Martin’s Random Diary

Sunlight Mountain Resort, February 20, 2009
Special Olympics Area Games
Most photos by Adrienne

We took Team Powderhorn athletes to compete in Special Olympics Area Games at Sunlight Mountain in Glenwood Springs.

I was surprised to see our athletes so relaxed and joking at the start gate. I remember that the previous years they were a bit nervous and quiet at the start gate. Could it be because I was more relaxed and, as Adrienne pointed out, the whole training season seemed less structured and more relaxed? I planned the 2008-2009 season to be less about controlled training for the Team and more about just skiing. Perhaps it is working. I know that good racers come from great skiers but my fear was that the competitive streak will go away and that coaches will perceive the relaxed atmosphere as lack of my training support. Well, if it’s working we will leave it for now. I really liked how they all skied at Sunlight. I saw some good, offensive skiing on the race course. I also saw opportunities for athlete-specific training because the ability range among them is very wide and individual movement needs were pronounced on the race course. I will try to give the rest of the coaches some athlete-specific tools for the upcoming training session at Powderhorn.

Or, I could try the “stop sucking, bend ze knees and race, damn it” training approach for a change…

It takes skills and real guts to get on the start gate of the race course, breath, look down, and push off with intent to win. I admire people who have the courage to face this challenge.

See the web site for our Team Powderhorn.

Our team at Special Olympics Area Games at Sunlight Mountain in Glenwood Springs.   (click to enlarge)

The GS course: way to tight and too short. Not a good setup but our athletes managed the course very well.   (click to enlarge)

I am walking up the race course for the n-th time.   (click to enlarge)

Waiting at the start gate.   (click to enlarge)

From the left: Terry, Lori with Brandon in a bi-ski, me.   (click to enlarge)

Team Powderhorn athletes at the start gate.   (click to enlarge)

With Eric during awards ceremony.   (click to enlarge)

With Adrienne.   (click to enlarge)