A day in pictures

They say a picture speaks a 1000 words, and I'm feeling lazy so a photo blog it is :)

Day 10 (day 5 of sliding) 

6am wake up in Midtgarden 3 (taken from my bed)

7am Managed to get dressed but put my socks on the wrong feet

8:30am Brogan visualising in the start house pre sliding 

10:00am finished sliding for the day. Possibly the last start from corner 4.... Making our way to the top from Monday 

11:00am post sliding activities - unloading the van, video analysis and chill time

15:00 Lillehammer treat time 

19:00 treat night, pizza and English tv

21:00 X FACTOR It's time to face the music 

22:00 almost bedtime. This pretty much sums us up today!! We are going for a long walk tomorrow! 

One week in: melancholy strikes

Yea so today has been a tough one for the group. 

Firstly two of our team left for home because of injuries :( Hannah will be given the chance to slide again in March but for Liv the journey is over; taken away from her against her choice. It was a stark reminder that in performance sport you as an athlete are expendable. We all understand the reasons why Liv and Hannah have been sent home - primarily safety and logistics. It just cuts to be reminded that in this environment the bonds you think you are making can mean nothing when push comes to shove and that we are somewhat of a production line. If you're not deemed good enough then goodbye. As Alice has just said we are pawns in their skeleton game. That's the brutal truth. But whatever the outcome I am trying to show progress and enjoy the experience. 

So the now 7 of us had a sliding session today; 3 runs. Personally, I was quite nervous. My heart rate was sky high as I got on my sled for the first run. It was my first run since whacking my ankle and I desperately didn't want to hit it again as the swelling had only just gone away. We were also starting to employ knee steers on a couple of corners so I'd had to rewrite my plan and re-wire my brain so that my muscles acting in the right way for this. I also had a steer for the part of the track we call the labyrinth because I keep scraping my knuckles. In hindsight I was a little overwhelmed. But 6 or so steers is nothing compared to what the guys that compete are doing. 

My three runs were.... Ok. I didn't get all my steers, I got lost at times and I didn't feel the oscillations (wave patterns in the corners) BUT I didn't take any major hits, had good form, am improving my ability to recall AND didn't feel traumatised at any point. So I'll take it. I am proud of my form because it forms the basis for sliding and is probably saving me a lot of bangs. Moreover I almost enjoyed it. Now, I bet you are probably saying "if you aren't enjoying it why are you doing it?" Well because do you ever really enjoy learning to do something from scratch? This is what we are doing. It takes graft and time and it feels crap most of the time. That's not enjoyable. Plus to put it into context I have only 'trained' for my new sport for a total of 10 minutes!!!!! So I will gladly take almost enjoyed for now. Another 3 runs tomorrow; with a 8:30am track start time ugh.

The rest of the group are a mixed bunch. Everyone is feeling a little melancholy today. Maddie didn't 'turn up' metaphorically speaking, she thinks she was still in bed during today's session. Alice has taken a bad knock, Ellie is still struggling with 4... This sliding stuff isn't simple. It's frustrating to know where you are going wrong but not why. And moreover not knowing how to rectify going off line. We can't know this yet however because it will overload us. So it's a case of trust and patience. Not sure how common that last trait is in athletes!! But we are a team so we work together and hopefully everyone can go to bed a bit happier. I have shared some psych with Abbie to hopefully help her reflect and empty her head and prepare for tomorrow. Everyone can offer different things. Alice for example brought wispa bis cute and fudge to the table tonight :) they were gladly received and no trace of then remain. Onto tomorrow.

Now for fast facts and my 'of the day'. 

I hit 100.8kph today. And my quickest run was 59.49s. I was pleased to go over 100kph again and break 60s. Times aren't important for us at the moment but it's still nice to see. Usually if you're breaking 60s from 4 you graduate to the top. However the track is mental quick so we still need some more time.

QOTD:

"That troll, he looks quite friendly" Maddie is growing find of the trolls.

Moment OTD

Bit of a sad one but it felt poignant to me... When Liv and Hannah left and we had a group good bye circle/hug. We really have bonded as a group and it makes all the difference when you know there are people that you can open up to. 

Funny moment OTD 

Alice's face during video analysis. Alice had a traumatic few slides to say the least and like me on Monday was dreading the video session. However, her slides looked good and the surprise on her face was a right picture. Just shows that perception isn't always correct and confirms my belief that you got to get used to that out of control feeling as it isn't (always) a bad thing.

This is Alice's leg tonight. This was not why her run was traumatic either. She may have a broken knuckle.

