2007 Pan American Games Trials

2007 Pan American Games Trials: Back in 1994- 1 year into my 'skating career'- I tried out to represent Canada at the 1995 Pan American Games. I wasn't quite aware of what it would eventually mean to qualify; I didn't qualify, and I didn't expect to either.

For the 1999 Pan American Games, I had learned what the games were about (for me). I wanted to represent Canada; I understood that representing Canada was something that I wanted. I trained a lot and I was in great shape. What I lacked however was a lot of vital knowledge and direction in my training. I placed 3rd at the trials and only the top-2 would go on to the Pan American Games- Mike Murray and Barry Publow.

Canada did not participate in the 2003 Pan American Games. Only the top-6 nations from the Pan American Championships (held every 4 years in between the games) would qualify to participate. Thus I didn't have to worry about qualifying. I wish I could have had the opportunity to try out, but it wasn't in the cards for Canada.

This brings us to this weekend- this is the weekend that the trials to represent Canada at the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil are taking place. The top sprinter and the top distance skater from the qualifying competition at the CITC will represent Canada at the games in Rio de Janeiro this July. I've trained really hard this year (and last) with the goal of making it; my coach Mike Murray has pushed me to the limit. Many changes have taken place in my life as a result of my training; my weight has gone from 184lbs to 159lbs (and it's still on its way down, I am starting to have a 6-pack!), I go to bed early, I am faster, fitter. I am ready. I hope I make it. I really do hope I make it. There will be some tough competition and anything can happen. What I've needed to do is done; all I can do now is race well, race hard, and race smart (and use good wheels, stretch, warm up, stay off my feet, listen to good music, eat well, go to bed early, lube my bearings, tighten my bolts...).

I might post an update sometime over the weekend. If I don't, well, see you on the flip side of the trials...