CT&A: What is your daily training routine?
C: My routine varies upon the season and what's available. That's something different about ski racing and traveling around the world. There are few things that are constant and often times we just adjust according to our environment. In the winter we usually are racing or skiing with a few days off every 7 days. But, that can change at any time depending on the schedule. I am an outdoor junkie. I love to be outside and prefer any training situation that encompasses a challenge. For my physical training, I love variety and really try to avoid routine. In season and off-season.
CT&A: How do you prepare mentally? Spiritually?
C: The mental preparation is by far the hardest in my opinion. It's still something that I am learning and fine-tuning. I believe in confidence and I believe that consistency breeds confidence. Often times I reflect and rethink my approach and give my entire outlook a make over. I am often inspired while running, or training outside. I think the basis is love. One must love what they are doing and find inspiration and motivation. That gives you a purpose and it's the greatest catalyst. My Spiritual preparation is quite simple... I trust God and know that He has given me the talents and the abilities. It's my job to be a good steward of those blessings. I am a proactive person. I believe in living out what you believe.
CT&A: Where are your favorite US ski towns? Favorite ski towns in the world?
C: I rarely spend much time in the States, which is sad but true. I am biased about Steamboat's Powder. I grew up in Tahoe and have incredible memories as a child skiing there. In all honesty I almost prefer the atmosphere of ski villages in Europe. It's a different approach to skiing and people are more simplistic.
CT&A: What is the most challenging aspect of being an Olympic Skier?
C: I would say maintaining a healthy concept of reality!!! Just kidding. No, everyone's challenges are different. I think it's more a privilege than anything else. The challenge is to continually raise the standard and to continue to expect and require more of your body. As soon as you think you've arrived to the place where you will be successful, someone else is going to be working even harder. It's a constant climb to the top.
CT&A: What do you feel has been your greatest athletic achievement to date?
C: I feel like my 2nd place finish at the World Cup finals last year was a huge stepping stone for me. I had just come off a disastrous Olympic Games and had truly been completely demoralized. I questioned my reasons for skiing and truly had to fight my own doubts. It was a painful time and to bounce back and perform like I did was a huge victory for me. It was a joint effort from my team, sponsors, family and those that didn't give up on me.
CT&A: I read a quote of yours saying that you are trying to decide between Med School and starting a small restaurant?
C: Yes, I am a freak. I love to cook but I am enthralled with the human body as well. I love people, so both professions sound enticing. Who knows maybe I'll open a hospital cafeteria!!!
CT&A: What do you enjoy doing when you are not skiing?
C: I love to read, write, sing, knit, crash my mountain bike, play soccer, laugh at my own jokes, dance like a maniac, scuba dive, fish, drive fast, hike, free ski, jump big cliffs, scare myself, kick my own butt training and cook. Now I have you worried. Yes, I am a strange bird.
CT&A: As a seasoned traveler, what experiences, people or cultures have been most memorable or most influential?
C: I have so many wonderful stories. Everyone's culture has opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity. It is so cool to see the simplistic lifestyles, coupled with those of more privileged cultures. It seems that the people that have had to fight and struggle for their freedom are those with the most incredible stories and faces. I admire the plight of those that haven't had an easy life.
CT&A: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Who would you want to bring? And what would you like to be doing there?
C: Anywhere??? I would go home, sleep in my own bed and see my family for the first time in months. I wouldn't need to bring anything. I would maybe have to buy a new puppy and eat some sushi. |
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