And finally POTD

We checked the ice bath at lunch as we were booked in post sliding only to find a layer of ice (obvious I guess). So I chucked a rock in to break it and the picture shows just how thick the ice is!!

Meet the trolls of midtgarden

We've had a rest day today so as there is no skeleton chat for you I thought I'd introduce you to my fellow athletes out here. And in honour of the troll museum we visited today I've got a photo of each of their troll face (no filter).

Midtgarden 3 inhabitants

Maddy Smith

 Age 19, previously a 100m hurdler. Lives in Bath. Random fact: her favourite word is 'perfect'. E.g. Maddy: "where's Kim?" Abbie: "in the toilet" Maddy: "perfect". She uses it ALL the time.

Abbie Hewitt 

 Age 18, previously a sprinter. Lives in Truro.

Random fact: she normally speaks in a southern accent until she's on the phone to her parents when she transforms in to a Welsh person! It's so freaky like someone Welsh has taken over her body.

Alice Lennox

 Age 23, lives in Manchester, works as a physio. Previous sport: athletics - heptathlete. Random fact: she 'enjoys' a dance and her signature move is the wide stance slut drop.

Chloe Sidwell

 Age 19, lives in Sheffield. From Stamford, Lincolnshire. She has come to power2podium from badminton. Random fact: she is putting us all to shame with her discipline and has already submitted an assignment. 

Midtgarden 2

Hannah Stevenson 

 Age 21, formerly a 200m sprinter. From Nottingham but lives and goes to uni in Sheffield. Random fact: has the wickedest laugh and the life and soul of the group.

Brogan Crowley 

Age 20, heptathlete. Lives in Loughborough, from Manchester. Random fact: she has only hit corner 13 once. The rest of us hit it almost every time. She's a natural. 

Ellie Furneaux

 Age 20, not from a particular sport. Lives in Bath, studying at Bath Spa. From Kent. Random fact: she'd memorised the track back in August before any of us has even googled it. 

Liv Callaghan 

Age 21, from athletics (100/200). Lives and studies in Loughborough, from Manchester. Random fact: hates baldness. 

There are 3 members of staff here with us too. If they oblige with the troll face I'll add them in tomorrow's blog. 

And in case you're missing my face here it is....

And this is what we look like normally. The princess is our 10th member. 

Slide 7

Today did not go to plan. 

We planned to do 3 slides, 7/9 of us were sliding. Half of the group went down and then Ellie went off. Within a 10m she had rotated 180 degrees on her sled and was going feet first, face down into corner 4!!!! *^%#?!! Somehow she got off. What could have happened if she hadn't isn't really worth thinking about. At the same time we heard the Liv was throwing up at the bottom having been concussed at some point during the run. So not great. There were three of us left and we got down ok. I actually had a good slide and was really pleased until I twatted my ankle (the same one from yesterday) in the outrun. Unable to bear weight Chloe got my sled down and I hobbled off. I found Liv who was looking very pale and ill bless her. A bit later I found out that I hit 100kph out of 13. May explain my erratic exit and ankle hit! Pretty pleased with that speed though, I think I am the first of the group to hit 100kph!  

Shortly after that the session got called off as Liv needed to go to hospital. It made no difference to me as I wasn't going again on my ankle anyway. Safe to say the session had gone wildly off plan. But I guess that is what happens in skeleton. I mean in what other sport do you go straight in on an Olympic standard track/course? And once you get let go off the top all you can do is use the information you've been given to the best of your ability. Mistakes and accidents happen. So we've all had a bit of a reality check today. Liv won't be sliding for a while, and Hannah has a broken bone in her hand from yesterday, so we are down to 7 for a while at least. 

On a lighter note we've still managed to have some funny times today. And we've all pulled together as a team; staff and athletes. 

Today's moment was provided by Alice who stepped up to drive as our drivers had taken the girls to the hospital. Having not driven abroad or in snow before we didn't know what to expect. We certainly couldn't have predicted what happened next. After several stalls and some very odd jerking back and forward plus stress and confusion she realised she had been using the brake as the accelerator?!? We'd managed to get up a hill of snow with her touching the actual accelerator!? We were obviously in hysterics but we needed a light moment after the mornings dramas. 

This eve we've watched Pitch perfect, talked about forming a girl band, had a look at Norweigan tinder (which provided the QOTD 'I like cat') and consumed a lot of chocolate and tea. Safe to say we've recuperated somewhat. 

Woody that was not a trundle

Sunday 23rd November. Sliding day 1. My timehop next year will be a good one! (Mum and Nanny read with caution) 

We all made our first descents today!!! 

I'm going to keep this brief as it's been a HUGE day and we have another three runs tomorrow...

