Sliding day!

Today was an eventful day to say the least!  We started out at 9am going to the sheds where the sleds are kept.  Before going down the track we have to check the sleds and make sure their blades (runners)  are one properly and mechanics are working perfectly!  After the sleds were ready to go we went up to the start house where we unloaded the sleds and hung out to get ready for sliding (going down the track).  While we waited for our turn to go down we worked on getting all our gear on.

Gear typically includes:  a cotton tshirt (because cotton wont burn your skin if you tip over), spandex leggings, a burn vest, another shirt on top of that, a onesy (sp) which is basically a jumpsuit that covers your arms and legs and zips up in the front,  a helmet, mouthgaurd, bobsled spikes, gloves.  LOTS of gear. but the good thing about all the gear is it keeps you warm in the cold!

While we wait we also help get the sleds into position to get ready to go down... who ever knew there was a technique to doing it.  you have to be very careful because those puppies are expensive and one little scratch can make all the difference.  All of us rookies were pretty excited to go down.. probably a little too excited with all the adrenaline running through us.  I am sure some of the veterans were thinking we were crazy.. haha..

Once it was my turn to go down, my driver and I, Jasmine, got our sled into position on the ice.  For the first day we would have the driver sitting in the sled and the brakeman (me)  would just push it to get it going then hop in real fast.  It wasnt too difficult getting into the sled, which I was kind of worried about.  Next came the actual trip down the ice!  If you ever have seen bobsledding on tv it is basically what it looks like... fast and being bounced around like a pinball.  Whenever you go into a turn your head might slame into the side and bounce off the wall and you definately feel the g-forces pressing you into the sled.  (that's definately a feeling you dont get on a daily basis and I dont think I've ever felt that before)

When you get to the end of the track, for today we just hopped out of the sled and had to push it up the hill to the finish platform.  This is where I felt really useless today.  After such a crazy ride I always needed a second to get my bearings back... so i wasn't too good at getn the sled up the hill... To make it worse it was like a blizzard outside and snow had piled up on the track at the finish... this made it really hard because you would keep slipping.  After our run we had to load up the sleds on the truck which then took the sleds back up the start house...

and then we did it all over again.  haha..

but it was a great first day and i hope you enjoyed learning what all went on!

til next time...

I need a what!? What's that for?!

During my last visit to the training center I had plenty of time to talk with the other girls and guys who have been on the U.S. team in years past.  We shared many breakfasts, lunches, and dinners together discussing all the equipment needed in the sport of bobsledding.  Fortunately as a brakeman I am not responsible for purchasing my own bobsled ($25,000).  That purchase is made by the drivers.  Ouchies! That'll burn a hole in your pocket real fast.  However, because this is my first year I have plenty other items I need to purchase to make it through my first year as a bobsledder... Sometimes I found myself saying, "I need a what!?  What's that for!?" Haha...  Here is goes:

• Gortex running shoes (Nike or Asics) - since many times we are warming up in snow or sleet
• Bobsled spikes - these aren't your normal track spikes... these puppies have a hundred tiny needles in the bottom of them so you can run on the ice.
• One piece body suit - so when your going 75mph down the track your shirt doesn't fly up in the back causing frostbite.
• Mouth Guard - because your teeth chatter while going down the track.. 
• Burn vest - because when you tip over the ice will burn off your skin if you don't wear one and since I'll be the brakeman for most of the development drivers I'm pretty sure I am going to need one of these! 
• Insurance card incase you crash and get hurt.
• A motorcycle certified helmet - because your thrown around like a pinball in the sled.. dont need to lose too many brain cells! 
• Snow pants, coat, boots
• Gloves - so your hands dont get frostbite or get stuck to the metal when your pushing
• Baselayer (for under your clothes)

Aside from all this very interesting equipment there is also airfare and housing costs... Fortunately we split a lot of the housing costs so its not too bad, but it does start to add up.

I have added a Paypal account to my blog.  If you are interested in helping me out with my first season all you have to do is click the "Donate" button to the right.  If you would like you can include your contact information and I will send you personal updates, pics, and little gifts as I continue through this journey.  If you are a business looking to sponsor me we can set up a meeting to discuss marketing opportunities and other sponsorship details.  If you would like to mail donations please email me at Katiestoever@yahoo.com and I can give you my mailing information.

Thank you for visiting my blog and I hope you can live this journey with me! :)

Katie

Check out this seasons schedule:  http://bobsled.teamusa.org/events

http://www.ORUGoldenEagles.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17000&ATCLID=205005966

Preparing for adventure...

I am back in Tulsa now and leave for Lake Placid October 11... basically in a week.  I have to say I missed my bed ALOT! Now that I am home I can start preparing for season.  Ive been ordering equipment I need for the season and still need to get some clothing for the cold! I have to say, I am not the biggest fan of the cold, but as I have learned in the past, unexpected adventures are the best kinds! I know it will teach me alot about myself and make for a great experience.

Training is going well also.  I am back working at Dynamic Sports Development with JC and Shane Hamman.  I love those guys and they are so supportive and helpful.  This is a new arena of training that I havent done before so their knowledge is really helping out! This week I got to flip tires and use the prowlers.  On tuesday I definately didnt eat enough before practice and almost lost it at practice.  I felt horrible... wanted to throw up or pass out.. haha... but in all honesty I love those moments. I love knowing that I have pushed my body to the point where it starts to push back.  That when I know I am getting better.

This week I am going to continue training and work on getting all my things together that I will need for the next couple of months while I am away.  Can't wait to be back at the OTC and be in the atmosphere of great athletes that I look up to everyday.

Until next time...

2010 National Push Championships

http://bobsled.teamusa.org/news/2010/09/23/meyers-and-langton-dominate-national-bobsled-push-championships/38677?ngb_id=23