On the day of the Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, an Olympic qualifier event, the early morning was cold; the type of cold that freezes your nose hairs after inhaling.

It reminded me of the winters in Ontario and I thought about how the mild temperatures of B.C. have softened my tolerance of the frigid cold. 

After two days of training in snowy high-wind conditions, I was happy to see the sun in a calm sky, even if I couldn't feel its heat.

This was the first time I had ever bought toe warmers. Hearing the sand-like contents of those packets shake around and get warm was like a piece of paradise to my senses. 

I was in the first heat and the pipe could have been from my dreams with its perfect cut and evenly dyed lines down the walls marking every 10 feet. Banners lined the sides with all the sponsors' names and tents were erected on both ends of the pipe. I was anxious and excited to perform my run in this fantasy setting. 

Sometimes I find it hard to stay focused with the bustling crowd around me. The younger girls being boisterous, older ones visualizing tricks with their bodies moving in improbable directions, wax techs working feverishly on boards, coaches going over the runs and officials trying their best to organize the 70-plus people on that mound of snow. 

My coach always brings me back to my moment by telling me to listen to my Walkman: "it's just like in practice," he says to reassure me things are going to be fine.

I get called for my first run.

I performed my safety run with some hastiness in the first couple of tricks and then more relaxed towards the end, which translates as smaller at the start and then picking up amplitude towards the end.

It wasn't exactly like in practice but I got the jitters out. I got to the bottom feeling a bit frustrated, took off my board and waited for my scores. Finally, it came up on the screen: 29.1. I see it and know it was nowhere near my best.  Back up to the top. 

After waiting for the other 59 girls to finish their runs, it was my turn again. I had one last pep talk from my coach, put my headphones on and cued up Miley Cyrus "Party in the USA," then dropped on the hard, fast snow.

It was a good run, except for a bobble in the middle. I knew that is going to cost me.  I got to the bottom to hear what the judges think. I know I needed more than a 30 to stay in contention for a spot on the team.  A score of 31.9 flashed over the scoreboard, relief and irritation flowed over me. I was consistent with landing my runs but I know I can do better. 

My day ended with a fifth place showing out of the 12 Canadians I was competing against for a coveted spot on the Olympic team. The top five of us came within seven points of each other. 

After reflection, my coach and I came up with a training plan for the next qualifier in January. Although this day I wanted to be at the top of that list, I know the road is still long and this is not the time to be peaking. Mammoth California will be the second-last stop and the next level towards the apex of my talents.