My first descent was like nothing I've ever experienced and as much as I felt 'prepared' I was in no way prepared for it. It was to be brutally honest 'f****** mental!' I'd visualised the track, practised my steers , walked the track, watched videos of the track etc etc but all that counted for very little that first slide. I didn't have a clue what was happening most of the time, I was able to pick out our orientation points (huge corners) but that's it. My first words when I finished were 'do I still have a chin?' As it had rattled on the front of my sled the whole way. I didn't even feel the bump I took off 13, only saw it back on video. Also, we were assured that the start would feel like a trundle. Did it hell!?! By the end of four (first corner) I was thinking oh my god I'm shifting. And after that I don't really know - a lot of swearing going through my head, absolute carnage. I was quite shaken but quite willing to go again. 

And so I did. Five more runs over the morning and then afternoon session. Runs 2,3 and 5 felt somewhat under control. 1, 4 and 6 were harrowing and traumatic! For runs 4-6 we were pushed off the women's luge start like a bowling ball adding a new steer - quick progression. I slammed into a wooden wall on my first attempt haha! At least that one didn't hurt. The corners with their pressure and oscillations were big adrenaline rushes, but the straights with their bangs and walls to hit scary as you try to prepare for the next corner here. So there were highs but my biggest low came after run 6 which in hindsight I shouldn't have done (mentally fatigued and no idea how to rectify what was going wrong on 13). 8/9-the end was horrific, I caught my knuckles along 7/8 ricocheted my way towards 13 and then twatted (word of the day) my right ankle bone out of 13 after slamming into the wall. Seriously shaken and hurt I got out of the track and couldn't help but shed a few tears. I wouldn't call myself a crier but the pain and frustration got to me and I'd had enough.

So feeling pretty crap I loaded my sled (weighs 33 odd kg) and we went home for .. An ICE BATH (in the snow). Lovely. I stayed pretty grouchy until the video analysis session before dinner (although tea and choc helped). I'm not going to lie I was feeling despondent but seeing my slides (they looked painful) but more so having our coach tell me likely mistakes I am making has renewed my courage and faith to go again tomorrow. I need to let go off my steer sooner if you are wondering. My corner 12 was also complimented which helped restore some confidence and made me feel proud too. 

The ice bath and the hot shower afterwards. Inviting isn't it?

But the day wasn't over. After dinner (where as per usual we played guess the meat) we had to learn how to put snow chains on the van and then check our sleds after the days sliding. It's relentless - track and field athletes are ridiculously spoiled I've come to realise. Anyway we were back at the cabin and I facetimed my dad and family which apart from being told I look tired (do you know what I've been through today?!) was lovely and they gave me some good reassurance. I've since done some yoga to relax and chilled with my roomies. So a positive end to a mad day!!!! 

Quick bits....

The max speed recoded on the track today was 99kph. 

QOTD: I reckon I've perfected 4,5,6 (Hannah Stevenson, 2014) after her second run

Moment of the day: the first slide - unforgettable. And after when we got to celebrate as a group.

Funniest moment: I didn't see this but I am reliably told that Liv slipped walking down to the start and had to be stopped by the maintenance men's brushes. 

POTD: Alice icing her chin, she has a bump the size of an egg under there!! 

The cold doesn't bother me anyway

We got down to business today. 

We spent the morning at the track which is amazing!! I totally underestimated what a feat of engineering they are - huge huge structures. We are here at the same time as a couple of the Europa cup races; a bob skeleton race series in Europe so we got to watch some racing. This was really, really useful as we got to observe the athletes in a race situation. See how they prepare, warm up, visualise and race. The GB team are here racing too so we had some home talent to cheer on and one of the guys was 2nd!! A good sign that we are working in a good group. 

Top start.

We then walked down the length of the track to understand the geography and begin the visualisation process. It is essential in skeleton to know the track inside out and have it memorised including the steers you plan to do. One of the biggest barriers for me so far has been not knowing how I'm going to actually get down the track. After a mornings worth of learning the track though I can now recall each corner and describe the steers. You learn very quickly. A big part of this was actually 'walking the track'. Once the racing had finished we put on our icers (sort of overshoes with spikes in to help with grip) and literally walked down the ice. We could feel where the track pulled you and where it flattened, see the oscillations of the sleds earlier today and we even got down on our tummies so we could get a more realistic perspective (you can see nothing). 

