March 22, 2009

And it actually felt like it for a few days! Even though temperatures hit 50 degrees, we still have a track, so sliding continues...                

They are able to keep the ice in pretty good shape, even in warmer weather, as long as the nights stay below freezing. The past couple years have proved this, as the track was open until late April-early May. So I will be kept busy for a while longer!

A few of my teammates and I did take a couple days off for a quick trip to NYC on St. Patrick’s Day to see “The Late Show.” We also got a tour of the Ralph Lauren offices, which were amazing! A complete “behind the scenes” and a fashion lover’s dream! It was a great time and nice to get away. I met up with a few friends who live down there and caught a glimpse of the famous parade as we trekked through Midtown.  Too short of a trip, but better than nothing…I love NYC and don’t get there enough!

Classes have also started up in full force. So as a result, my life has not slowed down at all, even though the competitive season is over. I’ve been spending most days getting up early to slide, getting a workout in, and making sure to get some homework in also. A little bit of rehabbing in the afternoon—the ice bath has unfortunately become my best friend, in order to recover from some tough workouts. Being cold is one of my least favorite things (not the best choice of sport then, huh?), so it’s a mental battle getting in that thing every day. And I hopefully manage a quick siesta to try and power my way until I go to bed at night, which seems to be getting later and later than I would like…

The little mountain I grew up skiing on, McCauley Mountain in Old Forge, N.Y., celebrated its 50th anniversary this weekend, so I drove home quick to attend some of the festivities. I have a large number of supporters in the area, so it was great feeling like the guest of honor, along with two fellow Olympians from the area: John “Louie” Ehrensbeck (biathlon ’68) and Hank Kashiwa (alpine ’72). It would have been nice to spend a little more time at home, but while there is still a track, I would like to get a few more runs in. We probably only have a week or two left before we run out of ice or track time. (A bobsled and skeleton America’s Cup moves in next week). More time on the sled can never hurt!

Now it is on to battling this pain in the butt cold I have managed to get. Along with a very frighteningly large marketing textbook and a pile of congratulatory letters to respond to! Until next time…