Autumn colours, high altitude training and Mexican food. These are now all the things that I associate with Park City, Utah. The Alberta World Cup Academy and National Team headed down to the U-S and A for a combined training camp for two weeks. The focus was on volume and altitude training but a few time trials kept it relevant.

I spent the majority of September in Canmore and, to be honest, it wasn’t the best training. It’s easy to write about how awesome life and training is when it’s going well. That is basically what social media these days is all about! It is a lot harder but much more important to note the setbacks and learn when things aren’t going as well. Being sick and run down at the beginning of the September set me back in training. It took some time and patience to turn it around but the lessons and optimism I gained coming out of it are that much more important. Realigning my goals and keeping the glass half full are those tacky reminders that kept me going.

Classic roll up to Guardsman Pass Photo: Frédérique Vézina — Classic roll up to Guardsman Pass
Photo: Frédérique Vézina

Park City Mountain Photo: Alysson Marshall

By the time we left for Park City at the end of September, I was back to full healthy and ready to put some more consistent training in and be in a team environment. Being in America meant it was a great opportunity to embrace the American spirit. Going to the local High School football game was awesome. It could have been right out of Friday Night Lights. Half time show, cheerleaders, popcorn and everything. The players were a lot less dreamy, but the football was just as entertaining!

On set of Friday Night Lights shooting. Not actually but could've been! Go Miners!

Checking out the local High School football game. Go Miners!

Getting to know a coupla cutie pie cheerleader performers at the football game

Staying at an altitude in Park City of 2 100m took some time to adjust to but was part of the reason we were there. To add in intensity sessions, we took advantage of the many training spots in the area at a lower elevation including North Salt Lake and Soldier Hollow for our sprint and distance time trials.

Sometimes roller skiing looks cool - just kidding it never does. Peri and I above Salt Lake City after an intensity session. But the point of the photo is the Sauce shorts! Check out a pair for yourself Sauce Headwear

Frédérique, Dahria, Cendrine and I mid-run on Park City Mountain

Who doesn't love puppies!? A great distraction from these little St. Bernard puppies.

Anaya's Market was the local Mexican market and hub for every Mexican worker within 50km. A step inside and it felt like a step across the border. Amazing Mexican food!

After taking full advantage of Thanksgiving and packing in three turkey dinners, I'm feeling thankful for all the leftovers, my family and good health! The magic of Frozen Thunder is about to happen and I’m looking forward to some time on snow. My season opening races in West Yellowstone, Montana are now 6 weeks away!