conditions. I am so excited as well because my body is feeling great. I have no more leg pain and my back has not been sore at all. I am feeling healthy and am really excited for the coming races!

I was supposed to be leaving at 4am this morning to drop Marks girlfriend, Kim, off at the Munich airport, but this is maybe not the best way to travel before a World Cup. So Uiloq Slettemark from Greenland has contacts and helped me hitch a ride with a Norwegian athlete, Lars Berger and his girlfriend. We are leaving tomorrow morning and driving to Oberhof in one day (about 7 hours) where the next World Cup is. I am excited to get moving again! I think a lot of athletes have get this itchy bug where they cannot stay in one place for more than 2 or 3 weeks.

Okay! Woo! So, I hope everyone is happy and healthy and lovin life. Do your thang, have a dance party and jump around because its 2010 and the Olympic village opens in 1 month. Woo! Go Team Go!

Smile!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

2010-01-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

VICTORY! I have figured out how to put pictures onto my blog wall! YES! These are from dinner in Lienz, skiing up the downhill slope at midnight in Obertilliach to watch the fireworks, and our serious training the next morning!Uiloque Slettemark with the full moon!Myself, 3 Aussies and a Brit!Look at the gorgeous full moon!Mine and Marks skiing skills!Mark was awesome at this! I was slightly hopeless

Oh Snow!

2009-12-26T05:47:00.000-08:00

It was raining Christmas morning. Skiing was not the greatest and the range was closed. I had smacked my head hard on the wall during the night (Who knows what I was dreaming about) and for some reason I had no electricity in my room.

But then....lunch! Yes, things are looking up. A nice Christmas lunch out with 4 Brazilians, 1 brit, and 7 Aussies. Oh, and me, the Kiwi. Nice lunch and for dessert they gave us Heiße leibe. For those of you Germans giggling out there, "Hot love" was a great dessert (but strangely enough it was ice cream, not so hot).

Back to the accommodation and Mum and Dad opened their Christmas presents I gave them on Skype. So, we had a bit of Christmas together which was great. As I sat their watching them admiring my clay-bowl-shaped things I had made at the Borrowmans pottery studio (www.ofcabbagesandkings.ca) I noticed a change outside.

OH MY...It' snowing! Yessssss! So, thank you Santa for bringing us the great Christmas gift. Training today was absolutely spectacular. Blue skies, no clouds, perfect snow, around -10. Beautiful!

Christmas in a Cupboard

2009-12-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve- 2010- I am in Obertilliach, Austria in my cupboard size room. Today my father called me on Skype and my mother called my father from work on the home phone, so I was talking to my mother on skype through the phone while she was at work. Hilarious! My parents are awesome.

I drove from Alleghe, Italy to Obertilliach, Austria today. All the passes were open and it was a very nice drive through Cortina and Dobbiaco and all those crazy places. I would love to come back one day and road bike here, gorgeous!

So now I am all settled in in Obertilliach. My bathroom is bigger than my bedroom and I have no kitchen, or plug ins. I think I am in an old cupboard space or something. Oh goodness, how hilarious.

My last race in Pokjluka was not great. I woke up with a very sore quad and could not walk up or down stairs very easily. I raced on it in tough conditions and it was painful. I also did not shoot very well; 6/10. It was the most dissappointing race of the season, BUT you can always learn. I learned that falling on your tailbone in Hochfilzen can then cause problems later on in other parts of your body.

At least, this is what the Italian physio told me. He was amazing. There was one physio in this whole valley and he saw me 3 days in a row and fixed me. I walked in and he said 'Its your back'. He did not even look at my leg. Superstar? I think so! So he massaged and heated and zapped and lazered my back and now my pain is gone and I feel great! Go random man in the middle of nowhere! Woo!

I went for a nice ski in the rain today, and real training starts tomorrow. Christmas day! The greatest gift would be snow, not rain! (except for maybe world Happiness and love for everyone).

So, MERRY CHRISTMAS and I hope all your wished come true!

Awesome Alleghe

2009-12-22T04:02:00.000-08:00

I must still write about the Pokljuka sprint, but I am on limited internet. Right now I am Alleghe, Italy in the middle of the Dolomites. I have been here for 2 days and it is just a bit of rest time before i head to Obertilliach, Austria for more training.

There is no internet in the town and only 1300 people. It is so beautiful and a great place to 'get-away' as they say. As soon as I have more internet I will fill you in on the sprint, but lets just say it was not awesome.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is my 2nd X-mas away from the Fam fam, which is good as they are saving money with me away. Haha, I am hilarious!

Yay team! Stay awesome!