I won my first international race this weekend and managed to secure 3rd in the NAC women's rankings overall for the 2014/15 season. 

Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen this season, but it did right in my own backyard! While I could probably go on and on about how much this meant to me and how surprised I was, I'll keep it short by saying that I've never been so proud of myself. 

I did not have a very good training week once we arrived back in Calgary from Whistler. I was overwhelmed with jumping straight back in to classes after missing the first week and a half, while putting pressure on myself to do my best and be perfect (which was not feasible), mostly because it is my home track. I was able to take positives from each day, but I was definitely frustrated on my training week. I knew I could put it all together on race day though, I thrive under pressure. I would consider that I put down some of my best runs this weekend, which is really all I can ask of myself in a race situation. 

Race #1 - My first Gold 

This race was much different that the 1st race in Calgary in November. I had had good results all throughout the races and I knew I was capable of a top 3 finish, and that was my goal. A decent 1st run left me in 2nd place. With some of the nerves out, I was able to push 5 hundredths faster for a PB push on the 2nd run, and despite thinking I was going to flip out of one of the corners, I let it fly and crossed the line in under 59s. This was also a downtime PB! No matter the result, I knew I was finishing no lower than 2nd and that was amazing. As in skeleton, nothing is ever guaranteed and I was awarded my first ever win. 

Race #1 Podium! 

Before the flag ceremony, I was approached to stick around afterwards to do an interview with the Calgary Sun! Still on my high of just standing on top of the podium hearing Oh Canada, the interview was a bit of a struggle, as I was still just processing everything. You live, you learn. Interview skills will come with more success I guess. 

Full article can be seen here 

Race #2 - 4th place finish 

It was a balmy 16 degrees at the track yesterday for the final NAC race of the season and the ice was warm. My setup of my sled was not really well suited for the ice, but I made do with what I had and it just simply wasn't my best day. Not my two best runs, but I am extremely proud to finish fourth and see my teammate Mimi win the race! I also managed to push a new PB (one hundredth faster than the day before), so there are always positives to take away. 

A huge shoutout to all the NAC womens competitors I've had a chance to meet and compete against all season. You all are so much fun to hang out with and put up a good fight in every race! 

The whole ICC/NAC team had great results in Calgary also, and I felt like it has been (and continues to be) a great season for the Canadian skeleton team. I'm honoured to call myself a Canadian Skeleton athlete. Even though our funding was cut, we are still persevering and managing to show we have potential in our program. 

On the NAC circuit, my teammate Mimi Rahneva won the overall NAC women's title for this season, with me in 3rd place overall. 

To add to that, Canadian Skeleton athletes are placing on WC and ICC podiums as well! 

This was a whirlwind of a season and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Thank you to everyone who reached out to me after my win and shared my news article online. The secret's out - I'm kind of good at my sport I guess! 

As for me, I have no idea what's next, but definitely a bit of rest from training while I get back in to the school groove and try to catch up!