9 Months to Tri

[Brett] I’ve been in cold weather before, but never like this. The last few days things have shifted into “full speed ahead” mode here at Winter X Games. We’re at the mountain around 6am to start working on projects that need to be done before practice begins at 8:30 on the X Course. When we get here it’s not just cold; it’s Lambeau Field cold. “Ice Bowl” cold. Mind-numbing, booger-freezing cold. I’ve had plenty of times where you can see your breath in front of our mouth, but never like this. It looks like a tube of white smoke about 4 feet long every time you exhale. Stuff freezes… heck, everything freezes. I won’t bore you with what my duties are that early, but it’s manual labor out in these crazy climes. Speaking of manual labor, this is probably the hardest I’ve worked at a “job” in my life. I’ve probably done construction that was harder or more physically demanding, but this is a real load of tasks. Not all are hard, but at 9,000+ feet, everything is a bit more difficult. So, for those scoring at home, 9,000 feet and close to 9 degrees most of the time. (or less)

Today I got to do something really special and I totally jumped at the chance. The X Course has monoskier athletes that are tackling this extremely difficult course. I volunteered to be a ‘chaser’ and follow an athlete down the course. My guy was Kevin Connolly and he was totally badass. On the first run he broke his monoski “chair” in two extremely critical places. I mean he actually cracked the aluminum tubing that holds him to his ski - in two places. Needless to say, his sled was not going to stay together for his second run if he hit any of the jumps on the course. Heck, it looked like it would break with him in the starting gate. Prior to his final run, he asked if the rules would allow him to finish the race without his sled/ski. He was willing to do anything to get his body over the finish line of this treacherous course. Did I mention Kevin has no legs? He may be missing them, but he has more heart and guts than you can imagine. I was so stoked to be following this kickass guy down the course — and he willed his broken chair through the longest X Games X Course ever and across the finish! I did everything I could to keep up with him on 2 good legs and skis, and there was no chance. Absolutely amazing athlete that will inspire me for the rest of my life. The next time I wimp out for a race or feel like the finish line is too far away, I’ll think of Kevin and get my ass going. Thank you man, you totally rule.

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