IEVA'S SKI RACING BLOG

        Our goal was 2200 km away from us. It's skiing place in Saas Fee, Switzerland. Again ESF camp with Belarus, Georgia and now also with Liechtenstein. In ESF camps we always get few very good coaches from Swiss or Austria, who are training or once trained Europe Cup, World Cup or both racers.
       I pretty much liked Saas Fee. Pistes, weather, people, city, nightlife, sport stadium and other stuff were just amazing ! ( except one thing - prices! Staying there just for one week was really eating into our savings ;D So I'm happy that it happened just for one week ! Otherwise ... ). 
       Almost all days (6 were skiing days) weather and snow conditions were perfect ! I can't compare Saas Fee with Hintertux at summer time, because it definitely overtakes Hintertux talking about everything !
       First two days were free skiing days with some exercises and snow park ! (Half -pipe was amazing ! I never thought that it's such an awesome feeling ;D We were trying everything and if we even frightened we heard only one and the same sentence from our coach ''GO HARD OR GO HOME'' ! ) So there haven't been any exemptions ;D
       The last 4 days were trainings on course. It went pretty good, I think I done the best that I could do, I tried so hard to correct my mistakes and do better with every run. I can say that it was very good week for me, I enjoyed it ;]
        Every day we had physical training in the afternoon. Some running, exercises, streching, voleyball, touch-ball, footbal, basketball, balance, reaction exercises and so on.
       Such a great and benefit camp I had. BIG thanks for coaches, teams, who made that atmosphere ;] And of course the biggest THANKS for Ieva , my rommate. Every evening, balcony, our friends from Swiss, Swiss guys, donuts and also last night ;D I'm proud of us, of our courage being like a men and doing everything what we wanna do ;D .
       Saas Fee, we will come back one day ! OU yeah                                                                                                          Ieva, Aivaras, I                                                                                        

        My intuition is telling me that it will be HARD and effective summer taking in everything, as well my legs are saying the same now (just after hard training in stadium).                                                                                                     Despite the fact that i will have trainings five days a week I also will be working for two months and learning english for two months for IELTS exam ... I hope so that i will survive after this summer ;DDD                                                         Of course it's not everything what I'm planning to do. Two music festivals are waiting for me in the middle of summer, one or two physical training camps and free time with friends next to the Baltic sea.                                    Although I'm not convinced, if it's all my plans for the entire summer because you never know what will happen;]                                                           Don't stop doing what u love the most and never back down. Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about                                                                                

          Actually it's impossible to describe everything in words. If I would try to do so it would be something like that : unforgettable, amazing, wonderful, superb, fantastic and so on... ;D
          The very beginning of the trip, like packing all my stuff was SO hard! I had to pack it only in two bags, it was hopeless, but after packing 3 hours i did it  . I got master's level in packing ! ;DD                                                                                The trip to Suomu, Finland  went great. One of the best thing was that everybody from LT lived in one place, like in 50 meters.                                                                                                                                                                          First skiing day was free for us, without any races. So I had GS training. I was so homesick of GS that i don't get tired during all day doing exercises and going through GS course.
         Next two days I had SG training and then SG race. But I was not so nervous about that race because I knew that I don't have any SG trainings per year, only in Baltic cup I'm participating in this discipline.  However two other days was really stressful for me when I'm talking about races, about that feeling before the start and so on, like I have in all races. Over time, I got used to it, but anyway I can feel something in my stomach before the start ;D So in GS after 1 run I was 5th, I was happy about my time and run, but in the second run something strange happened, maybe because I was too nervous and I wanted to keep in previous position, so I got 6th place, but anyway it's great for me ;D Also SL races was almost the same. After 1run I was in 4th position and after second, when I did some mistakes, I was 5th ;/... But if I'm talking about all races I think that I did great, I'm happy about my results and my motivation ;]                                                                                                                  After SL race on Thursday, in the evening we had a great party with all skiers. And next morning I participated in races with small kids. I can't say that it was something very important, but I was trying to do my best like always I do ;] Also at the last day of skiing all my teammates took freestyle skis or snowboards, but I don't know what happened to me, i just put on my GS skis and till 5pm, till the lifts were open, all the time I was doing exercises just alone... It was so strange and totally unsuitable for me.I thought maybe I did like that because I realized that it's the last day here and Baltic cup has already came to an end ...                                                                                      In conclusion about everything what happened there I can say that I'm glad and I have any doubts that Baltic Cup 2012 will be great                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             some stuff which I had to put into two bags ;DDDD                       

