11th and 12th Place in Park City

Intercontinental Cup races 3 and 4 did not go as well as Calgary did. In the first race I took 11th place and the second race in Park City I took 12th.

Of course I wish I did better in these two races because they were so important. Looking at it now, nothing was really in my favor this past week. I wasn't training as well as I would have like to be. I have not slid well in Park City yet this year, during team trials or the America's Cup race. I'm not really sure what my problem is, the only thing I can think is that the whole time I expected to slide well. And let me tell you it does not work that way. Unfortunately that had to happen for two races.

But now it doesn't matter and I am back in Lake Placid ready for one last race before Christmas break. We race this Friday, and I'm hoping the weather stays cold. There is a good amount of snow on the ground so its nice getting into the Christmas spirit. Sometimes while traveling it doesn't even feel like its Christmas time because there is no time to sit around and watch movies or bake cookies. I'm really excited to go home.

Wish me luck for Friday!

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-Kaitlin

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Hello all, this is Kaitlin, Annie's older sister, taking over this post. I just wanted to let you know that if you have a Facebook account, you should go ahead and join the Facebook Fan Page. Click on that link or just search for Annie O'Shea on Facebook.

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Support Annie

Dear Family and Friends,

I want to give an update about how the 2008-2009 season is going so far. As you may have read on my blog or heard through the grapevine, I did not make World Cup this season. I had a shoulder injury during team trials and it affected my sliding and racing. Despite this setback, I am committed to working harder than ever in order to improve my world rank in skeleton.

This season I am on the Intercontinental Cup Circuit. The competition is very difficult and I am still traveling through North America and Europe for races. I finished 4th in the first race, and have 2 more races in Park City, and one in Lake Placid before Christmas.

A spot on the World Cup team is funded; unfortunately, the Intercontinental Cup Circuit does not receive any funding. In order to make ends meet, I am applying for a scholarship called America for Gold. America for Gold is an organization that tries to help U.S. athletes by awarding grants to them. The application is lengthy, including financial information, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Before I can be considered for the scholarship, I am required to have 25 people who will donate $5 every month, for one year. This can also be done with a one-time donation of $60.

This is where I need your help. I am asking for your tax-deductible donation of $60. By securing donations to my training fund before I apply, it shows that I am dedicated to doing everything I can to succeed. Please consider helping me in my training and helping me to earn additional, much needed funding.

If you are interested in helping me please let me know. You can visit the website at www.AmericaforGold.org, read about the scholarship opportunity and learn about athletes they already support. The link for the EZ giving form is http://americaforgold.org/_doc/EZ-Gift-Enrollment-Form.pdf. You will need to fill out this form, email me at annieoshea.com@gmail.com and I will send you the address to send it to.

I will let you know when I have received your form and when I have mailed everything (all of the application materials need to be mailed in one packet). The deadline is January 15, 2009. I know this is a busy time of year, but please take five minutes to think about it. Your support is worth more than you know.

Thank you for your time. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Annie O'Shea
USA Skeleton Team

Last Week Intercontinental Cup Race #1 Fourth Place

The first intercontinental Cup (ICC) race took place last Thursday in Calgary, Canada. I finished 4th. Not too bad to have a medal finish for my first ICC race of the season.

The competition is very close and places were determined by hundredths. I had two pretty decent runs, just didn't pull everything together enough to get on the podium. I'm happy though with how I did.

I love sliding in Calgary although its always freezing. It was about -16 Fahrenheit on race day with the wind chill. Just imagine standing on the start line in a speedo full body swim suit freezing your butt off. Its actually the worst part of it all. I was lucky enough though when I stood on the line the sun came out, when I took my pants and jacket off I had a false sense of warmth. By corner 12 down the track though your arms are cold and you realize how much you are freezing. Your ready to be done even though you still have 2 corners to go. But you make due, I've learned to deal with the cold. I don't love it, but I do love the sport so I'll make due.

Sorry for the delayed updates. My days get very busy and I loose track of what I posted last.

Directly after the race and the medal ceremony I had my car all packed up, with all my teammates sleds, so they wouldn't have to pay $200 to get their sleds on the plane. I headed back to Utah. I got stuck in 45 min of traffic outside of Calgary. I had one of teammates GPS that I was using since I would be driving back in the dark just so I didn't miss a turn. Well that GPS cursed me. I know how to get back into the states but I was following the GPS and wasn't paying enough attention to the road signs. (the easiest way to go is to take I-15 all the way down). For anyone who doesn't know always check your GPS before you start a trip (I didn't know this) it took me to the border and I knew I was lost, not lost just not where I wanted to be. I entered the US in Glacier National Park. (not the way I wanted to go) The roads up until this point were bad, a little icy, very gusty with a ton of snow. I was already driving slower than I wanted to be. The border agent was so nice and gave me another map to follow and directions back to I-15. I didn't end up using them because I would have had to take so many turns and it was too dark to see everything by myself. So I continued to follow the GPS, which ended up taking me back to I-15 but going through Glacier National Park was insane. I was going about 20-40mph for some of the drive, and was so lucky I had a jeep because of all the snow on the road. If it were the day time I would have loved the drive because I hear it is beautiful, but all I could see was what my headlights lit up.

But do not worry everyone. I made it back to Salt Lake City safe and sound. I stopped in Dillion, MT for a few hours of sleep, just enough to make great time back to Utah. The drive was interesting. I have never been more alert while driving, since I had to pay so much attention to see the road! It was an adventure, it would have been so much fun if someone could have been with me.

I just thought it was such a funny trip. Its crazy the things you do in this sport. I love driving though thats why it was so great! Next time I travel anyone is invited if you have free time and want to keep me company!! Seriously let me know!!

Drive from Salt Lake City to Calgary

Although everyone was really nervous for me to drive from Salt Lake City to Calgary, I had a great time doing it. Friday, I flew into Salt Lake and left for Calgary Saturday morning at about 7am. Before I even left I was planning to take a nap somewhere along my drive before it got dark because I only got 5 hrs of sleep the night before. (Yet again, I couldn't sleep. Shocking.)

My drive was great; it wasn't too sunny, just overcast, for the most part, which was good because driving in the sun always makes me a little more tired. I had fun singing to myself and just looking out the window for the drive. I had planned on just renting an intermediate car, but when I got the counter I was explaining that I would probably be driving in snow. The man who helped me was very nice and he upgraded me to a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I know it's not the best on gas, but I figured it was the best choice in case the interstate roads were bad.

The first state to go through is Idaho. It's a pretty flat state, where I was. I stopped in Idaho Falls for gas. It was perfect for my trip that gas was so cheap. I was able to fill up my jeep for just about $17 or so per fill up.

