March 31, 2009

Today marks the day that I am officially getting back into training for the upcoming 2010 Olympics.   I set aside the entire month of March to basically do nothing but enjoy myself and relax after a long and tumultuous season.   That rest is over.  Chris Thorpe, a two-time Olympic medalist in doubles Luge and a good friend will be helping me this summer by writing all of my strength and conditioning programs and I am excited to get to work.    Every athlete has different needs in terms of their strength program and Chris is great at tailoring a program that suits my needs.

My goal is to be about 200 lbs and less than 10% body fat.  On top of that, I know that I need a stronger core than I have ever had to protect my back's weakness.  I know it is going to be a lot of work and dedication but this Olympics will likely be my last and I need to give it 110%. 

My off-season consists of equal parts training, working and relaxing.   After a handful of hours in the gym there is nothing I love more than to take my motorcycle around the local roads here in Minnesota.  Even better is the annual trip I try to make out to Sturgis, SD where over 700,000 motorcycles gather every year to ride.   If I am not on the Harley I am out on the lake where I'll be enjoying the good weather and wake-surfing.   

When it comes to water sports, my all time favorite thing to do is slalom ski through the buoy course.   Unfortunately, my recent back surgery will prohibit me from skiing much this summer because of the intensity and the likelihood of tumbling so much.   I'll have to wait a year before I get back into that. :)

My part time job is bartending.   And although I don't like the late nights so much, I really do like the work.  It is a great way to meet new people and it keeps me on my toes, which is something I enjoy.   I have always felt that life is all about balance and Luge is no exception.   While most athletes spend their summers in Lake Placid, NY I enjoy the time away.   That time away not only allows me to live a life outside of Luge but also gives me a fresh perspective when the fall comes around and it is time to start racing again.   The single biggest challenge in Sliding for so many years has been to keep the sport fun.  When you are in a high-positive state you are maximizing your potential for success - and having balance so as to avoid burning out is crucial.

As a final cap to the season, I am traveling back to Lake Placid on the 13^th of April.   The two weeks I spend there will be devoted entirely to steel/runner testing.  That is such a crucial component to the sport of Luge and I need to work on a few things now while there is still ice on the track.   Next week I'll talk about that testing and how important it all is...and why 2/10ths of a second can be the difference between 1^st and 5^th place and what we can do to make our sled go as fast as possible!

Check out my blog photos!