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.
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