A national competition against girls who have been competing for years after only 11 months of training... without my coach... sure why not?!?!!?
Taking on impossible challenges was clearly my main distraction while healing from my trauma that year. I had my doubts and moments of nearly quitting after I had booked my flight, but something in me knew how badly I needed that experience.
You really don't have much to lose when the expectations of you being able to do something are so low. Even if I only made it through one match without quitting it was a win in my books, that made the decision easier.
It gave me a focus during a very lonely confusing time in my life. I loved rocking that Team Alberta jacket, it made me feel like I belonged somewhere.