2010 Team Trials

On October 27-28 we had team trials in Lake Placid, New York.  I raced on the second race day with Elana Meyers.  Race day is basically the biggest adrenaline rush ever.  I have never competed in a “race” type sport, so this was new to me.  We began the day by getting the runners on the sled and to the starting dock.  Everyone lines up their sled upside down to work on the runners (blades).  Before the race we warm-up on a concrete street about 75 yards long.  After warming up we get all our gear on, which consists of our spikes, burn vest, and speed suit.  I’m not going to lie, it was pretty cool putting on a speed suit that said “USA” on it.  In college track I had a teammate that had all sorts of USA apparel because he competed for USA at some national and international meets.  I was always jealous and wanted the chance to wear that kind of gear, to compete for the “USA.”  Even though this was only team trials, it was a start.  We all got pretty hyped right before the race.  You begin to feel the adrenaline build-up and you can’t wait for your turn. 

As our turn approached I stepped outside to the sled, helped get it to the starting spot, put on my helmet, did a few last minute drills, and put my gloves on.  As Elana came out to join me at the start I was so excited… definitely not nervous.  The announcer clears the track for the start, Elana puts her hand out towards the push bar, I say “set,” and were off! People inside the start house open up the windows and holler at you as you sprint down the track.  As we began our first run down the ice I was going through the turns in my head paying attention to where we were in the track so I can lean the right direction.  We had made it to the 19^th curve out of 20 and as we exited curve 19 we rolled over.  We had gone from speeding down the track to on our side hearing a loud crashing noise as we slide to a stop.  I knew exactly what had happened.  While we were sliding at about 70mph down the track I could feel myself getting sucked out of the sled but I knew not to kick out.  Elana turned toward me and grabbed my arm and was asking me if I was ok, which I was fine.  I could feel the burning sensation run from the back of my right shoulder to my right hip.  Once we stopped the track crew helped us out and we were both checked out and cleared by the trainers.  Fortunately we could still take our second run and even was given a third since we crashed.  I didn’t second-guess whether I should go again one bit.  Crashing was inevitable so I knew the best thing I could do was get back up to that start dock and help Elana finish her runs.  That’s my job and I would do it for any one of the drivers. 

After the completion of Team Trials the committee announced the national team.  Unfortunately I did not make the national team, but I am able to compete on the America’s Cup Circuit.  I also have the opportunity to make the national team for the second half of the season as changes can be made to the circuits depending on performances. 

We are now in Park City, Utah training and have our first official America’s Cup races this week.  After this week we will go to Calgary for a week then back to Park City for three weeks.