the buzzing of texts and emails — phone calls, to do lists or
“helpful” all-knowing voices. The issues become muddy and I often
struggle to focus on just one thing.
I have discovered however, two instances in my life where it’sentirely different. Interestingly, they both involve “flying”. One is
while on while I’m a passenger on an airplane and the other is my time spent
sliding with Phrixus – my skeleton sled.
These are the only times I can truly find silence.
my mind. I can see the hundreds of tasks filing themselves into a catalogue
system of thought processing triage. I can taste the bitter taste of the
unknown and the sweetness of the passion to succeed. And through all that I can
hear my heart beat as clear as a bell; during these moments, nothing else
matters.
anyone could have prepared me for. No amount of self-talk or positive thinking
seemed to be able to counteract the power I allowed the entire process to have
over me.
training) was allotted on the 19 corners – that translates to approximately ten
minutes to get comfortable, make the adjustments and sort out a definitive sliding
plan of action. In the past, I start with and complete training with an
idea of what I want from myself and Phrixus: goals, equipment
choices; corners to focus on — this past week however, it was as if I
didn’t. Instead of focusing on what mattered, I looked at what
didn’t.
doubt to quietly creep into the dark side of my heart.
Thankfully, Canada’s rock star Team and Staff were right
there to help me work through it. As you can see, we are a pretty legit crew. 🙂
was 18th off. The night
before, Mel and Sarah had held my hand through sewing my bib and Tyson (our Physio)
promised to make sure I wouldn’t leave the start house without it.
Mel and Sarah had real good runs, and without getting too wrapped up in it all
– I did my best to calm my nerves. Just the same and without going on about it
all – when my name was called to the line and the cameraman followed me to meet
Kelly Forbes holding my sled – I was ready. But everyone’s first World Cup is
unique, and no matter what issues arose in track during heat 1- looking back at
mine – I am nothing but proud.
Watch Lake Placid – Run 1 here (my run is at the 44:09 mark)
In a normal two-run race, the top 20 sliders are granted a secondrun and the lowest combined time wins. This race was a bit different. Created
as a three-heat race, the top 20 would go on to a second run and then the top
10 from the combined time would be given a third run the next day. I definitely
wanted to be top 10!
After heat 1 I was sitting in 13th place. I had pushed what was a
personal best for me in Lake Placid – and had the best run of my week … but
there were a lot of adjustments to be made. I knew I could do way better.
showed me the replay of the entire run; we talked about the things I could
instantly fix and I committed to trusting myself 100%. Tyson was very positive as he reminded me to stay lower for the next push – and that it was going to be even better.
The turn around for heat 2 felt instantaneous. I threw my race suit back on and
Tyson helped me squeeze into my bib. We did my pre-run race stim on his table
and as I stepped up to the line for a second time, I recognized that I felt
different. I really had been ready in
heat 1 but there was an element of anxious energy that I had carried with me….
Those butterflies had moved on; it was time to do what I came to do!
always success, while reputed failure often is. It is honest endeavor,
persistent effort to do the best possible under any and all circumstances.” –Orison Swett Marden
up my time in through the middle to bottom of the track. And when it was all
said and done I had the 9th fastest run of that heat. But as racing
goes, I would land 11th overall — just 6/100ths of a second from
10th place and that elusive 3rd run.
would finished 1-2 and claim Gold and Silver the next day – HOLLAR!!**
READ: Official News Release from Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton
Was I disappointed? Absolutely not!
Sure, a third run would have been great – and a top 10 in my first World Cup
had been my aim, but all things considered, my entire “World Cup rookie
experience” happened exactly as it needed to.
What I will take away from this process in the long run, will ultimately be
much more valuable than any medal or higher ranking.
following. It was perfectly put – and exactly what I needed to read:
“Be proud of what you are doing and what you have done, but not so proud that
you aren’t willing to accept whatever the outcome is at the end of the race. Whether
or not you’re in the mix or on top it’s all the same. The best you have after
that race is the best you have that race … mistakes and all or in the absence
of them!”
This week –our coordinates are 40°39′34″ N 111°29′59″W / 40.65944°N 111.49972°W. More
commonly known as Park City, Utah! Located
55 km (34 miles) east of Salt Lake City it played host to many sporting events during the 2002 Winter
Olympic Games.
Park City is a track I have grown on as a pilot each time I’ve visited – from
extreme bumps and bruises to America’s cup double Gold – it has been a fair
teacher and I have always come away with a respect for it’s technical
requirements and sudden changes in speed. This WC trip marks my third time here
– and after two days of official training (one more session remains tomorrow) I
am very excited to step up to the line for Race #2 this Friday, November 16 at 9:00AM (MST).
Great job last week Cassie, I'm really glad I was able to be there to see it in person! Good luck this week, kick butt!
Congrats on such a stellar 'rookie debut' Cassie! It is great that you are pleased with the result but it is awesome that you are looking for more – that's the heart of a true champion.