Hamar, Norway

World Cup 3 competiton has started and we have skated a 1500m so far. I set a season best today with a 1.46.79!

I am starting to feel much better and I thank you for all the healing prayers that were sent my way.

I am really happy with my results last weekend and not sure if you heard, but the Team Pursuit won a Gold medal! I skated the pursuit with Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick. It was a lot of fun; I always enjoy skating the pursuit with them. Here is video of our skate:



More from Hamar, Norway to come...I will try to get pictures up of the ice rink. It is huge and very cool! It is shaped like an upside down Viking ship. The only challenge for my pictures is to balance free time, racing time and daylight available. This time of year, it’s crazy because the sun goes down after 4pm!


Will keep you posted.

In the meantime, have a great day!

World Cup I Competition

Hello!

I've made it to Berlin, Germany!

I want to thank everyone for all your prayers and support though the past couple of weeks! They have definitely helped me through trials.

I arrived in Berlin, Germany on Saturday.  The first couple of days were sunny, but now the rain has set in making everything wet. Ugh.  That won't keep me from exploring downtown and taking in the sights, which I hope I can do soon.   If I can get some good pictures I'll make sure to post them.

Travel has been rough for this trip as I have been dealing with flu-like symptoms. On top of that, I have been struggling with a stomach bug making it hard to keep anything down.  I have been trying to keep my strength up and any prayers for health will be much appreciated!

I am hoping to get a YouTube site going to share video of me skating and other various things. I will keep you posted.

In the meantime, if you want to see races live, go to http://www.universalsports.com/. Click on the speedskating link and then click the video link. If you miss the live coverage you can always go back and watch after the race has been run. They also post some pretty good articles, so be sure to add to your "Favorites"!

Another great site for racing results is http://www.speedskatingresults.com/. Click on the name of the competition and results.

Thanks again for all your prayers and well wishes.

Have a positive day!

Colbert Nation Sponsorship

Thank you so much to Stephen Colbert and the Colbert Nation for stepping up and becoming a sponsor to the athletes of US Speedskating!

I actually made the TV show...even being in Berlin! If you look close at the skater when the sponsorship changes on the hood of the suit...that's me!

Check out the episode from last night....

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/254015/november-02-2009/sport-report---nyc-marathon---olympic-speedskating.

If you are able to make a donation:

https://webpoint.usspeedskating.org/wp15/transactions/order/donation.asp

Thanks!

World Cup/Olympic Trials

Last week had ups and downs during the World Cup Competition. As mentioned, my 500m race went better than expected and I was happy with it. That was Wednesday.

Thursday hit a minor glitch that I was not anticipating in my 1000m and 5000m. I had a bad day and did not want that to happen during a competition. Does anyone? Friends called me up and made sure I got out.  I need not dwell on what happened, but prepare and be ready for the next competiton day.

Friday was a rest day and I took this time to regroup and refocus on the next day.

Saturday held the 1500m races and I fought back. I was paired with Chad and we pushed eachother to grind out a good race. I finished third and secured a spot on the 1500m World Cup Team.







Sunday also secured me a spot on the 1000m World Cup Team with a third place finish. My 10000m left me with an 8th place finish, but I was happy to make the team in the other distances as well as a Team Pursuit spot.

It wasn't pretty, but it worked.

Thank you to my family and all the friends from back home that made the trip out to Milwaukee! It was so good to see everyone and your support meant so much!

I will be traveling to Berlin, Germany for the first World Cup event! I will keep you posted!


Warming up: Photo by Kelly Pugliano

Signing autographs after 1500m.

Photo by Kelly Pugliano

Me and coach Paul Marchese

Photo by Kelly Pugliano

Photo by Kelly Pugliano

Me and Grandpa after my 1500m.

Photo by Kelly Pugliano