Messages posted by : andyoneil
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Utter carnage in the 1/8 finals early on and just couldn't tear myself away from it (even though I did want to watch the Czechs v Russia in the hockey)
Good to see Bode get a Gold in the combined too |
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It's one hell of a bot they've got crawling the 'Net to pick up on this thread for them to make their first post..... Nice snipping Admin! |
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Really tough one this, so sorry that you're not getting your enjoyment out of this great sport.
My wife had an accident two years ago in Val Thorens, like yourself it was right at the end of the trip (in sight of the hire shop we were returning skis to in fact) but, unlike you, she was actually crashed into by an out of control skier who didnt stop to investigate the accident. She ended up having surgery on cheek and nose when we got back to the UK. 12 months later we were literally days away from heading back to the slopes when she tearfully told me at home that she couldn't go - she was just too frightened of what might happen to her again. My wife is neither stupid nor a coward but couldnt get past what was (some might say) an irrational fear of lightning that was unlikley to strike twice. We talked about it a lot and she agreed to come to Verbier as planned and would see how skiing went. She was very nervous, understandably, and was very anxious in traffic. Anyone who's ever come down the Medran run into Verbier at the end of the day will know tha carnage that can ensue at the bottom "funnel" and this was exacerbated by the fact it was New Year week and so hugley overcrowded for anyone, never mind a skier with traffic issues. BUT My wife stuck with it, took her time, stopped as often as she felt necessary and delivered a straem of invective English / French / German (she speaks all 3) to anyone who gave her any grief about her pace. 8) With that week out of the way we went again 8 weeks later to Killington, Vermont and she thrived in the quiet US resort where her confidence was completely repaired by the quiet slopes - to the point that we were "double black diamond hunting" by the end of the week again and I was struggling with my fitness rather than worrying about the time it was taking us to get down runs. I appreciate that this is different to your own situation as you've had an injury through a fall rather than collision so you know logically that it can/will happen again to a greater or lesser extent - however I think it shows that confidence can be rebuilt but only by you. You need to "get back on the horse" as Trencher wisely says - take your time, enjoy the mountains - its amazing how much scenery you miss when you're charging head down trying to be Bode/Lindsey! As betty says - do runs you know and like repeatedly to get that groove going again - whatever works for you. You know you can do it very well and very safely but part of your brain is saying "yeah but that last time...." - you simply need to push that bit back and rekindle those memories of being a great, confident skier. If it takes a few days/week and you can't bomb around with your friends then so be it - they won't mind some leisurely days (if we're honest we all like a few of them in a ski holiday) and will support you as you rebuild that confidence. I wish you all the luck in the world and look forward to hearing all about your, no doubt hugely rewarding, trip! Andy |
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They called it then as the guys who were left to go were all outside the top 25 in the world and so "assumed" they couldn't challenge the times that had been put up if the likes Walchoffer hadnt managed it - plus the weather was improving to sunshine so the bottom was getting slushier and times on the bottom section were creeping up all the time. They'd have looked daft if someone (Ed Drake as a mad example!) had had a barnstormer and come in on top of Cuche's time but it wasnt very likely by then I guess. |
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Thanks very much! Thought the race was brilliant (and was on in HD - yay!) - best Olympic downhill for ages I'd say |
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Brilliant idea!!! Had a superb tartiflette in VDI a couple of weeks ago and could just fancy one now - recipe thread anyone? :mrgreen: |
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HD as well?
I'm skiving off work early to make sure I'm there in front of the TV on time! |
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The Yellow Bus stop is, indeed, at the end of the drive but it only runs every 15 mins or so (unlike the Red that runs pretty much continuously)
The walk is not too bad but beware icy patches - my wife had her worst fall of the week whilst walking home in boots carrying skis..... I couldnt get any WiFi in the chalet though lots of bars etc do have it for free (Bananas for one though it doesnt like iPhones...) |
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