Update from CBNT Alum Hannah Smith

Hannah’s Update: 

Imagine your family. Mom tucking you into bed at night, dad helping you fix your bike, your 4 year old younger sister holding on to father’s sleeve, your crazy older sister and your wise older brother, who you would go to for advise. That’s what being on the Middlebury ski team is like. We are a family, and regardless of how dorky and corny that sounds, it seems true. Coming from the Crested Butte Nordic Team, where the team consisted of six or so other people, (Editor’s note: four years ago the CBNT had 4 people, last year 11 athletes) to here, where there are five other freshman girls, it is amazing to see a strong team dynamic at work. But it is not just about the team; it is what we do as a team that makes it so much fun. A few weekends ago, we went sea-kayaking on Lake Champlain. The sun was not out, the birds were not chirping, and wind was blowing (just slightly), but we were all together and enjoying every moment. The afternoon ended with an hour long water fight where no one was spared. A few girls were sent under water in search of their belongings after they were flipped. Water guns emerged and bullets of water blasted in everyone’s faces. Laughter was the only thing that could be heard echoing around the marshes. What an excellent over distance workout, right? 

How about orienteering on an old estate turned ‘eco-friendly’ farmhouse and Inn on Lake Champlain? Given a map, a compass and a partner or two we were turned loose and sent on an adventure to find the different points on the map. Who knew running could be so fun? (Editor’s note: Duncan knew running could be very fun!) The rain and wind stopped just long enough to run the entire course, with a few detours and the occasional “Wow that is absolutely beautiful!” moment. 

But the weather is really not that bad. It may not be the amazing Colorado Blue Sky days that I left at home, but on the plus side, I don’t need to wear lotion because there is so much humidity. And it isn’t always like that. Take the fifth day of ‘unofficial’ practice for example when we biked 100 miles in the beautiful Vermont country, and the sun was most definitely out. I now have a beautiful bike short tan to prove it. That ride was not only my first century ride but also my longest. I truly believe that I saw Vermont the right way and not only have I now seen Vermont in the right way, we have also helped Vermont out. After the tragic Hurricane Irene swept the state many houses were destroyed. As a team we traveled over to the town of Rochester, about 45 minutes away and helped a family with removing debris from in and around their home. Their traumatic story of waiting in the second floor of their house wondering if it would be swept away at any moment was horrifying. 

To put it bluntly, this team kicks butt. Our two – sometimes three, and even four – meals a day together, morning and afternoon practices, roller-ski sessions in the rain (I hear there are many more to come), fun weekend adventures, football games and fantasy football talk, barefoot runs and yoga all make this team so great. Again, so sound extra corny. I am excited for the next four years.