I have gotten a bit choked up at times preparing for the Wold Championships in Bristol, Quebec. I have always felt like the "usual" races, even when they seem big or important, have never been nearly as overwhelming. I always have felt like I could figure out all the things I had to do to - and then just do them. Getting ready for the Dryland Wold Championships has felt nothing like that.
From the very start, joining the IFSS (International Federation of Sled Dog Sports), to applying for selecting as part of Team USA, to waiting to see if I was selected, then being selected, arranging time off of work, understanding the rules and what is required, to ordering a uniform, filling out paperwork and becoming friends with the printer/fax/scan machine to make my documents into PDF's and not Rich Text documents (and feeling strangely technology inadequate), to following the many emails, to training myself, training the dogs, trying to keep us all safe and healthy, and then just keeping up with all the normal life challenges that arise everyday - it has been a whirlwind that has had its both its highs and lows.
I have defiantly had my low moments. Some of those come from the fear of missing one of the many rules or requirements for the World Championships that are well above and beyond the normal dog sledding race rules. Some of the nervousness comes from the anticipated scale of the race. There will be people from around the world, and my main goal every race is not to mess anyone else up, then to do our best, and also kick some butt. I think sometimes I have put too much pressure on myself to get the training "perfect" so we can perform and contribute to our team to the best of our ability. Of course, a large part of my mental struggle with competing in this race has been the financial challenge. I try and live a responsible life, provide for myself and my dogs, plan well, and afford the things I wish to do all on my own. Getting selected for Team USA in August and getting ready to race in October did not leave me the time I needed to save the amount of money I will need. I also don't think I had any idea of what the requirements would be, the amount of time it would take to learn about the race rules, fill out forms, and the amount of money that would be needed to pay for uniforms/IFSS membership/entrance fees/travel/lodging/etc. when I applied for the opportunity back in June.
Today I am in a better place. I am greatly honored by being chosen for Team USA and have no regrets over any of the challenges it has posed. I have learned a few things. One, I can read through all the rules, information sheets, Q&A's, emails, watch required videos, read through any and all anti-doping literature ever published by WADA and IFSS (including all the information on how to not get disqualified b/c your dog may lick your hand had the remnants of an Oreo cookie on it). I am less afraid of all the "unknowns" and am thankful to all the people who took the time to arrange, contribute, and distribute all the information as it was to all of our benefits to have it and understand it. I have discovered not to take myself to seriously. I want to do a kick ass job at the Championships - but when it comes to training schedules/goals/progress it is just going to be my very best effort and that is that. If i don't get to where I think we should be as each day progresses, it is okay. I will adjust as we go along. If mean what I say (that I want to do my best at the race), then all I can do in training is my best as well.
I also have learned the amount of people who truly care and believe in me. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has encouraged me. Your donations of motivation, kind words, and positive energy have been so incredibly valuable to me. You have helped carry me through the darker times of doubt, fear, and discouragement. Thank you. I also want to say thank you to everyone who has made monetary donations to my GoFundMe campaign. I have always felt so uncomfortable asking for money because it is not the way i would usually do things. I just want to say how much I appreciate you all recognizing what a big and unique opportunity this is and what a great adventure this will be. To all of you who have supported me in the many ways, know that you have made me think about the person I am and the person I want to be. I also want to give a BIG thank you to Brianna Janssen Saldivar and John Lendved. You both picked up that towel that I threw in, and when I couldn't figure out how to make all of this work, you said don't give up . You guys are the best and know that without you I could not have done this without you. Thank you!
Going through this experience/adventure has defiantly changed how I look at things. I see all the people who believe in me and care about me, and it has been overwhelming in itself. Know that the kindness and positivity you have shown me will not just be "absorbed" - it will be reflected out to the world as I go through life. You have made me aware of what it means to support your friends and family. It has changed the way I view the world, who I want to be in it, and has been truly inspirational. So once more, thank you! Know that when I go to race in the Wold Championships this October, I will be thinking of all of you!
Sincerely,
Jess
From the very start, joining the IFSS (International Federation of Sled Dog Sports), to applying for selecting as part of Team USA, to waiting to see if I was selected, then being selected, arranging time off of work, understanding the rules and what is required, to ordering a uniform, filling out paperwork and becoming friends with the printer/fax/scan machine to make my documents into PDF's and not Rich Text documents (and feeling strangely technology inadequate), to following the many emails, to training myself, training the dogs, trying to keep us all safe and healthy, and then just keeping up with all the normal life challenges that arise everyday - it has been a whirlwind that has had its both its highs and lows.
I have defiantly had my low moments. Some of those come from the fear of missing one of the many rules or requirements for the World Championships that are well above and beyond the normal dog sledding race rules. Some of the nervousness comes from the anticipated scale of the race. There will be people from around the world, and my main goal every race is not to mess anyone else up, then to do our best, and also kick some butt. I think sometimes I have put too much pressure on myself to get the training "perfect" so we can perform and contribute to our team to the best of our ability. Of course, a large part of my mental struggle with competing in this race has been the financial challenge. I try and live a responsible life, provide for myself and my dogs, plan well, and afford the things I wish to do all on my own. Getting selected for Team USA in August and getting ready to race in October did not leave me the time I needed to save the amount of money I will need. I also don't think I had any idea of what the requirements would be, the amount of time it would take to learn about the race rules, fill out forms, and the amount of money that would be needed to pay for uniforms/IFSS membership/entrance fees/travel/lodging/etc. when I applied for the opportunity back in June.
Today I am in a better place. I am greatly honored by being chosen for Team USA and have no regrets over any of the challenges it has posed. I have learned a few things. One, I can read through all the rules, information sheets, Q&A's, emails, watch required videos, read through any and all anti-doping literature ever published by WADA and IFSS (including all the information on how to not get disqualified b/c your dog may lick your hand had the remnants of an Oreo cookie on it). I am less afraid of all the "unknowns" and am thankful to all the people who took the time to arrange, contribute, and distribute all the information as it was to all of our benefits to have it and understand it. I have discovered not to take myself to seriously. I want to do a kick ass job at the Championships - but when it comes to training schedules/goals/progress it is just going to be my very best effort and that is that. If i don't get to where I think we should be as each day progresses, it is okay. I will adjust as we go along. If mean what I say (that I want to do my best at the race), then all I can do in training is my best as well.
I also have learned the amount of people who truly care and believe in me. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has encouraged me. Your donations of motivation, kind words, and positive energy have been so incredibly valuable to me. You have helped carry me through the darker times of doubt, fear, and discouragement. Thank you. I also want to say thank you to everyone who has made monetary donations to my GoFundMe campaign. I have always felt so uncomfortable asking for money because it is not the way i would usually do things. I just want to say how much I appreciate you all recognizing what a big and unique opportunity this is and what a great adventure this will be. To all of you who have supported me in the many ways, know that you have made me think about the person I am and the person I want to be. I also want to give a BIG thank you to Brianna Janssen Saldivar and John Lendved. You both picked up that towel that I threw in, and when I couldn't figure out how to make all of this work, you said don't give up . You guys are the best and know that without you I could not have done this without you. Thank you!
Going through this experience/adventure has defiantly changed how I look at things. I see all the people who believe in me and care about me, and it has been overwhelming in itself. Know that the kindness and positivity you have shown me will not just be "absorbed" - it will be reflected out to the world as I go through life. You have made me aware of what it means to support your friends and family. It has changed the way I view the world, who I want to be in it, and has been truly inspirational. So once more, thank you! Know that when I go to race in the Wold Championships this October, I will be thinking of all of you!
Sincerely,
Jess