Here is some more of flat Idaho. I took most of my pictures thinking of Kaitlin, because she always takes pictures on her road trips. I thought I needed to also. I will say it is quite difficult to take pictures and drive when you want to get the picture perfect. The picture below is what it looked like for a few hundred miles. I think the best picture
will be the one to the lower right of the screen. It was the craziest thing. All of a sudden I was looking out my window and saw a truck driving with a man running next to it and cattle herding behind the truck. It was just so insane to me there would be about 10 or so cows then a 50m break then more cows then another break and then more cows with their calves. It looked like there were hundreds of cows coming out of the ranch. I just loved that they followed each other down the side of the ranchers road.


My next stop was a little bit past Butte, Montana for more gas. Now Montana was a little bit better than Idaho; it's more mountainous. I just loved looking out the window and seeing the snow covered mountains. It was really beautiful, at one point I looked out my side view mirror and was just in awe of them. I mean just look at those mountains - that's why it
was such an amazing drive. I was really surprised that I wasn't the least bit tired.
Mom this picture is for you. THE COWS!! Every time I saw cows just freely walking in a field I called them happy cows. There were a few places where the cows didn't look too happy and it made me really sad.

That was basically my drive. Montana got a little flatter but still hilly once I got closer to the border. Crossing the border is always nerve racking to me. For some reason I'm just afraid that they are going to make me pull over and just take up more of my time. It took about 20min as it was though, there was a little bit of a line. I think the worst part of the whole drive is going through Canada. You think once you cross the border Calgary should be an hour away but really it's about three. I did start to get a little sleepy when I was about an hour outside of Calgary.

I made it though, no naps or anything. I did though get a little lost as I got into Calgary. There are two ways to go into the city and for some reason I went the opposite way I knew. I don't really know what came over me. The drive though only took me about 13 and a half hrs, including all my stops. (it helps that my stops were never really longer than 10min). I'm glad I drove up to Calgary it was fun, and I had some good alone time. Which is something that is hard to get when you travel with people and live with them all the time. Quiet time is nice.

Kate and Mom, I hope you like my pictures. I have a few more but I didn't want to make an entire picture post!!

Home for Thanksgiving

After the race in Lake Placid, I drove back home with one of my teammates, John. It was a good ride we didn't stop once you save a lot of time that way.

It was so nice being back home for the week. The whole family was home for the first time in what seemed like a while. Thanksgiving was great and the food was amazing. Especially since I wasn't home for it last year. I was in Calgary last year for the world cup race, I went to Banff for Thanksgiving dinner with Caleb. It was a good dinner but nothing like being home.

Kate and Erin did the Turkey Trott 5km race Thanksgiving morning. I was planning on waking up with them and going and taking pictures. I didn't make it out of bed with them because I didn't get much sleep the night before. Sometimes I just don't fall asleep at night, I've decided if I get more than eight hours of sleep 2 or more days in a row then I don't sleep fully for a few nights. Kind of annoying but you make due. That's besides the point though, they came home and we watched the parade. I think I was packing and mom was making the turkey.

I love being home, I never feel the need to do much, just say hi to people and workout. I didn't get to see all the people I wanted to because the week goes by fast when there's a holiday. I prefer just staying home anyway.

I had to fly out to Salt Lake City the morning after because I was driving up to Calgary for he first race. So I packed up some leftover turkey for my carry on and was on my way.

Race Catch ups

So past race results, in Lake Placid for the America's Cup I finished 2nd in both races.

I was really excited with how the races went, I was sliding pretty well for the week. I really put everything together on race day. Each day I had two good runs, they were consistent with each other, which I think I might have said in one of these that is my ultimate goal this year.

It was kind of crazy, race day one I beat last years World Champion. I didn't look at it that way, but everyone else did. I was just so excited for my runs, they weren't pr's or anything but they weren't too far behind the German World Cup girls either day.

Thats about it from that race.

Cold Weather has arrived..

Winter is officially here. Its about 20 degrees in Lake Placid during the day, and about 10 degrees at night. I love when its this cold because the track gets very fast, but standing in my speed suit is brutal!

The first day it got cold, but it was really wet, I was standing on the start line after I took my jacket off, I tried to hide behind my sled. It didn't work as I planned, I didn't stay warm.

I am racing in the America's Cup this Friday and Saturday, hopefully I don't freeze! I will be home on Sunday, I am driving home with one of my teammates! I'm so excited to be home for Thanksgiving, all of the girls will be home! We aren't all home together so this will be a lot of fun, especially since I was in Canada last year for Thanksgiving and I missed being home.

Back in Lake Placid

Its nice to be back in Lake Placid. We got in about 1:00 last night, its just so nice tocome back from a trip of sharing beds and being in hotels to go and sleep in your own bed under your own blankets. Needless to say I slept in this morning and didn't feel the need to wake up for 8am sliding (and I didn't have my sled, I braved the chances and gave it our bobsledder again, I mean you can't break down twice in one trip right!!) But today was the fastest day of triaing I think ever. The boys and girls broke the track record set on race days. The ice was speedy today. Kinda crazy.

Hopefully I will slide tomorrow morning, but until then I have to unpack, which is the worst part about it all. Next trip I have decided I am not bringing as many clothes as I normally do. I barely wear my regular shirts, I think I must stay in my sliding clothes the majority of the time, who needs to put jeans and a nice shirt on!

I was really excited when I put my suitcase on the scale and it weighed 48lbs a pound and a half lighter than on the way out. I don't really know how that happened since I could have sworn I had more stuff in it! My runner case was lighter also, always a plus no extra charges for 2 bags on Southwest you have to love flying them. If only they flew internationally.

Alright back to my laundry I have to go move it out of the broken washer and put it in a working one, since I do want my clothes cleaned. Then I have to eat lunch and workout.

Back in Utah

We made it back safely from Calgary. The drive wasn't too bad, I think it took about 13hrs or so. We split the driving up between myself, Cassie and Becca. Cassie drove most of the way though, just like on the drive up. The weather was good until the last part of Idaho when it started raining.

We had a music party once we got into Utah, I was the DJ. Anything to keep us entertained on such a long drive. I am staying with Cassie tonight and fly back to Lake Placid Tuesday afternoon.

I'm excited to get back to Lake Placid and start sliding there again. I think I will take a few days off, Caleb and I might take a day trip up to Montreal or something like that.

Thats really all for now, just hanging out for the day, going to Cassie's parents house for dinner tonight and going t o play with her nephew.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Another 3rd place..

Just finished the second America's Cup race in Calgary and I finished 3rd again. I had two consistent runs today, which is what my ultimate goal is. All in all I am pretty excited with how I finished today also.

