Stephanie Jallen

Waterville Valley, NH. US Nationals!

2012-01-14T12:49:00.001-08:00

Well it had been an awesome week out in Waterville Valley,NH where the USA along with 6 other nations competed in four races. Two were the US National Championships is GS and SL, and the other two were NorAm races also in GS and SL. I missed a gate in the NorAm GS and fell out of the coarse and DNF'd ( did not finish ). Then, in the US Nationals GS race, I came behind in 3rd... In the SL NorAm I placed a silver. My main competitors are from Canada. The two girls that I have been trailing behind are arm amputees. Slalom became my strongest only a few years ago. However, I lost a lot of confidence falling behind these racers and I put myself in an emotional hole... With out the help of my coaches, family, and friends I probably would have stayed in that hole. But they kept telling me to take it one step at a time and keep my chin up. So I did. And because of their encouragement I came in first place and was titled US National Champion in Slalom.
Moral of the story,
" You can always count on your friends :) "

Vail Training

2011-12-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

It is my 3rd trip with the United States Paralympic team and right now we are training in Vail, Colorado before our NorAm races next week. We have been training Super G, GS, and SL for the past four days. I'm really excited because I'm progressing everyday. Everyday I find a new comfort zone and can work on different techniques. I'm really pushing to keep up with everyone else because the Paralympics are in two years! It's not a lot of time. But with a combination of my training at home with Ernie, and my training out here with the team, I think I will keep a good pace. Ernie has helped me build my strength and endurance up for the last two years and it is paying off. I cant wait to race next week to put everything up to the test!

A Phone Call That Will Change My Life Forever

2011-05-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

I just got a phone call from Kevin Jardine who is the head coach and director of the US Ski team and he informed me that I am now an official member of the United States Ski Team. The US Ski team consists of three teams A, B, and C. The A and B teams are athletes that have points low enough to be world cup qualified racers. The C team is the development team. I am on the B team. Which means I will now travel with the best racers in the country with the best coaches. I will travel across the world with them now. I have been training and hoping for the last six years to become a part of this team to represent the United States of America in World Cups and the Paralympics. I have waited and worked so hard for this that for a while i thought it was just unrealistic for it to actually happen.
Well it did. Kevin called me and I started shaking as he told me this. " I want to help you get a bite out of the world and make it on the podium" was what he said. I will never forget those words and the feeling in my stomach I got from it.
But I will never forget the one person that brought me to here, right now. Mau. She was the first person I shook hands with when I was 9 years old at Camelback. From that day, to 6 years later, she has built me from a little 9 year old Pennsylvania girl, to an athlete which is now on the US National team. She shaped me and formed me into a strong, independent ski racer. She brought me this far, and I will never forget that as long as I live.

Mom away from Mom : )

2011-04-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hey it's mom, Deb....

I must add to this saga. Yes Mau, you are Stephanie's mom when she's away. I believe this is trip #3 to the hospital this season? Coach, sister, friend or however you choose to refer her as, it's obvious she is like a mother to Stephanie.

When I first learned of her surgery Tuesday evening I frantically made flight arrangements to arrive in Denver the next morning to be with her. But knowing Mau was by Stephanie's side, a sudden calm came over me and gave me a sense of comfort.

Once I landed in Denver, the two and 1/2 hour drive to Vail was excruciating! I knew time was ticking and I had hoped to be there before they took her into surgery, but realized it was getting late and they had to move forward. Giving consent over the phone to the surgeon and anesthesiologist was so surreal. I began to get nervous. I then asked to speak with Stephanie. A little voice, but brave and confident assuring me that she will be okay. Who was comforting who here?? I told her how much I loved her and I assured her that I would be there when she woke up... Now my only hope was to get there in time... As the shuttle pulled up to the hospital, I received a text from Mau telling me Stephanie was out of surgery and everything went well. Charlie met me in the lobby and brought me to Stephanie's room. Stephanie was still very groggy from the anesthesia and as I walked up to her bed she looked at me and tears started to flow. I too was overwhelmed with relief and, once again so very proud of her.

It was that moment I realized Mau needed a break. LOL, she was like a walking zombie. After all, she hasn't slept since before the red-eye flight back from Alaska the night before. Stephanie stayed in the hospital that night. We were all relieved that the surgery was a success and over! The next day she started therapy. Dr. Sterrett and strength trainer back home, Ernie Baul discussed post-surgery plans.

And last..we cannot forget those who held up the fort back home. Thank you Bob Wineman for stepping up and helping Sarah take care of the animals etc back home.

I've said it before and I'll say it again....Stephanie's determination in proceeding to the Paralympics continues because of your love and support behind her.

Professional

2011-03-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hey, It's Mau again. My mind wondered all night long, by 6:30am, I had to get up. Sneaked out of the room with Charlie to grab some coffee. Charlie helped me to make a list of last minute questions to the Dr.

10:30am, we wheeled into the Vail Surgery Center as we were told last night. As we checked in with the administration staff, I found out that they were not expecting us, which I wasn't too surprised. I didn't even know till 5pm yesterday! I told her I would be happy to start any necessary paperwork to start the process.

Her first question, "Are you her mom?"

No, do I really look old enough for her mom?!? Maybe. They needed her mom's consent to initiate the surgery process, but she started to talked to her senior staff and nurses, and figured out we could start with her mom's verbal consent over the phone. Very smooth and comfortable correspondence despite the rushed arrangement. Deb was just landed in Denver airport at that time and trying to get on the shuttle bus to Vail.

Charlie came into the room with two cups of coffee.

Administration staff asked, "Are you her dad?"

"No, thank God..."

