February 13, 2014

Sochi update

The running track around a (partially) frozen pond behind our chalet.
Individual race tomorrow!  I'm looking forward to another chance after feeling good skiing in the pursuit but having a rough first shooting stage.  I've been pretty relaxed racing here, and I think my prior Olympic experience is helping me be more calm about these races.  The beautiful weather and having my family around of course hasn't been hurting, either.  It's been a great Games so far, and there's still more than a week to go!

In case all the snow melts in this warm weather, we're prepared for swimming races.
My family meets the Olympic mascot in the Endurance Village!
Goodnight from Sochi!

February 8, 2014

Let the Games Begin...

The Laura Biathlon Stadium is ready for action!
Opening Ceremonies were last night, and though we weren't able to go we got in the spirit anyway!

Stylish in our Ralph Lauren gear!
Watching the Opening Ceremonies with XC ladies...there in spirit (and in dress)!
Tomorrow is my first race of the 2014 Olympics.  The women's Sprint goes off at 6:30pm local time, 9:30am EST.  I'm bib #74 and psyched to get racing started!  Let the Games begin!

Ski testing at sunset.  This place is BEAUTIFUL!
USA ladies are ready to rock tomorrow. Thanks everyone who helped us along the way, especially the Women's Sports Foundation for the Travel and Training Fund grant that helped us make our Sochi dreams a reality...together as a TEAM!

February 3, 2014

The Final Stretch


In the metaphor that is the Road to Sochi, I'm entering the city limits.  It feels amazing to be here.  So different from Vancouver, yet so much the same!  Some of my first impressions:

-The volunteers are SO helpful.  From helping with luggage to directing us where we need to be, they are always there.  Even just smiling and saying hello, they make the atmosphere fantastic.

-The food is good.  I have to admit, having been to Russia before, I was prepared for some very foreign food.  But the organizing committee has taken their job seriously in welcoming the world, so the dining hall is filled with all kinds of different cuisine.  On top of that, the US Olympic Committee has stocked our chalet with enough peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, applesauce and fruit leather (among other things) to feed an army.  So if the apocalypse comes at some point during the next three weeks, we'll be all set up here in the Endurance Village!
No going hungry here. Thanks USOC!
-The trails are great, and the venue is beautiful.  While some set-up is still happening, the Olympic atmosphere can be felt in full force.  It's great.

View of the range.  Welcome to the Olympics!!
It hasn't hurt things that the weather was beautiful today and the mountains make for great backdrop to the Laura venue.  I'm looking forward to the next three weeks in the Endurance Village...it should be an awesome time!

Also...for any of you who were excited to hear about this from last year:

They've fixed the issue.  Much better!