122 days...time is ticking!!! #Sochi2014

Today is the 7th of October...Sochi Olympics will open on the 7th of February 2014, in 122 days!

Our US speedskating Olympic Trials begin the 27th of December, just 81 days away.

For the majority of people, that will seem like a ways away...but for those that have been preparing for 4 years for the chance again to make the Olympics, it will be like a flash. Some may have faced trials already and it's not enough time. That's what makes the Olympics compelling to watch...it's those stories you hear of those sacrificing much to gain one berth on the Team. Sacrificing much and not gaining much more than the title of Olympian to their name...which is why I love these stories...they are coming from athletes that truly love what they do for the little recognition that they truly get. I am excited to start hearing these stories as the Olympics is drawing ever so near!


Now as Jeffrey mentioned in his post right before this one, he has raced the local time-trials at the Pettit Ice Center here in Milwaukee already, but I have not...I am still holding out a bit. Why? Talking about trials, I always seem to face them EVERY year. And this season has been no exception, ha. Thankfully I have avoided injuries, but because of other frustrations like being tired in skating workouts, but cross-training workouts would go well, I have had to halt my workout plans weekly to adjust and try to reason the situations with my coach. About a week ago was when I finally began to have some positive outlook again...but that was after I changed yet again my technique, switched back to old boots and put back on some older blades. 


It never ceases to amaze me that when I am on the verge of quitting, of loosing hope, of questioning uses the why's, what's, when's, where's, how's, that there is always a door that will open if you believe and preserver through that trial. Always. Keeping that faith, that good will come out of adversity, is never easy. I find I fail most of the time to hold steadfast to my faith unless I am surrounded by my support team and constantly reading the promises the Lord has written for us in the Bible. Verses like Romans 5:3-4: 

"...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

Every time I have persevered, the Lord has never failed to deliver...and so I have never regretted any trial I have gone through. But they're always tough.

So in light of all that, local time-trial racing for myself has been put off so I can get some solid training back in before our Fall World Cup Trials out in Salt Lake City at the end of this month! Which, for those that would like to watch that competition, it will be...

Live and On-Demand (VOD) Speedskating Broadcasts on icenetwork.com (FREE)                Oct. 25-27th:                  2013 U.S. Long Track Single Distance Championships - Salt Lake City

For those who haven't heard yet, our Olympic Trials are being televised live (for the first time in US Speedskating history) by NBC this December 27th-January 1st, so mark that on your calendars and get pumped to cheer on Team SwiderPeltz! 

T-Shirts?!?! 

Many have been asking and seeing us and others wearing T-Shirts with Jeffrey's unique TeamSwiderPeltz brand...we haven't really advertised them yet, but probably should start soon/now since the Trials will be here in no time...AND they are pretty sweet shirts (great soft material!). To get your TeamSwiderPeltz T-Shirt today and help support Jeffrey and I, go to: http://tspstuff.spreadshirt.com

RallyMe.com -for those that haven't seen yet, Jeffrey and I created a website where you can contribute financially to TeamSwiderPeltz. We also have a fun video on the site, but you can watch it below! The story behind creating this site began because many fans asked how they could contribute to our training for Sochi 2014 without actually being THE or A official sponsor to our training group...some suggested that we simply have a link to a RallyMe site where anyone can contribute something. Know that every penny you contribute goes 100% to our training: food, gas, equipment, travel for our coach (mom), etc. This is a way you all can be part of our journey and know you are helping athletes achieve their dreams to make the 2014 Olympics...

The site again can be found here: https://www.rallyme.com/rallies/187

Thanks again to all those who have contributed already...it's already made a huge difference, keeping our minds off financial stress and fully on our training. And I can't emphasize it enough, but we have the best support team out there...you guys rock! 

God Bless,
Nancy Jr.

1 Corinthians 9:25