This is the earliest I have been back in Lake Placid for pre-season training.  Even though I was usually home in NJ longer, I started my training there before arriving to the OTC so that I could work longer at my previous job to build funds for the upcoming season.  My old strength and conditioning coach, Jason Hartman, worked for the USOC at the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center and helped train approx 10 Olympians whom competed in Vancouver, 5 specific to Bobsled and few athlete who just missed qualifying for the games.  He received an opportunity to work with military special force units in TN and thought it was best for him and his future family to move on.  After his resignation announcement the USOC immediately started looking for a replacement, someone able to match
successful results with hopes to even surpass them.  I was slightly concerned when Jason announced his resignation as it was middle of the season for bobsled and I was worried about changing to another program half way, what the result would be and how my body would react.  I worked well with Jason and trusted a lot of his expertise and philosophy of training.  The USOC hired Brad Deweese, whom has worked with USA Track and Field, USA Canoe and Kayak, various elite athletes and has a resume filled to the gills of different degrees, research projects, conferences, successful athlete results and more.  I was fortunate enough to be in Lake Placid training when he came up for a visit of the facilities, to meet with some athletes and administrators.  After engaging conversation with him, I learned so much off the bat.  He explained his background, some of his training philosophies, goals, etc.  I knew that I could trust him as a coach and could potentially do really well under his coaching.  

Lots of new things are happening around the dynamics of my sport.  Today was the official announcement of our new Head Women’s Bobsled Coach, Todd Hays.  Todd is a 3-time Winter Olympian, 2002 Silver Medalist, regarded as one of the best bobsled pilots of all time.  Todd retired after the 2006 Torino Olympic Games, but shortly the bobsled bug bit him again, my first year sliding (2007-2008 season, only one year after he announced his retirement), Todd decided to get back into the driver’s seat and give it one more shot for the 2010 Vancouver Games.  As a teammate he brought a wealth of knowledge, great moral, and support to all athletes on all levels (Development through Elite). Unfortunately during some qualifying races for the Olympic Games, Todd suffered a head injury during a crash and was forced into early retirement.  After his injury subsided he continued having an active role with the team and helped Mike Kohn qualify as the USA3 sled at the games, keeping Team USA as one of the top nations in Bobsled.  Todd ended up joining forces with the Netherlands Team last season and helped coach their Women’s Bobsled Team to their top finishes of their career. Now back on home soil, it is a true honor and privilege to have Todd join the rest of our coaching staff and I really look forward to working with him.  Lots of new changes for the USA Bobsled world, but an exciting time and great things to come of it.  So here I am back in Lake Placid at the same old Olympic Training Center with a new outlook on all that needs to be accomplished during the remainder of the quad, a new strength and conditioning coach, a new bobsled head coach…. A plan that is ready to make it happen in Sochi 2014.  Happy Training!

 Check out the full press release about our New Women’s Bobsled Head Coach below… 

http://bobsled.teamusa.org/news/2011/05/27/todd-hays-hired-as-womens-bobsled-head-coach/42524?ngb_id=23

