Seven weeks. That’s a mere 49 days since we kicked off the 2011/12 season. Unbelievably, I have travelled to every track in North America and already completed 3/4 of the America’s Cup circuit. But I can say for sure that if I hadn’t trained so hard and been coached to hold on – this “ride” would have definitely bucked me off.
The past week and a half spent in Lake Placid, NY was everything I had hoped it would be. Phrixus and I performed a lovely duet each and every day. In six official training runs we erred, we triumphed and above all else, we learned.
My most vivid memory from racing this time around was the 4th and final run. As I loaded off that push, much earlier than I had originally planned, I felt an instant of frustration. However, as quickly as it came on, it was gone and my mind replaced it with complete silence. Within milliseconds I was focused solely on the ice. …
“Nothing to lose” I thought to myself; I knew what to do.
In the chill of the moment, as the speed comes on, it’s more often than not the small issues than the big ones. This time those little taps, skids and mis-cues would indeed determine my result.
It is no secret that once an athlete has tasted the sweetness of victory, the salty counterpart is merely an instant away – for true growth cannot be present in a world void of challenge.
Lake Placid is more than 1400 meters of track that continuously presents just that.
Both Race #5 and Race #6 saw me with the 3rd fastest downtime of the first heat and the 1st fastest downtime of second heat. Day 1 it was good enough for silver. Day 2 it would position me with the bronze. Both days I was +0.19 away from Gold.
Back in March of 2009 I was invited to participate in the Lake Placid FIBT driving school. It was my very first new track and subsequently, my very first international race. I placed 5th; I was more than pleased.
One year later, I would compete in LP again and climb the ranks to finish 4th overall. Once again, for me, it was as good as gold.
Nine months later; here I am again.
On the four hour plane ride home and a day or two upon my return to Calgary, I reflected on all this and realised that it truly is all relative.
Back to back Silver and Bronze (with such insanely close results) is more than just great sliding mixed with important lessons, it is a giant leap in the right direction.
I’ve got my matches and I’m more than prepared to continue (re)lighting this flame.
NEWS FLASH:
Nice job Cassie. Keep it up!