View of corner 13

Some scarier moments though... We saw some pretty sketchy lines-one girl completely clattered the wall after the dreaded corner 13. And one of the British boys lost control of his sled at the top and had to start again. The speed is also unreal. How they can think from corner to corner I don't know. The speed of decision making is critical. So we are all coming to terms with the fact that we will hit the walls. And pretty hard. But tomorrow we have a padding workshop so that's something-yoga mats and tubigrip!! 

Then as if learning 16 corners worth of info wasn't enough we had a sled workshop. Skeleton is so much more than sliding down a hill on a tea tray. Sleds need daily maintenance and you check the settings before every run - I've even got tools now. We are responsible for our sleds and they are fitted to each person so that it hugs you and is balanced to you. Anyway I hadn't had a sled fit so that was the first job for me. That was pretty exciting, shit got real. I now have a helmet and a sled. So I was fitted to my sled but it was still a shell. So out comes the tape and for the next 2 hours myself and Maddie taped the padding to my sled and saddle (the bit that keeps my in place and I hold on to). A rather tedious job but we got it done just in time for dinner which was a marked improvement on yesterday - pork (or turkey) with a peppercorn sauce. 

Mid sled fit 

We finished the day with a rather anti climatic (sorry Jack if you read this) demo on how to cover our spikes with shoe goo. 'Dump a load of it all over the front and let it dry then repeat!' Not overly technical but necessary to know all the same. And it provided some strong contenders for quote of the day (probably a bit rude for the blog tbh). Shoe goo I should explain hardens the front of our spikes so that they are protected when we drag our toes on the ice during a slide. With the workshop over we went back to the cabin for tea and biscuits (what else) and soon bed. 

Tomorrow is our last day before we slide. So it's crucial to learn the track and be confident on our sleds. This means practising balancing on them and visualising steers. So picture this... Nine girls laid on sleds in a small room all twitching their shoulders or standing with eyes closed moving hands and swaying about as we go rounds corners in our heads. Undoubtedly it's a strange sport but we are learning fast and in 36 hours or so we will have all been down that track. Talk about fast progression.

Our start point. 8:30am Sunday.

 

I'll finish with the QOTD which has been provided by Maddie, during her sled check when asked what she was wearing down the track.

'I am going down naked' - I'll update you on that one (she was feeling a little tight on her sled). I think she will regret that, it's supposed to drop to -5 over the next few days. 

Night x 

Hello Norway

First impressions?? 

There's a lot more green than I expected. No snow as we landed in Oslo :( and also the predominant colour is grey - the sky in particular. It's dark and it's 3:30pm. It's also very Christmassy feeling. The airport had Christmas decorations and there are Christmas trees growing everywhere!! 

Got to the arrivals and no one to meet me :( they were getting the cars! Felt a little lonely but I soon got rescued and was reunited with the girls and coaches :)

It's not too cold. About 1degree Celsius! Positively warm ha but I do have about 4 layers on and a huge scarf/rug. Luckily I'm not driving the cars to Lillehammer which is about 2 hours away. We worked out the sat nav, how to get out of the car park, what side of the road to drive on etc and we were off. 

There's an element of tension and anticipation amongst the team. More so than Bath. It feels different, like every man for themselves. Not in a negative way. It's just a feeling and it's true anyway. This is crunch time. Not all of us are going through. 

We've moved in. We are staying in lovely albeit small log cabins. I'm sharing with four others; 3 of whom are in the same room - cosy. Dinner not so great. A strange creamy sauce with some frankfurters in, chips and salad... Seconds consisted of hot dogs. Not quite the nutritious meal I'd hoped for. The GB Europa cup and ICC teams are here racing. It was so intimidating walking  in with them all sat there. Such newbies!! 

After a helmet fitting (!) we were done for the day. So we've just been chilling (I've actually unpacked). Chat has inevitably led to boys and Alice shared this gem which has become my quote of the day... 

'He put his hand on my leg and it was so massive I was like oh my god this is amazing' LOL

And on that note, goodnight x 

#power2podium: time to slide

I've checked in .... On Facebook to Edinburgh airport. So it's official. No turning back now, I am off to Lillehammer. And over the next few days will have taken my first run down the track there. Gulp. I've got my padding (a mat), shoe goo to protect my toes(!), baggy jumper to slow me down, copious amounts of painkiller, enough chocolate to feed all 10 of us and most importantly a nervous excited feeling in my belly :)

I can see the aeroplane from departures and am just waiting to board. I've organised my notes on the track to learn during the flight. I managed to get my 21.9kg case on the plane for no extra cost. I didn't spend any money in Kurt Geiger (20% sale). I even left work in a reasonable state. Just one thing that I didn't get done. 