So after my last race of the season in Lake Placid, NY, I was quite anxious to finish packing the sleds, my room at the OTC (they needed us to pack our belongings up and put in storage so they could do some revamping and move in new full size beds for the resident athletes).  After the races and celebrating with my teammates and international bobsled friends, I fell extremely ill.  I haven’t felt that sick and week since I came down with the plague my freshman year of college.  Our sports med office was closed for the weekend so I tried to stay hydrated and sleep as much as possible thinking I was just burnt out from and emotional and long season.  Once Monday came I did not feel any better and immediately went to sports med during their regular hours.  Got the typical assessment, temperature, glands check, strep test, a listen of the lungs and was given some over the counter medicine while being told to check in later in the day and the next morning.  Despite all the rest and sleep I was doing along with some medicine I was not feeling any better.  Saw the OTC doctor and was diagnosed with walking pneumonia possibly conjuction with bronchitis.  AWESOME! I thought.  Well since my mom is a recent heart surgery patient as well as already has a weaker immune system to the average population, I figured I would call her and let her know my diagnosis and figure out a plan to remain from getting her sick since I was on my way home in a day.  It was also my mom’s second day back at work since her quadruple bypass surgery.  By 6pm that evening I was getting calls and text from a dear family friend, when I was able to get back to them, the news was that my mom had suffered a stroke shortly after returning home from work and my sister called 911.  Devastated as expected, I was once again feeling helpless being so far from my family.  I decided since I was so sick myself that it made more sense to finish packing that night and leave the following day as planned since I would not be allowed to visit my mom in both our current conditions. 
After driving home which seemed more like a 20 hour drive rather than 4.5, I collapsed on the couch from mental and physical exhaustion.  I refrained from visiting my mom in the hospital over the course of her stay to make sure I did not contribute to any further health risks while her doctors were running test and treating her.  I recovered from being sick in about a week but was still very exhausted and week.  My mom arrived home within 5 days of her initial admittance to the hospital and finally I was home with my family.  I planned on being home for a month and during this month my main goals were to spend time with my younger sister and Mom, help with some construction projects around our house, SLEEP, catch up with other family/friends, SLEEP, organize what I needed for summer training and the upcoming season, SLEEP, finish my first semester of grad school strong, oh and did I mention SLEEP.  Basically my main goal was to rest and recover as much as possible while the other activities were fillers lol.  Due to my mom’s health issue, I needed to take over the “head of the household” role, which to tell you the truth was a
little overwhelming at first but then the positive was I got to be BOSS!  I did not take any leniency on bossing my mom around, haha.  The month at home was filled with lots of “running“around.  Taking my mom to different doctor
appointments, rehab and follow ups as well as doing daily errands to maintain the household, ya know “grown up folks” things that need to be done.  I also managed to stay out of a weight room, not the gym completely but
venture into some “fun” workout activities as I categorize them, such as hot yoga, kick boxing and p90x for a good laugh.  Spending time with my little sister was a treat since there is such a big age gap between us (8 years, 11 months, 16 days and apprx 6 hours to be exact.)  She taught be some things about the new generation of youth and got be up to date with some music and style as she says.  I flew down Atlanta, GA (ATL) to visit my teammate Elana Meyers (2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist brakeman turned bobsled pilot) for an adventure up the east.  She has been talking up the south to me for years/months and this stubborn yankee argued nail and tooth reppin the North East. 
Her family recently moved to a gorgeous new home in the outskirts of the city in a town called Douglassville. 
I got to experience some southern royalities, mostly desserts due to Elana and my love of sweets, play a basketball game against some local 5th graders for a school event, see some ATL night life and experience why Atlanta’s
nickname is HOTlanta. Elana was graduating from George Washington University in DC in a week and also wanted to drive her car up to Lake Placid for summer training.  We figured why not make a mini road trip of it and brake up the extremely long driving travel.  We stuffed Elana’s mini Toyota Yaris to the roof and trecked our way to Washington, D.C (Capital of the U S of A).  This was a treat as I had not been to DC in a very long time and new of some friends I could see around that area that I haven’t seen as well.  We were staying in a hotel right next to Dupont Circle annnnnnnnnnd a Krispy Kreme (lots of will power for those 4 days to not eat the place empty). While Elana had to fill some Grad School obligations during the day, I went venturing through parts of DC and did some sightseeing.  It was great to see the monuments again, especially ones that are photographed and printed so regularly marking momentus parts of our history as a nation and a people. I felt this overwhelming spirit of patriotism everyday and thought of how lucky I am and thankful I am to all the men and women who did and do serve!  I was able to revisit the White House (Obama was out of town so had to cancel out tea time lunch ;-) ), the Lincoln
Memorial (a place where many have made speeches, riots, proclamations and testimonies), the Washington Monument and the Vietnam War Memorial Wall (paying respect to my mother’s cousin whom lost his life at such a young age after enlisting and serving during the Vietnam War.).  On the last day while in our nation’s capital,  Elana and I celebrated  her final horray as she complete grade school a long journey for her with lots of obtisticals but none the less accomplished with success.  We also took some pictures around the city with a flag from Atlanta Children’s Hospital. Elana with them and supporting a campaign for “Donate Life”, which supports organ transplant for children. After an exhausting few days for Elana and lots of walking around for me, we packed up in the car again to drive to my home in NJ for a few days to finish packing my things, a last bit of fun with my family and last minute errands.  My mom has kept a great positive attitude throughout her life despite some horrible horrible circumstances. 
She has been knocked down quite a few times and recently it seems that before she barely gets square on her feet to catch her balance the rug is pulled out from under her again.  This small health battle she is experiencing is only another victory of perseverance and strength she can add to her conquered list.  That being said it was hilarious having Elana see my families “true colors.”  She has met my mom and sister briefly but to full on hang out with them
throughout the course of a day is a whole other ball game.  As Elana stated, “Your mom and sister are a trip. 
Too funny!” and “Now this explains a lot about you.” Haha.  Elana and I share in common our family heritage from Jamaica but she has not experienced a lot of the traditional meals and culture.  My mom and I took her downtown to pick up some Jamacian specialties and show her some things.  She had a Jamaican patty and cocoa bread, Jamaican kola, coconut dessert, red snapper fresh from the fish market and more.  Once again Elana and I packed our stuff, this time driving separately and drove up to Lake Placid.  Man was it a treat to head into our room, the same room we had last year where the OTC revamped it with new paint, new carpet, new full size beds and furniture. Although this break had its hectic moments, scary moments and a lot of the rest and recovery felt more like “active recovery” as coaches say, it was awesome all around.  Now back in the training center with a fresh start to the new season and continuing building through the Olympic quad to Sochi 2014.

