Calm Before the Storm
Grounded in the process, ready for the challenges to come
September marked the final stretch of off-season training. It's always a month of mixed emotions—some athletes feel the nerves creeping in, wondering what the new season will bring: growth, challenges, victories, or setbacks. Others feel the opposite—excited, eager, and ready to get back on ice. For me, I think of it as the calm before the storm.
That calm doesn't mean easy. Training in September is just as intense—if not more—than earlier in the summer. Between long hours in the shop preparing my sled and pushing my body to its limits, this is the point where conditioning peaks. Workouts that felt brutal back in May now feel like just another day. There's a rhythm to summer training, a peace in the routine. But deep down, you know everything changes the moment you're sitting on the ice, about to pull off the handles and take that first run of the season.
Heading into this year, I'm feeling good. I'm trying to stay open-minded and level-headed, with a new approach to my goals. Instead of chasing lofty or unrealistic expectations, I'm focusing on the process: showing up, working hard, and making the most of every run. My hope is to bring more enjoyment into it—whether the results are good or not.
One of my biggest challenges has always been the mental side, especially on race day. I know I'm capable of strong results, but I've learned that obsessing over them only gets in my way. By shifting my mindset to "just slide my best," I'm hoping to take some pressure off and let my training show through.
The Road Ahead
A long stretch of ice, travel, and lessons to come
My season officially kicks off next Wednesday as I head overseas to train with the Senior National Team in Lillehammer, Norway, and Sigulda, Latvia. I'll spend two weeks with them before returning to continue the season with my team, the Junior National Team.
This year's competition schedule includes four—possibly six—Junior World Cups, the Junior World Championships, Junior American Pacific Championships, Junior National Championships, and even the chance for a Nations Cup appearance during the Lake Placid World Cup.
From now until mid-March, I'll be training and competing on tracks in Lake Placid, New York; Park City, Utah; Lillehammer, Norway; Sigulda, Latvia; Winterberg, Germany; Altenberg, Germany; and possibly Igls, Austria. It's always a long stretch, but I'm excited to test myself, gain experience, and keep building toward my bigger goals.
Onto the Ice
Hopefully this season brings growth and success. The summer preparations are done—now it's time to bring on the season!
As always, thank you so much for your support—I'm truly grateful to have you as part of Team Barnes.
-Logan