                National Lithuania girls team 2011 ;]                                                                                                                        SL awards ;]                                                                                                                    

     Those 2xSL and 2xGS seemed to be better for me ... But now  just have nothing to regret because everything happens for a reason. Perhaps it was to be like that                                                                                                                                   I moved to Bila v Beskydech,CZE on 3rd March . I had one GS training there before in recent rare GS race. I was so happy that I had an opportunity to feel again pleasant feeling while you're going through gates with the speed  . However, next day,my good sense and mood don't appear at the first and even at the second run ;//  Also I was a little bit mad about my skis... maybe because they're 4 years old ?   I realized that GS was really strange for me because in SL I was better (it's rare especially for me) ...                                                                       After 1 day of chilling I was prepared for races in Vratna,SVK . First was GS ... and I don't have anything to say about, maybe just I had a great time that day and THAT'S IT ... I was angry , really, l but I still had to be focused, not give up and  be ready for the last SL . Before those SL races I and my teammate Ieva had a long walk through the narrow forest paths. We just felt the lack of rest ... Actually it was beneficial, SL race went quite good and i was happy that at least I had an opportunity to smile and feel great                                                                                                                                                                                                                         I came home after one week of racing and i was planing to go to Latvia cup, but I had only one day to find transport, but that was hopeless ... So I studied hard few days , wrote all exams and tomorrow I'm leaving for Finland to Baltic Cup !   I hope to have an awesome time there and to see everybody                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bila v Beskydech 2011.03.04.       

            Hey !   I had a tight two weeks of racing and a lot of work in school ! I had to hurry everywhere, so it was also a lit stressful time, but i handle it, YEAH ! ;D                                                                                                       January 22nd I had GS race in LT, Ignalina. I'm not sure if I can call it GS, but organizers said that it was GS. Anyway I genuinely prefer to stay next my opinion because there was 12 seconds long run and we were going with SL skis ! That is what we call LITHUANIAN GS ! ;DD I had two fail runs and i was 3rd ... (so this day counts in my bad days list of this few weeks).                                                                                                                            And then came FIS races ! January 27th - February 2nd I was in Czech republic and Poland for 4xSL (which i hate because I more prefer GS...) . So in first two races in Czech, Karlov pod Pradedem , I thought and I really was ,focused and concentrated on race, I trusted in myself. Everything had to evolve good , despite the fact that my skis were 4 year old. As a consequence two days in a row at first run I just lost my ski. I hadn't been nervous because I knew that it isn't my fault...(these two days I also could put in the worst days list ;D ).                                                                                                                                                                                                 After two awesome days in Lysa Gora, Poland ( yes, this isn't a mistake - AWESOME DAYS IN POLAND ;DD ) I realized that Poland also has some beautiful places in spite of polish people and their language ;DD . Those days were amazing - sunny like in Italy! I had two quite good starts and got lowest points                                                                                                    Finally, this weekend I was in Ignalina for Fischer cup. Just before this races I get new HEAD skis! I'm so happy that I can feel again how nice could be skiing!   First day we had again just an amazing GS with 8 gates. It's absolutely pathetic, but I've managed to FAIL and DNF1 ;D I just didn't realized what happened and at the bottom of the slope I just was able to smile and say : "FAIL" ;DD And second day was SL , it's a surprise for me, but I did really good that day  I was 2nd ! Happy to me                                                                                                                        All in all I'm happy that everything went great without big failures (only with a small ones).  Next week I'm ready to visit a lot of doctors and begin treatment to my arm muscle                                                                                                                                                                                          Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about                                                                                                                                                                                     

            On Monday morning, January 3rd I left to Slovakia and Italy for two weeks . I was thrilled to come in Slovakia for 2xGS and 2xSL FIS races in Liptovska Teplicka. ;]                                                                                                   That  week in Slovakia I, Ieva J., Laura, Marcele, Kasparas and Aivaras lived somewhere in slovakian forests separated from civilization. At least we expected to meet there lithuanians, and it happend. Just we reached our destination, our eyes caught a car with LT number . Here exactly fits this sentence : ''It happens when you least expect it''.                         January 4th we enjoyed free skiing day, but not for so long because next four days we were participating in competitions. That day I felt so bad, that I tightened my arm muscle. I was afraid that i couldn't be able to participate in all coming races. But I've discussed with my coaches and I decided to compress the muscle and make it an inactive when I'll be participating. It wasn't medically good decision, but do that two times per day for 1 second it wasn't so bad.;]