The past few days were hectic to say the least. A lot of obstacles (mainly work) to overcome and a mad dash to sort out my currency. Countless checks that I have my passport and ticket. Some serious airport fear about how much my bag weighs.

So that's me. They just called boarding. Next time I write I'll be in Norway. Probably should have checked out the language!! Can't even say hello or thank you. I'll try to learn but most importantly do my very best to make the team. 

Laters x 

Skeleton chat: Feel not think

T minus 3 days .... *******!?!!

Regram from Brogan. Doesn't the track and the lights looks beautiful. 

Seriously though, I can't wait! This is what it has all been about. I'm looking forward to seeing the girls and the staff again and having a roller coaster of a two weeks in Lillehammer :) I don't know what's going to happen but I'm going to enjoy and 'feel' the experience.

So what have I been doing to prepare? 

I have been thinking and talking mainly. It's quite a hot topic and I'm often asked about it when I see people. I have been humbled by how much support I have and how much people believe in me which is lovely and helps me have courage. Even work colleagues that I am not particularly close to have emailed to say good luck/you're mad! 

Anyway talking about my prep is a good opportunity to say thank you to some of the people that have helped me on my 'journey' so far. 

Training (body).

My coaches and training partners have helped get me faster over the past few weeks. No longer am I resembling a slug! But more so they have put up with/ignored my irrational moaning when I'm not allowed to do a 50s run or when I have to run 1/2 the distance compared to everyone else! They constantly remind me what I am working towards which really helps keep my focus. In the gym likewise. The strength and conditioning guys at work (East, West and Central - I am such a gym slut) all assist my training whether it's helping me move a weight/set up an exercise or offering me alternative exercises if I am unable to do what I'm set. They allow me to train in world class facilities alongside world class athletes. I just try to fit in! Colleagues that are physios have been brilliant too; offering me advice and helping mend my very old lady like hips.

 Training (mind).

Last week I was lucky enough that two of my colleagues offered to help me with the non-physical aspects of what I'm going to be doing. 

The first session was sort of life coaching. We were looking bigger picture to the journey ahead trying to answer questions I had. This was hard. It was very probing and I often didn't know what I was trying to answer. But we got there and I feel a new sense of purpose. The key thing for me is to stop thinking and just feel when I am sliding and in the winter sport environment. I've done all the thinking. It can't help me much more. I am committed to giving it 100% and enjoying the experience. 

Next a colleague and friend helped me with strategies to handle myself and others in the environment. I identified challenges and she helped me work out how to cope/manage them. I feel much more confident about my ability to cope in the environment now. I still don't know how I will find sliding but that's ok. Not long to go anyway. The key is to not burn out or crack - relaxation will be key. 

Shopping (and a lot of borrowing).

Obviously. So I had no ski/cold weather kit. Nothing. Cue a Facebook plea and I'm completely kitted out. So a big thank you to everyone that donated or offered :) a particular highlight was being given a bag of Sochi Olympic kit to borrow!! Talk about motivating me to go out and nail it - earn that kit for myself one day! I have also done a little shopping (couldn't resist). My amazon/eBay past purchases make for some interesting reading these days. Icers, shoe goo, spikes, yoga mat, gum shield, Christmas jumper (yes it's happening), mechanical pencils... Not your typical shopping spree! I did also do  a Decathlon shop which my friend Tracy paid for as I'd forgotten my purse haha (convenient)!!

Yep these bad boys are coming with me.

There's also been a fair amount of food stocking up during the weekly shop. This culminated tonight during my Aldi shop with 3 bars of chocolate (in case of emergency)! At least a 1/4 of my bag is food/protein. :)

And finally, packing.

Track and field athletes will know what I mean when I say how easy it is to pack for warm weather training camps. Right. Well this is as hard as that is easy. 

Cold weather kit is so massive!! The shoes for starters are monstrous; especially with my size 7's!! And we've got all sorts of equipment too as well as entertainment for the eve e.g iPad, speakers etc and of course a first aid kit. I'm rather proud of mine.

I'm taking (don't laugh) a 20kg bag for the hold, 10 kg in a (borderline) hand baggage case AND my rucksack (personal bag eh). I might just manage it all! I'm definately going for comfort over style and diversity. My causal clothing is going to be interesting to say the least. Think joggers plus dressing gown and bed socks. Strong look. I am banking on us not going out much. 

Some of my food :) yum yum 

So that's me almost ready to go. Passport is located, I'll finish packing Wednesday and hopefully will tie everything up at work so I can leave stress free (wishful)! Just the small matter of being pushed off the ice on a tea tray to contend with now. 

Feel not think. I'll keep you posted. 

