Surprises

Surprises

 I my first surprise this week when I came home to a big box from the USOC.  It was, as fellow biathletes refer to it, Christmas in January.  I thought I would get a uniform and maybe a jacket when I got to Lillehammer, but I was flabbergasted by how much team apparel they sent us. 

 

Christmas in January!

Photo: Jess Kautzer (thanks sis!) 

 The new gear definitely threw a wrench in my plan for packing....

 

My "staging room" before I added the new USA gear.  

Being a biathlete, I don't get to bring a bag for clothes on the plane.  I get my rifle case and ski bag, each needs to be under 50 lbs.  How I'm going to fit a months worth of clothes (and 5 text books) in my bags and keep it under the weight limit, I have no idea.  I'll let you know when I figure it out.  

The next surprise this week was the weather.  You know that snow we've been praying for all season? Well, it's coming.  All of it, at once, in the east, where my flight was scheduled through.  Luckily, by the time I figured out the super storm of the century was going to probably cancel my flight, the coaches had already started re-booking flights and rerouted me through Chicago.  

 

Blizzard Warnings, Snowstorm Jonas, Damaging Ice.... great for flying, right? 

Screenshot from www.weather.com

The best surprise of all was the going away party my teammates planned.  I'll miss my conference, section, and state meet, which is bittersweet for me, but definitely worth it for this incredible experience.  My high school team is super supportive and (almost) as excited as I am.  

 A card my teammate Erin made for me.

 

The biggest surprise so far, my best friend, who I haven't seen 

since summer (dang college!), coming to the party.

Photo: Rachel

 

My pack mule, aka Dad.

 

My turn to take over.  My checked bags were under 50lbs, but

 you can't say the same about my carry on bags.

 

See you in Romania! 

 

The beautiful sunset over Canada.  

Almost there

This week has been a lot of to-do lists, post-its, and mental notes.  With finals starting tomorrow, my planner has been full of "STUDY" messages.

Despite the upcoming end of the semester, my team took a trip up to Maplelag Resort in northern Minnesota.  Usually we go after finals, but this year it worked out that we went before, which actually worked out well.  If it had been after, I would have missed it, as I leave for Europe on Saturday. Wow that's coming up quick! (Maybe I should start packing?)

Maplelag was really cold.  REALLY, REALLY cold.  The high on Sunday was -18 degrees Fahrenheit, with windchill of -30 or more (I mean less?)

If you don't believe me, this is water freezing before it hit the ground.

 

My frozen hair after a 3 minute walk from the lodge.

Photo: Amy Casey-Paal (aka Mom #2)

 

Some of the girls post cookie and cocoa break. 

  Maplelag is great for training and team bonding.  The ski trails were literally 10 steps out the front door, and the 24/7 cookie and cocoa bar makes refueling within 20 minutes after your workout a breeze. The hot tub and sauna also make for great recovery!

 

Some of the MANY old railroad signs at Maplelag.

On the ride home, I cleaned up my phone/camera to make room for the coming weeks, and found a bunch of pictures.  These following few pictures are just a few of the incredible things I am so thankful for, and don't get to acknowledge enough.

For my puppy:

 

The newest addition to the Kautzer Family: Louie! 

 

On our first hunt with the Lou-man. 

 For my family:

 

Sledding with my cousins.  

I'm thankful both them and the fact that no one was injured.  

Photo: Aunt Sara

 

A picture from my mom 5 years ago.  Even when I had horrible technique and 

came in dead last, my parents toughed out the cold to cheer for me.  

 And for my friends:

 

Alex, Halcyon, and I at Bentleyville, the light show in Duluth that is simply mind blowing.

Photo: Alex Larson

 

Norway Here I Come

Winter, just like fall, has definitely sped by.  This will be quick, as I have finals to study for next week, and leave for Europe the week after that.

I had our annual training camp in West Yellowstone, MT, and was able to get in some big hours and shooting time.  I also raced a 7.5K Sprint biathlon race and won.

 

The Minnesota biathlon squad

 After Christmas, we flew up to Anchorage for trials.  My first race was decent and I placed 3rd.  I had a poor 2nd race and got 4th.  For the last race, conditions completely changed and the snow was very icy.  I generally do better in fast conditions, and got 2nd in that race.  Shooting  for the whole week was rough as wind speeds averaged 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph.  Skiing anywhere in the open was also difficult.  

These results qualified me for the two competitions I was training for: the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway; and the Youth and Junior World Championships in Cheile Gradistei, Romania.  In between I will be staying in Anholtz, Italy.  

 I'd like to say I hit more, but standing was difficult in 

the wind so yes, I only hit one target on that stage. 

I am beyond excited for these opportunities and feel so blessed, and thankful for all the people who have supported me in my training and racing: my coaches and teammates, but especially my parents.  

 

My coach Bill Meyer, who stood in a puddle to zero us. 

This past weekend I had my last big high school race.  I will be in Europe for Conference, Sections, and State, which is bittersweet for me.  It was nice to end it on a good note, with a win.  It was the best race I have ever had on that course, which is usually slow and soft, but luckily was slick and Coach Carl nailed the wax. 

This week I will have my last conference races, which I will be racing as a boy.  My coach and I decided that I will help the team more by scoring my time in the boys category.  Last week, my relay,  including Matt Paal, Matt Lynch, and Clyde Sellke, placed 3rd.  On Thursday, I placed 8th in the boys 5K classic race and our team placed 2nd.