What to do on Christmas day?
Like most other years as a speed skater, I spent Christmas day training. Am I complaining? No way! Getting to do something I enjoy so much on this holiday is a gift, not a curse. Today was just an easy skate of five kilometers or so, followed by a ride on the stationary bike, and then there was the core strength and push ups… oh, and some stretching, too.
Seriously, though, I really enjoyed the day and felt lucky that I have something I love so much. It’s skating I’m talking about and I hope that everyone had the chance to feel the happiness I felt today while gliding around the oval on my long blades.
Here are some images from Christmas day at the Olympic Oval in Calgary:
my training partner Kristina Groves upon arrival in the dark oval-we were the first ones there
the lights were yet to be turned on but the rays from outside were beautiful
teammate Kerry Simpson after ice
me and Coach Xiuli-almost all of our staff had to work on Christmas day, too
my favorite therapist Shayne Hutchins and teammate Jay Morrison after Jay’s treatment (nice legs, Jay!)
Teammate Francois Olivier Roberge no doubt missing home as he is away from Quebec once again on Christmas. It’s hard for the Quebec athletes as they are in hotels over the holidays.