There is a girl Tionette from new Zealand and the two of us always have runs within a few hundredths of each other. Of course thats how it was today after the first run she had a 59.71 and I had a 59.72 its crazy how that happens, one hundredth is nothing its weird to think about loosing or winning by that amount. She had an amazing second run though, I made a mistake or two so I stayed in third and she moved from second place to first. Its fun when the competition is that intense though and you are so close to someone. I'm glad when she does well, and she is glad when I do well. These races were funny crazy though because we pushed the same for a few of the runs.

We got the coolest trophies, I got matching ones since I finished 3rd for both races. I'll post a picture of the medal and trophy, I got two or each but only took a picture of one.

There is a party tonight (the FIBT always has them after most races) its convienent this time though its at the bar that is in our hotel, so we can go for and hour or two then go back to our room and go to sleep. We are going to drive back down to Utah tomorrow morning we will probably leave at 6 or 6:30am try and get on the road as soon as possible for this 14 hr drive.

I have to go start packing, we want to pack the car before it gets too dark and we are planning on going to the 4-man bobsled race at 6:00 tonight to cheer on our bobsled teammates.

I'm excited to get back to Lake Placid and just have some fun sliding time. My confidence is up and I am ready to just go slide on the Lake Placid track and love it again, since I didn't have the best time when we started sliding there in the beginning of the season.

Thats all for now! I'll be back in the States tomorrow! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

3rd place

Well we just finished the first America's Cup race here in Calgary. I took 3rd, which I am actually really excited for because I only had two real training runs before the race. Its funny I pushed faster in this race then I did last year during the World Cup race, and I have a sore hamstring now.

I had two pretty decent runs today, I worked on the parts of the track I find to be the most important. I have a few more things to work on tomorrow, but I am excited and glad to even be sliding here in Calgary.

I think thats about all I have for tonight, my sled is finished and I'm almost ready for bed actually. I have to ice a few more times before I get to sleep though.
Wish me luck for tomorrow!!

Interesting Streak of Luck so far this season

I have never thought that I am an unlucky or lucky person, just normal. I have now decided that I might have had a streak of unfortunate luck hit me. Its actually funny if you look at the whole month we have been sliding and racing so far this season. But hey things can only get better from here... right?? HAA just kidding the answer is: yes!!!! everything is getting better. I'm on the right track!

I am just going to sum a few things up from the past two weeks just to make everyone laugh because it makes me crack up, and why shouldn't my blog make people laugh!! Last weekend was the Park City America's Cup races, I raced both days, but if you look at the results from the first day my second run says DNS (did not start). I didn't get hurt or anything, I just popped the groove (which is what we put our sled in to start the run) twice. I was competitor number one in the race and since I was first off they decided to let me take another one. Then I popped the groove again. I couldn't get myself to take a third and pop again so I called it a day. Race number 2 was better, I stayed in the groove and had decent runs, they weren't horrible but weren't great. I finished 6th and just felt I built my confidence back up.

We left from Salt Lake to drive up to Calgary for the America's Cup, the drive went well, with stops it probably took about 14 hours. Three of us had given our sleds to one of the bobsledders who was driving up the next day, we found out as soon as we crossed the border into Canada that his truck broke down and he was only a half an hour north of Salt Lake. Horrible for him, and so unlucky for us. The first few days of training I just coached the boys and our one girl who had her sled. It was helpful I learned a lot about the track just from watching which is what I planned on coming to Calgary for as it was.

Oh the funniest part and I already forgot, we all thought it would be a good idea to search on Craigs list before we booked a hotel to see if anyone had part of their house for rent close to the track. We found this awesome advertisement spacious 2 bedroom and bathroom with use of the kitchen. In our minds that was great we could save a little money, cook for ourselves and not have an expensive hotel bill. Well we got into Calgary and about 11:00 and found the house and come to find out it was horrible false advertising. There was one bedroom, and a smaller bedroom which the woman lived in and her stuff was still in it, and a bathroom to share with her, and it hadn't been cleaned (it wasn't gross but it wasn't spotless). We spent one night there, 4 of us in one room with beds on the floor, its so funny we couldn't help but laugh about. So the next morning we went hotel hunting and found the best deal. So we are clean and happy now. I just had to share that part, it was too good to pass up. Thats how we try to budget travel, normally it works out perfectly, this time we had a little bit of a mishap.

The sleds arrived early Wednesday morning though so we got to slide yesterday. It was snowing but better than nothing. The only problem now is that for some reason my hamstring is pretty tight and I can't figure out why. So I'm taking it easy on the push and just icing a lot. Everything will be fine and I get back to Lake Placid Tuesday night so I can get into sports medicine the next day and just get my whole body in great shape before Intercontinental Cup first half.

Race days are tomorrow and Saturday at 9:00am. We haven't decided yet if we are going to start our drive back Saturday after the race and just somewhere halfway or if we will do it all on Sunday.

Runner sanding time, time to go get race ready and have an awesome day tomorrow. One of the people on the Mexican team keeps telling me to smile more, so I think I am taking his advice and I'm just going to smile at everything. Because as I said it can only get better from here!!

This years race series

Well I have all of my races picked out for the year. Obviously it is a little different than last year since I am not on the world cup team, but I am still happy with how my season should go. To start with I am racing the America's cup races in Park City, Calgary and Lake Placid. I am doing these races for more training and just to get myself feeling more confident racing. Then I am doing the entire Intercontinental Cup (ICC) tour. It is the tour right below world cup (I have to update my website they just added this tour last season). We start in North America, the first race is in Calgary, the next two in Park City, and the fourth is in Lake Placid. After New Years I head over to Europe to race in the Europa Cup in Konigssee, Germany and then race Junior World Championships the following week. There are 4 more ICC races that month, not too sure of the order for those I forgot.

As of today I finally feel back to normal on my sled. I realized the other day that my balance point was completely off. A balance point is what tells you where you should be on your sled, you don't want to be too far back because it slows you down, and too far forward makes you skid down the track. After I got hurt I was really far back on my sled, and I didn't realize it till about 2 days ago. I am sliding much better as of today and I'm just excited now.

I race tomorrow for the first America's Cup race here in Park City. I am first off, which seems to happen a lot when we race, but I'm ready to go. I am just glad to feel like myself again and be excited for the season.

Well wish me luck, I'm off to relax in bed!

Team Trials have ended

Well the past month has been a little rough. The first few days of sliding were going pretty well, until I hit the wall with my shoulder and left a big burn in it, and now a hole. I had to take about five days off from sliding right before Lake Placid team trials. I must say my timing is really horrible for most of my injuries. I finished the two races in Lake Placid in 5th and 4th, not my best and I knew I could have done better. I was a little disappointed but was ready to head to Park City to finish the last two races.

