Kate's Skimo History and lead up to Pre Olympic season

 Then and Now:

 Racing crica 2007 at Monarch Mtn, Colorado. I did not have AT race gear, not many people in the States did at that time. Instead I used telemark gear- heavy and not easy with kick turns. I remember losing a skin and did not know you should carry 2 pairs in a race. 

There were about 30 women racing Vertical and Individual events at the World Champs in Villars, Switzerland in 2019. About 40 in sprint and 7 relay (women) teams.  Racing on the US team then, we finished 5th behind and infront of many famous names. 

I am expecting in 2025 there will be similar numbers in the Individual and Vert, but 60+ women in the sprint and at least 40 teams in the relay. That's some pre-Olympuic growth.

  

Teammates, Innika right and Lara left. I am in the middle.

We have wrapped up racing at the final World Cup of 24-25 in Cortina, Italy.  

Over the last five or so years I have helped establish the Australian Ski Mountaineering team and the associated Board of Members. I feel proud of this accomplishment. On and off the snow we are gaining more notariety. SnowAus

This winter season so far I have been working much more on strength and explosiveity. Being an endurance athelte for 25+ years forms a set of slower twitch muscles. I have made it my goal to be quicker, stronger and hopfully injury free. There is always the little annoyances and overuse issues. Focusing my time outside of work and family on keeping up with body maintenance:, I do weekly PT and strength and condtioning (S&C) sessions.  This means less time for actually skiing, but I will always have that love and skillset to fall back on.

Below:  Working on strength and stamina: Towing 9yr old Logan on this seasons' first backcountry tour. 5 miles, 3,000 ft climb. 

Packing up for the trip: 

I have an organized yet personalized system: gear goes down to the basement, sits there, gets packed, unpacked, and scrutinsed until the last minute.

Contents: 2 pairs Fischer race skis. 2 sets poles. 2 pairs ski race boots. 5 pairs skins. Helmet, eye wear, gloves, race suit. Race backpack. Techincal gear: (for other adventures) ice axe, ski and boot crampons, beacon, shovel, probe. 

Warm up pants and puffy jacket. Hardshell jacket and thermal layers. Mini wax and tuning kit. Blister kit. 

The date of departure has arrived:: Check ✅✅

Bags packed 

House cleaned

Neighborhood ski

Snowplow driveway

kids and husand hug

3hr shuttle down to Denver in a snowstorm

Check #50 pound ski bag and #35 suitcase 

Not I relax and finish this first Post to send!