7 photos that make me smile

Mummy and family, Christmas 2012

So not actually a great photo! We are all looking at different cameras obviously BUT this was the last time we were all together for Christmas. Samantha (second left) my sister was away last Christmas and will be again this year which is sad. We always miss her a lot at Christmas time as our Christmases are very family orientated.

Jayne's 24th birthday - Baywatch fancy dress

I was living in Loughborough at the time and it was July; usually not a time for going out (athletics season!). However, Jayne and I were both injured and a lot of people needed to blow off steam re Olympics and disappointments so we thought fuck it. What a night! The picture is taken in my room which had the front door in and also includes Abi - a pole vaulter and in my training group. She's not usually one for fancy dress (understatement) but she seemed to enjoy Baywatch.

MSc Graduation - Loughborough University, 2012

Yes graduation was a major day. By December 2012 we'd all been through the mill for various reasons. 2011-12 was definitely a testing year for Harriet, Charlotte and I (housemates at the time). So we were just thrilled to be through it but at the same time the realities of job hunting had hit. But I just love this photo because it sums us up perfectly - chaos.

Leopold love

Another Loughborough pic - sorry! No prizes for guessing where I had the most fun! Harriet and I were strangers when we moved into Leopold street. Here we are during one of our infamous pre-drinks at the house not a clue why I am on top of her but in hysterics! And that's why we became and are best friends. 

Athletics comeback with a little (a lot of help from Sarah)

2014 was my comeback. I didn't compete between 2012-13 but with support from my new training group in Edinburgh, coaches, friends and colleagues I entered my first LJ comp in 2 years in January 2014. I don't smile when I think back to the competition; it wasn't great. But I like this photo because it is Sarah and I both disgruntled with our performances that day just having a little 'we're fed up moment' and it was hilariously caught on camera.

Charlotte's wedding summer 2014

Charlotte is one of my oldest friends. She and I went to the same school from the age of 11. We also had the same first job and were basically part of each others families. She has far too many stories to tell about me - all that are hilarious; at my expense. Anyway she married her 'fit boy Luke' this summer and it was just such a beautiful ceremony, celebration and day. I could not have been happier for them. In the picture are all the girls from school that were there and honestly it was like we had never left. Old friends are the best.

Daddy and family: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo August 2014

My dad brought my two youngest brothers up during the summer and this was a selfie we took just before the heavens opened and we got drenched for a solid hour and half! But it was the last night of a really great week with them so it always puts a big smile on my face.

So, there you are. I was asked to select 5 photos that made me happy. 7 was the minimum I managed. And I could probably pick 50 and still want more. Family and friends is the unofficial theme - I am a people person and will never get the same satisfaction from anything material compared to good times with people. And these lot mean everything to me. But of course I haven't managed to get everyone important in - it was an impossible task. So take 10 minutes and have a look through your snaps - free smiles for you!

FOMO

FOMO...
I only heard this acronym a few months ago. It means fear of missing out.

fomo

"fear of missing out". The fear that if you miss a party or event you will miss out on something great

Even though he was exhausted, John's fomo got the best of him and he went to the party.

Urban dictionary definition:












Sound familiar? I am a massive culprit of succumbing to fomo. Equally I get anxious and am uncomfortable when I don't have plans. Something that no doubts contributes to my susceptibility to fomo when something is on.

Where has this come from? This inability to say no to an event when you know you have to prioritise something else? Or feeling like we have to be constantly busy and have jam packed social schedules.

For me? Well I like to be busy. Ask anyone that knows me. My mum and nans in particular are constantly begging me to slow down and make sure I relax take some down time. But I don't. I genuinely like being on the go 24/7 and actually am not very good at all at just stopping and doing nothing. And I don't think I am alone. A normal week for me is 7/8 am starts and 7/8 pm finishes which includes driving 90 ish miles most days, working and then training. That's Monday to Friday. Sometimes I'll have social commitments after training too e.g. birthdays or seeing friends/boyfriend. So you'd think I might take the weekend to recuperate because to be honest it is relentless.

Oh no. Weekends are for fun! My past 4 weekends have been either away (which really does take it out of me) or spent in Edinburgh with said friends. Last weekend in particular was heavy - a double birthday celebration and I had several people staying at mine. I really feel it on a Monday and then by Thursday I'm shattered as I haven't been able to switch off at all. But at the same time the thought of doing nothing one Saturday does not appeal to me in the slightest. Life is for living right?

