She has been around the world, from Europe to Alaska, but for now, Salmon Arm’s Alysson Marshall is happy to be home with friends, family and local supporters.
Marshall has been rigorously training all over the world to prepare herself for the Olympic qualifiers in cross-country skiing.
“I just got back from two weeks of training in Anchorage, Alaska with the North America Women’s Training Alliance,” says Marshall.
Marshall trained steadily with a group of women from Canada, Alaska and other U.S. states, as well as Finland. Training included one part dry-land training, where the group used roller blades and travelled long distances at high speeds and alternating intensities, as well as glacier training, which allowed them to ski almost from the door of the building where they stayed.
While competitions only run from November to March, Marshall explained, training carries on for 11 months of the year.
“April is the only month I kind of get off,” she says. “I still train, but it is not official training. It doesn’t last as long and it is more fun.”
The rest of the year Marshall has pre-set, specially planned, training programs which require about four hours a day.
“Some days it is longer, others it is shorter; they switch it up lots.” Marshall explains how she will go through two weeks of intense training with long hours, followed by a week with a more laid-back style.
While Marshall’s parents did not compete, her grandparents did. This, she says, is part of what sparked her interest in competitive skiing.
Marshall began competing at just four-and-a-half years old. She describes how her parents loved the sport, and made sure to take her out every weekend.
“I just kept going.”
When asked why she stuck with it, she says: “I really just enjoy the entire lifestyle. My job is to spend time outside, hiking and skiing and doing these fun things. The opportunities and experiences it has provided me are amazing.”
Through competing and training, Marshall has travelled through central Europe, Scandinavia and across Canada.
While she doesn’t get to see the major cities, she gets plenty of time to get to know the smaller towns and the people within them.
“I drove right through Venice without even stopping,” she laughs.
Marshall believes this allows her to see the real side of the places she is visiting, not just the tourist’s view. She explains, “You’ve never experienced Italy until you are looked after by an Italian mom for a week.”
Like many athletes, Marshall has dreamed of competing in the Olympics but admits she set her sights on the smaller goals first.
“I was always just trying for the next thing, to beat the next level, but the Olympics has always been a dream in the back of my mind,” she says.
Marshall may soon find out if she will get her chance to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.
“If I had really stellar World Cup results, that might be enough to qualify me. But I am anticipating to qualify during the 2013 qualifying season.”
The official requirements for Team Canada prospects have not yet been released.
For now, she is taking a few days to relax with family and meet with local supporters.
On July 5, Marshall took part in a fundraiser in Salmon Arm put on by Lakeside Insurance. The event, which featured a hot-dog barbecue as well a raffle for a number prizes including skis and an autographed picture of Marshall, was put on to help raise money for her training and lodging throughout the year.
“The government does provide some money,” says Marshall, “but it is not enough to pay for everything. It is expensive.”
The event proved to be a success, bringing in $2,225.