             First GS day, weren't so lucky for me, i wasn't so self-confidenced, maybe because it was first FIS race in 2010/2011 season. The next day was better, I was first among our team girls, and I got my lowest points in GS - 191. Actually I was happy, but I would be happier if I had been done lower points because I know that I can, I just to believe more in myself and think positively in everything what is causing my anxiety.                                    And then came SL... discipline, which will be deleted or somehow changed if i would have magic powers or high authorities ;D First SL day , after in the 1st run I was out, I made a big mistake in the course and I couldn't correct it. Second day, also like in GS, was better, I got 187 points.                                                                                                                                    Just after second SL run I left Slovakia and I was on the way to Italy 13 hours, to Lithuania Championships.I lived in awesome, new apartments with Ieva J., Laura, Kasparas, two coaches and my mother.                                         First few days weren't so good how we expected. Was cloudy, foggy days without any sunlight. But when came time for Lithuania champ GS and SL races, we saw the real Italy weather ! I so waited GS and then it came, I FAILED. After 1st run I was second, but in the 2nd run, just near finish I felt. I was so sad because I knew that I can show my best. But actually when you are racing for the 1st places, you are more fighting, going more faster than ever before and also more risking to go out.                 January 13th I had SL . In woman group I was first and overall 3rd. When SL comes , I'm happy about this kind of result ;D.                                                  The last day in Italy was Friday . Amazing free skiing with the best teammates, sitting in cafe , enjoying the sun,mm .... In the evening we had an awards ceremony and party with my team, which I'll never forget for a long long time ;]]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Thanks for everybody, who were in Slovakia and Italy because without you this trip wouldn't be so great and perfect .                                                                                                             

I had never thought that any hobby can so much change the whole life.  After this month in the mountains I am even more convinced about that. And it reminded me of how much I love to ski!I was looking forward for this trip because there was the first 2010/2011 season races – Lithuania cup. Futhermore, after those races was planned ESF 2 weeks camp in Austria.

November 5th I moved to Austria together with Lithuania national team (Ieva,Marcele,Laura,Kasparas and Aivaras), but except Karolis (he came only in the second camp). All the way to Austria was great: everybody were really excited, ready to spend all November abroad and of course - with a good mood !  Just arrived in Kaprun, already in the first evening we had a party in the city (it was Saturday). Then we realized that this month will be eventful and awesome ! And it was ... much more than awesome ! I think that all the pictures shows that we weren‘t bored at all :] .

First week we had few days training and also Lithuania cup SL & GS races. KE were on the top of the podium like always. I was 3rd in both disciplines . It was the first season races, therefore it‘s taking a bit longer than I had hoped to get my confidence back, but now it‘s there and i‘m happy and ready to do my best. Laura was 1st in SL and Marcele 1st in GS, congratulations for „young ladies‘‘ ;D . Once again we proved that we are the best girls (and women) in Lithuania alpine skiing !

 Unfortunately, other days after races were quite bad for skiing, ok, VERY bad ! The weather was foggy and also very strong wind was blowing, it was about 28km/h ! Consequently the lifts were closed and we were chilling at the reataurant.

Despite the fact, we had a great and beneficial time in Kaprun. Those evenings were unforgetable, with a lot of new ideas and phrases (peilis mėsoje, Tavo tevas, tavo veidas, young ladies, what u say about my mama,  ir visi kiti Banano&Kasparo fail’ai ) ;D

Finally, after one day off and one day travelling we reached Shladming, where we stayed for two weeks. First impressions weren‘t very bright about the surrounding and almost „summer“ conditions for skiing. After we had just turnned into the other day, all our doubts disappeared...

On the hill were only members of the ESF (Lithuania, Belarus and Georgia)and the Austrians&Russians teams.  We had three coaches : Armin, George and Jurgen ( each of them were just awesome! Especially George was very self-confident and stringent!) . So the trainings were very strict and demanded a lot of energy.  But when time is on my side, I have endless amounts of energy, and everything flows so easy. As a result those four trainings of GS and one of SL first week were very eventful .

