On the Clock…

        As most of you may know, I recently took a trip to the Philippines to visit my sister, Ellen. She took her teaching talents across the world to Boracay Island for the year. While visiting, my family had the opportunity to attend a few feedings at a neighboring island called Pinay. A feeding is where Ellen’s ministry brings food for the village to prepare and eat. Without this resource, most of the families would have little nutrition. While at the feedings, I was able to interact with a lot of the children. They run, laugh, climb, and play; just as any other American child would…the stark difference being, they have nothing.

       While playing with these kids, they quickly became fascinated with my watch. The pressing of the buttons, beeping noises, and lighted screen were enough to cause a commotion. I had six kids on my arm all taking turns pressing the buttons. Who knew this ten dollar device that I put on my arm every day for training was a luxury? It sure was an eye-opening experience.

       I moved back to Lake Placid a few days ago to begin summer training. I guess you could say that the clock has started. I have five months to prepare for this season and twenty-one months to prepare for Sochi. I have countless lifts and runs to clock, but I know that I will never be able to look at my watch the same.

Picturing the Dream 3.9.12

     It has been an absolutely incredible week here in Russia. Sochi has quickly become one of my favorite tracks. It is an extremely smooth, quick, and flowing ride to the bottom. The track also has a few uphill sections, which carries a roller coaster effect.

      This trip has given Elana the opportunity to get runs on the Olympic track before any other non-Russian World Cup driver. She is able to test out different lines on the curves, which keeps her one step ahead of nearly all pilots heading into the Games. 

     Standing at the start gave me the chills. It brought to life my ultimate dream, to be where I am, two years from now, representing my Country in the Olympic Games. It will be a long, hard fight these next two years, but being here and experiencing the track has made me more motivated than ever. I don’t want to just make it here in 2014, I am working for gold.

        Stay tuned for pictures from my amazing Sochi experience. It’s back to America tomorrow…even better, back to Chicago!

Whatever it Takes

An inspiring article about my teammate’s, Steve Holcomb, road to Olympic gold..

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_2788_139/ai_n57103067/