*Daily camp diary*

Arrival at Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Lake Placid, NY.

Trevor Christie, our assistant coach, drove to the Albany airport to pick up myself, Babs Isak, 2002 Olympic gold medalist Tristan Gale, and speed/strength training coach Bob King. We were entertained by Bob's Sting CD for the 2 1/2 hour ride to the Olympic Training Center (OTC), and bonded over past memories. We arrived at the OTC at approximately 11:15 PM. Babs and Katie Koczynski were my roomates.

September 18, 2002-

9:30 AM-10:30 AM, push training

This is my first day of push training on the push track. I was nervous for my first run, but was quickly reassured by our awesome coaching from Trevor and Bob. After my first run, we focused on placing my first step behind the sled and cycling my legs. Concentration was also on keeping my head down. Times for my pushes are as follows: 6.419, 6.417, 6.366, 6.440, 6.387.

3:30 PM-5:00 PM, video review of push training at OTC

After watching the video, we saw that I am dropping my left heel when I run. This is my homework for tomorrow: keep on my toes.

8:00PM-Meet with sport psychologist, Kirsten Peterson, Ph.D., hired by the United States Olympic Committee

One word: phenomenal. Kirsten and I worked through a lot of anxieties I have about competition and breaking down the pressure. After an hour with Kirsten, we decided on a goal for the following day's training. I would not look at my times during training, but would instead concentrate only on technique and enjoying the experience of learning.

September 19, 2002-

9:30 AM-10:30 AM, push training

Success! Even though skeleton is an individual sport, we work together as a team during training. There are 12 people in my group and 2 coaches, so there are 13 pairs of eyes watching your training runs. I concentated on keeping on my toes, and I refused to look at my times, with Kirsten's help of covering the score sheet.

2:30 PM- 3:30PM, group sport psychology meeting with Kirsten

We discussed: focusing challenges in skeleton; developing your own eye in the storm; strategies for optimizing focus such as being self-aware, knowing your job, having an image and effetive self-talk. I also had the opportunity to speak with Kirsten shortly before the meeting to get general feed back from that morning's training. Her repsonse: you did better.

3:30 PM- 5:00 PM, video review of push training at OTC

Today we looked at my load. I am locking my left leg before I load instead of extending it in a full stride. Homework for tomorrow: try jumping over the sled at the load and extend.

7:00 PM, team meeting at OTC

The team meeting was to discuss new programs, funding and sponsorship issues and for any athlete to express their concerns. New coaches also had an opportunity to introduce themselves and share what they felt they could bring to the table to keep the USA on top of the world in skeleton.

September 20, 2002-

6:25 AM, Drug testing

9:30 AM-10:30 AM, push training

Training went well again this morning. Each day I am knocking a tenth off from my times, and the coaching staff is amazing. I am feeling extremely sore today from the training, but am still feeling strong.

3:00 PM, 4-item test in Lake Placid at the horsegrounds

The 4-item test consists of: 30 meter standing sprint, 30 meter fly sprint, vertical jump, and 5 consecutive hops.

7:00 PM-8:30 PM, video review of push training at OTC

I am actually holding myself up with my arms too long at the load. My running stride looks good, and I just need to remain calm for tomorrow's competition.

September 21, 2002-

9:30 AM-12:30 AM, USA NATIONAL PUSH COMPETITION

I arrived at the push track at 8:45 AM. This gave me the appropriate time to warm up and focus myself. Each athlete is given three runs; one run in each of three heats. The results are as follows:

Name: Heat 1, Heat2, Heat3, Average

Lebeau Alison: 5.881, 5.807, 5.875, 5.841

Gale Tristan: 5.886, 5.908, 5.974, 5.897

Koczynski Katie: 5.976, 6.003, ----, 5.989

Peterson Lyndsie: 6.276, 6.322, 6.267, 6.271

Bird Amanda: 6.319, 6.274, 6.294, 6.284

Isak Babs: 6.291, 6.283, 6.353, 6.287

Arnone Wendy: 6.420, 6.438, 6.525, 6.428

Barton Jody: 6.574, 6.559, 6.512, 6.535

Wolfe Sunni: 6.625, 6.592, 6.565, 6.578

I was extremely pleased with my performance. With only 4 days of training, I felt I had improved a lot and produced my best times when it mattered. I am excited about the season beginning in 4 weeks, and know I will be stronger than ever.

3:00 PM-8:00 PM video review and team cook-out