The new snow and ski racing season has kicked off and I've been doing quite a few things that will help me to be ready for my volunteer work at Whistler in February.
My main technical preparation actually started eight years ago when the timing guy for Red Mountain Racers sold me on what a relaxing pastime ski race timing would be. Timing thousands and thousands of runs over those eight years and working three each of World Cup and Nor-Am events over the last couple years has sort of hard-wired my brain for the focused and quick-paced work required in timing. However, it is always good to get in some physical and mental prep for the season, and with this being the Olympic year, I'm committed to making an extra effort.
On November 9, I embarked on "Getting Games Fit", an 12 week exercise program offered by VANOC to all of its workforce. This is a great interactive, customized program that allows us to track our progress in improving our fitness. It's a bonus that I wasn't expecting when I signed on with VANOC!
On November 28th, I performed checks on the hill wiring at Red Mountain with my friend, Alar. As always seems to the case, we found a section where the cable is damaged, so we'll be scheduling an on-hill repair session soon.
Today, I skinned up Granite Mountain (800 m vertical) and had my first turns of the season coming back down. The coverage was good for this time of year, but the snow was variously thick, crusty and downright heinous in spots, so it was a really good workout.
Hoping to get in another ski tour next weekend, and then will head to Panorama to be Chief of Timing for a Nor-Am giant slalom, slalom and super-combined series. THAT will really get me back into timing mode!
