The tryouts are over and after 6 out of 8 completed runs, we had enough points to be a part of the national team! Me and Zen are going to represent Norway at AWC, Nordic Championship and European Open in 2023!
Zen had an injury in March
Our training towards the tryouts were everything but optimal this year. Zen got an injury in march, which we at first thought was mild muscle strain, turned out to be an inflammation in the muscle. He went through a longer period of rest, followed by a rehabilitation program, and finally a training program. “Luckily” for me I have been through rehab with Buffy before, so I know how important it is to remain consistent and follow the program.
We had to miss out on competitions such as Moelv and Arendal, but I still had hopes on being ready for WAO in may. At the end of april (2 weeks before WAO), I sadly had to realise we would not be able to go to WAO, and we had to give up our spot. I was incredibly disappointed and sad, but I also knew it was the right choice. Zen was cleared and done with his rehab, but he still needed some training to be able to run courses at 60 cm. I held onto the hope of being able to run at the tryouts, and we kept working towards that goal.
No excuses
The last training we had before the tryouts, Zen convinced me he was running with the same power and speed as he had before the injury. I mentally prepared myself that we would run tryouts, do our best and be a part of the national team 2023! There would be no excuses that we were not prepared. We had not run at a competition since Crufts in March, but we were certainly not unprepared. Structured and customized training after the injury, combined with a great foundation and strong body before the injury built from strength exercises, swimming, pulling, etc.
It is all about believing in yourself and daring to fail. I have worked hard, before and after the injury so we would be able to fight for a spot on the team and I believe in us.
Exciting tryouts
The tryouts consist of 8 runs over 3 days, where you are awarded points if you have a clean run or 5 faults minus points for the time you are behind the fastest time. This years tryouts was incredibly exciting in Large, where many great handlers were fighting over the top spots, and it was not decided 100% before the final run (see results). Zen and I probably lost an individual spot for AWC on the third last jump in one of the courses, but our points did get us a team spot for AWC 🙂
I was happy I mentally managed to focus on my own runs, but at the same time watch several of my friends during the tryouts. I am incredibly proud and happy for Vilde & Ekko who won Medium tryouts with 7/8 results and 6/7 clean runs! You keep impressing me and I am so excited to be going to more championships together!