I thought Park City was going to go great. I was hoping my shoulder would be almost healed, but it had actually started hurting more. I don't want to describe in detail anything about it, in case people don't like that kind of stuff. So if you want to see a picture or let me explain to you how it felt and still feels call me or email me I will be glad to tell you. I will say when it first happened for at least the first four days I didn't look at it, and every time sports med touched it I almost fainted. I probably almost fainted eight times a day. It was rough. Ok enough about that, as much as my arm hurt in Park City sliding wasn't too bad. It didn't feel like last year, but it was ok. I tied for third after the first race, and was ready to throw down for the second, and instead I had a horrible race, I finished fifth. Disappointed again.

But I'm moving on and ready for my international races to start for the season. I will be doing the America's Cup race in Park City this weekend just to get more sliding and then I am headed to Calgary for the America's Cup again for more training. First half of the season I will be in North America and who knows if I do really well I might be able to get back on the World Cup team. But until then I am glad that I am still doing all of the races I can this year. It will be a lot of work but I am really excited anyway.

So for now if everyone could just keep there fingers crossed that my burn heals quickly, and stops hurting that would be the best.

First Day of Sliding!!

Today was awesome, it was the first sliding session in Lake Placid. The track was so smooth, the best its been at the beginning of any season so far! The ice was pretty quick for it being the first run and all.

My sled is amazing, it did everything I wanted it to do, I couldn't be happier!! I can't believe how cold it is now, there was a little bit of snow on the ground at the top of the track this morning and there's snow on the top of Whiteface! Crazy!! My new helmet is awesome also, its comfortable and it doesn't fog, its really light also, which is nice when you have a decent amount of G's trying to push your face in the ice the lighter the helmet the easier it is to keep your face out of the ice.

Yesterday was a good day, it was Caleb's Birthday, we went to Octoberfest at Whiteface and road the gondola to the top of little Whiteface, (which I didn't even know there was a little one and a big on) it was so high and cold at the top of the mountain, and windy I thought we were going to blow over!

Thats really all for now, have to go put some more tape on my sled then blow dry it to make it stick. Some of the tape decided to come off today, I hate when that happens its such a waste. I have to do a workout later also, crazy if you think about it, we just started sliding but we have to make sure we can do our workouts also to keep our speed and strength up.

Lake Placid Training

Training is going well so far this week. I actually just ordered myself some vitamins to take while on tour. I never realized how expensive they are especially because you have to make sure they are safe. Since we get drug tested all the time taking vitamins is basically at your own risk. Its best to use the companies that have a guarantee. The ones that send there vitamins to companies that test batches and make sure they are safe. Its such an ordel I spent a good amount of time deciding what kinds to order and what brand. I figured it out though and I can't wait for them to get here.

We start sliding October 6th. I can't wait. We don't have that many runs on the ice before team trials this year. Normally we slide for almost the entire month of October and then race but this year we are only sliding for about a week and a half. If anyone wants to come up to Lake Placid for trials they are on October 16th and 17th. Its beautiful up here right now, the leaves are changing and although I said it was cold the air is so nice.

Well, I have to go eat lunch and get ready to go to the push track. That's another reason why its nice to be up here now. The push track isn't on ice but its better than nothing. Its good to get the feeling of running bent over before we actually start sliding. So that is what I am doing today.

Hope all is well!!

Wow 2 weeks went by already

Ok so I thought I was going to be really good with my blog from now on. So I took a little bit of a break while I was home and this first week back in Lake Placid. Let me catch everyone up.

The week at home was pretty awesome, I did everything I wanted to while at home. Saw some family and the few friends that were actually at home. It was nice just being at home, I didn't go swimming at the beach but I did walk on it and put my legs in the water. The Pacific is nice but I think I will always prefer the Atlantic. I really didn't want to leave but I had to. I train as much as I can while at home, but its nothing like the workouts and dedication I have while I'm at the training center. For the drive back I left my car home and just rented one for the day. It was good I really like the car but didn't realize until I got on the road the the air conditioning was broken, and it was kinda hot out that day. So I have 5 of my 6 hour drive sweating and just being so uncomfortable. It wasn't too bad, they felt bad and gave us a little discount, so it was worth it.

So now I am back in Lake Placid, where its been about 20 degrees at night. I'm freezing already and I can't even believe it! Its been gorgeous during the day though, not too hot just in the 60's but the leaves are changing and its been really beautiful. My workouts have been going well. The new track in Lake Placid was finally built, its really awesome to run on, I actually walked to it today to do my workout so I wouldn't have to borrow anyone's care or bother them. It only took about 15 min, not bad at all.

On another note, I have also been busy getting my sled and helmet ready for the season. I am so excited to start sliding. The changed a few things at the track and it looks so awesome. They covered the spectator area at the start, and a lot of the finish is covered. That's really all I can think of right now. I am back into the swing of things with my daily routine so hopefully I will be better at posting. I think I go in 2 weeks spurts or something.

Have a great day!! I will keep everyone updated!!

Birthday Countdown

So there are about 6 and a half hours until my birthday. If you couldn't tell I am pretty excited. I don't know exactly what to do tomorrow but my mom and dad will be meeting me in Cornell since that's where I will be. I'm so excited I haven't seen my dad since May and my mom since July. That really is a long time.

I have already planned for next summer that I will probably go home twice just so I don't get too lonely or homesick since it will be Olympic year. Yes I know I have this whole season to start and finish and kick butt in but you have to think ahead. Anyone can plan visits to come see me if they would like. Pos came to visit this year and it was nice just to see him and for him to see where I train and what I do with my busy days since I never find the time to pick ip the phone.

Well that's about it I just got my teeth cleaned. Caleb's friend that we are staying with is a dentist and told us to come in which was awesome I love having really clean teeth.

Again I am ending with I cannot wait to be home!! And of course for tomorrow!! Well midnight really!!

New York State

Well we made it, back to the wonderful state of NY. Although I am in Buffalo today and won't be home on L.I. till Saturday its still good.

Just wanted to say we made it back and I really am excited to be home in two days. Nothing really going on or anything to talk about just shopping for the day.

I will say I wish I had a blackberry I think I would post more often its so easy. I am just sitting on a bench outside of a store typing away. That's all though. Write more later.

Eastern Time Zone

We have made it back to the eastern time zone! I can finally call people without having to do math or hang up the phone really fast becuase I realized I called at midnight!

We are just passing the Notre Dame exit in Indinna it would be cool to stop but we want to get to our final destination.

That's all for now, just wanted to say my watch now says the same time as everyone elses at home!!

Traveling through Indianna

Well we got a little bit of a late start this morning which I didn't mind because I would have been very tired if the alarm actually went off.

So far today we have gone through Illinois now we are in Indianna, so close to east coast time. Can't wait to finall make it back.

The cheapest gas was still in Iowa it was $3.53. We didn't fill up though but it was the cheapest.

