MY BLOG
December 27, 2010
Hey guys, I know it's been a while and I apologize for being late with getting the updates on my page. Well I would like to get you all caught up on what’s been going on with me. I went to China and skated World Cup 3. Going into China I had a different mind set which I think really helped me perform at a higher level than I have thus far in short track. I took a step back and raced for myself. I enjoyed being in China and remembered why I enjoy racing. Before the racing started though I went and looked around at the infamous black markets with a few of the other short trackers. It's always fun to get out of the hotel and away from skating for a few to enjoy the country you are in. I raced the 1500m and the 500m and skated to a personal best in both distances. I ended up with an 8th in the 500m and 4th in the 1500m. Personally I learned a lot from racing this weekend and found out that I am capable of anything.
After China the team had just about a week and a half to prepare for the US championships in Salt Lake City, UT. During the trials I felt well prepared. My mom ended up coming out to visit to watch me race so that was nice to have her support. It has been a while since she was in Salt Lake City, so it was nice to have her see the new place that I moved into. Trials went well for me this year and I felt that I made a few jumps in my racing skills. Of course there is a lot of room for improvement, but that’s the glory of it all. I had my first victory in short track speed skating the 500m. It was well needed that’s for sure. Overall though it was a pretty well-skated weekend and I can’t complain too much - haha.
I was able to head home for Christmas and see my entire family. The team has been training so much and it's been a while since I have been home. I got to spend a bit of time with the family but of course time just flies by so quickly.
Now I am heading back to Salt Lake City to prepare for our upcoming races in Russia, Germany, and England. I think the team is working well together and it is definitely helpful that the team is able to push one another to improve. We have a month of good training before heading out. I think that the team is going to do great this season and so far we have been putting on a good show.
Thanks for checking in and sorry that its taken me so long to get you guys updated.
Take care,
xoxo
November 7, 2010
I am back from the first two world cups of the season. They took place in Montreal and Quebec Canada, respectively. The two weekends had their ups and downs but over all I came away learning a bit more of what I need to work on to improve. Improving is a never-ending process, that's for sure.
Montreal being the first event of the season made for some interesting races because of the new rule in effect - so many new tracks are being skated. The team earned a medal in almost every event, which was the best showing the US team has ever had. The girls’ team earned silver in the relay and it was a good start to the season.
The racing in Quebec went well with the team making the podium again. This time the girls earned a bronze in the relay. Racing in these two world cups has been a great experience to say the least.
While in Montreal a few of the girls, Robert, and our mental coach Nicole went downtown and rented bikes to scoot around on. It was nice to get out of the hotel and see a little bit of downtown Montreal. When in Quebec the team went and walked around Old Quebec. Being able to see the history of the places we visit while racing is definitely an experience that most don’t get a chance to see during a lifetime.
I am now back to training and staying focused for the rest of the season. It was nice being able to race but I am excited for training. The team is back for a few weeks before leaving for China. Thanksgiving is coming up shortly and I hope everyone has a great holiday. Thank you for following me and for your continued support on my journey. Keep checking back for more updates!
Xoxo Jessica
October 5, 2010
Hello everyone! The first race of the season, American Cup 1, is over with. This was a qualifying event for the first three World Cups that will be held in Quebec, Montreal, and China. Racing went well over the weekend - I was 4th in the 1500m, 3rd in the 500m, 5th in the 1000m, and 4th in the 1500m super final. It was nice having the races in Milwaukee because it was close to home so some of my family members came to the races. It was really nice seeing my Mom, Aunt Rocky, Aunt Renee, and Heidi. Thank you guys for coming out and supporting me during my races.
Now it’s time to get ready for these next World Cups. I am going to get back to SLC and get back to training to prepare for the racing season. I am really excited to start racing and traveling. We have spent a lot of time in SLC and it will be nice to get out and show what we have been training for. I will be sure to give 100% in every race I am in. Continue to keep following the progress of the US team and I. I will be giving updates here on the website so keep checking back to see what’s new with me during my travels.
Thank you to everyone that shows your support by coming to this site! You guys are awesome and I appreciate each and everyone of you.
Always, Jessica
September 14, 2010
Hey guys this is my first time doing a blog and I am pretty excited to be able to keep in touch and let everyone know what's going on with me. So far, summer training has been a great learning tool for me. We have a few new people on the team this year which has been fun being able to get know each of them. They all bring a new vibe to the team, so it's been a great experience. For the first time, I have ventured outside of Salt Lake City and headed south to check out a little more of what Utah has to offer. Lana Gehring, Aly Dudek, Travis Jayner, Kyle Carr, Kyle Uyehara, and myself all decided to go to Lake Powell for a weekend get away. It was a blast, with a few memories to take back home to say the least. We all definitely needed that get away with some fun in the sun. Now we are a couple weeks out from the first American Cup trials in Milwaukee, WI. I am looking forward to the racing there, and also a little time to catch up with my family that will be heading over to watch the races. I hope to see you guys there and be sure to say hello!
All the best,
Jessica
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