WOAH…. It has really been a while since I updated my blog.  A million apologies for the neglect in updating.  The second half of season, starting after the Christmas holiday, has needless to say been extremely eventful with highs and lows, wins and losses, and personal perseverance.  I have had some personal struggles on and off the ice, but at the end of the day I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have had this season, the places I have gone,
the people I have met, the people continually believing in me and supporting me and the strength I have had to continue to strive forward and push on.  Let me recap the second half of season the best I can in detail without making this single blog a novel.  After Christmas, I made the decision to head back to Lake Placid, NY a
little earlier than scheduled.  I thought it was best to get back into the training environment as well as beat the snow storm weather mixes that were brewing in the North East prior to the first race of the second half which was on home turf in Lake Placid.  The day after Christmas my hometown in NJ was slammed with 2ft + of snow in a 24 hr period.  Let’s just say shoveling was my first workout after holiday rest and feasting and I did not want to get snowed in again or experience trouble traveling. 
 
A good friend of mine, Australian Bobsled Pilot, Heath Spence, was also in Lake Placid training and getting prepared for the  America’s Cup (AC) race that would be taking place right after the New Year.  We trained together for over a week until my teammates and other international teams started arriving for international training and the AC race.  Elana Meyers, my teammate, roommate and 2010 Olympic Bronze medalist interned with ORDA (Olympic Regional Development Association) whom runs and organizes the Olympic venues and events in the Adirondacks.  She worked really hard this summer reaching out to universities, colleges, national sports teams, etc. across the country to spread the word about bobsled and how Team USA is looking for the next Olympic Hopeful.  I helped assist her with some recruiting efforts and during the international training week prior to the AC race in January, we had three new recruit prospects hike up to Lake Placid to give it a go and potentially have the opportunity to race in the Lake Placid America’s Cup as well as Calgary.  These girls were troopers, from experiencing motion sickness, crashing in training, having to watch their weight for race day, push training in the snow and more.  Unfortunately one of the new recruits had a mishap at the push track while learning and practicing how to push and got injured.  Her injury was not serious but she was not able to train or race for 2 weeks at the least.  She headed home with the intent and optimism to come back later in the season during spring training and give it another try.  This was just the start of what seemed like a continuous spiral downhill of bad luck.  After international training week was  finished, we had the weekend off to recoup, prepare and figure out our race week schedule.  We found out that the women of Team Russia would not be racing in the AC and Canada only brought 2  competing teams not 3.  According to FIBT rules, you need at least 4 sleds to have an international race, 5 sleds from 3 different nations for that race to accrue half points, and more than 10 sleds for full points.  At this point in time we had 2 USA and 2 Canadian sleds entered in the women’s race.  This meant a very small competitive field as well as potential for no points to be distributed.  This was extremely disappointing and frustrating as my world ranking at the time was within the top 20 and due to competing on the AC tour I was already disadvantaged as most races are only half points compared to other pilots racing on tours that have full points.  Also it was already a struggle recruiting athletes to race second half of season (we had 2 brakeman athletes not return for personal reasons second half of season).  We called in a favor from a recently retired pilot, Lake Placid local and good friend, Phoebe Burns.  We asked if she would renew her bobsled pilot license and be our 5th sled in the race so that there was an opportunity for points if the officials waved the 3 nation rule.  She agreed as well as the officials.  The Saturday before official race training began, I received a message from my younger sister.  I messaged her earlier in the day to simply tell her I loved and missed
her.  She replied and later in the day sent me another message to call my mom, “Something is wrong with her!!”  I did not get the message right away and when I checked it, it was about 45 minutes from when she sent it.  Long story short, my mom suffered a heart attack, my sister slept over a friend’s house and had to call 911 while
there.  My mom was rushed to the hospital and once stable transferred to a hospital her Dr. operates out of and
that specializes in cardiac health.  I was devastated.  I did not know the details of my mom’s condition, I spoke with the paramedic briefly and was unsure of the next steps I needed to do. I have a 16 year old younger sister whom
needs guidance and help, we have a small dog at home needing to be cared for, I am 5 hours driving distance from my home and all I can think about is how important my family is to me.  Without them, who I am is not complete; who I have become would not have been possible. After discussing more details throughout the day with two family friends that rushed to aid during this time, I decided that I was driving home that night.  I knew my mom was going to be upset about my decision, she has always told me “not to worry focus on training and competing, things will be handled and taken care of as needed.”  The strongest person I know always putting herself last for others. 
Official training for the race started Monday and race days were Friday and Saturday.  I knew I was going
to stay home as much as needed and after seeing my mom as well as speaking with her doctors; the news did not seem so good.  I informed my coaches and teammates that the possibility of me returning to competition for the remainder of the season was a high possibility.  My mom has always said that she never wanted anything to stand in front of me from pursuing my dreams and that included herself.  My mom ended up having quadruple bypass
open heart surgery. Based on how well the surgery went and her wishes for me to get back on the ice, I drop back
and forth from LP to NJ all week between training, racing and being with her in the hospital.  I finished the races with a double gold performance and was able to share the wins by bringing my Mom home from the hospital. 

