Is it really the beginning of June already? Have I really already finished my first phase
of the dryland training period? Did it really just snow in Calgary last
Saturday? Is it really less than 250 days until the World comes to Canada to
compete in the 2010 Games?
Yes to all of the above.
I can say good-bye to the 72 repetitions of the single leg dead lift and
I can say hello to the back squat and lunges. My solution for the snow fall in
Calgary last weekend was to stay an extra day in Vancouver? And yes I am
getting more and more excited for the Games to come. This is the best time to
be in sport in Canada and bit by bit fellow Canadians are getting onboard the Olympic
band wagon which is making the spirit and passion of sport grow and grow
The challenge is the balancing act. It is a constant struggle to balance what
your body needs, what your head needs, what your sponsors need and what you
want to do. A friend of mine told me the
other day when I was discussing the trials and tribulations of the infamous
balancing act, that “You need to realize that if you win at the Games your
sponsors, media, friends and family will love you and want to be around you but
if you lose then it is only the latter two that will still want your attention
and time so it is better to neglect everything a little now for a bigger return
in the long run”. This means that I have to do everything that is best for me NOW
and sometimes it comes at the expense of other things, obligations and people. This now leads to the next predicament; how
do I do selfish things without being selfish?
That is what I am currently working on and realizing the real importance
of it. Sports can be a harsh world in
that you are often judged on your results and accomplishments and not on what
you as an athlete might want to be judged on and I am sure that Vancouver 2010
will be no different. I want to enter
these Games knowing that I did everything in my power to be the best. I will walk away win or lose a happy athlete
as long as I know that I did everything possible. Now is the time to pull out all the stops.
I can honestly say that I am enjoying the time in the gym
and on my bike these days. It is like I know the true value of it and have
fully embraced it and understand the direct link to my next season. Having been on the National ski team for 11
years, it is sometimes hard to get motivated with the repetitive aspects of
off-season training. This year is a special year and it has somehow made
everything more worth it. I really
needed this kick and I am excited that I feel this way. I am still 2 months away from skiing again
but it is always close to my mind and heart. While training you are always
trying to reciprocate the dynamic aspect of skiing and how certain exercises
really pertain to racing. Next week half
of the women’s team is coming to Calgary for a 5 day dryland camp where I am
sure there will be a lot of blood, sweat and possibly tears!!! It is fun to get together as a group every
now and then because it keeps you motivated and inspired.
Last weekend I experienced my first Richmond Oval skate
which was so amazing. It was such a
great opportunity to actually skate on the ice that will be home to the 2010
Speed Skating events. The building
itself is so original and revolutionary with its use of damaged wood and
environmental awareness. It was also
inspiring to be able to envision, just a little bit, what sort of atmosphere
must fill the oval during competition and how it will be for the games. I loved being able to share the Olympic
spirit with fellow competitors on their home turf!
I wish everyone a great summer. Watch out for me on the road as I burn up the
pavement on my road bike.
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