I am sitting in a dorm room at the US Olympic Education Center and Northern Michigan University where I have been living, breathing and sleeping cross country skiing for the past two weeks. I love everything about it. My CXC teammates and I have been roller skiing, pole bounding, ski walking, running, and weight lifting together everyday. We have hard days and easy days, but during camp training are always just a bit more intense than normal.

A few days ago I learned some great news. I am excited to be named to the In The Arena team. I heard about the In The Arena program through my friend Laura Valaas as an excellent opportunity to give back to the community while directly supporting your athletic goals and dreams. After graduating college I packed up my station wagon and drove from Alaska to my new hometown Hayward, WI. I really enjoy the Hayward area and have met many great people throughout the community. Growing up in a small town I enjoy having a close relationship with those around me. I am excited to get to know my community and its youth better through my work as a mentor at the Lac Courte Oreille Boys and Girls Club.