Before the trip started I said I would stop at the first Dunkin Donuts I saw. It was not too far back in Illinois but I didn't notice it till we passed so I will have to wait for the next one. Not to mention I just had coffee this morning. But I have to stop for it soon, I mean I've gone all summer without it!

For tonight we are stopping in Buffalo and staying at a friends house. I have ti change my plans a little bit. I was going to be home mid day on the 4th but then had to go to Cornell for a technology project for skeleton mid day on the 5th. To avoid way too much extra driving I will stay in the area on the 4th and just be home on the 6th.

Just wanted to fill everyone in. I will post when I cross into the eastern time zone!!

Evening update

We just entered Iowa, now all I see no matter where I look I see corn. People just love their corn here.

I have a correction on the cheapest gas so far comment it was actually just in Nebraska it was $3.59.

We are actually driving past Des Moines and going all the way to Davenport Iowa not s short night but tomorrow won't be too bad. Just watching South Park on Calebs Ipod.

Next stop Des Moines, Iowa

As we speak I am driving through Nebraska with Caleb. We didn't get the earliest start leaving Denver so this will probably be a long day. Especially since we entered the central time zone not too long after we got into Nebraska.

I just drove for a little while, it is currently my break time. We just stopped at Applebees for lunch, much better than just grabbing fast food, and it all cost the same price.

On a side note the cheapest gas so far was just outside Denver $3.69, the most expensive was in the middle of no where in Utah $4.19. It was the only exit with services for like 120 miles or something.

Before I forget yesterday the first rain of our trip we saw was about 2.hours outside or Denver, it poured the whole time we drove the mountain passes. We made a guess on when it would rain, I got it right, Caleb said Iowa.

That's about all. Nebraska is quite boring, so I have to go be the DJ!

Calagry push championships.. a little late

Last week the team had push championships up in Calgary at the indoor ice house. Believe it or not its cold there already I didn't bring enough warm clothes with me.

It was a long week of pushing and working out. I was pretty much exhausted after the first and second day. It was nice though to just spend the time pushing and getting back into the swing of things. Its the funniest thing to push your sled for the first time after not pushing one for a few months. I always stand there for a few minutes thinking I totally forgot how to run bent over. I remember right away it just feels awkward.

I came in second, I had a pretty good week just got my conidence up some more. I wasn't able to bring my sled since it was all the way at home and I was in California, it really is hard to push a sled that isn't yours.

The push camp got me really excited for the season to start. I am ready to be home and then head to Lake Placid and breathe in the cold fall air.

I will post some pictures once I get home. Sorry for any typos I am typing on a blackberry and my thumbs slip a lot and I don't always notice!

Traveling across country Heading for home

Well after a fun and what seemed like a very short summer I am heading home. Driving across the country with Caleb we stopped in Las Vegas last night since neither of us had been ther before. We tried our luck at gambling and made 40 dollars better than nothing.
Today we are heading for Denver, Colorado for a stop tonight. As I am typing we are driving through Utah.
I think its crazy how big our country is, and how long it takes to get across it. Compared to when we are in Europe, we can drive across some countries in 8 hours or so.
I will do my best to keep blogging it should be easier since I am just going to be sitting in a car for about 10 hours a day. The goal is to be home by mid day on the 4th just in time for my birthday on the 5th. I am really just excited to get home and have a BBQ!
I will check back in later.

Long Island or Bust as Kaitlin would have put on the car window if she was with me, just like old car trips!

2008 OLYMPICS

So the Olympics have started and I think for the next two weeks I will be glued to the TV! I love watching all the athletes in the Games, every country! Of course though my favorite thing ever is to see the US sweep the podium! But it is also great when a country who has never won a medal wins one. Any medal, gold or not!

I wish that the TV coverage would show more athletes and events though.There are 19 Olympians that I know from the training center, and according to the TV schedule we will only see 4 or 5. Some is better than none though.

I don't know if anyone watched opening ceremonies last night (everyone should have) because they were amazing! The parade of nations was great, there are so many countries I didn't even know existed. The lighting of the torch though I will say was unbelievable to say the least.

The US medal count as of 5:00 pacific standard time is
3 Medals
1 Gold
1 Silver
1 Bronze

GO USA!!!

Life update

Ok, so I am really behind on my updates, but what else is knew. I get so busy and I don't even realize it. I try to not get so behind on keeping everyone posted with new and exciting things I am doing. They must not be that interesting or something who knows.

Well to start with, let me catch everyone up. Texas was so much fun, it was a great break from the training center, and the people I see everyday. I really like San Antonio, if only it wasn't so hot! I couldn't function for that long outside. Its always nice to see family, too bad everyone wasn't there. We went to Sea World, the pool, shopping just about everything I could need on a vacation. It was really fun playing with Carmen and Luke, although Jess thought I was bored the whole time, I wasn't one bit.

We have started a tradition even though the summer is just about over. We (Caleb, Cassie, Becca, myself the 2 interns and a few of the track athletes) have started Sunday Funday! Every Sunday we go to the beach and just have fun for the day. Two weeks ago, we dug the biggest hole, my sisters would have been proud. It was so much fun, the picture is just in the middle of our digging, the end result was much better. This past Sunday we had tickets to the AVP volleyball tournament, but we decided to just spend time on the beach. The water was awesome, so we just went swimming for most of the day. It was great, Sundays are now my favorite day of the week!

Workouts are going well, this week is a down week before we get into our power phase. I've given a lot of tours this week, so thats a plus. Not much to say really, I'm getting stronger and faster which is always a plus. I just can't believe the summer is almost over and I am heading back home soon!

Anyway, I can't believe that we will be sliding in about 2 months. Its crazy when you think about it. I'm getting really excited though I can't wait! My room is decorated with the collages I made before I left for Cali, with a few sliding things I love to stare at on my wall. Oh that reminds me, Cassie finally made it out here. Well about a month ago she got here, her roommate was a field hockey girl, but she left for Beijing so I moved into the room with Cassie. Its fun that way, except that now I live on the bottom bunk of a bunk bed. It is a good place to hang some pictures and other things, now I just stare at them when I wake up in the morning, and fall asleep.

Thats all I can really think about for now. I really will be better at keeping up with my posts from now on. Talk soon!!

Week Off... Vacation

Well this year I decided to take a vacation to visit some family members in Texas. My cousin her husband and their two kids who I have never met. I made it here yesterday, without my luggage of course, what a shock, it didn't make it out of San Fransisco with me, I almost didn't make it out of there either.

Anyway as soon as I walked out of the airport all I said was man its hot, and Jess told me it just rained so its really not hot out today. Good thing I don't really have to run or I don't know what I would do with myself.