Next races on the list were Calgary, Canada.  Due to some athletes opting to not continue the season with the women’s team as well as needing more brakeman athletes touring with the team as alternates in Europe, I was left with very little hope of finding a person, let alone a person who can put their life on hold for a week or two with very little notice to push a bobsled for the first time ever and race. Fortunately a potential athlete that tried bobsled in early January contact many friends, teammates and previous teammates whom might be remotely interested in the opportunity. Fortunately Lauren Walters, previously a Team USA Handball player and resident of Hawaii jumped on the opportunity with excitement and an open mind.  Lauren flew up to Calgary from Hawaii meeting me there the day before official training. After a quick introduction to the life of a bobsled athlete on tour, showing her the track, a bobsled and teaching her bobsled pushing 101, we were ready to dominate the week.  To cut down on travel cost we had to make it work with some cramped accommodations but it was all in good company.  First run on race day 1 in Calgary I crashed on the exit of curve 8, sliding alllll the way past the finish line upside down which on the flipside
(no pun intended) worked out for us since we past the finish line with all our equipment and selves in the sled we were able to qualify still for a second run.  We ended up tying for 6th place and getting a medal.  Although disappointed in myself I was super proud of Lauren for having confidence in me and voicing that she came to win, she came to do her best, she came to give her all and that’s what we came to do every time on the hill
without doubts.  Heading into day 2 I was still a little nervous having the crash still in the back of my mind but
cleared my head and had a new found confidence in my abilities and my teammate.  First run again on race
day I had a little bit of an issue on the exit of curve 8 (an area I had no problems with all week in training) but was able to save it navigating to through the next corner.  I did lose a lot of speed with the mistake but was to edge out and move up to 4th place finish the second day.  After what seemed to be the longest 2 weeks of my life emotionally,
physically and mentally, I headed down to Park City, UT to prepare for Junior Worlds.  Again I was in a bind with
a lack of brakeman but this race came with stipulations.  In order to race in the Junior World Championships all members of the team must be under the age of 26.  Another fortunate thing came my way just when I needed it. 
Former teammate TJ Burns messaged me a few weeks earlier with a girl at  the University he coaches whom he thought would be the perfect athlete in my time of need and was interested.  Again Sadie Winship flew out to Park City, UT; I met her for the first time, introduced her to the sport and did what seems to be usual bobsled 101
speech all the day before official race training.  My teammate Elana and I had a few girls whom were interested in bobsled come out to train with us during international training the week prior so I was able to get amble training time in. Sadie and I were at a huge disadvantage this race but were optimistic that the underdogs would hold their own.  This race had 1 Olympian, 2 world cup pilots; many of the pilots had their top brakeman racing.  Despite all the setbacks I was faced with since the start of the new year personally and in the sport I came into the season with a plan, a purpose, goals and I was going to fight till the end with my best efforts giving every day all I had.  Sadie and I finished 7that the Junior World Championships just missing the 6th a medal position.  I was highly disappointed in my performance but at the end of the day I was happy with my efforts and ability to overcome hardship, adversity and adapt to my environment.  After the race I flew back to Lake Placid and drove straight home to NJ to see my mom
again. Her progress from when I left was a 180 and she was well on her way to recovering although the process
will be long and grueling at times.  I returned back to Lake Placid for spring training honing my skills on my
home track where team trials and World Championships will be held this upcoming season.  My teammates and I were also heavily involved in recruiting and had a quite a number of athletes come up to test out the sport.  After 3 weeks of testing different athletes, switching different rookie brakeman in and out of sleds, teaching them
the basics of the sport and introducing them to the wild adventure it was time for the finale of the season and America’s Cup tour.  One race day left, and my body mentally and physically were slowly
shutting down on me with only 2 weeks left to go.  Lots of training modifications had to be made and I had to dig really deep mentally for strength to stay focused and push through.  I was in the lead for the title of America’s Cup Women’s Overall Champion and could potentially move up in World Ranking based on my performance.  Training was going well; I was comfortable navigating down the track and excited to unite again with brakeman Katelyn Kelly whom I had not trained with in months.  After the first run, first through 4thplace was only separated by .18.  I was confident that Katelyn and I could push better and I would have a cleaner to portion of the track.  Second run my push bar decided to break and stayed up the entire ride down.  Not only was this distracting but hindered my speed slowing me down and could have possibly caused serious injury.  Thankfully I was able to navigate the sled well enough to hold my position in fourth and finish safely.  This finished solidified me winning the 2010-2011
America’s Cup Women’s Overall Bobsled Title and completing my first season as a pilot ranked 22nd in the
World.  After completing the last race the international athletes and my teammates all
celebrated with a season hooray before heading to respective
“homes.”

