Week 2......

Well that was hard.......to do absolutely nothing on Sunday......I am not used to that but it is part of my program......day of rest is to do nothing......well actually, I did go for a greazzy breakfast, which I will treat myself to every Sunday, then I did some groceries, and the weekly wash, stretched and massaged my quads with a roller, and checked out the local library here......they charge $20 for a library card......what a joke.

King James added more volume to this weeks program and it looked intimidating but I pulled it off. I really tried to just drop my shoulders as much as possible, almost to the point where I felt like a puppet and I also worked on my stride. Before I was skating with my head up to see the whole straight or turn but now, back to my skeleton days, I am just looking maybe 10m in front of me........so far so good.

This week I skated first thing in the morning and dryland in the afternoon just to see if I would have more energy in the quads. It was also to accomodate Danielle and help out with the practices as I am still working with her until she finds a fulltime asst coach. I am really enjoying being on the ice and the girls are great and quick learners so I will have some withdrawl symptoms when my time is done there........hopefully she will keep me on for some practices. The early skates seemed to work so I think I will stick to this program......I just really don't like waking up at 0530........

The Extreme womens team coach Bjorn wants me to fully suit up and practice with his team just for a different dynamics during practices. These girls are National team members and they know how to play hockey.........I am just not sure yet if that is a good option for me as I am trying to 'unlearn' all my hockey habits to progress in speed skating.......we'll see.......never close a door to an idea or opportunity so next week I agreed to play in their scrimmage as a test to see if I can actually help or it will simply be 'playing' hockey.

My good buddy Joel was down on business here and we had a chance to catch up. It was good to see someone from home so we went to lunch......I won't say what I drank but hey, I was happy to see him, then I brought him by the house to check out my digs and then I brought him by the Oval. Now there's another person, aside my daughter, that knows my life here in Calgary. Too bad we didn't bump into Jessica Zelinka as Joel has a soft spot for her.......but I will try to hook it up Joel......heh heh.

Anyways, I felt my stride coming along this week as I was completing tasks more efficiently. Last week I could barely hold a .39 second lap on progressives and this week I was holding .33 second laps when it should have been .39 so that's good.

Saturday races began this weekend but James and I have decided to start racing the last week of Sept.........just to continue on technical stuff........I don't want to resort to 'old style' so I agree that it is a safe bet to not start racing just yet.

In the pics, Danielle Goyette and I at the Oval......talk about accomplishments...8 World Championship Gold medals......2 Gold and 1 Silver Olympic medals.....simply amazing...Danielle is a pioneer in women's hockey.....

Joel and I at the house just chillin'.

My young, redheaded, good Dutch friend Jordi (J pronounced as Y) who is always helping me on the ice trying to improve me........very nice kid and I always appreciate his comments.

A nice surprise found in my luggage from my daughter which is now hanging on the wall facing my bed so I see it every single day.

My wife, as I met her at Calgary airport during one of her quick turn-arounds....nice to see her, especially when she brings me goodies....heh heh.

And of course, King James and I at the Oval.

Peace