Sunday, June 22, 2008

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!