Like always I can‘t stand without some injuries. As a result at GS course I Slightly sprained thumb tendon, but I tried not to think too much about it and everything passed great (despite the fact that some later days I couldn‘t dress up and bring my stuff ;D ) .

On Saturday we went to another place to have some training and then we had one day off before a long workout next week. Coaches decided that we need to have more SL trainings and only the last two days were dedicated to my LOVE - GS! Unfortunately, success didn‘t want to smile for me. Just before the GS I sprained my arm muscle (bycka ;D) and for a one day (thanks God that only for a 1day!) I became a photographer of my team. It was so hard to stand and watch how they train and how happy and satisfied they were about that what they are doing. Stand there and curb my desire of being at their place was one of the hardest thing. However I took some great shots that day !

All in all, these three weeks of hard trainings were unforgettable and full of experience, it‘s been a very eventful training camp. Now I can say that I feel ready physically and mentally for the season. I have a lot of confidence and motivation and all my small injuries are alright. So I am thankful, and grateful for my health and my mind and being able to live my dreams.

I did not write any news about me , my activities and trainings for so long ... Just over few weeks ago I regained my motivation to the right way, I remembered that no matter what happens I must always pursue my dreams and desires.  :)After this decision I decided to continue skiing. Maybe it will be not as good as as before was, but somehow I will try to do the best what I can. At the end of July we had a physical preparation camp in Ignalina (Lithuanian village) . The weather was so different comparing to a constant Lithuanian air . There was so hot, like in exotic tropical region, it was about plus 38 degrees! The trainings were so hard in those hot days. Nevertheless , trainings and good time spent with my teammates were the benefit for me :)The same second camp in Ignalina where at the end of august, but it wasn't good for me at all. First day of the camp I felt unwell and I realized that it's migraine ... Also on the 5th of September I was in Anyksciai, there was bike marathon, 28km ride, and it was pretty easy for me . In marathon also participated my coach Jenn, from America, who arrived to visit our team, Ieva J., my sister and mother . So we had such a wonderful time there  Actually started the new school year and i need to study hard this year . I will keep training, working and learning as good as I can !   p.s. i want to ski as soon as possible ...:)                             some videos from our trainings : http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennvirskus/4991648047/in/set-72157624959536404/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennvirskus/4992269548/in/set-72157624959536404/

[Camp date : 2010.07.04 - 2010/07/10 ]  Everything started with the fact that one month before departure I knew that the Lithuanian team aren't invited at the FIS selection and it was not so good news for me ... We tried to change something, but there was no point , so I started to plan my holidays in Egypt with my best friend. When I just landed in Egypt, I got some news, that after one week I must to be in Hintertux, Austria in the selection. I and my family had really difficult job : handle all the papers, book earlier plane tickets ( and only one way was from Hurghada to Frankfurt than to Munich and than with two trains directly to Innsbruck train station) . And i have done it all by my own. It was really interesting trip because i met a lot of new friends from all over the world .:P Finally I reached hotel in Hinterux. I lived in a room with my teammate Ieva and with two Latvian girls Katrina and Beate .  :)We had two mainly coaches : Nadia and Alexander (actually all girls decided that he is a model because he really looked like he must be a model ). First training always was very short because of the warm weather and bad snow condition (it was very very soft), but anyway, I have been a little tired after trainings. First few days were foggy and later we had sunny, hot and really short days on the snow. The second trainings were really hard , I just can't comparable with morning trainings on the snow. Every other day we had ''soft'' long or ''short'' running way maybe for 25 or 35 min. At those trainings we had a lot of exercises, jumps, football, volleyball and so on... After that - soft running to hotel and then all that you can say is "I'm died" . And everything the same for 5 days. On the other hand I think that not only I enjoyed that great week. Apart from long hard running, painful muscles and lack of sleep, it was just wonderful week with nice team. And it's great that after this camp I have some new plans for my summer: go to Riga to meet friends from Latvia and then who knows what will be there ...  Now i just can't wait for results , i wish i will...  

Finally, the time has come to it.  After a long job, searching for photos and videos, it was created and publicly posted:)