Nurse came out from the preops room and called Stephanie in. I was still working on the paperworks with Deb on the phone. She asked me, "This is it? Am I going in for good? Should I go pee now?!?" They don't make a set time for surgery, which I thought it was interesting. They just start the operation when the patient is ready. Well, we were not, but somehow I didn't feel rushed nor pushed. Again, very comforting response from the staff.

Dr. Sterett came into her bed with his surgeon dress. He looked much handsome than his Dr. dress. He asked to Stephanie, "Well, which knee are we operating on today?" I knew this was a common ritual questions for all the Ortho surgeries to prevent accident, but Stephanie thought it was funny. "Right and the only one!" I'm sure it was a joke of the OR that day. Dr. Sterett wrote 'Yes' and initialed his name on her right leg.

As Deb passing by Idaho Springs on her shuttle, OR Nurse, Anesthesia Dr. and Recovery Nurse took turn on the phone to explain what they will do and read all the waiver of liability for the surgery. Nurse explained,"... understand there are risk of blood loss, joint damage, blood clot, brain injury.... are you doing ok, Deb?.... and possible limb loss.... " I'm sure she was freaking out!!!!! But it was very thorough job by all the Drs and Nurses. I had to talk myself into that it was a good decision last night. All the conversation with their staff made me comfortable and confident about this big decision. They are definitely professional who proud about what they do everyday.

Stephanie did well during the preparation, which made me very proud. She asked questions honestly, responded nurses questions well with her cheerful charm. I added some more medical history and her ski racing experiences to her answers as needed.

"You girls are like sisters! Must known each other for a long time."

Sisters, yeah, that's more like it. I've know Stephanie for 6 years and I was thinking about last 6 years of great adventures with her while she was in the OR. Stephanie went in the OR 12:05. A nurse called me as she came back to the room around 12:50, when I received Deb's TXT "I'm here." Everything went well. It was a well orchestrated procedure by dedicated professionals.

I drove Charlie back home in the afternoon. We bought a lottery ticket at the gas station.

Synchronicity

2011-03-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's Mau. I'm writing today & tomorrow's entry for Stephanie, and you will see why I'm writing it......

So, right after the SL race on Sunday the 27th, we had a wonderful banquet dinner and then we took a shuttle to the Anchorage airport. Got in around 9:30pm, it was earlier than we planned, but we wanted to check in our luggages ahead of big team like CAN team and NSCD team. Our flight left 00:30, which is technically next morning and we flew red-eye flight to Seattle and then to Denver. With her knee hurting from the fall from the SL race on Sunday, I'm sure it was uncomfortable flight for her, but we hanged on the long flight because we had a 'hope'.

The 'hope' was provided by Gwynn & Ray. They have been recognizing Stephanie's needs to see Ortho Dr. to figure out what's really causing her knee pain. Ray arranged an appointment for consultation with Dr. Sterett at The Steadman Clinic who is the head physician for the US Women's Ski Team. Yeap, he is the Dr. who evaluated Lindsey Vonn after her concussion this February. We were hoping this world-class knee Dr. would tell us what the best thing to do.

Our flight landed on time 10:30 am. I called my husband Charlie as soon as I got out of the gate to arrange our pick up. He answered, "I'm still in George Town......" Because of the snow, they closed the Barthoud Pass in the morning, so he had to go around through Klemmling back on I-70 from Silverthon. Our appointment with Dr. Sterett was 2pm, so I knew we would be late at this moment. I panicked a little, yet I was so tired that all I could think about is just keep going. Charlie picked us up noon and we were on our way to Vail. Of course our car's side window broke, so I had to drive with the window open for a while, then the snow started, so we had to tape a paint cloth..... AUGH!!!

Despite an hour delay to our original appointment, the team of Dr. Sterett accepted us and gave us a clear crisp diagnosis for her knee condition. She has medial plica syndrome, which is caused by repetitive use of the knee joint, the tissue in the knee joint folded over and wrinkled at medial side of the knee by the femoral condyle. This gives her irritation from over use and creates swelling and knee pain. Most of us have this condition in different degree, but Dr. Sterett told us that it will be beneficial for her to surgically remove it.

Dr. Sterett, "So, how soon would you like to have this surgery done?"

Me & Stephanie thinking about the summer training camp, "As soon as possible! Even tomorrow!"

Dr. Sterett looked at his PA and said, "Ok, will do it tomorrow then!"

We looked each other, "Really? Well, really?!?"

My brain started to run 100miles/hour after this conversation. Well, how soon can I bring her mom to fly from PA? How should I explain to her mom anyways? Where should we stay tonight? What should I do with Charlie? (he has been patiently waiting out side of office for 2 hours, ready to go back home) Does she have enough time to start PT here? What should she do for SkiTAM? Well, CAN I GO HOME TONIGHT?!?

While Dr. Sterett team arranging the surgery for tomorrow, I went out to the lobby to ask Charlie' "Can you take a day off tomorrow?" "What do you mean?" Fair thing for him to ask, but he already knew he had to take tomorrow off, didn't need to understand why. Dr. Sterett called OR, Charlie called his boss, and I called Stephanie's mom.

Thanks to my friend Jimi & Ryoko, we found a place to settle in Avon tonight. After we stumbled into the motel in a sleep-deprived stupor, I had just a enough energy left to think and wonder, "Somebody must have planned our day. This must be the synchronicity!" Stephanie started to ask random teenager questions about her surgery. I didn't have energy left to answer them. I'm sure she won't sleep well tonight..... It was a long day.

SL

2011-03-27T23:10:00.000-07:00

GS

2011-03-26T23:04:00.000-07:00

Alaksan Super G Combined race.