I am doing some homework right now, okay actually I took a break to write my post, I am trying to get as much done today so I don't really have anything to do when my mom, sister and aunt get here. I think we are planning on going to Sea World. Very exciting I love amusement parks,

I guess thats all for now, just wanted to update my location. I will post again if not before I leave then when I get back to California. That is unless I melt in the heat!!

Colorado Springs Team Training Camp

The past week I have been training in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center. We had a National Team camp for bobsled and skeleton. It was a week for the coaches to see how well everyone has been training. We also had a lot of meetings, PR, nutrition, teamwork as well as board meetings.

The week was jam packed we were up every morning at about 6:00 and at the track by 7am. It was good to get the track workouts done early because by about 9am it was already getting very warm. We were at 6011ft altitude and it wasn't as bad as I thought. The worst part were my allergies I don't think I stopped sneezing or blowing my nose all week.

I had the best time working out with all my teammates, I think it is awesome when we cheer for the bobsledders and they cheer for us also. We didn't stay at the training center we had to stay at Colorado College because the training center was full, it was a lot of fun though it reminded my of my freshman year at Plattsburgh. The rooms were about 90degrees with the bathroom right down the hall, but I really loved it. I really loved my dorm room my freshman year, even though living at the training center is basically the same thing, it was fun to live in a different atmosphere for a week.

The last night before we left, the sponsor of the event had a reception Gala for us. It was a semi formal event and it was so funny to see all of the athletes dressed up. I am used to seeing everyone in workout clothes or winter jackets, or speed suits. Everyone looked so good.

I was chosen as Skeleton Rookie athlete of the year. I was really surprised and so excited all at the same time. I am so proud of myself for everything this season and I really couldn't have asked for more. We also as athletes had to vote for a male and female bobsled and skeleton athlete that we thought showed great character and a person who we thought supported the team and anything else basically we wanted tot pick an athlete for. It was called the athlete's choice award, and my teammates chose me as the skeleton athlete. I was so excited again. I thought it was a great end to a wonderful year and a great week. It gives me a lot of confidence going into next season. I really do love the entire team, and respect them it is such an honor to have your teammates support you! I couldn't ask for more. On a side note I also got crash of the year. What a shock!!

Really it was a perfect end to a wonderful week. I am excited to be back in California though and get back to my workouts. I still have a lot to do before the summer is over, and I am so excited to keep improving!

Season Recap

So I just thought I would let everyone know in one post what my race results were this season. I know I put them in separate posts, but I was thinking about all my races today so why not put them up.

Well let me just say that my first world cup race ever wasn't as nerve racking as our US team trials are. I was shockingly relaxed almost the whole season. Except after my mishap in Konigssee I was a little bit afraid to go down the track again but I did awesome.

World Cup Season 07-08
Race #1 Calgary, Canada-10th place
Race #2 Park City, Utah- 10th place
Race #3 Lake Placid, NY- 12th place
Race #4 Cesana, Italy- 17th place
Race #5 Cesana, Italy- 19th place
Race #6 St. Moritz, Switzerland- 14th place
Race #7 Konissee, Germany- Crashed! Disqualified second run, lost my sled
Team Competition Konigssee, Germany 3rd place- redeemed myself had the best run of the week!
World Junior Championship Igls, Austria- 9th place pulled my hamstring on the first run, talk about bad!

I chose to give up my own spot for World Championships because I knew I wouldn't have been able to compete at my full potential. It was really depressing at the time, but now that the summer has come and workouts have started I realize how glad I am that I made that decision. For once an injury I had healed correctly. I am pleased that I won't be spending all summer re injuring myself and just not performing at my full potential.

Instead I am beating all of my max lifts and its only the beginning of the summer! I am really excited and glad that I am working this hard! I can't wait for the season even though its such a long way away. Everyday I improve during the off season gives me more confidence for the upcoming season!

One More Thing...

While I was home I received my Associates Degree in Sports and Events Management from North Country Community College. I was very excited!

Now I am attending Empire State College and doing it through the online portion so I can continue going to school while sliding and working out. I just started a semester on Monday and it seems like it will be interesting. I am studying business, and I can really plan my own degree. My semester will be finished August 29th, just when everyone is starting up with their fall semesters! But I might plan on taking a class during the fall and spring and my main semester either for the summer months or in March.

Well its still all up in the air, it really depends how much I like going to school online. Not to worry I will keep you posted on this also!

Ok so its been a while

I know I haven't posted anything in a really, really long time I apologize for making everyone wait to see what has been going on in my life.

I guess I could start from where I left off:

I gave up my World Championship spot, because I pulled my hamstring the week before. It was my decision, and for once I wanted my muscle that got injured to completely heal. Yes, it was probably one of the hardest decisions I have yet to make. I gave the spot to one of my teammates, she was the one that raced Winterberg in my spot while I was at Junior World Championships. I spent the week of training, videoing for my team I learned a lot. It was a great week, although I was so upset I wasn't the one racing. I am very proud of myself for making the decision I did, and it was nice to have friends and coaches just wanting me to get healthy and standing by whatever I chose.

Back to North America, I spent the next month rehabbing, finishing school and working out. I competed in the America's Cup races in April, to make up some points that I missed from crashing a race, and not attending one. It was the toughest America's Cup field around, so I wasn't able to defend my Lake Placid Gold Medals. But thats ok because American Noelle Pikus Pace came back, Olympic Medalist Great Britain Shelly Rudman, and German World Champion Anja Huber were just a few of the athletes in the race! I finished 4th and 5th in the races, and got what I wanted, my confidence for my hamstring to know that I was healing correctly.

I was so excited to go home though, and just get away from the sliding atmosphere for a little while. Its tough always being around the same people, but I love it all at the same time. Being home is always so great I got to see my family and friends, and just had a great time catching up with everything. I think I was home for the longest amount of time I have been in about 3 years. Almost 2 months spent at home! It was so wonderful, and shocking enough I don't think I did everything I wanted! I took a little bit of time off from workouts, and then started right back up with the conditioning phase. Luckily its easy to workout when I'm home, I workout with my Coach Pos at the high school, and the football coach lets me come in other times.

I am now refreshed and ready to go for complete summer intensive training. I love being home and wish I could be home all the time when I'm not competing, but I know my training is the best at the training center.

I am now in California and well it really hasn't been sunny yet! I can't believe it, but it rained today. I'm excited to be back here! There is such a small group of use for now though. Only 4 of us. Becca is my roommate, I will say it is nice not to have as many roommates this summer! Even though I loved mine from last year.

Well I start giving my tours again on Tuesday, I'm looking forward to it. Something else to do, while everyone is doing there own thing! I will actually keep you all up to date on new events and interesting things during my summer months!

Junior World Championships

I am taking everything from this year and using it as a learning experience. I thought the race today was going to be great. training yesterday went well and I was so excited for today.

