The following week, our new jump coach, Marc Noelke came back from Germany for another jump camp. The week consisted mainly of jumping but we also trained outside the box so to speak. On afternoon we worked on our in-run positions, take-offs, and balance on rollerblades. We went into a skate park to work on our balance, and jumped over hurdles to work on our take-offs. It was one of the most bizarre days of training I have ever had. Another afternoon, we were able to jump off the aerial water ramps. The week was very productive.
This past week, the team travelled to Steamboat for the annual 4th of July ski jumping extravaganza. The week was a mini camp where we trained with the National Training Group. The first day of the camp we had the Fishcreek time trial. It is about 8 kilometers and takes 25-30 minutes. In the afternoon we, the USST members, took the younger nordic combined athletes out for some technique work.The kids ran through drills and finished off the afternoon with a fun obstacle course that helped them work on balance, correct posture, and efficiency. On Wednesday, we had the jumping competition. I was surprised to see the amount of athletes that showed up. There were almost 70 jumpers competing. The jumping went very poorly for me. I jumped 53.5 meters (almost crashing) and started the the xc race almost 1:30 back from the leader. On the morning of the 4th, we had the xc sprint portion of the nordic combined event. I skied an ok race, but I started from so far behind, it was hard to make up time on the other skiers. That afternoon was yet another jumping competition called elimination jumping. In short everyone jumps at least once and tries to go as far as possible. The the field is then cut in half. The rounds continue until there is a winner. I didn't do very well and missed the second round by 2 meters. I was disappointed in my result, but enjoyed watching the rest of the competition. All in all, the week was extremely busy but I had a great time being back in Steamboat.
I am now in Europe for two weeks. We left yesterday morning and just arrived in Hinterzarten, GER. We will be jumping in Hinterzarten for a week, and then head to Courchevel, FRA for the biking portion of the trip and we'll be following the Tour de France. I was on the same trip last year, and had a blast. I expect nothing less on this trip. Ciao!!!