I woke up raring to go on Sunday. My mantra: I love the bumps. I love Waterfall. I am going to love the bumps on Waterfall. Also, the two bump runs could possibly be my last runs of the season so let ‘er rip and hold nothing back. No regrets.
Tom, a member of my cell, and I both volunteered to go first for teaching today but I let him go as he was teaching Fast Track to Parallel and there were two FTTP lessons in our group that day. Plus I had gone first the day before. I wasn’t as worried about my lesson on Day 2 as I at least knew everyone’s names. When my time came I was a bit nervous when I first explained to the group what I was looking for but as the lesson progressed I was able to forget the examiner was there and focus on teaching a lesson as I would ordinarily. I started the lesson on Waterfall thinking that by putting them on the steepest run I would set myself up well to detect things I could work on in their skiing. It was a suggestion by Ben Prudhomme, an instructor I had on Level 3 prep. Doug Leeming, the examiner I had on today suggested later that I shouldn’t have started them on such a hard run. You can’t win! My group did not make it easy on me as they were all skiing very well. Luckily I was still able to find things for each to work on and the lesson progressed smoothly.
The morning passed by quickly and soon we were through our lessons. As we had a long break before the bumps ski-off I headed back out after lunch and did a half dozen or so practice runs down both sides of Waterfall, not knowing which side the exams would be on. Imagine my surprise when the first ski-off run was actually on the relatively flat top section where I had yet to ski! I wasn’t sure how I felt about this decision as this year I had been finding the steeper bumps easier to navigate than the flatter, closer bumps that require fast feet. But the flatter terrain did give me confidence to go faster. My practice runs in the bumps were not great. I picked a bad line on the top section that didn’t have great rhythm. On the bottom section my legs were screaming and I actually skied out of the bumps rather than finishing the whole run. I was beginning to question my decision to do as many bump runs as I had.
As we waited for our chance to do the ski-off in the top section I asked the others if anyone had found a good line. Allison, from North Toronto, volunteered that the line just to the skier’s left of the lift towers was a good one. Man, am I glad I asked. I had a fantastic run. I was able to look ahead and pick a line that was smooth and rhythmical. I felt like I was taking a leisurely ski down a green run. Our order was reversed for the next run and I went from being one of the last to ski to one of the first. Not much rest for us! As I felt pretty good about my top run I decided to really go for it on the second run as well. I let out a “whoo hoo” to start and tackled the MUCH bigger, MUCH steeper terrain. I actually felt better on the steeper top section than when it got less steep as the line I chose wanted to take me out of the bumps. I worked my way back in and stayed with it. What a relief to have those two runs over! It could have been the adrenaline but I almost felt like doing them again!
With the exams complete, the examiners convened inside and most people went in to get changed. I figured it would take a while to get results and elected to do a couple more runs while I waited. I was joined by Michele Jacques from MSLM who is a great skier. I think those were two of my best runs all season because I could finally RELAX. I’m looking forward to getting more skiing in over the next few weeks where I can seek that feeling.
Perhaps the hardest part of the weekend was waiting for results. I felt pretty good about how I had skied. It wasn’t my best skiing but felt pretty solid. My lessons had seemed to go well. I felt it was within my grasp to get the whole thing but didn’t want to get my hopes set too high. Results for getting half of it are announced first. Then those who got the whole thing were announced. So you want to hear your name but not too early. Alas, I was the second person announced for Teaching. So I passed the teaching but not the skiing. It was bittersweet. While I was thrilled that I would never again have to take the teaching I was really hoping I had done enough to get the whole thing. My marks indicated that I was close. For each run there had been two or three of the five examiners that had passed me. Of all things I actually passed the moguls! The examiners were all great. Brian and Sandy especially sought me out and told me how well I had skied. It is hard to take though, knowing that you skied well, but not well enough.
