Life good, weather.. Not so much
Life at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid is good. The weather at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid is not good. The majority of the US ski team is waiting here to compete Thursday- Sunday in the North American Cup Finals. I have been here since Saturday and the weather has been uncooperative. In three days of attempted training, I have gotten one and a half runs of slalom. My second go at the course was cut short when I hooked my tip on a gate resulting in a clumsy belly flop down the slope. I am very fond of the East coast for many reasons, but it’s spring weather is not one of them. Rain, snow, sleet, ice, wind, and sun can all be present in the course of one day, sometimes even one afternoon! Under circumstances such as these, one must remain patient and, in our cases, creative. I am disappointed that I have not gotten more training the last few days, because I sorely could use the extra practice, but everyone is in the same boat and keeping the morale up is paramount. Most of us have caught up on lots of reading and emailing. There have been some heated games of volleyball and ping pong. Team movie nights have been a big hit. The 1000 piece puzzle in the common room is slowly materializing. And if all else fails the cafeteria is open 24 hours a day. Having ice cream available at all times has eased my irritation, if not my waistband.
Tomorrow is the first race of four. I looked at the forecast and, although not perfect, the next few days bode far better than the last few. No matter the conditions, it will be a battle. I am steeling myself for the bumpiness of a wild ride regardless of the discipline. SG, GS, and SL will be equally challenging in the adverse elements for different reasons. When there are races like this you will hear people complaining or even whining, but the truth is- this is how it’s going to be for everyone and you have to make the most of it. The racers that rise above the negativity and focus on what is under their control will reap the benefits of a solid performance. The simple act of consciously adjusting your attitude can make a huge difference. Adapting to the situation instead of fighting it will help you succeed. This is no easy feat, but the more you work at it, the more natural it will become.
Spring racing can be unpredictable, the key is to be flexible. Now all I have to do is take my own advice!
Good luck and have fun!
Kaylin