I am back in Calgary for the next phase of my new career as a skeleton athlete: the phase where I actually get on the track and do this sport for real!

The days of a 10-second run at top speeds of 40 kph in the warmth and comfort of the Ice House are all but gone ...

Tomorrow evening I will pull on a pair of tights and an old sweatshirt, load myself onto a fancy toboggan and let someone push me down an icy chute to reach an eventual speed of 80 kph.

I have recently learned the skeleton motto from a veteran British slider: Lie flat and try not to die.

Right. I'll keep that in mind.