So, where do I go from here? Well, first off I need a new pair of skis. Mine are DONE. They have no energy left. And I’m going to have a few days of spring skiing for the FUN of it. I’ll refocus over the off-season and decide how to tackle getting the skiing. Thanks everyone for your support on my journey.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Level 3 Exams - Saturday
One exam day down and one to go! And what a full day! We spent the morning teaching and did 4/5 ski-off runs in the afternoon. Only bumps remain.
The weather today was fantastic! It was sunny and right below freezing. The conditions started really firm and were soft after lunch. The atmosphere was much better than expected. The examiners did their best to put people at ease. Most people were pretty relaxed. I quickly distanced myself from anyone who was stressed.
There are 26 people on exams. The majority have been on exams before. Some have already passed either the skiing or the teaching and are back trying to get the second half. There are five examiners - Sandy, Brian, Doug, Jason, and James. All five are judging the ski-off runs with their marks averaged. We are in smaller groups of 5-6 for the teaching. For the teaching I had Sandy today and have Doug tomorrow.
I drew Intermediate Parallel and Short Radius for my two lessons. I couldn't be happier with the draw. As IP and SR are two of my best runs I knew I would be able to demo them well.
I had about an hour this morning to warm up before we started so I sought out appropriate terrain for my lesson, finding safe areas to stop, checking out sight lines, practicing my demo, and thinking about what I was going to say. When Sandy asked for a volunteer to go first, I jumped at the chance.
I think the lesson went well. Sandy asked me privately if I was nervous because my voice sounded tight but the people in my group who didn't know me thought I sounded confident. Sandy also told me that I did well at picking out what each needed to work on but could have had them ski faster. My guess is that it is still a pass.
I could then relax and take part in the remaining classes my cell had to teach - Advanced Parallel, Short Radius, and Bumps. My AP runs were really strong in the class where my SR was not as good as usual. It's usually the reverse for me. My Bumps were not good but then everyone was struggling in them as they were HUGE and none too soft in the morning.
I did a couple of runs after we were "released" for lunch. Then after the soup I brought from the condo I headed back out for a couple of runs before we re-adjourned for the ski-off. For the ski-off we had a practice run for each run. We started with Intermediate Parallel down Waterfall - a double black diamond, Devil's Glen's steepest run. Not exactly what I pictured for an Intermediate run!!! A good one for me to start on as it's usually one of my best runs. We went alphabetically so I was 4th from the end. I did my best to avoid watching anyone else come down so I could leave the vision of the instructor's demos in my head. It seemed to work as I think I did well on that run.
Next up: Dynamic Parallel. We did this one on Inferno, a single Black Diamond. I was feeling pretty good on it - getting so lateral that I felt I could scoop up snow with my hand. Then I had a stumble right in front of the examiners. Oops! I didn't fall or anything but got majorly out of balance. We'll see how they account for that.
The third run was short radius. We did it on Stairway - double black but not as steep as Waterfall. My run felt good. Not stellar but solid. One little stumble in the soft snow but recovered quickly. A few of the other candidates did go out of their way to compliment me on it, one going so far as to say that it was the best of all the runs. So maybe it looked better than it felt. One poor guy fell which must have been embarassing.
The final ski-off run was the dreaded wedge turn. Every examiner demonstrated it differently. The 5 of them stood close and seemed to compare marks as though they needed agreement. The run felt pretty good so hopefully I did well.
So, to summarize my day I think I passed my first lesson teaching. I skiied well today - not as well as I can but possibly well enough to pass today's skiing. To pass the skiing I need to pass 3 out of 4 of today's runs. A passing mark is 6 out of 10 as an average of the 5 judges' marks.
Tomorrow morning I teach short radius which I'm not too worried about. The real test will be the Bumps. They are a must pass and they are intimidating - large with big gullies on a steep pitch. We are doing the lessons in the morning followed by the Bumps after lunch so I can get some warm-up runs in over lunch. I'm just going to have to suck it up and really go for it. Wish me luck!
