Post by sk8er on Dec 16, 2009 21:01:32 GMT -5
Here's Allison's latest post. I am SO keeping this young woman in my prayers. I don't know anyone on the ST team who has come back from so many injuries, so many disappointments At 29 she is undoubtedly skating her last Olympics. I'm rootin' and tootin' for you girl! ;D ;D
12.14.2009 - Officially Vancouver Bound!
It's official!
I was able to officially qualify to compete at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver in the 1000m, 1500m and Ladies 3000m Relay! I am so thankful!
Thank you God, and everyone, for helping me make this happen.
We won a silver medal in the Ladies 3000m Relay! The past two World Cups were Olympic qualifiers. They qualified our country to compete at the Olympics in Vancouver. It is a unique event -- it doesn't only matter how you do, but whether or not your country can take part in the Games.
If something happens -- like a fall or a disqualification -- which is common in short track, there's a possibility that you, or someone else, or your country could not skate at the Olympics!
There are more countries at this event than at the Olympics and nearly three times the number of competitors that will have the opportunity to race for a medal at the Olympics.
Only 32 ladies and men per distance will race in Vancouver and only eight countries in the relay. I will be one of those skaters!
It was interesting in the locker room in that one skater said, "my dreams of racing in the Olympics are already shattered," as he headed into one of his last races. There's a lot of pressure. Too much to explain. But amazing pride for the United States once the competition was over. After A LOT of hard work, WE (the U.S.) are going to Vancouver!
Thank you Penske Truck Rental for your support!
After the World Cups we had four days off from training. Well everyone else did!
Me, I had to focus on rehab and specific training in Colorado Springs, and I'm totally not complaining. I did not take a rest day. Instead, I did rehab and lifted with Sheryl Haworth, Olympic bronze medalist and over 10 time national champion USA weightlifter. That was fun and a nice break from the Olympic qualifiers!
Not being able to prepare for the World Cups was frustrating, but necessary. I had to TOTALLY focus on different things leading up to the competitions and it was very difficult. The competitions gave me an opportunity to better assess where I am.
For the five weeks between the World Cups, the focus was on range of motion in my ankle. I need to be able to get in the skate position and balance all of my body weight on one leg, and do a lot more.
I was in rehab before and after every single workout, no matter how many workouts we had in a day. It was crazy! I was at the rink SO much.
But, I still did not accomplish my goal and decided to go to Colorado Springs and make the focus rehab and some technical improvements. (See pictures of me doing rehab as well as pictures in the rehab room with the athletic trainer)
I also visited Pro Machine and Engineering. Frank Palazollo helped me with my equipment! (See pictures of Frank's shop, as well as Frank with my skate!)
Then I traveled to visit a doctor in suburban Seattle and got to have dinner with some friends.
When I got back on the ice that Monday, I had made improvements. But, I was at a point where I was like, geez, is this pain in my leg ever going to go away? It's constant.
Since Colorado Springs, I've been training my butt off! We are doing lots of volume, which means loooong training days. Take a look at the pictures of me doing some off-ice training. I do off-ice training every single day.
Talk to ya soon,
Allison
12.14.2009 - Officially Vancouver Bound!
It's official!
I was able to officially qualify to compete at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver in the 1000m, 1500m and Ladies 3000m Relay! I am so thankful!
Thank you God, and everyone, for helping me make this happen.
We won a silver medal in the Ladies 3000m Relay! The past two World Cups were Olympic qualifiers. They qualified our country to compete at the Olympics in Vancouver. It is a unique event -- it doesn't only matter how you do, but whether or not your country can take part in the Games.
If something happens -- like a fall or a disqualification -- which is common in short track, there's a possibility that you, or someone else, or your country could not skate at the Olympics!
There are more countries at this event than at the Olympics and nearly three times the number of competitors that will have the opportunity to race for a medal at the Olympics.
Only 32 ladies and men per distance will race in Vancouver and only eight countries in the relay. I will be one of those skaters!
It was interesting in the locker room in that one skater said, "my dreams of racing in the Olympics are already shattered," as he headed into one of his last races. There's a lot of pressure. Too much to explain. But amazing pride for the United States once the competition was over. After A LOT of hard work, WE (the U.S.) are going to Vancouver!
Thank you Penske Truck Rental for your support!
After the World Cups we had four days off from training. Well everyone else did!
Me, I had to focus on rehab and specific training in Colorado Springs, and I'm totally not complaining. I did not take a rest day. Instead, I did rehab and lifted with Sheryl Haworth, Olympic bronze medalist and over 10 time national champion USA weightlifter. That was fun and a nice break from the Olympic qualifiers!
Not being able to prepare for the World Cups was frustrating, but necessary. I had to TOTALLY focus on different things leading up to the competitions and it was very difficult. The competitions gave me an opportunity to better assess where I am.
For the five weeks between the World Cups, the focus was on range of motion in my ankle. I need to be able to get in the skate position and balance all of my body weight on one leg, and do a lot more.
I was in rehab before and after every single workout, no matter how many workouts we had in a day. It was crazy! I was at the rink SO much.
But, I still did not accomplish my goal and decided to go to Colorado Springs and make the focus rehab and some technical improvements. (See pictures of me doing rehab as well as pictures in the rehab room with the athletic trainer)
I also visited Pro Machine and Engineering. Frank Palazollo helped me with my equipment! (See pictures of Frank's shop, as well as Frank with my skate!)
Then I traveled to visit a doctor in suburban Seattle and got to have dinner with some friends.
When I got back on the ice that Monday, I had made improvements. But, I was at a point where I was like, geez, is this pain in my leg ever going to go away? It's constant.
Since Colorado Springs, I've been training my butt off! We are doing lots of volume, which means loooong training days. Take a look at the pictures of me doing some off-ice training. I do off-ice training every single day.
Talk to ya soon,
Allison