by Kimberly Joines on Monday December 07 2009
Hey Rossland,
It’s been a while since I’ve written, so I thought that I’d check in. After nearly 2.5 months off to heal a shoulder injury, I am finally cleared to get back out and ski. I was about half way to crazy, and now I’m probably about half way to fully healed. Turns out I will be needing surgery, but it’s something I am able to put off until after the games. Nothing like adding a little bit of excitement into an otherwise dull Olympic year! (And, in case you missed it, that WAS meant to be sarcastic.)
I am currently training near home, at Panorama Village. It’s been a bit of a slow progression, testing how much my shoulder can handle, and trying to avoid falling… ever again! I’ve had a couple major breakthroughs with my equipment so far this week. Early on, I tossed the seat of my old sit ski on to my new one, and it fit like an old pair of jeans.
I say tossed, but in reality it took me nearly three hours. I am not a mechanic, I AM A SKI RACER; yet it seems I find myself wrenching during about half of my evenings here. I’d love to say I’m developing some proficiency at it, but sadly that not the case. The seat change made a huge difference in my skiing, so it helped to ease me back onto the snow. One day, they might even let me run gates again! (Also sarcasm.)
By now, I’m guessing you’ve seen the “dummy” me in the front window of Rossland ProHardware. I must say, although the likeness is uncanny, that dummy looks like it could use a little bit of race training… that position just isn’t conducive to a fast time. I have to thank John and Kate for giving up the front of the shop for the “Rossland Olympic Store”, a fundraising offshoot of the Rossland Olympic Challenge.
If you haven’t yet, you should stop by and take a look at some “swag” from years passed; you might find some sweet gear for cheap, and help our fundraising efforts at the same time. There is new gear arriving all the time, so keep checking! Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the project already, whether in the jars, at the store, through the Telegraph or directly at the Credit Union. Every dollar really goes a long way.
Well, I have to go. The snow is calling. Keep watching, and I’ll write again soon!
All the best--and enjoy opening day at Red!
Kimberly
