Tossing and turning, I catalogue the thoughts in my
rolodex-style psyche; closing my eyes, I wait to exhale.
There’s a real shift in focus as Russia invites
the world to their backyard to challenge for Olympic Gold.
Less than a
year before what has already transformed from, as I’ve been told, what was
literally empty space into 24-hour construction, a hotel alley complete with a
rushing man-made river, and numerous grandiose venues all locked up, armed and
secured for entry.
The “Sanki” sliding centre is no
exception.
A chartered bus picks us up on the 20s and we travel ten mins up the
hill. We are led single file through metal detectors and our coats, bags and
sleds scanned like a mini airport security check-point. Forgot your
accreditation? No chance you are getting through – back on the bus for an hour
round-trip.
flashback effect of seeing old car makes and models, the lack of
English-speaking inhabitants, the influx of camoflage-laiden gun carriers, the
above 10 degree Celsius temperatures, hundreds of people standing roadside
waiting for work, to the incredible mountain range views from the start dock.
Sochi/Adler is truly is a city in transformation; I can only imagine how
intensely different it will be upon our next visit.
By now you have likely heard all about how this
past week ” …. nations are upset over ice conditions at the track that
will be used for Sochi Olympics, saying it’s impairing their ability to get
ready for this weekend’s World Cup finale and prepare for the 2014
Games. The issue is not about speed, safety or design — everyone’s
satisfied with those elements — but rather, how the ice is being maintained.
In simplest terms, many sliders are alleging that when they have access to the
track, the ice is not being tended to properly and that has led to some bumpy
rides down the chute.” –ESPN
 |
| “Technical Delays!” |
I won’t claim to have any authority on what
everyone should expect in the preparation leading up to an Olympics, nor am I
entirely sure what I was expecting – as I devoted an hour to
filling out the online form requesting a tourist VISA for access into the
country just a couple short weeks ago.
Uncertainty was the only certainty.
And while a great deal of “technical
delays”and “cancelled training” threw teams curve balls in terms
of ice time and run volume, I have acquired a knowledge-base that will serve my
Olympic preparations well.
I have learned the track, and I know what each one
of the corners does to me and my sled. So, the basic challenge will still be
who can explode off the block, execute the perfect sequence of steers and keep
their wits about them over two-days of competition.
Fortunately, we still have some time (more than 300
days) to continue preparing for that!
For me, almost every single week during this half
of the season has been filled with the “new”.
New hotel, new people, new track, new food, new
schedules, new routines, new drama, new steers, new starts, new weather and new
adventures. These experiences, subtle or blatant, have each become a huge
aspect of my development.
 |
| Marnie points to the 2014 Olympics |
I am not ignorant to the fact that nothing can
truly prepare me for my first Olympic experience – and I don’t claim to believe
otherwise. I am thankful however that no matter what, I will come into them with
a far better chance of performing at my absolute best.
Off the track, I was fortunate enough to meet 3 X
Olympic Champion, Marnie
McBean. While sitting next to her at dinner, as we joked about
hoarding all the food in front of us, she talked about a study with elite
Rowers where the tester announced different speed and spilt times in a constant
faster or slower margin. The test showed – in (over)simplified terms: if the
athlete was lied to with a faster time they would have a final result that was
diminished, but if they were lied to with slower times they would instead work
harder; resulting in personal bests.
This showed that the athletes were no longer going
off feel, and counting only on audio cues. Ultimately, their brain
was limiting their bodies.
“How often have I allowed my brain to limit my
body?” I wondered to myself.
in this intense world (life or sport) it’s important to be smart but it’s also
crucial to be able to let go of all the thoughts that race through your mind
every single second of the day.
even fathom and while I suspect I am yet to experience some serious mental
challenges – it’s about finding ways to adapt, adjust and let go.
off because in reality, you’ll pass out way before you die!” -Marnie
McBean
Russia is now complete.
followed by the Women’s Bobsleigh this evening. Then, bright and early
tomorrow, you can tune in for the women’s Skeleton race which was moved to
08:30AM. Then Men’s 2-Man Bob Saturday afternoon, and finally The beasts of
4-Man Bobsleigh will push off early Sunday afternoon.
– WATCH THEM HERE
… okay, well maybe I shouldn’t make that promise. But I can guarantee some
great racing!
“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.” -Winston
Churchill
