Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Training camps galore!
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 :)
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 :)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Training camp begins!
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
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
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Quick note
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!
Monday, April 25, 2011
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 28th 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!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Nowhere like Norway
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.
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!
 | |||
| A nice helicopter on the tarmac |
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!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
From Russia, with Love part 2
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 ;)
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
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 2nd 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 2nd 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 85th.
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
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Ridnaun to Russia
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
NORMA ammunition