2011-03-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

2nd place :)

Junior medal

The Super G combine Race that was canceled yesterday was held today. It snowed alot last night so it was tough conditions. And a very long day. Super G Combined is a mix between a Super G race and a Slalom race. Switching from a speed event to a tech event could be very difficult. You go from an 8 ft ski to a 5 foot ski in 45 minutes...then race. I place 2nd overall and 1st in the Junior. It was a good day and i felt like i accomplished alot for my first combined race. :) Tomorrow is GS, my favorite. :)

Almost a Super G Combined

2011-03-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Can you tell the sky from the ground? i cant.
It was a complete white out at the top of the mountain today so the race was called off. So now the day off will be used to make up this race. What did i say about being ready for anything???

Alaska US Nationals: Super G

2011-03-23T22:37:00.001-07:00

Junior Gold Medal

Up-side-down :)

Me and Mau flew into Anchorage, Alaska for the Adaptive US National Championships. We both planned on today being a day off. I got a concussion this past Saturday from taking a good fall in Steamboat, Co. So we were looking forward to kicking back and relaxing. But, as we soon learned last night, i had to race today. The original plan was to have the Downhill race today which i wasn't going to participate in, and the super G tomorrow. But there was a change in plans and the Super G was today.

Going from that fantastic thought of being lazy for one full day, to having to be in race mode by the next morning, can be pretty tough... and a let down :( But a race is a race and obviously very unpredictable.. Me and Mau had to work together to organize how we were going to do this the next morning and be ready to get on the hill on time, with lift passes, and registration forms filled out and turned in. We both made it to the start with just one last step to complete our eventful day.... To race. I didn't have the best run of my life but i stayed standing and i finished with a pretty good time for a "little girl". I came in 4th, which hopefully i can make it better tomorrow. But all in all it turned out to be a good day. I learned one valuable thing today. Be ready for anything. ( i also learned that Kiwi is a type of bird :) )

Day 4 in Park City: GS Race

2011-03-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

2nd GS race!!! it was a little bit sunnier today than yesterday and deffinatly a lot warmer. we weren't even cold in our race suits. we actually couldn't wait to strip! ( taking everything off but the race suit. Stripping is what you do at the start) The course set was a little simpler too. I place gold again in the womens stand up. Again it was a very good race and tomorrow should be even better!

Day 3 in Park City: GS Race

2011-03-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

From left to right, Aurthur, Big Tom, And Toms friend :)

That's how Shabu Shabu is done. You each have a boiling pot and u put the raw meat in it to cook. Its really tasty!

1st Race in GS for the Huntsmen Cup. I got up early to stretch and get ready for the day. I had my oat meal with strawberries and orange juice. Yummy. Then at 9:00 am i got onto the lift for the first inspection. It was a bit cloudy so it was flat light which makes it harder to see. But all in all every body had the same conditions, and it was a good race. i took gold against a girl named Jill. She very new to ski racing and she said she likes it a lot. She is a wounded soldier. I'm hoping she stays with it.

Night time came and Tom, Tom, Tom, Aurthur, Me , and Mau went to a Shabu Shabu restaurant. It was really neat. we all had a good time.

Day 2 in Park City: Slalom & GS

2011-03-08T16:22:00.001-08:00

No pictures today but we trained for slalom and GS. We ran Slalom gates in the morning and GS in the afternoon. We got alot of snow last night so the conditions were pretty soft but it was really sunny. Also very warm. I was told that this type of beautiful weather is common for this ski area.
I noticed a big change in how my ski turns now that I have that support. It makes it easier to transition one turn to the next. I have a few things to work on , like not getting backseat ( when u lean backwards) and to look ahead all the time. I have a bad habit of looking down when i race and that just causes problems. Mau told me that you have to change that the day before the race. That the race starts now, and to get your train of thought in gear. It helps to be ready for whats coming next. I have to get a good nights sleep for tomorrows GS race. Wish me luck!

Day 1 in Park City: Slalom

2011-03-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

Slalom training! Its a huge difference going from a 201 to a 155 ski. My slalom ski turns so much easier. But i was having a little bit of trouble making my left turns and Mau said I might need a boot insert for my foot. Like a custom made one for my arch so I'd have more leverage in turning my ski. So Sue, a Park City coach, recommended a place in Salt Lake City called Lift House. They make custom foot supports called Super Feet. Its really neat how they do it. They soften a flat piece of cork in an oven and mold it to the bottom of the support, then put it on the bottom of your foot while its dangling, then put a plastic bag over your foot, tighten it, and suck all the air out. The reason they do it this way is because if you are standing then it doesn't put your foot in the shape its supposed to be in. But if its dangling then they can mold it as to how your foot is shaped. I will see if it helps tomorrow.

Arriving In Park City, Utah

2011-03-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

7 hours and 55 minutes on the same plane to get to Utah. The plane had to stop twice to pick up and drop off passengers. I arrived in Salt Lake City at 5:45 and Tom Godowski ( or big tom as we call him) and Steve.... he never told me his last name... picked me up and brought me to Park City. We drove threw a pretty bad storm which is why the trees are covered in ice and snow. Those are the trees we see out of our back deck of the condo. Pretty.

There are a few other people staying in this condo. 3 toms... big tom, little tom, and toms friend, and Mau, and Arthur, an able body world cup champion. cool guy! Can't wait to ski again!

Super G Race.. And Im Alive!

