Time to slide: What's in my bag?

After a successful week of pushing on ice in Sigulda it is time for the real thing! Sigulda was great because it gave us the chance to get used to the ice in less stressful environment and the chance to practise our routines. It also put our bodies through their paces and hopefully prepared them somewhat for sliding. Safe to say there were some very sore days. 

We left Sigulda for Lillehammer on Friday and have spent the weekend preparing to slide. But what does that mean? First up, unpack the two vans that our coaches drove here. Get all the sleds and tools out, not to mention our baggage! I have 40 kg of luggage and we have one wardrobe between us in our cabin! 

Next up sled work... not one of my favourite aspects of skeleton last year but now I know a little bit more about skeleton and the sleds I actually enjoyed getting my sled checked and fitted so that it is ready to go. After lunch we went on a track walk. This is when the fact that I am going to slide soon hit home. Information overload describes it best! Feeling a little stressed and scared I swiftly got the kettle on when we got home.

Today, however is better. I have spent time working through the track in my head and on my sled. We have been to the track to watch some Luge athletes training to get an idea of the speeds and have gotten everything ready for tomorrow. I feel much better prepared and somewhat calmer. The idea is that once this blog is finished I can switch off from skeleton for the rest of the evening; aided most ably by X factor!

All set for a practise run!

I've decided I am going to try and blog at least once a week; on a Sunday. It is our day off so I can get a blog written guilt free and share the weeks goings on/gossip/stories/dramas. So up first.. what is in my sliding bag for tomorrow...

Helmet and Spikes! Can't slide without these!

Race suit and note book for post slide notes!

Yoga mat and tubigrip. This is how I pad my bony bits!

Tools to set my 'rock' - the bow in the runners. I am still a little bit obsessed with my new tool bag :)

Down bag clothes! It is cold at the bottom! Bobble hat optional :)

Snacks! Not optional. Yes they are sweets in the lunch box!

Can't forget the sled!! C'mon no.6!!!

So there you are. We don't travel light. But it all makes for a more comfortable and successful training session.

See you on the other side ;)