SUMMER'S END

KETCHUM - This summer started out with some bloody-hard training, literally! My 5th graders are on summer break, so I have not had the chance to visit regularly with them. I have seen them around town, however, and we have shared stories and scars of our adventures.

A German Shepard bit me in the face while on a run one night. The following day, I cheered one of my 5th graders on in a skateboard competition. He fell while attempting a new trick and we jumped into the river after to sooth our wounds and laugh the pain away.

I watched an uphill time trial that some of my ITA kids participated in. One boy was pretty upset with his final result so I went on a cool-down jog with him post finish. We talked about goals and how the most meaningful ones are not always so easily reached. I told him about a rock climb that I tried over a dozen times before making even the first move. In the end we both decided to keep at our goals, regardless of how many times we have to try.

Although I have not had a scheduled ITA community-project summer, I had some great opportunities to interact with my past and current ITA kiddos. Being an athlete isn’t 9-5 and good role models can’t punch out for the weekend. I trained hard to get closer to my goals this summer and tried to make sure that those around me made it through their own blood, sweat and fears to stay on track towards theirs. Ski racing might be an individual sport, but it takes a great community too. Thanks to all who have given me support through my first 3 years of living in the Wood River Valley!

Fall is here, by my calendar, and I start the drive towards to the 2010 Olympic venue tonight (literally). We are going there for a training camp. Figuratively, I started the drive towards Vancouver long ago. More from across the border...