And I think this is where is starts for me anyway. The fomo and the inability to stop. I don't want to get to 30 or 40 and wonder what I spent my 20's and 30's doing. I really believe that life changes when you get a serious partner and kids (especially kids) and whilst I have no plans for either of those things I hope one day it will happen and I will embrace the change because I have lived my single/irresponsible life with satisfaction. I think this is magnified in me because I have a paranoia that because I spent my teens and Uni years thinking I was 'an athlete' (not a bad thing) but it meant that and to be honest still means that a good deal of my time is committed to training and a competitive season. So no travels over summer, minimal (?!) nights out, eating well, surrounding yourself with like minded people possibly restricting your experiences. It isn't your typical existence - but to be honest knowing typical 20 year olds that was never going to be me anyway!

However, one thing I and I am sure plenty of other people cannot deny is the inevitable slump/emotional breakdown at some point or another when you have this sort of lifestyle. For me it can be triggered by having no milk when I need a cup of tea, or when coach is critical of a technique in the gym (you know who you are!), or really bad traffic. An event of small importance leads to an instant breakdown, tears, and me seeking a cuddle! When this happens I know I HAVE TO STOP. And usually I do - my housemate used to make sure of it. She probably knew when it was coming too (sorry T Dog). If only I had less fomo and a greater ability to preempt when I am near my limits. Well it is coming actually. Usually one to train, train, train and not miss an exercise I recognised this week that I was near to my tipping point and to the absolute shock of my coach and training partner agreed to miss out part of Thursday's session! Progress. I still had fomo though - just the training guilt variety.

And this weekend, I have no plans. Well actually that's a lie. I had no plans as of last night (Friday). I now do but it's pretty low key - rugby, fireworks, training, lunch (I promise that's low key for me). I understand the importance of rest and recovery; I spent much of my job persuading athletes that it is OK to rest and that recovery is paramount. But of course taking my own advice is too hard! The thing is we are not computers, we do not have a constant power supply. We need like batteries to recharge and then go again (preferably not to flat). Life is a constant stream of temptation (well if you live in Edinburgh anyway) but we would probably all do well to say no once in a while - because missing one event is not going to be the end of the world - there will be others (I am going to try to remember that when Christmas party season comes around). I know I for one am a much nicer, less grumpy person when I have slept properly for a few nights as opposed to not. It isn't rocket science. So I am going to try to look after myself - for my own sake and others'. It's a lesson I am sure a lot of people would benefit from - maybe a new years resolution to bear in mind?! 2015 - a new relaxed you?

SAY NO TO FOMO
(haha sorry that just came to me)

Countdown to Lillehammer

2 weeks, 2 days.

My ticket arrived today!! And my birthday has passed so the next big thing on my radar is Lillehammer on the 20th November.

Amongst other things to do in prep e.g. get time off work (minor) I need to get a load of warm weather/ski gear for the trip. Unfortunately I have never been skiing so don't own anything that might be useful. Luckily, I have a training partner who is ex bobsleigh so she has started to kit me out.

Gill (ex bobsleigh) also brought me the most thoughtful gift for my birthday! And here it is.....

Skeleton Survival Kit!

From left to right

1. Shampoo and conditioner to wash the day out of my hair

2. Hydration sachets as despite the cold we are going to sweat bucket loads

3. Plasters for when I am battered and bruised

4. Kendall mint cake for when I am getting hangry

5. Emergency tea for when it all gets too much

6. Emergency clothes cleaning wipes for when I miss the wash run

7. Table game for when we need to unwind and forget about corner 13

So I am pretty much prepped. Sprint training has stepped up; I am no longer allowed to do 50 s runs. I've been lifting for the past few weeks, enjoying being back under the bar in lifting shoes.The rest of my group start jumping this week but I am sticking to hills and sleds. I also have some plans to do some mental preparations. Time will fly and before I know it I will be at corner 3 in Lillehammer head first facing down the track ready to be pushed off! Who knows how it will go - well I hope. But for now it's all about the prep.

The curse of the mobile phone

Recently I have found myself getting annoyed with the amount of time people (including myself) spend staring in to their mobile phone screen. So I am going to have a moan about it!

You wouldn't read a book or magazine in someone else's company so why is it now acceptable to scroll through your Twitter timeline when spending time with another person? I think it is rude and whilst I am 100% a culprit of spending too much time on my phone I like to think that I do not use it excessively when in someone else's company.

Don't get me wrong. If you've got to answer a call or reply to a text that isn't the end of the world. But I notice that this isn't the case. I spend time with plenty of people who ignore you in favour of social media/Whatsapp/Tinder/Vine. How sad is that? Are we all now so consumed with the quite frankly bullshit people post online (I know I do) that we lose perspective on life, spending less and less time interacting with actual human beings?! Now here is when I start to sound old (I turned 26 on Saturday) but it is a much bigger issue with younger people (I'm crying inside that I no longer count as one of them). A constant attachment to the end of their arm; it's like it would be the end of the world if they missed a tweet/status update/instagram post! And what does any of it matter?

