Tomorrow is my the first of two races here in Lake Placid ... that is as long as it isn't raining, thundering and 15 degrees out. I know that is normal weather for December, but we are really hoping for something extraordinary ... you know, like temperatures below zero. It's crazy, I know, what with it being the middle of winter and all ...

Today's official training runs were cancelled, but we have now had seven days on the ice - granted the last two might have been more successful had we thrown on our bathing suits and got on an inner tube. There was so much water running down the track, I am pretty sure I saw a tourist toting his fishing pole up to the bridge overlooking corner 15.

But my runners are polished, the bottom of my sled is shined, my padding is re-taped, my gear bag packed and I am studied up. Now all I can do is hope that the weather cooperates tomorrow. If not, my bikini is ready and raring to go.