2011-02-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

Me and Mau on the Kimberley podium with my Bronse medal.
Canada, Nederland, and USA (me) on the podium
Very sleepy with my birthday crutch.....
Mau and Sue chillin on a ski rack... odd but comfy..
Im Alive!
I wasnt going as fast as i could have been going... and thank god. I was on a slower part of the hill when something went wrong and i hit the ground. Hard enough, though, to rip my goggles off my head and pretty much impail myself with the bar of my outrigger. I was taken down the mountian in a taboggan and then into an ambulance... To make a long story short, i walked away with a soar wrist, which we thought was fractured, a very tight and bruised chest, where they thought i ruptured my spleen ( i dont have all my ribs on my left side so where my outrigger got me worried the doc.) and a very soar neck, back, and knee. Waking up did not feel good. But.. i did anyway and raced the Super G race that was held today. I was only able to finish one race run because when i got to the bottom i could barely breath, because it hurt to inhail. My run wasn't anything i was proud of...at that moment... Later on me and Mau went to the award ceramony and i was standing in the crowed when they were calling off the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the womens stand up. And i got 3rd! i didnt know that out of the 6 women who raced in that catagory, only 3 made it down the course. I was one of them. I was in complete shock when they said my name. That medal was one of my most acheived. I went threw alot to get it, and i was proud of myself :) Deffinatly a great way to end an amazing trip!

Kimberley DH

2011-02-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

In the start gate...

Warming hut at the start gate..

Teddy woof and Golby came with us...

1st ever downhill race was a big step forward for me. I needed good points for this race to make it to next years World Cups in Europe. And so far with my point average, from this race, i'll make it. I was able to train for 2 days on the same hill and same coarse which helped alot in helping me understand the rules and technique. Racing down hill is a little different then tech events like Slalom and GS. Its alot longer turns.. and fewer turns. you need to be relaxed and dynamic to finish it. There are two runs but each run is a seperate race. So u can average those two runs and get a final race result. Usually you have two runs but you combine the times and its one race result. But since down hill is a tough race to compete in and to prep for, they make it all in one day. My first race run was the best i had all week. But the second...... At one point seeing red blurs representing gates fly by me at about 45 miles an hour...then the next seeing white... and trouble breathing........ To be continued...

2nd Downhill Training

2011-02-11T20:44:00.000-08:00

The gate in DH are very far apart...

My teddy woof... Love you Aaron!

Okay... Big difference between todays and yesterdays training. Today, unlike yesterday, i was able to test around with my line and technique. I wasn't as terrified of the speed and coarse like i was yesterday. It only took about 2 runs to get over the fear of speed. Now it was just fun! You go so fast that you jump over the rolls of the hill. Well really, you have no choice. You more or less get launched off of them. Then when you land you just better be ready to turn to make the next gate. All in all, down hill can be pretty fun, once you stop thinking about what your actually doing. If you keep the thought in your head that you are flying down a mountian on flat pieces of wood around gates that arent very forgiving, with some people going 101 km an hour.... you can really enjoy it. :) Cant wait for the race tomarrow!

My First DownHill!!!

2011-02-10T17:50:00.001-08:00

My ski is much longer than me... It even looks taller than the mountains!

Early morning chairlift ride...
1st pitch on the downhill course... its so steep you cant even see most of the ground after the drop off.... Inspecting with Rip from Park City Team.
Fancy little stool..
The French Have Arrived! My first downhill run... Today was my first down hill training. I either wanted to cry, or just get it over with, I wasn't quite sure. Getting a quick look at the course from inspection, i got the butterflies beyond belief. But its really neat to be at the top of the course and see the peaks of the mountains above the clouds, then when your at the bottom you see only the bottom half of the mountains under the clouds. And its not even that long of a run... which just goes to show how steep it is. I was working on keeping a tight line, the shortest line threw the gates, and positioning myself into a good tuck to cut off some extra time. I used to find myself gazing off when i'm supposed to be listening but when your coaches tell you to make "no sudden movements" then you ask why and they say "because it could kill you"..... you tend to pay attention a little more closely. Although a scary, but exciting experience, i learned a lot and i cant wait for tomarrow. Downhill might just be my new favorite event.. :)

Day Off In Kimberley

2011-02-09T18:12:00.001-08:00

Thats the view from my balcony.....

Bootleg Sled Dog Races being held soon!

Handy-dandy pully carts!!!
A great day off in downtown... or whats said to be down town.... Kimberley. Me and Mau went down to a Chinese Resturant for lunch then went walking around to find a wild deer. Sounds funny but in this little town there are tons of deer that will walk right up to you for food and stick there heads inside of doors. They look fuzzy and cute.... but the 8 point antlers dont look to welcoming. We also went to the gym to practice tuck positioning to go faster while in a course. Tomarrow i will start my Downhill training for the race this weekend.

SG Training Day 2 at Kimberley

2011-02-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

13 different countries will be here to race this Saturday and Sunday. As of right now I met the Swiss, or Suisse, also Canada, British, and Nederland. The last picture is of me and mau at the top of the race hill. Kimberley is definatly one beautifull place. Full of nice people and amazing sights. I cant wait to see what is coming next. :)

SG Training Day 1 at Kimberley

2011-02-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

1st day on speed skis!!! They are 201s. That means they are skis that are 2 feet taller than me.... yeah... But I did my first Super Giant Slalom race training today on them and i have never went faster in my life on a course. I have alot to improve on and hopefully one day in the near future i can catch up to every body else.. :)

On My Way To Kimberley Canada!

2011-02-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

Mini Airplane...
Seat 6A is a window seat... and seat 6B is a window seat....
Mini Airplane seats....

Getting to mingal with Canada..... interesting trip getting here. Thats for sure. It took 4 plane rides to get to Kimberley and pretty much the whole day. Alot of things are written in French first then english under it. Its neat going out away from home. You learn many things that you didnt even know were there to learn about. It makes great experiences and memories to last a life time.

PA Camp at Camelback Diana Golden Race

2011-02-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

Me, Kelly, and Robin making the podium !
Mike Rosto was there to support me in my race. THANK YOU MIKE!

This is the camp where my ski racing career started. It's so nice to spend time with my ski buddies!!! We stopped by at Danko's to talk about the training plan with Ernie.