This leads me on to my next rant.... social media embellishment! The thing is what people are obsessing over isn't even a true reflection of life. Take my sister for example (sorry Samantha) but she is one of the worst for this. She has been travelling for the past who knows how long and when she's off 'gallavanting' e.g. sky diving, bungee jumping, trekking, partying you cannot get away from her on social media. Recently however, it has been quiet - no action in comparison. And the reason why? She's got  a job because she ran out of money - it's not glamorous so we don't get it plastered over social media. But she is doing what she needs to to get to the next part of her trip - so  fair play.

Anyway back to mobile phones... I think it reflects the pace we live life at today. I mean if you don't look at Twitter for a day you've potentially missed 500 million tweets (that's how many are sent a day!). Imagine what you'd miss in an hour - still a huge amount. Breaking news, celebrity beef, sports results, music announcements, competitions, scientific breakthroughs, pertinent research findings! They are all being announced more and more via Twitter. I often claim that everything I know about 'what is happening in the World' is via Twitter and I am not lying; I don't watch the news or read newspapers. I get it. It is incredible what a platform social media can be.

BUT DON'T PERSISTENTLY USE IT IN THE PRESENCE OF ACTUAL HUMAN BEINGS.

One of my biggest hates is online videos. Think Vine or Facebook. Where does the need come from that requires someone to catch up on the videos from the day? They do not (in the most part) educate, inform or affect someone for the better. They are entertaining (to a certain audience), yes. But oh my word what a waste of time! Why not spend some time engaging with the person sat next to you? Oh wait it's your girl/boyfriend, even 'just' a friend, or your mum, sister? Well I am sure they would appreciate some interaction because that's what we thrive on. There is always a lot of chat about whether or not the art of conversation is a lost art; I believe so. Not in the sense of 'why don't we all chat on the tube instead of staring at our phones' but in terms of being able to sit around a table or on a sofa and hold an engaging conversation.

You see it the most in children; sadly I see it in my younger brothers. No longer out 'playing', climbing trees or pretending to be horses (yes I was a weird kid), kids sit engrossed in a screen not talking to one another (if there is even anyone there). I'm sounding old again but I don't care. Child obesity is a MASSIVE (excuse the pun) issue. And it is not all about the price of fruit and veg because I ate a lot of crap as a kid as I was stick thin, my knees the biggest part of my legs! But I played everyday - out and about not sat on my bottom. I also chatted with my friends about boys, sex, worries, school etc. rather than turning to my phone for answers. We grew up together. A far healthier way to grow up wouldn't you agree?

Could this be why depression, stress or anxiety is on the rise? Probably not - there are bigger issues in the World today that affect mental health but can it be healthy to constantly feel the need to appear better than you are on social media? Or feel that your life is inferior compared to Mrs. next door who has put her cruise pictures online whilst you worry about paying the next electricity bill. And how about the husband/wife that sits on their phone instead of cooking you a meal or chatting about a TV show that it on? How does that foster a happy marriage? In my opinion it cannot. Probably the opposite - sexting anyone? Jealousy, resentment, anger can fester from the smallest things.
Wow what a tangent.

Technology is scary. And it will continue to grow at an exponential rate; we cannot do anything about it. And to be honest I don't think we should - it is an amazing thing. Imagine the iPhone not existing? What would you do if lost with no one to help? You can check the weather or Google at the smallest touch, run your calendar and emails without a laptop/diary or catch up on that X factor performance you missed at the weekend. It is convenience and it is ok. I just think we need to remember (and in all aspects of life) that people are what matter. Real, tangible people that we can touch, love and share experiences with. That cannot and does not compare to anything on social media. I mean without people what pictures would we insta? Who would we tweet? We've just got to not lose sight of the people in life. I tweeted probably a thousand times over the weekend. It was my birthday and I'd been excited about it so naturally I expressed this on social media. But at the centre of my excitement and what I was expressing was the occasion that meant I was seeing ALOT of my favorite people, some of whom I do not always see very often. People matter. And I had a great weekend spending time with them (as you can see on SM!).

So if you're reading this on your phone or tablet right now put it down (I won't be offended) and ask the person next to you how they are, how their day has been, or what they think about the Geordie Shore episode that is currently on TV!

And next time you're out to dinner put the phones in a pile on the table. First one to reach out pays the bill!