Home after the Fall World Cups

I got up this morning at 3am. Not the best sleep in I’ve ever had, but I love these first few mornings after getting back from Europe, when I give in to jetlag at 8pm, and wake up super early. There’s so much to do when you get back. I always feel so productive and excited. It’s my first time washing my clothes in a washing machine in a month, and I can’t wait to put some cozy, warm clothes on when I pull them out of the dryer.

My house is quiet, except for when the rumble of the heater comes on, and it’s snowy, peaceful, and quiet outside. That means it’s time to get some work done—school work. I’ve missed a month of classes, and there’s a lot to do. I’m taking a break now though, just thinking about the last month on the road.

It was a long trip, for only three competitions. But I still managed to fit in 15 races in just 9 total days of World Cup races. I’m pretty happy with how things went. Every weekend it seemed I improved, and that builds a good foundation of confidence, as well as knowledge—knowledge of my abilities and of my potential, both mentally and physically. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season, though I will be fully embracing this little mid-season rest.

But it just makes me reflect on my month, and how much I love what I do. I love speed skating. I must confess, that I can really get stuck in my own bubble. However looking outside, I feel so inspired by the people around me. I’m so lucky to do what I do, and I hope that I can inspire those who inspire me too.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s following what I do. There is a lot of work both on and off the ice, and it is the work of a great network that has gotten me this far. I hope I can demonstrate how hard work and passion pay off, and I can’t wait to get going again in January, and see what I can do.

Christine