The-Week-Before my departure for the World Cup has come and gone, and as usual, it felt like a time warp. In classic pre-season fashion, seven days passed in both an instant and an eternity. A week ago today, I was contentedly skiing laps around the Frozen Thunder track in Canmore, Alberta, and less contentedly getting a “free stone grind” (see Luke’s update on ski lingo if you are confused). It was a week of blissful, low-stress training, and a stark reminder that we were in the last major block of training until the World Cup season kicks off in Ruka, Finland.

Preseason feelings on a wide spectrum of anxieties and excitements have been ebbing and flowing for the past eight months, since I earned my first Period 1 World Cup starts at the end of the 2024/25 season. Anticipation of such a major milestone in the year for professional skiers manifests in a variety of ways.

Some of the ways that are less pleasant include:

• Racing thoughts at bedtime (packing lists, last-minute chores, whether I’ve done the right training to toe the line with the best in the world, etc.)
• Wondering what it would even feel like to “be ready”
• Feeling the vulnerability of my first season as a professional athlete, new to the National team and World Cup circuit
• Thinking about and bracing for the loneliness that can come with being on the road for long stretches
• Feeling the loss of independence that comes with team travel for most of the winter

You get the idea.

On the other hand, the awesome ways anticipation manifests give me excited butterflies in my stomach!

Those include but are not limited to:

• Thinking about bulk Swedish candy
• Hoping to see a reindeer every time I blow away a stray eyelash
• Getting those good race feelings in intervals and building confidence in my preparation
• Dreaming about a frosty training session to sauna progression that I plan to execute as often as possible during the first week in Muonio
• Being so excited to see new parts of the world
• Reconnecting with teammates and coaches that I haven’t seen for a while
• Getting to know current BSF teammates better (Hi Erin)
• Trying new food

Long story short, these thoughts have cycled through my head more times than I can count in the last weeks and months, and I’m ready to rip off the bandaid and go give it a shot. The hard part of leaving is done. I boarded a plane this morning, and I can feel the excitement and “good list” taking over. I know the season ahead will have its ups and downs, but I’m so grateful to have the chance to show up, learn, and grow. Giving this pro athlete life a try is an incredible privilege!

Here’s some of the stuff I did to fill my cup before leaving town:

• Driving my truck around with good music playing
• Hanging at the house with my wonderful roommates and their kitty Purr Purr (if you follow me on Instagram, you know Purr Purr, sorry not sorry)
• Getting out with the horses
• Sharing meals and giant ice cream cones with friends
• Hitting my favorite training spots, aka Pete’s hill over and over
• Making my favorite coffee drinks

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Luckily, that worked well, and my cup feels pretty darn full of all the Bozeman love. I’ll be taking that feeling with me

up to the frigid Finland winter, and sharing my journey along the way. Thanks for reading, and thanks for being part of the ski community that supports me so fully.

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Catch ya later,

Kate

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Kate and Erin finally in Finland and ready to race the World Cup