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A Whole New Feeling 9.13.12
With a World Championship Medal to my name, the approach to this season has an entirely different feeling than last year. Sure, I had worked hard last summer, but it was all for an unknown. I had virtually no expectations of the endeavor; I trained hard because I knew if I didn’t give this opportunity everything I had, I would always wonder. I more or less walked into the 2011 team trials with a fresh, naïve perspective; I had a “I’m just happy to be here” mentality. This year, it is completely different. I took my training to a whole new level this summer and was able to use my defined goals to push me past my former boundaries. I have high expectations and am no longer “just happy to be here”; I’ve been working for bigger.
The leaves are changing and people are slowly making their way back into town for trials. The same team selection process as last year will soon be upon us: the combine, push championships, and two team trials races. At the end, the National ‘Team will be selected. Stay tuned!
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We decided to have a fundraiser after finding out our third sled on World Cup would not receive funding (due to budget cuts and an expensive tour). As a result, the financial burden falls on the girl that is named to the USA 3 sled after team trials (costs near $8,000). The dinner was a success, but we still have a bit to go until we reach our goal. There are a few options for donating to our cause:
1) Share the ride. For a minimum donation of $25, you can have your name or a short message on one of our sleds this year. Half of the money will go to our federation and the other half will go directly towards funding the women’s third sled.
http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Bobsled-and-Skeleton-Federation/Donate/Share-the-Ride.aspx
2) A direct check. If you would like all of your money to go towards funding the third sled, you can send a check to the address below. Address the check to USBSF with a memo of Women’s Bobsled.
Lisa Carlock, USBSF Finance and Operations Director
1631 Mesa Avenue
Copper Building, Suite A
Colorado Springs, CO 80906Thank you!
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Check out this video for the bobsled basics featuring our men’s head coach, Brian Shimer.
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Passing the Flame 8.12.12
I have been obsessed with the Olympics ever since I can remember. For those special two weeks, I live for moments where great upsets happen, records are broken, and dreams are achieved. However; I have to admit, watching the Olympics carried an entirely different meaning this time around. It felt closer and more significant than ever before-it’s a hard feeling to describe. It’s the first time (since I about eight) that I could realistically picture myself competing on that prestigious stage. There are a lot of obstacles and plenty of hard work standing between me and achieving that dream, but I am ready for it.
Tonight, the Olympic focus will shift to Sochi and the official countdown will begin.
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The Ironman triathlon took over Lake Placid on Sunday and it was such a rush of inspiration. As I watched people of all shapes, sizes, ages, colors, etc. race toward the finish of arguably the most grueling sport, it got me thinking about limits. One of my favorite quotes is, “All limits are self-imposed.” These people swam for 2.4 miles, biked for 112, and capped it all off with a full marathon; I saw a living example of limitless (possibly crazy) people.
As I continue through my toughest week of summer training, this reflection will be fresh in my mind. How far can I push myself? How much can I squat? How long can I hold my body up in a plank? How fast can I push that sled? The truth is there really are no limits.
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Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 6.25.12
I’m back in Lake Placid after a fun, busy, and productive week of team camp. It was my first team camp experience, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to spend some relaxed time with my teammates. While we do have fun during the season, there is always the underlying stress and tension of competition.
We had a jammed packed schedule of meetings, seminars, and team building activities; any free time was spent making sure our training didn’t slack. Our week concluded with a gala which recapped the previous season and also looked ahead to the future of the program. The entire experience was very motivating, and I’m appreciative for those that worked so hard to put it together.
Check out the videos below highlighting our week in Colorado Springs and also, the rookie of year award I was so honored to receive.