My push was great until my last step and I felt something in my hamstring. I got on my sled and figured by the bottom it would be gone. Well me and my wonderful leg muscles had a completely different plan. I had the trainer wrap my leg just for precautionary measures. I was warming up for my second run and thought I might be able to push without it hurting. Until I bent over. As soon as I took my sled from Martin, I knew it wouldn't be smart to push all out.

I pushed the best I could without making anything worse. I wanted to be extremely careful since World Championships are in 2 weeks. I feel back to 9th a the end of the race. I was really sad at first mainly because I knew I could have done better if nothing happened. But at the same time that isn't always true. I learned a new thing anyway today, that everything and anything can happen. So after another race I have moved on.

I am looking forward to this week. We don't have a race, I almost don't know what I am going to do with myself since we race every week. You get used to it. We are going to Oberhof (I don't know how to spell it and haven't looked it up sorry but its in Germany) we are pushing (well I will spend time recovering) and sliding. It is a track just for luge so there is no start ramp for us. We just have to lay there and go down. No running it will be perfect! 

Well I will be spending the weekend not doing too much. Just watching the bobsled races. Women race tomorrow and men on Sunday. They cheered me on today so I will be excited to cheer for them. It is funny it will be the same athletes that were in the team race! So its cool we are all juniors! I am going to rest but will tell you more about my next destination soon.

If you can't win, Go out with a bang...

Well the Konigssee race was a little bit interesting. I have never crashed and never lost my sled. Training was going well, the track was hard but I wasn't messing up completely and I was staying on my sled. 

The race was fun, after the first run I was in 17th place, I was so excited for the second run because I skidded a lot on the first and was ready to correct my mistakes. I got to the line and was ready to go. Nothing was different and I was ready to do well. My Kreisel (a 360 degree corner with a lot of pressure and a lot of loops) was going well so I thought. I got in and got all my steers correct, until the last one. I think I was a millisecond too late I came out and was extremely high. I should have relaxed as Martin had said to do all week. Instead I got a little nervous and drove out when I really should have tried to stay on the corner. I came out and well here if you would like to watch the rest I'll post the link.  

The crash looks way worse than it really was, so no one be scared. I was perfectly fine just a lot of black and blues and ice burn all over my butt. That was the worst part. So check this out...

http://www.fibt.com/index.php?id=169

Click on Womens skeleton Konigssee race.

After all that I had to go home and get better, and race the team race on Sunday. I was so nervous to race and I really wanted to say no but I didn't want to let everyone else down. I knew I had to get back on my sled as soon as possible. I was all warmed up, my butt was healed and I was almost ready to go down. I was so glad Emily and Jamia were there to keep me company. Martin kept checking on me to make sure I was doing okay also. I got to the line and thought tears were going to come to my eyes as corny as that sounds. I couldn't help it. But the second I pushed and got on my sled I didn't think about anything just each corner as they came. My kreisel was the best it had been all week. Everyone was excited for me at the bottom, and I was so happy I went down the track before leaving Konigssee.

As a team we placed 3rd, it was such a cool feeling. We were all saying it was awesome to have our first world cup medal, even if it was just in the team race!

St. Mortiz Race #6

This was a great race, St. Mortiz is beautiful as I know I have said a million times already. But if you watched the race online you could agree.

I thought the race went well, I was really excited because training went so well. My first run was good but I made a few mistakes that I hadn't made in training. Which in my opinion really stunk but you have to expect it for the first race on any track. I didn't mind too much I just wanted to have a good second run. It was a good run in the parts that I wanted to fix. But I made other mistakes. Thats fine though, because I was so excited to be there! I think its good to make mistakes because you learn how to correct things when they matter.

This year I am working on my consitensy, and using this as a learning experience. Since I haven't been to three of the tracks this half I want to do the best I can and learn a lot while doing it.

We made it to Konigssee last night. Our hotel is a little weird. I know I am back in Germany though. It is set up odd so to get to our rooms we walk downstairs and through a tunnel then up the stairs again. Wonder what the tunnel was used for?? My room is so cold. The heater is hidden by a desk and doesn't heat the room too well, so it was a cold night of 59degrees. I'm hoping it warms up, I slept in socks, pants and a sweatshirt and I haven't done that in forever. Kind of funny! But it keeps it interesting!

I have to go explore the rest of this place and take lots of pictures for Kaitlin. We have the today and tomorrow off so hopefully we will do something cool!

Ready as I've ever been!!

The race is tomorrow afternoon at 1:00. I am really excited for it. We didn’t slide today but training yesterday went well. I think I have figured out the top of the track. It is the most important part here, it is so easy to skid and hit walls that you can lose so much time.

It takes a lot of focus to slide well here. The track is 1700meters long so there are a lot of mistakes you can make but also a lot of places to pick up speed. In training the fastest I went was 132km/hr. I’m not too sure how fast that is in mph but it felt fast so everyone check your speedometers! The start of the track begins in St. Moritz, but when we make it to the bottom over a mile later we finish in a town called Celerina. We end in a completely different town. I didn’t know until I was sewing my bib for the race (what we wear on top of our speed suit) and Courtney told me. I thought it was such a cool fact!

I spent my day off working on my sled, and just relaxing. I didn’t sleep very well for some reason so I watched one of the only English channels, BBC World it was either that or CNN and BBC was more interesting during the day. Caleb and I went and walked around the town for a little. I looked at all the very expensive stores and tried on sunglasses I can’t even imagine buying. But it was fun, I did find a book store with English books, so I bought 2. I figured I have a lot of time on my hands still so 2 was a better idea in case I finished the first one too fast! St. Moritz is so pretty, every time you turn you see a snow covered mountain. You really can’t ask for much more.

That’s all for tonight! Wish me luck, I’m really excited. My motto of course Relax and Have Fun! I have also added to my sled “Be not afraid of greatness…” Time to relax and go read one of my books! Good night everyone!

“I’m on the starting line for the rest of my life, Ready as I’ve ever been!”

