DAY 1 of US training Camp

The faithful day arrived in March where I was packing my stuff to go to US training center to see if I could be one of the few and the proud to make it to the team.  The ticket was bought and I had a list of supplies that they gave to me that I happily ran to my local Sports Authority to buy.  A couple pairs of slider pants, some elbow pads, knee pads, some extra shorts, a yoga mat and duct tape.  Now everything on the list sounded like something you would need BUT the yoga mat and duct tape.  I was very curious to find out what I was going to use that for, but I thought perhaps I misunderstood them.  Oh well at least I would have it just in case

It took me the whole evening to pack all my stuff. I had piles of things lying around me and I kept trying to stay organize.  I could only bring one bag because these airlines are charging an arm and a leg to bring a second bag and besides I was only going to be gone a week right?  After packing and repacking I was satisfied with what I had and was ready to go for the next day. 

Upon my arrival to the Albany airport, I realized that after packing all day I did not pack ANY of my shorts.  I was panicking and the one person I knew would be up would be Michelle.  She said she would overnight my shorts and I should have them really soon.  Thank god for having someone at home ready to ship things when I need them.

Once I had my nerves settled I sat and waited for the other people who were trying out to arrive.  The airport was quite small however, I knew immediately who they were; Large Amazon looking woman walking toward me with a huge grin. These people without a doubt were going to be on the one way stop to Lake Placid.  They all seemed super tall compared to my 5’4 statured. 

Out of nowhere a voice on the intercom was announcing where we needed to go.  “Will the athletes waiting for the Olympic Training please meet in the baggage claim.”  You could hear a pin drop at the airport as everyone turned to stare at our athletic group of people.  I could tell you I felt like I was one of the famous people that people didn’t know their name.  All I could do was follow my group to the next location.

Once we arrived at the center they processed us and gave us our credentials.  You needed to have a badge at all times while at the center.  I was on my way to seeing if this was what I really wanted to do. 

The Layout was like a school dorm where there three people to a room. It was equipped with a private bathroom some closet space and a twin size bed.  It was connected to a living room which sported a flat screen TV and several couches.  They of course had a large gym adorned with Olympic rings and varies gym equipment for the athletes staying there.  Cardio room was open 24 hours just in case you cannot sleep and wanted to keep working on your Olympic dream in the middle of the night.

The night ended with a few meetings with the Bobsled and Skeleton Coach speaking about the training program.  They also and setup the expectation of our training for the next several days.  Today was ours to relax and PREPARE for what was next.