This week went by really fast. We had an amazing three days of hiking in the Alps. We hiked through three different countries (Lichtenstein, Switzerland, and Austria). It was the single most challenging thing I have done because of the height aspect. I have a huge fear of heights and it has been a while since I have challenged myself and put myself in a situation out of my normal element. There were parts of the hike that brought you up and over rock faces. It was a great team activity to bring everyone together before heading into the season. It was also an amazing way to see those countries, as we never have before. In the winter we go from hotel to track to the cars heading to the next track. I have never felt so connected to the natural world and disconnected from society at the same time. The highest point through out the hike was at the mannheimer hutte, where we stayed our second night. It sits at 2,679M.






On Friday we headed over to Meransen, Italy where the start competition was taking place. We had a training session Friday afternoon and the competition was Saturday. This competition comes at a good time of the year because it Is about one month out of the sliding season so it is nice to see the other countries, see where you compare physically to them and I always leave with a little extra motivation for the last month of summer training. This year was no different. The countries that participated were Italians, Austrian, Germans, Slovenians, Japanese, Slovakian, France, and our team. There were 139 competitors total including juniors and seniors. I was really happy with the way things went. I won the womens title and also set anew track record, I was able to shave .008 off of my previous start record, which doesn’t seem like a lot of time but in luge world it is enough for me to consider myself significantly stronger than last year. Especially since this off-season I have gained roughly ten pounds. I am very happy that I haven’t lost any speed.
I am sitting in the Munich airport right now getting ready to fly back to Albany. I am looking forward to returning to Lake Placid and falling back into my normal training routine. In the eleven days I was in Europe I spent at least one night in five different countries (Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein). It will nice to be grounded again in a place. This weekend gave me an extra boost of confidence as I head into the winter season. It reaffirmed everything I have felt the past month as far as my training falling into place. Roughly 36 days until we are on ice!!!!
Here is a link to the story on the start competition in Italy:
http://www.usaluge.org/dyncontent.php?articleid=857
Here is a link to me wheel sliding in Lake Placid, NY:
http://www.usaluge.org/videogallery/CIMG0857.MOV