Torino Races 4 and 5

Well Torino is a beautiful place, and I am so glad I finally got to go and slide the 2006 Olympic track! It was such a great experience. We had our new coach Martin with us this past week, and I learned so much I´m not sure I knew what to do with all the information! Torino is so far the most difficult track I have ever slide on, there are still new tracks I haven´t been to so we will see after I slide on a few more! You can never stop focusing on your run in Torino if you do, something will go wrong and you can get into trouble pretty quick. I mainly learned how to put my complete attention into any single run this week. I was pretty content with the race the first day. I finished in 17th and my runs were better than they were in training, and I finished ranked higher. I thought it was ok for my first ever time being there.I can´t say as much for the second day though. I had a great first push I was so excited and my run wasn´t great so I was hoping to fix it on the second run! I was excited to push fast again, well as soon as I took my first step that all came to an end. My sled came out of the groove, I don´t know if anyone has ever tried to stop a moving sled on ice but it is very difficult. I fell on my knees trying to stop, if anyone was watching it wasn´t a pretty sight. I got my sled back in the groove and as soon as I took the first step forward I realized the coaches had said come back. I could have restarted because I hadn´t made it to the timing eye. I crossed the finish line and knew how bad it was. Martin was there to meet me and carry my sled, with nothing but positive words. There will be millions of other races, but really who wants to come out of the groove. Orvie and Greg comforted me when I got back to the top so I started to smile and realize it wasn´t the end of the world just one race. Needless to say I learned new things on race day. You have to pay attention when things like this happen if I had looked at the clock I would have realized I could have restarted, but I didn´t and now I know for next time! You never stop learning no matter what you are doing in your life or however long you have been doing it. Nothing is ever perfect, you just have to realize how much you put into something and how much it means to you We are in St. Moritz this week and race again on Friday. I am very excited to slide here and I hope to do very well. I know I will be learning more this week since it is a totally different track than Torino. I am extremely tired so I am going to bed, and will write more tomorrow. Sorry if there are any spelling mistakes between my z´s and y´s they are in opposite spots on German keyboards and I am all confused with my typing. It has taken me forever to write this. But goodnight! "BE NOT AFRAID OF GREATNESS..."

Igls, Austria

Well we made it to Austria, after what felt like an incredibly long travel day. I couldn't sleep much on the place and was pretty exhausted the day we got here, good thing we weren't sliding right away.

We slid the past 2 days and its been going well. I'm glad we came here first because Igls is a simple track but hard to pick up speed on (its slow and short). I am competing in Junior World Championships here in about a month and any extra sliding time will be great. You can do very well on this track if you have a good push and find the little extra to give you more speed. We have a second coach to add to our team for second half, his name is Martin and his home track is Igls, I have a feeling I can learn a little something extra from here. I am excited hopefully I can win!

We leave for Italy on Sunday and start our first day of training Monday morning. I am excited but at the same time a little nervous, Torino is a very hard track and if you don't pay complete attention the whole time from what I've heard it could be bad. As long as I do my best that really is all that matters for the first time being there. 

It is so warm here right now, hopefully it gets a little cooler so sliding will be faster but who knows. I am ready to compete again it feels like we have had such a long break from competitions. After the race in Lake Placid I am ready for a real race. I really am loving being on world cup, everyone gets along well, and everyone seems to help with sliding and everything else. I realized today while walking the track that I have learned so much more this season then I would have thought. Its the little things, I have found its easier to talk with the coaches and my teammates about the tracks and lines without feeling like I am wrong. I know to ask more and analyze different aspects of the tracks. 

Well hope everyone is doing well back at home! Eat lots of chicken and drink some soda for me. I eat a lot of bread and butter, and a lot of odd meat. 

Trying to Get Ready Before Europe

I haven't decided to go to bed yet tonight, so I thought I would update everyone as much as I could before I leave on Tuesday. The Internet in Europe isn't always up to par like it is in the US or cheap so I might not be able to update my blog as often as I would like. I am still not sure if I plan on bringing my computer or if I might just borrow Caleb's and Courtney's when I need one. I just hate lugging the heavy thing and my other carry on.

We just had the Bobsled Bo-Dyn challenge this weekend. It was actually more fun than I thought it would be. Some of the great NASCAR and NHRA (drag racing; top fuel cars, and funny cars) drivers where up in Lake Placid, and they really have a great time with it. The Bobsled Bo-Dyn project is bobsled technology to make the sleds the best they can for the US team, its a great project and we just learned today that they are starting a Skeleton project soon! The NASCAR and NHRA guys use sleds that don't have to the same type of driving or body as the regular bobsleds, these are very hard to crash and don't go as fast but its still fun for them. The race each other during the day and get an overall winner. Today Boris Said won today he is a NASCAR driver. All of the drivers had the New York National Guard men and women as their brakes and they all seemed to be having a great time as well.

They are all really great people, and I love how much they love our sport, everyone is excited to try skeleton next year and I think that is so great. They all took the race so seriously today and it really made me love watching them. I am also excited now since NASCAR and NHRA races are always on the speed channel and ESPN, normally I flip right through the channels but now I will be interested if I know any of the drivers. They put so much into their sport, and I like what they do as well.

I am also working on re padding my sled with waterproof padding. So far its taken me 2 days, I keep walking away from it though and not coming back to it, because I want it perfect and its not turning out exactly as I want it. I have to go to the welder also and he hasn't been in his shop for the past two days, so I don't have everything that I wanted to be done finished yet. At least I have till Monday night. I suppose I could start my clothes packs but I haven't gotten to that either, so much to and so little time it seems like. I think I will get a lot done tomorrow so this will be good. But not if I don't go to bed anytime soon, so I am off to sleep. Night everyone!

Lake Placid National Championships

Well this was an interesting race overall. I was excited to come back to Lake Placid and slide but at the same time I wanted to stay home with my friends and family. My one goal for training and the race here was to come and have two consistent runs during training and the race. My training runs were within two hundredths of each other each time and that boosted my confidence for the rest of the season.

I was set for the race with 5 girls in it, except since it was so small I don't think I took it as seriously as normal. I normally weigh myself and my sled before every race, and I didn't this time. I always wear a thing pair of race socks but I forgot them in the drawer (pronounced draw so yes some people are laughing I am sure). I was a little off this race day and I'm pretty sure I ate a few too many Hershey kisses while at home.

I had a great first run and I was very excited I did what I wanted, the bottom of the track was almost flawless, the top could have been better but I was focusing on the lower part of the track more. I was in second though only nine hundredths behind Keslie. We weigh our sleds and ourselves after the first run of races. I got on the scale and I was .1 kilogram over the weight limit for the combined weight. I couldn't believe it, I have never been overweight before I was shocked. I tried getting the rest of the snow out of my shoes but I couldn't find the brush anywhere so it was all stuck. I was unofficially disqualified. Lets just say before the second run I wasn't happy, I was really mad especially because I had to use the bathroom before my first run but I decided to wait until I got back to the top, bad idea.

I have never been disqualified from anything in my life, not a track meet, or a tennis match or anything. I guess there really is a first time for everything, kinda crazy. I had a long talk with Orvie, my head coach, after the race he had a great point when he said this is a lesson I had to learn, its unfortunate but we are all glad it happened in a race that isn't a World Cup Race because that would have been the end of the world.

I am spending the rest of the week before we leave for Europe re padding my sled. I am now using waterproof padding because snow always finds its way inside the little cracks and I don't want anything affecting my weight anymore. It takes a long time for my old padding to dry out. We leave on Tuesday the 7th and head to Austria first. I'm very excited to start the second half of the season.