greetings from Whistler! 

I'm just wrapping up my training week here, and I'm excited to see the progression in my sliding and my ability to respond to coaches feedback and understand the track. I think last year I was in a bit over my head, but I'm starting to fall in love with this Whistler track, and Whistler itself! 

The next stop on the North Americas Cup tour will be here in Whistler in January, so since I've never slid from the top, I wanted to get more training in here so I can be ready for the next race. 

Now, the thing with Whistler is, I have heard many a horror story, seen a few scars, and I have chosen to listen to them for the most part, until this trip. I let all the negative connotations go, and felt. I felt the pressures in each corner, the track, and the ability to let my sled fly and trust my instincts. 

There is no way I could've been here mentally and physically last year, but this trip renewed how amazing it is to be equally terrified and excited to slide.  

I had only one goal heading here - I want to slide from the top. The thing is, I kept thinking I can make that jump, but I haven't yet. 

This rings so true. Whistler has a great recreational and competitive program running, with a lot of bobsled and skeleton athletes out, but they have quite a slow progression up the track due to the high velocities on this track. There is a reason, it isn't easy. Athletes often start out at corner 7, then move up to corner 3, and then up to the top. This can even take more than a year for those that slide only occasionally! 

I've been trying to "fast track" my way up to the top. It has been a physical and mental roller coaster. I keep thinking about making that leap of faith, but then decide to stay down at corner 3 one more day. At one point, I just have to go for it. 

I thought it was going to be last night, then tonight, but hopefully, tomorrow. It is not only a personal decision, but slightly at the discretion of the BCBSA coach helping us out this week. 

I feel ready, I am able to visualize and feel the track off of my sled, now time to bring that on to the sled and down the track.

Of course, the weather hasn't helped me, it's been a monsoon basically (the cover picture is actually from my trip here in March - much more beautiful weather!), and it also wreaks havoc on the ice conditions and has made it a relatively slow week on the track. I mean, 10km/hr slower can make a huge difference on your timing and strength of steers. The plus side, is it has been a great re-introduction to this wonderful track. 

All I have to say is let it fly, take the leap and trust my instincts and plan.... It will work out. 

Time to do some goal getting!!!