Oh Canada

"HOWEVER MEAN YOUR LIFE IS, MEET IT AND LIVE IT."

NAC #1 & #2 Completed

So we have returned to Canada safe and sound and what a trip it was!

After we finished the Park City driving school we had one off day before we immediately went into the training runs for the North America's Cup at the Utah Olympic Park.

We had training runs Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  Our training runs started at 2 pm and we each were allowed 2 runs a day.  In order to qualify for the racing we need to have 2 clean runs out of 6.

We completed all 6 runs with no issues.  The first 3 runs I pushed with the pilot in the sled and the last 3 we both pushed.

We had some decent runs and some fun runs.  We got to use our official FIBT runners which was pretty exciting.  They were so beautiful and shiny.

One issue that arose in our training runs was our lack of experience.  The Pilot landed on the brakes 2 of 3 times she jumped in and I was unable to get the same hit with her running which was my issue.

We made the call to have the pilot sit in the sled and have me push alone.

We hit PBs on both our runs and our starts during the races.

We had some great growth between the two of us.

We did come in last but we were able to finish all our runs and get below 55 seconds for the first time.

It's been a crazy run so far, many stories.

I am so happy I said yes to this wild ride.

We are now in Calgary for the next set of races.

Official slide count: 26 (16 at school, 6 training race runs and 4 race runs)

Park City Driving School Completed

 'THE AIM OF THE WISE IS NOT TO SECURE PLEASURE, BUT TO AVOID PAIN."

My first ever driving school in Park City has come to a close and it was a great adventure.

To start we crashed in our last run today, but the guys caught us (no additional ice burn) and it was our fastest run to date.

A ton of fun, I haven't decided what my favourite part is or was yet but once I can describe it I will let you know.

I am actually a bobsleigh athlete and I am getting to represent my country.

Crazy ride. I am loving the people. So far the people is definitely my favourite part.

Learning about the sport is also amazing. What a community. Definitely reminds me of crossfit and rugby. 

I look like a fighter but I cannot tell if I won or lost the fight yet!

Can't wait to start official training runs for the first North America Cup race on saturday.

Loving life! Ice burn, bruises and all




Official slide count: 16

Crash and Burn

"EVERY GAME IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEASURE YOURSELF AGAINST YOUR OWN POTENTIAL."

So we crashed..crashed hard and slide...UPSIDE everyone is okay DOWNSIDE ice burn UPSIDE the first crash is out the way UPSIDE I am officially a bobsledder.

We have completed 5 days of training here in Park City.  I am honestly having the time of my life, tons of great people, tons of great adventures and tons of adrenaline.

This sport is made for someone like me.  I get to socialize, work with my hands and go extremely fast down hill and I am the stop sign!

The second day we started at Junior start again with a bit of a push.  I was sitting down and not pushing.

The third day we started at Junior start to get ready for the top.  Second run we got lowered into the exit of corner 1.

It started out rough and before I knew it I was sliding the wrong way...on my back...we slid to almost corner 15 and then back to the flat by corner 14.  I started to feel the burn on the way back down.

It was what I expected. Kinda of excited that it was done to release the fear and to increase the respect and fear.

A burn vest or flexibility would of prevented the burn but it's all good. Lesson learned. Had a blast.

We called it for a day.  I should mention it was my pilot's first day in a new sled. Her first pilot crash and my first brakesman crash.

It was great to have everyone else gather around and actually care if I was okay it was a neat feeling.

Yesterday for Halloween we only did 2 runs. Second run was a bit rough and my pilot got bumped around and she called it for the day.  Better safe then sorry.

Today we hit all three runs from the top..no assistance... I walked the sled out and hopped in.

Second one was the fastest but I think the third one was the best.

We did push training on tuesday and wednesday and that was super neat.

Learning how to hit the sled and getting to be in control was a fun experience and people loved the power which was good feedback.  I now need to learn to spirit and spirit hard.

I am so competitive sometimes it is hard to keep it inside and not show the world.

Trouble is and I am really starting to realize this that when I eat whatever I want I am telling myself I a not good enough.

Today after sliding with a smoothie for breakfast and 3 coffees in my supersuit and shoes I weighed 81.1 kg.

Ideally by end of January 2013 I would like to weigh 75 kg but with more muscles.

I know what I need to do but now I need to do it.


Official slide count:13