After a pretty intense week training with Olympians, Olympic medalist, and women whom have helped pioneer the sport of Women's Bobsled, the pressure was on as a rookie driver to show off the skills I have learned the first part of the season and present my best efforts against Women's Bobsled elitest for my World Cup debut race held on home turf in Park City, UT.  The first 2 days of training were pretty hectic.  I was holding race offs between 3 rookie world cup brakman for a spot in my sled for the race.  Race offs are held during training and since official training during a race week only allows 2 training runs, the race offs were held over 2 days.  This left the third and last official day of training for the winner to practice form and timing with me before the race.  As the week progressed it seemed the weather was cooperating as the sun was shining, the sun was out and the temperature seemed just right.  Unfortunately the weather forcast predicted a huge drop in the temperature, snow and wind. 

It is a shame how quickly with all the hype of companies, retail sales and consumer buying how caught up people (including myself) can get about materialistic things.  Is it flashy, have a brand name, the hottest thing on the market, owned by everyone or are you the first to invest, the latest technological features, the list can go on.   It also amazes me how many Americans really don't know the actually story behind thanksgiving.  For me, growing up we always did the Garden State parkway drive from exit 153B to 92.  Most of my Mom's immediate family lived at the Jersey Shore.  We spent Thanksgiving at my Aunt Linda's and on rare occasions my Grandparent's house (usually they did Christmas).  I remember doing crazy school projects and being eager for the long weekend to begin where I would get to spend time with my family and friends, eat delicious family traditional treats, and of course argue/embarrass each other.  I remember pestering my Mom the whole ride with, "I'm hungry" or "Are we almost there?" or "I have to go to the bathroom!!! BAD!!!"  Now that I have left the "nest" so to speak by going away to college, having my own apartment for a few years and now travel during the winter training and competing with the USA Bobsled Team, every year during the holiday season these memories give me comfort.  These memories remind me of the simple things in life and whats important at the end of the day. 

After traveling back from Canada to Park City, my teammates and I experienced blizzard and snowy weather for the week.  Training was cancelled one day and we were determined to save Thanksgiving.  Despite being away from family and friends at home we united together with traditions and delicious recipes to celebrate how Thankful we truly are.  Thankful for our health, for the opportunity to participate in sport that we love, to represent the United States on the World's stage, for our family and friends as well as all of our supportors.  The list of amazing things we all have in our lives that we are thankful for can go on.  Below are some pictures and videos to document our preparation and eventful festivities.  I will have you know that USA bobsledders can COOK and EAT!!!  Happy Thanksgiving...

Check out pictures of the great Utah scenery and video of some training!

More updates to come as we enter the America's Cup official training week for races #1 and 2 starting Monday, November 8th.

Check out the 3 tracks I will be navigating and racing on during the 2010-2011 Bobsled Season.  (Click links below)

Lake Placid, NY

Park City, UT

Calgary, Canada

Each track is unique with different challenges pilots must circum to.  Lake Placid has a lot of tricky back to back curves, although it isn't the fastest in the world it is very long and technical.  Park City you can hit mid-high 80mph for the 4man teams, this being a short track, a fast start and smooth first 4 corners is extremely important to carry velocity and speed through the finish.  Although this track is not necessarily the most difficult to navigate and make it down successfully it is very difficult to be fast.  Calgary is the famous track for the Cool Runnings Jamaican Bobsled Team deput to the bobsled world and Winter Olympic Games.  This track has a kriezel, a full 360 degree turn with multiple pressures to control.  This sled having the less speed of the three I will be racing one, I will have the least experience with.  I will let you know how it is in a little over a week   :-)