Wednesday was my first race day, and I was ready to push fast!
I feel the need, the need for speed!
Katelyn and I were sled number 6 of 6 in the women's competition on Wednesday. We were last off for the first heat. The women's competition consisted of 3 Olympian/World Cup status sleds and 3 America's Cup status sleds. Aka, 3 experienced sleds way ahead of 3 rookie sleds. We ended up in last place after the first heat, so we were the first off for the second heat. The second heat is always in reverse order of the finishes from the first heat. So, we got back up to the top, flipped the sled, didn't even get to finish sanding the runners and then our sled was whisked away to the ice box. It all happened so fast, but we made it. We ended up in 6th place, which is still a podium finish! Can't believe I just finished racing for Team USA! Dream come true!!! I can't stop smiling!!!
Day 2 was just as amazing. With one of the top sleds out for the second race, we moved up to 5th place. It was the same scenario as the day before. Our race draw was #5, so we were last off for the first heat and first off for the second heat. I now have two races under my belt, and I'm ready for more.
Katelyn and I had respectable push times both days. We had the 4th fastest push times both days, so we were happy with that. Since we're both rookies at our positions, we're just looking to learn something new and improve everyday. I am so blessed to get to be a part of this team and fulfill this lifelong dream. If you'd asked me a year ago if this was possible, I don't know what I would have said. I still have to pinch myself to realize this dream is now a reality. I'm loving every second of this journey, and I'm excited to see where it takes me.
Now for the pictures. I know you've all been waiting for them, so bring on the popcorn and coke. The show is about to begin.
Megan & Sineaid waxing Blue Baller. Gotta make that sled as fast as possible come race day. Everyone tries to cut down on wind resistance any way possible. That's why we wax the sled and wear speed suits.
Mr. Jingles needed a little character. Katelyn is all about the glitter, so our sled was looking spiffy for race day.
Unloading sleds off the truck at the start line.
All the competitive sleds must be to the top and have all work completed by 45 minutes prior to the race. After that, we're not allowed to touch the sled until we're at the start line.
Ice
box at the start line. All runners have to be a certain temperature, so
they all go on the ice pad for a set amount of time before the race.
This makes it fair for everyone.
Megan & Sineaid at the start line.
Having fun at the finish dock with the girls.
Katelyn, me, Sineaid & Megan after our first race of the season.
Katelyn & I after my first race ever.
Sineaid and I watching the races.
Val, Megan, Sineaid, Nicole & Katelyn
Watching 2-man
This is one of my favorite pictures of the day. Jeremy was wearing around a cowboy hat with sweats. He struck up a conversation with one of the Canadian parents wearing a Davey Crockett cook skin cap. And then there's Caleb, doing whatever it is he's doing. Priceless!
All these kids were there to watch the races. Why wasn't that one of my school field trips as a kid?
This picture goes out to Coach Sweeney. I was repping my USA speed suit with my K-State Women's Rowing bag.
Katelyn & I with our 5th place medals.
All the women's competitors for the America's Cup Races #1,2
Medal ceremony for 2-man. USA 3 (Corey Butner & Chuck Berkley) took bronze. USA 4 (Nick Cunningham & Kevin Ives) took silver. Canada 1 took the gold with a track record. They broke the start record set by the Jamaicans during the 2002 Olympic Games. Beast mode!
Codie Bascue & Jake Peterson atop the medal stand for the Youth Olympic Games division. Codie has been driving since he was 8, and he's a great driver.
Katelyn & I having some fun after the ceremony.
This was our post-racing feast at Cafe Rio. Yummy!
This was my post-race bruising. My helmet did some damage to my knees during the race. Oh, how I love those kneepads I wear for practice!
We came back Thursday evening to cheer on our skeleton athletes. So many sleds...
That's all for today folks. I absolutely loved competing, and I'm ready to rock it again this week in Calgary. Check back soon for the scoop on Canada and all my adventures across the border.