NorAm Copper Mountain SL 2

2010-12-16T22:31:00.000-08:00

NorAm Copper Mountain SL 1

2010-12-15T22:29:00.000-08:00

NorAm Copper Mountain GS 2

2010-12-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

NorAm Copper Mountain GS 1

2010-12-13T22:26:00.000-08:00

Season In

2010-12-02T22:24:00.000-08:00

Workout

2010-10-31T20:20:00.001-07:00

Training Training Training! Year round with my strength trainer Ernie, 3 days a week, im in Danko's All American Fitness Center working out to get stronger, heavier, and more agile for the upcoming season. I gained 7 lbs in muscle just during this past spring and summer. The top picture shows me on an upside-down Bosu ball in a tuck position( a racing position). This is a balance and core workout. The second picture shows me doing a hang snatch. Its using a 25 lb weight and snatching it from hip level to above my head in one quick movement. Its an explosive movment which will help me push myself out of the starting gate and move quickly in a race course. Then the last picture is showing me jumping over hurtles. Left, up, back, right, left up, back, right, over and over again. it may look easy but it sure does throw you off balance. This is to be able to whip my ski aroung easily to make a gate and carve turns. Everyting I do in the gym has some type of purpose, all to make me fast enough for 2014!

Mountain Bike in Winter Park

2010-07-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

US National @ Big Sky, MT ~ Day 2 SL

2010-04-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

I want my blizzard ski!!!!! Sorry, inside joke. Anyway this years Slalom race was one of a kind. Now that im bigger and much heavier then last year, thanks to Ernie, I can hit gates. This is something deffinatly new! I feel like im wrapped in bubble wrap as im sking too. There are more articles of protective gear on you then there are rules to the racing!You have chin guard, chest protecter, thigh guard, shin guard, shoulder guars, and in my case a little arm guard. Which is made out of Alison Jones's shin guard. Me and Mau came up with the briliant plan of taking apart the pads in her shin guard and duct taping it to my left arm so when I hooked gates it didnt hurt. And beleive me, they hurt. I also won silver in this race, right below allison. To bad it was the last one..... :(

US National @ Big Sky, MT ~ Day 1 GS

2010-04-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

GS baby! Hard race for sure. I placed 2nd or as my strength coach, Ernie, would have put that as 1st loser! Either way, slowly but surly im clibing up.

Jackson Hole

2010-03-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

On our way to Big Sky, MT, we stopped by Jackson Hole, WY.

Stars of Tomorrow Steamboat

2010-03-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

Me and another team mauathlete Pierce...
The stand up groupin steamboat

Pierce, Chris, me, and a member of team mau to be.. Jack
Just like last year, Steamboat was an awsome camp. Everyday was nonstop fun. Old friends making new friends while those new friends are making other friends.... one big happy family is the best way to explain us all while were on the slopes together. Coaches and athletes alike. Steamboat is one of those camps where champions are born. Thats the truth! New kids come every year all hoping for the same thing. FUN! lol well, heres your place. I love Steamboat!

Try Wheelchair Curling

2010-03-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Torch Relay Cerebration

2010-03-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

Visiting Olympic Village

2010-03-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

the village inside vancouver where the venues were, were amazing! I was inside where the athletes stay. it was insane. they even hve there own hospital/get better center. There Cafiteria is huge to. I cant wait to be one of them..!

Paralympic Experience Vancouver

2010-03-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

Vancouver here we come! Me and 13 other athletes were chosen out of 100 others across the nation to experiance the 2010 paralympics. this is the group that i was with. Marlon Jill Caleb Eric Patrick Ian Anna Amber Tyler and all of the coachs. it was deffinatly a great group. We al became friends the first day. Jill especially became close to me. We were like sisters all week long. I miss her... alot. hopefully i will see her again through the long journey still ahead. it kind of gets hard to have to say good bye to people.... its something that you never really get used to...

New Friend

2009-12-29T18:54:00.000-08:00

Coach from Australia

2009-12-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

Speed Training Camp

2009-12-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Winter Park

2009-12-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

NorAm Copper Mountain SL

2009-12-15T07:41:00.000-08:00

Theres the whole team that was in copper. MHS and Team Mau. i think i speak for al of us when i say that we had FUN!

NorAm Copper Mountain GS

2009-12-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

We went from Breackenridge to Copper to race to2 NorAm's, GS and SL. I won Gold medal on Junior Class. Lindsey and Diane were super fast, too.

Ski Spectacular Level 1 Race

2009-12-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

Breakenridge colorado aka Breaken-fridge colorado! 60 below is not fun... but worth it! It was my first time back on skis all year and from the 3 day a week training in the gym payed off! Its hard to explain but i didnt have enough strength in my left side to hold down a good turn.. well now i do! I think... The difference in weight was pretty freaky too. going from 90 pounds to 110 pounds in one year and 3 inches taller, there is a big difference. This canp every year is so much fun. this is where i won my first gold medel..... I already miss it. :(

Rocky Mountain National Park

2009-09-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

Well,..... good always comes from bad.. I missed my flight back home so i stayed at Maus house till my next flight in the morning. No, i didnt have any of my luggage or anything at that.. but it was a really fun day. Me Mau and Charlie went to the Rocky Mountian National Park and we saw loads of elk. Ive never seen an elk before. First time for eveything. What and eventful day that one was....... :)

Olympic Training Center @ Colorado Springs

2009-09-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here is when i was in colorado springs for the US olympic training camp, and also where i learned ALOT! I could also tell that my strength training in the gym back home is helping me alot too. Ever since i started training with my personal trainer Ernie, i have noticed a big difference in everything i do. Especially now that i went to this camp. I also met new friends. I really hope i could go here again.. but man was i sore when i went home!!!

3rd Annual Motorcycle Run

2009-07-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, this was an amazing turn out! the weather was beautiful and the ride was really nice. I cant beleive the amount of people that came out!!! I cant thank them enough for what they do for me. Thank you everyone and i hope to see you all next year!