The weather today was fantastic! It was sunny and right below freezing. The conditions started really firm and were soft after lunch. The atmosphere was much better than expected. The examiners did their best to put people at ease. Most people were pretty relaxed. I quickly distanced myself from anyone who was stressed.
There are 26 people on exams. The majority have been on exams before. Some have already passed either the skiing or the teaching and are back trying to get the second half. There are five examiners - Sandy, Brian, Doug, Jason, and James. All five are judging the ski-off runs with their marks averaged. We are in smaller groups of 5-6 for the teaching. For the teaching I had Sandy today and have Doug tomorrow.
I drew Intermediate Parallel and Short Radius for my two lessons. I couldn't be happier with the draw. As IP and SR are two of my best runs I knew I would be able to demo them well.
I had about an hour this morning to warm up before we started so I sought out appropriate terrain for my lesson, finding safe areas to stop, checking out sight lines, practicing my demo, and thinking about what I was going to say. When Sandy asked for a volunteer to go first, I jumped at the chance.
I think the lesson went well. Sandy asked me privately if I was nervous because my voice sounded tight but the people in my group who didn't know me thought I sounded confident. Sandy also told me that I did well at picking out what each needed to work on but could have had them ski faster. My guess is that it is still a pass.
I could then relax and take part in the remaining classes my cell had to teach - Advanced Parallel, Short Radius, and Bumps. My AP runs were really strong in the class where my SR was not as good as usual. It's usually the reverse for me. My Bumps were not good but then everyone was struggling in them as they were HUGE and none too soft in the morning.
I did a couple of runs after we were "released" for lunch. Then after the soup I brought from the condo I headed back out for a couple of runs before we re-adjourned for the ski-off. For the ski-off we had a practice run for each run. We started with Intermediate Parallel down Waterfall - a double black diamond, Devil's Glen's steepest run. Not exactly what I pictured for an Intermediate run!!! A good one for me to start on as it's usually one of my best runs. We went alphabetically so I was 4th from the end. I did my best to avoid watching anyone else come down so I could leave the vision of the instructor's demos in my head. It seemed to work as I think I did well on that run.
Next up: Dynamic Parallel. We did this one on Inferno, a single Black Diamond. I was feeling pretty good on it - getting so lateral that I felt I could scoop up snow with my hand. Then I had a stumble right in front of the examiners. Oops! I didn't fall or anything but got majorly out of balance. We'll see how they account for that.
The third run was short radius. We did it on Stairway - double black but not as steep as Waterfall. My run felt good. Not stellar but solid. One little stumble in the soft snow but recovered quickly. A few of the other candidates did go out of their way to compliment me on it, one going so far as to say that it was the best of all the runs. So maybe it looked better than it felt. One poor guy fell which must have been embarassing.
The final ski-off run was the dreaded wedge turn. Every examiner demonstrated it differently. The 5 of them stood close and seemed to compare marks as though they needed agreement. The run felt pretty good so hopefully I did well.
So, to summarize my day I think I passed my first lesson teaching. I skiied well today - not as well as I can but possibly well enough to pass today's skiing. To pass the skiing I need to pass 3 out of 4 of today's runs. A passing mark is 6 out of 10 as an average of the 5 judges' marks.
Tomorrow morning I teach short radius which I'm not too worried about. The real test will be the Bumps. They are a must pass and they are intimidating - large with big gullies on a steep pitch. We are doing the lessons in the morning followed by the Bumps after lunch so I can get some warm-up runs in over lunch. I'm just going to have to suck it up and really go for it. Wish me luck!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Level 3 Exams - Friday morning
I have been skiing for four hours and not wanted to stop as I'm having so much fun! I've decided it's time to finally take a break so I'm in my condo for a lunch break before heading back out. I've run into a TON of people I know today. Doug Leeming is training a group of 9 people - most of whom are going on exams tomorrow. I skied with a couple of of his group- Helga and Rory - before their session this morning. I watched the group come down a couple of times and some already looked stiff and nervous. I think I made the better decision going it alone.
