17 Questions for 2017: Maya MacIsaac-Jones

Welcome to “17 Questions for 2017″, where we are catching up with American and Canadian national-team members before the beginning of the winter season. 

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Maya MacIsaac-Jones was in high school when she competed in her first world cup in 2012 at Canmore, just a few hours away from her home. In 2016, she got her first World Cup top-30 in the Gatineau sprint stage of the Ski Tour Canada.

MacIsaac-Jones took the less common route of racing with her club instead of the one of the training centres, culminating in a 49th overall finish at STC wearing Rocky Mountain Racer colours.  In 2016, she is a national team member and heading off to the World Cup for period one. At 21, she has two more chances at U23’s, starting with Soldier Hollow this season.

1. Biggest change in your life in the last five or so months since the ski season ended?

Training with the National Team and the Alberta World Cup Academy!

2. Biggest change in your training?

Switching to the national team strength program. 

3. Major areas of improvement you’ve seen so far?

My classic striding technique! I’ve been lucky to have Kathy Davies as a technique coach this year, and I’ve been working with her on solidifying my basic body position.

4. Whom you’ve been working closest with this offseason (coaches or training partners)?

My AWCA coaches Chris Jeffries and Scott Perras, and my ski club coach John Jaques. My parents also give me great training and life advice when I need it!

5. Best trip in the last five months (and why)?

New Zealand training camp in August.

6. Favorite cross-training?

Running or hiking in the mountains. 

7. Favorite non-athletic activity or pastime this summer?

Camping, eating fresh fruit, and spending time at home on the farm in Athabasca.

8. Song that was your jam this summer?

Drops of Jupiter by Train.

9. All time favorite race moment?

Finding out I qualified for the sprint heats in the Gatineau World Cup and running over to give my coach John a huge hug after. 

10. First thing you pack in your bag when you leave for Europe?

My journal and a Harry Potter book for reading the night before races.

11. Venue/event you’re most excited to visit this season? 

Lillehammer, Norway. One of my good friends lives there with her family, so I’m really excited to see them!

13. Biggest sacrifice you feel you’ve made choosing this career path?

Not being able to attend school full time and get the university experience. 

14. If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be?

To add in a mixed relay or single-mixed relay (like in biathlon)! 

15. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Toast with jam, a sunny-side up egg, fruit, and tea. 

16. In 5 years, I’ll be ____? 

Hopefully still competing for Canada and finishing up my undergrad!

17. In 50 years, I’ll be ____?

Retired, going on adventures, and traveling the world with my husband!