US National @ Winter Park ~ Day 2

2009-03-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

US National @ Winter Park ~ Day 1

2009-03-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

Final race of the season at Winer Park! Today was SL. This has deffinatly got to be the hardest race i've ever skied in! It was all worth it tho.

Stars of Tomorrow Camp @ Steamboat Springs

2009-03-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

The Huntsman Cup @ Park City, UT Day3

2009-02-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

Black dimond racing. For those who dont know what a "black dimond" is, it is the steepest kind of hill you could ski on. You see, a mountian is broken up in to 3 catagories of steepness. A green is the easiest, blue is medium hard, black dimond is experts only, and dubble black dimond is extremly difficult, experts only. I raced on a black dimond. If you look at the first picture, you see me and then nothing else. The hill completly drops off! And i raced on it! It was a slolom race too. At top of the race we all wait for our turn. We usully eat m&ms and through snow balls at each other. In this race i got the gold metal in the junior devision. During this week in Utah, I got 3 gold metals and 1 bronse.

The Huntsman Cup @ Park City, UT Day2

2009-02-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

Day 2 is Slolom race on Pecabo's trail. I raced 2 good runs today and it paid off. I was able to get the gold. The other 1st place was from yesterday's GS race. The browns was the most earned one because I raced with 5 racers that are all older than me and I placed in 3rd. I was very excited. I think Mau was too. I hope so! In the bottom picture is Tyler and Sam. I met Sam in Copper too. We wrestled and came to a tie: I beat him once and he beat me once. And they said girls cant fight!!

The Huntsman Cup @ Park City, UT

2009-02-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Day 1 GS Race on CB's Run, its a BLACK DIAMOND trail!

Happy Birthday Earnie!

2009-02-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday! For Ernies B-day, i gave him a Team Mau jacket and a gold medal. He ws so happy! He even got to meet Mau. Mau said she thinks hes funny. We all think that!!!

Racing with My Friends!

2008-12-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

Hiya. Meet Meghan and lindsey! I have known Meghan the past 4 years. but i just met Lindsey. I roomed with her in copper mountian and breckenidge. She may be blind but she is so funny and sweet. I have been competing with meghan for a long time but were best friends. That ws fun!!!!!!

Team Mau

2008-12-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

This is Team Mau. In it is Luis, Sherwood, Sue, Me, Betsy, Mau, and two new members Tyler and Staci(not in the picture). Mau is "mom", Luis is the "chosen one", Sherwood is the "body guard", Sue is the "den mother", And i am the Team Captian. We just need a nick name for betsy. If you have any ideas, please post them on the "coments" right below this. Now im tring to convince Mau to let Chris Miller on our team. Try to convince her in the comments. I think he would be a good team member!
ALL OF TEAM MAU!! Chris would like to join team mau and i need all of your votes. Please put your name and vote in the coments list! Thanks!!!

Day 2: GS @ Copper Mountain, CO

2008-12-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

My First BIG Race @ Copper Mountain, CO

2008-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today was my first Level 2 Race at Copper Mountain, Colorado! They are full length race and internationally recognized REAL race! Not only US National Adaptive Ski Team members but also racers from Canada, UK, Australia and other Europe were racing as well. I had two SL runs today.

Green Concert @ Red Rocks

2008-08-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

This night was one of the best nights of my LIFE!!!!! We had so much fun! This band went on between huge 5 story rocks. And when the band ended all you herd was the echo roaring everywhere. You would really have to be there to comprehend how amazing it really was. And that rock that you saw was cool! It looked like it eroded from bottom up and it was so comfortable in there. We had so much fun dancing to the music.......GO GREEN!!!!!!!!!!

Democrat National Convention Bike Ride

2008-08-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

This was a cool ride! There was about 100 other people and we rode on the street. All the traffic was stopped on we had the right away. Then when we got to our destination, the national convention, allot of people were their and cheering(don't ask me why?). But i had allot of fun that day... GO OBAMA

Cathi Taught me Pilate's

2008-08-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

My New Bike, well Trike

2008-08-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Fraser River Trail

2008-08-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today Mau took me on a long up hill trail from Fraser to Winter Park base. It was almost all up hill the way there. I almost gave up but i had Mau right in my tail saying"Keep going, keep paddling, don't stop", it drove me insane but if it wasn't for her than i would have never made it. I cycled with Mat and Hannah had been a member of US Disabled Ski Team. They kept encouraging me too. and on the way back it was all down hill. that was the best part. When we were done we had some breakfast at Sharkies grill.

Monica & Ian

2008-08-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

On the Colorado River

2008-08-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

What an amazing experience I had to day! We rafted.! It was in a ducky with Cathi. The other people in duckies were splashing us so it began a huge war between each other. We got soaked. Then a couple of little kids had supper soaker's and that was cold. The views were amazing. Then more towards the end the wind picked up so I switched with another girl so i could go to the bigger boat. That was a fun,cold, and interesting ride.

Breakfast Ride @ Steamboat

2008-08-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Instead of driving to breakfast we biked to breakfast. It was a long ride but worth it in the end. I had a chocolate chip pancake and bacon at the Shack Cafe. I rode with Mark, Kathy, Mau, and One-legged John. Then we road back so we could get ready for our second day of water skiing. This was a beautiful ride and one of those i will never forget because of the people that were there with me that day.

Behind the Boat @ Steamboat

2008-08-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Here in Steam Boat ,I also water skied. It was a nice lake and it was some what worm too. I didn't use sides on the ski this time but i fell 3 times on the turns. My 4Th turn i was able to stay on and so with my fifth. Then i got to cold and pulled in. We stayed in an amazing hotel that night. In the morning, i got on the ski again and was able to do all the turns and go in and out of the wake. I had a lot of fun here in steam boat and hope to do it again!