I didn't end up alone though. I met up with Melody, a L3 coach with the HAD team who coaches out of Mansfield. Melody and I recognized each other from a training day with Sandy. She's a fantastic skier and has her L3 teaching. Don't know how she doesn't have her skiing! She has been helping me with my wedge turns while I have been helping her with Intermediate Parallel. We gave each other tips in short radius and the bumps. Her Dynamic Parallel is awesome. I'll have to synchro it this afternoon.
The day started off with HARD packed snow but has now softened up. Perfect for more bumps in the afternoon! I'll have to put on more sunscreen, sunglasses, and a shell. This is the closest I've gotten to spring skiing all year. Should be great for CSIA Fun Day, Mansfield, and oh yeah, the L3 exams tomorrow.
Melody heard from Steve Young, who she rents a room from, that it is Sandy and Jason Scott examining tomorrow. But I ran into Meredith today and she says there is 28 people signed up. Given the number of people I know taking it, I would think that is more realistic. Steve and Sandy are probably just two of the examiners.
Well, better head back out. TTYS.
I didn't end up alone though. I met up with Melody, a L3 coach with the HAD team who coaches out of Mansfield. Melody and I recognized each other from a training day with Sandy. She's a fantastic skier and has her L3 teaching. Don't know how she doesn't have her skiing! She has been helping me with my wedge turns while I have been helping her with Intermediate Parallel. We gave each other tips in short radius and the bumps. Her Dynamic Parallel is awesome. I'll have to synchro it this afternoon.
The day started off with HARD packed snow but has now softened up. Perfect for more bumps in the afternoon! I'll have to put on more sunscreen, sunglasses, and a shell. This is the closest I've gotten to spring skiing all year. Should be great for CSIA Fun Day, Mansfield, and oh yeah, the L3 exams tomorrow.
Melody heard from Steve Young, who she rents a room from, that it is Sandy and Jason Scott examining tomorrow. But I ran into Meredith today and she says there is 28 people signed up. Given the number of people I know taking it, I would think that is more realistic. Steve and Sandy are probably just two of the examiners.
Well, better head back out. TTYS.
Level 3 Exams - Thursday night
On the way up to Collingwood last night I decided to blog my (final?) journey towards my Level 3. When I get back to the city I'll transfer these emails into my blog with hopefully a photo of a shiny L3 pin. :)
Earlier this week I was experiencing periods of nervousness where I could literally feel my heart race. I kept myself busy at work and at home so as not to focus too much on my exams. That being said, any "free" time was used preparing for the exams - visualizing my ski-off runs and preparing what I will say and do in the various lessons I may be assigned.
But on the drive up last night a new feeling as related to this quest washed over me. Happiness?!? I actually found myself smiling when thinking about the exams. I'm totally relaxed and actually looking forward to showing the examiners what I can do! This is a feeling I want to hold on to over the next few days.
I am going to spend the day ripping it up at Blue Mountain. One last opportunity to use my 5x7. As mine was the only car in the parking lot last night I will have lots of space and no lift lines with which to contend. I love it here during the week!
Earlier this week I was experiencing periods of nervousness where I could literally feel my heart race. I kept myself busy at work and at home so as not to focus too much on my exams. That being said, any "free" time was used preparing for the exams - visualizing my ski-off runs and preparing what I will say and do in the various lessons I may be assigned.
But on the drive up last night a new feeling as related to this quest washed over me. Happiness?!? I actually found myself smiling when thinking about the exams. I'm totally relaxed and actually looking forward to showing the examiners what I can do! This is a feeling I want to hold on to over the next few days.
I am going to spend the day ripping it up at Blue Mountain. One last opportunity to use my 5x7. As mine was the only car in the parking lot last night I will have lots of space and no lift lines with which to contend. I love it here during the week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)