22 December 2007

Coucou aux amis français, merci d’être venu sur mon site et bienvenu ! J’ai passe quelques jours supers a Serre Che la semaine dernière, et c’était un vrai plaisir de vous voir, merci ! En avril on fera du ski ensemble ! Passe une très bonne saisonne, je pense qu’il neigera beaucoup (Anna l’optimiste !). Je pars bientôt a Kimberly, Canada, faire un stage de ski… j’apprendrai à skier très vite! Alors, bonne saison a tous, et a bientôt !

Safely back in the UK, having enjoyed plenty of snow in Switzerland and France. Mandy, my superstar buddy had to leave after a day in Serre Che and was replaced by three helpful but rather ungainly farmers; Dad, Dick and Uncle Richard who were great fun to ski with. We managed to ski all 4 valleys in 3 days of bright sunshine, and enjoy some delicious meals out. It was great to see many friends out there. I was lucky enough to bump iont Pike who did a photoshoot, and am looking forward to seeing the outcome! So, having spent a valuable training session in Europe, I’m now preparing for Canada (trying to keep Christmas on hold!).

15 December 2007

I love Verbier! We finally made it here on Sunday, having spun the car en route, thankfully both Mandy, my friend and ski-buddy, and I are fine. The Swiss have been really kind and helpful, I rate them highly as a nation.

My school friend Lizzie has been a star putting us up, and the skiing's been amazing. We were spoilt with snow and have skied in perfect conditions for the last few days on Verbier's varied, wide, flowing slopes. I've enjoyed seeing the tracks through the powder left by the extreme elite! I'll be up there soon!

I spent Wednesday training with the adaptive instructors from European Snowsport and the head coach, Gemma, has spent a lot of time with us over the past few days which has been great experience. It's always good to get a few pointers from a professional and ski the mountain with a local! Many thanks to European Snowsport for all your help.

Mountain Air and No 1 Sports Verbier have helped me out with ski kit, so I'm now on some fatter skis which has enhanced my skiing in the powdery conditions. Many thanks, it's much appreciated.

We're leaving for Serre Chevalier this morning. I did seasons there and am looking forward to skiing some familiar terrain and catching up with old friends. It's a shame to leave Verbier, however I shall follow Coach's advice and challenge myself on varied terrain. Training must continue!

6 December 2007

BIATHLON COMPLETED! Today I hand-cycled 15km (we took a detour!) and for 13 of them I only had 3 speeds; very slow but quite hard work; slow but hard work; and the most fun, fast (downhill)! The gears breaking at the start made it all the more challenging. It took 1hour 26 minutes.

The 1km swim went a little more smoothly, but I'm feeling it today! Many thanks to Middleton Pool, Newport Pagnell who gave me the use of the pool.

Thank you very much to everyone who has sponsored me, I feel overwhelmed and hugely motivated by your generous support. If anyone else would like to sponsor me, just click on the 'make a donation' button. Thank you! Grazie! Merci! Arigato! Danke schon!

26 November 2007

Back in the UK, working on fitness; particularly handcycling and swimming training for my sponsored biathlon next week, and confirming training plans for this winter. I had a busy weekend playing in women's wheelchair basketball league games (and winning!).

Today I worked with the British Paralympic Association strength and conditioning coach, the team doctor and the development coach, ski training at Milton Keynes snowdome, followed by a filming session with SKY TV for a Christmas news bulletin. I really can't wait to get back out to the mountains again!

14 November 2007

The season's finally started! I'm out in Austria, training with the British Disabled Ski Team, learning loads thanks to the excellent, highly intense training. It won't stop snowing and visability isn't great but the snow is!

Great to train with the team and have such expansive feedback. The sports psych's been scrutinizing us, lots to work with.

I'd like to say a big thank you to my friend Tom who set up this fab site, to TWO SEASONS for your help with kit and fundraising, and to my friends and family who have been a huge support with the skiing. You're great!

A great start to an intense season!