One Leg John & Me

2008-08-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

This is One Legged john and me, I met him back in Pennsylvania in Camel Back. We are very close friends and we always encourage each other to do new things.I don't see him very often but when we do we are always together. we hand cycled together and he was right on my tail saying his butt hurts because I'm going to slow. i cant wait to see him again hopefully in December for the Hartford ski speck.

Boulder Handcycle Ride Day

2008-08-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

This is what a hand cycle looks like! Today me and Mau took a trip to boulder to take a ride with a group of people. we road 7 miles today. I was so tiered in the end of this ride. I have never road this long in my life. When we came back to the building we started off in, we had muffins and smoothies. that was a long but successful ride!!!

Stars of Tomorrow Camp @ Denver

2008-08-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

This is my first camp i went to during my Colorado stay. We kayaked , hand cycled, and as shown, water skied. In the last picture you ll see a boy with a white t-shirt and a blue and red life vest. his name s Auskar, i met him there and we became friends. I also met another girl who's name is Baylee. We also became friends. We did everything there together, but sadly i don't think we'll get to see each other until the next camp next year. Hope to see you there Auskar and Baylee!

An Other Step Further

2008-08-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

Im so excited about my next adventer to Calorado. Except this time I wont be skiing, I will be strength training for skiing. I am leaving from the 6th to the 25th of August. I will be staying with my ski coach Mau at her house. I will be going to several camps during the time be there. The only thing im a little worried about is i will be flying on my own. But its not that bad. I have to strength train because i need to be in good shape so i could race fast. It will be an experience like no other. And im most excited about seeing my ski coach mau.LUV YA MAU

Kiara

2008-06-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

A month in-a-half ago I got my puppy, Kiara. It is an interesting experience taking care of a two in- a- half month old puppy with the potty training and teething process. Every morning she gets up at 5:30am with my mom to go to the bathroom. Then she goes back in her crate until I get up at 9:00. All during the day I'm constantly pulling something out of her mouth or chasing after her so she doesn't eat the cat. Potty training is going O.K but could be better. Every now and then I find a present on the floor.( that's fun to clean up ) Kiara eats every morning, at lunch time, and dinner with a treat in her bowl. Her favorite thing to do is play in puddles. Every time it rains she is always whining to go out because she knows where there is rain there is puddles. She darts outside and takes a nose dive in to the ginormous puddle. She is very stubborn when it comes to making her do something she doesn't want to do. Every time you tell her "NO" she barks back at you and we get into an argument. Finally I'll end up winning the argument. I cant wait to see her when she is an adult and weighs about 125 pounds and her head is bigger than mine. She is a pain in the butt, but she's my pain in the butt and i love her so much!

An End Is Only A New Beginning

2008-04-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

A week after Nara's death, i was so lost and alone with out a dog. I reserched a dog that i have always wanted, an Alaskan malamute. On the internet i found a kennal close to home called J and D kennals, which breed Malamutes. There were 2 recent litters. One would be ready April 28, the other would be ready May 9th. we first visited the older ones. I picked one up but did not feel any connection. So we went to the younger litter and as soon as we opened the top of the puppy kennal all of the puppies picked up their heads, but only one came wobbling over toward me. Her eyes werent all the way open yet. I picked her up and it was love at first sight.I held her up close to my chest and she started knawing on my ear and licking my cheak. Every time i tried to put her back in the kennal she would fight to stay close up to me. I had to ask my sister to get her off so we can see her father. In the end i ended up buying her and i will bring her home May 9th. I am so excited to bring her home. I aslo decided to name her Kiara.

Nara... My Angel

2008-04-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Everything happens for some sort of reason. I just dont understand the reason for Nara's death. I still believe that this could have been prevented, but the Lord was calling for her. It all happened on an ordinary night when Nara came to me wanting to go outside to go to the bathroom. So i got up and started walking to the door. She was so excited that she spun around and hit her head of the wall. She broke her neck and died in my arms. I could remember those beautiful white eyes look up at me on her last breath, but now i know she is looking down on me watching over me. Sometimes I can still hear that playful howl that she made every day i came home for school. I still remember every night she would climb in to bed with me and fall asleep next to me. But i know that where ever i am she is always by my side. Nara was sent to me to show me love, trust, and loyalty. I am still thankful for getting that short time to love her and take care of her and I pray to her every night. I miss her so much and I will never forget her.

Fundraisers!

2008-04-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ski training and traveling is hard because of the cost its self. So to do my ski training i have fundraisers to raise money. Our first fundraiser is a motorcycle run on June 1st . We will have live music with Cool Ride, Hidden Drive & Abilene to rock the house! Registration is at Diamond MFG. Parking lot, 243 W. 8th ST., W. Wyoming at 8:30am. Riders $15.00- Passenger $10.00( including meal ticket) Children under 12 years of age-FREE. The kickstands will be up and ready to go at noon. We will end the ride at the Holly Child Fairgrounds,NewportSt.,(Sheatown) section of Nanticoke rain or shine. There will be plenty of food to enjoy and fun games to play for the whole family! If you have any questions please call Bob Wineman @ (570)510-5336 or you can visit my website at www.stephaniejallen.org. Thank you for your help and support.

Mount Sunapee

2008-03-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

After training all week in Vermont we hopped over the border to Newhampshire in Mount Sunapee where i raced in the Diana Golden Race Finals. This is where i got my 2nd place silver medal. This was a great experience and a challenge for me. The mountian was beautiful up top. You can see everything.
I can still remember standing at the finish line thinking of my dad ,my uncle bill ,and Mau my ski coach. When the man at the starting gate said...5...4...3...2...right when he said 1 i pushed out of the starting gate as hard as i could and felt that no one could stop me. I was happy with my time andcouldn't stop smiling. I will never forget that day.

