December Update: Training, Trials, and What’s Ahead

Hi everyone! It’s been a busy start to the winter, and I wanted to share a quick update before things really take off over the next few weeks.

Since getting home from fall training, I’ve been balancing school, training, and preparing for the upcoming U.S. Trials in Lake Placid, New York. It feels like the season arrived fast this year, but I’m excited and grateful for the chance to test everything I’ve been working on once again this season!

Later this month I’ll travel to New York for Junior World/Junior IBU Cup Trials, and right after Trials I’ll be heading to Oslo for several weeks of training and racing. U.S. Team selections for the Junior IBU Cup and Junior World Championships are announced on January 1st. No matter what happens, I’ll be in Europe through February gaining experience, racing hard, and training with some incredible programs.

I’ll be sharing more detailed updates once I’m on the road, but here are a few moments from the past month of training here at home:

Had a great time doing a Time Trial with my Team Alaska XC ski teammate, Arianna Cannava. So glad we could make the day fun by improvising with a bean bag toss while I shot. We both learned how difficult shooting with heart rate is once again!
First range day on snow! We had a couple weeks in Anchorage before the cold hit. A perfect time to adjust to the transition of skiing on snow.
Shot under the November Beaver Moon. Almost didn’t need the extra range lights!
Saw the beautiful aurora from my backyard! I think November is one of the prettiest months in Alaska!
Participated in the first xc ski race of the season! Skate 10k!
Got to say “hi” to lots of moose friends
Celebrated my 19th birthday!

I also started a new GoFundMe for this race season, which helps support the travel, team fees, and racing expenses that come with training and competing in Europe. If you’d like to follow along or share it, the link is here:

GoFundMe Link

Thank you so much to everyone who continues to support my journey. Your encouragement really does make a difference, and I’m excited to take you along for another season.

Wishing everyone a warm and happy holiday season!

More updates coming soon!

— Haley

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