When I started mentoring athletes a couple years ago, I felt like there were certain things in skiing and sport in general that if I had been told about sooner, I would have been able to progress faster in my skiing journey. Essentially, my mentoring was fueled by the belief that if only I could share what I've learned with younger athletes, perhaps they could avoid some of the hurdles I faced. Unfortunately, that has not been entirely the case, in my experience.
There are certain things I’ve shared with my mentees that I think/hope have helped accelerate them on their own jounreys, but I’ve come to realize that it's not necessarily about helping them skip phases or find shortcuts, but about providing guidance from my own experiences and support as they navigate through each stage.
For example, I’ve talked to athletes about everything from dealing with difficult coaches, to how to gain confidence back after a series of bad results, to how to not overthink during competition. While I wish that I could help my mentees not have to face these challenges (and there are some ways or measures to try to avoid them), I also think that all of these things need to be experienced by the athlete themself in order to learn and grow and (hopefully) progress in their sport. This realization has been incredibly insightful and has inadvertently shaped my own approach to ski racing.
I’ve often thought about my path in ski racing retrospectively with a bit of a critical lens. If only I had known this, or had done this differently, then maybe I would be better off.
I think that one of my strengths is my ability to take a step back and think critically about my intention, choices, execution and outcomes. But, like most things I write about in this blog, there’s a fine line between productive reflection and negative (non productive) criticism.
Seeing the athletes I mentor slowly progress through the different phases in their own sport journeys has helped give me some compassion on my own (seemingly drawn out) path.
Reflecting upon this recently, I've noticed a distinct change in my mindset. I’ve started to approach skiing with a more calm and confident demeanor, even on my less-than-perfect days. It’s not that I care less or am not trying as hard; in fact, I think this is the hardest I’ve worked and the most excited I’ve been in my skiing journey. So, I’m hoping that this is more an indication that I’m entering a new phase in my own journey. As I enter our last training block before flying to Europe for the season, I’m leaning into this tranquility while staying focused and determined for the upcoming season.
Update:
My plans the past few weeks have been a bit fluid. I was planning on flying straight from NYC to Colorado. But, very sadly, my grandma became quite sick last week, so I decided to head home and be with her and the family before heading out to Colorado. (Copper mountain ended up delaying their early season training due to lack of snow anyway.) Many of my siblings and both my parents were able to be with my grandma in the days leading up to her passing which was very special and makes me appreciate just how wonderful family time is. My Grandma was a wonderful women who taught me the beauty of grace and kindness and making others feel welcome and special.
Photo Update:
I read & see this as a shooter & docu photog .. that’s the camera lens I translate to words, phrase & the tale itself.. the ‘being there’ .. lovin that you gots me thinkin to ensure I take your lens .. as a loan for my fiction writing .. Obviously I can just make it up.. but that’s a cheat.. so looking through your writing for ‘on course’ moments !
But the inspiring aspects are so much the ‘who your are’ & the stunning intensity of teamwork, training, technical, family, travel etc.. That would & must really inspire younger athletes ! Lovin how you say what you’re saying ! It’s a nice way of words .. 🏴☠️🦎
Keep it up Tricia!