Someone Special I Met.

2008-03-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

When i was in Vermont with the AIG ski tour, i met someone really special to me. Her name is Kathy Celo. She was in charge of the camp that i was in and im happy she was because i had the time of my life. Kathy was special to everyone there. Everyone appriciated her because she got us whereever we needed to go on time and ready. Not only that, we had fun with her too.
The camp was as much fun as it was because of Kathy. I can not wait to go to that camp next year and meet that special person again.

My Last Trip:(

2008-03-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

2008's jurney ended at Vermont in the AIG Ski Tour which was sponserd by DSUSA were i won a silver. This was a fun camp that i will never forget!
Every day we would get up at 6:00am and be ready for breakfast at 7:00am. After we ate brekfast we would rush back to our rooms and get our equipment to lode up in my dads truck. There were 6 of us all together with 2 monoskiers(sit down skiers). We would all be out on the slopes around 8:30 ready for training. We usually trained on a race corse that Mau and AK set up. We practice a GS corses (wide long turns) and Slolom (short quick turns). There is Down Hill skiing too but you reach speeds of 80 mph so i dont do that............yet. We all train all day with a 45 min lunch at 12:00pm and of corse were all again, out shreding the mountians untill
3:oopm or 4:00pm however long we could go. When we reach the hotel again, we got dressed for dinner but first went to a team meeting to discuse what we did wrong or what we have to work on for the next day. Then we eat dinner...finally! When we go to our rooms we threw our pajamas on and crash in bed, then did the whole scedule over again!
So that was the regular scedule but there was always something in between to slow us down.For example the gas went out in breakfast so we could only have waffles and they took forever to cook, tha tmade us late. Then my room key diddent work(i dont know why)but i had to run up to the front office and ask for a new one. On the slopes is a different story.The gates (the poles you hit on slolom) seem to hate you. They come at you fast and wack you right in the face. Or like Sherwood, clips the gate and flips in the air over the finish line and doesn't even get a score because he went over the eye( the lazer that you go throught to get your time). Or me who flip and slides under the eye and doesnt get a time. Either way they both try to slow us down. Also two days from race day i hiperextended my knew and had to ice it everynight. Man that hurt!!!!!
Know I am geting ready for next years training by having fund raisers to raise money for the camps. Im having a motercycle run June 1st. Contact my mom,Deb, for more information at
(570) 690-3028.

Day 2 in Vail

2008-02-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

This morning wasn't a good one because i couldnt find my edge. I kept falling everywhere. I skied with Mau ,my ski coach, on the moguls, that was not pretty!!!! but i fortunatly came out alive. She said its good practice so i should keep tring, and i did. the afternoon was a lot better because i was able to balence better and go faster, so i went to the terain park with sam, sarah,and gabby. i got some pretty good air too. Sherwood, someone else i skied with, just leaned how to ski and he tried to jump. Wow!!!!!!!! For his first time ever jumping he hit the jump fast and almost landed it then he tried the second jump and cleared it. Now remember, this is his 12 day skiing. i was amazed.( my personal edvice he should slow down because 3 out of 5 times he did not land it)but he still did good. Anyway today was an awsome day and i cant wait to do it again tomorrow.

First Day In Beaver Creek

2008-02-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

We woke up at 2:00 am to catch our 6:10 am flight, which we were late for. It was our first time on our own in Colorado. We are doing pretty well out here for our first time on our own. Thanks Mom for giving us this opportunity to experience what its like on our own. Then we had a four hour flight to Colorado. After that, we hopped on a shuttle that took us through the mountains, past ski resorts, wildlife, and a lot of snow. Finally we reached our home for the next four days. Boy were we suprised when we opened the door.
Our condominium was gorgeous. It had a full kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms. To my delight, there is a set of bunkbeds. I, of course, chose the top one. Our view is amazing, overlooking the Beaver Creek ski mountain and watching our fellow condominium neighbors in the pool below us. It gives us something to laugh about.
Our day here is almost finished. It has been one to remember. We are looking forward to skiing Vail for the first time tomorrow. Ill be keeping you posted,
Steph (Sarah and Gabby)

PA Center for the Adapted Sports Youth Camp

2008-02-07T03:44:00.000-08:00

Today, we are back in Camelback, PA. We had to go to other ski area yesterday because of rain and thunder storm. It is so nice to be able to ski at Camelback. This is my home ski area and where I learned how to ski very first time. It is also nice to see Alex again! We both started to ski 3 years ago here in Camelback. We had a Level 1 Race at the Pocono Race Way and I won the gold medal in my class! From left Alex, Sherwood, me, and my coach Mau.

Swimming Lesson

2008-02-05T04:04:00.000-08:00

It was raining today and the ski area was closed, so we decided to go to the swimming pool at the hotel. Sherwood lost his left leg by motorcycle accident 5 months ago. This is his first time at PA Camp. Since he has never went swimming after the accident, I decided to teach him how to swim! He did OK......

Ski Spectacular

2007-12-02T03:54:00.000-08:00

I had a great experience at the Hartford Ski Spectacular, which is organized by Disabled Sports USA. Participating this event is very important to me because it is one step closer to my dream of winning the Paralympics. Seeing all of those veterans who lost limbs, who had never skied before, go out and do the most amazing thing, ski. That inspires me to keep going. And, as people say to me "If you can do this, I can do this," I say the same thing to them. When I first saw them and spoke to them about there story, it brought tears to my eyes and touched my heart in the most amazing way. I thought to my self "Why am I complaining when there are people out there with disabilities worse than mine," That just told me that I'm not going to give up and I am going to keep moving foreward to my dream and that's exactly what the Hartford Ski Spectacular does for me. Also, winning a gold medal just encouraged me even more.