Reaching Another Level

SSOOOOO much has happened since even Emily last blogged... and it's all happened so fast that honestly, I haven't even had time to download my pictures but we will get them up this week since we are now in Altenberg, Germany! It's located 2 hours from Prague, Czech Republic. It's located directly on the border and the highlights here are the Half train station/ Half Doner Kebab restaurant that, until we got caught stealing internet and the police MADE our current hotel get it, was the only place you could receive internet. There's a super market, and a little mini-shop located across the street from another hotel that we stayed at called Bjorskis. It's one of those small, has EVERYTHING corner stores, that smells like rotten eggs when you walk in. Again, to make that clear, THAT's a highlight! Oh, and there's the track! But in all honestly, there are a TON of walking trails all over and it's actually really beautiful countryside. We're also only about 45 minutes from Dresden, Germany.

After my 13th finish in Nations cup I was set for a great start number (#3) in the morning. Unfortunately it didn't help me very much and I ended up 22nd. More than sub-par. It's hard to go into a race and know that yeah, I'm the 22nd female in the WORLD! but on my end... that's second from last. Not so exciting, especially when I had (what I thought) were two good runs. I was more frusterated and dissapointed than mad. But I moved on. I was ready to race in Altenberg! BUT... there were other plans.

That night we were told that since Emily and Kate hadn't been from Womens start in Altenberg the race-off was to be Monday morning at 8 a.m. and then we would run back to the hotel, pack our sled boxes and rooms up and make the 6 hour trip north to Altenberg. SO that's just what we did. The race ended up Julia Clukey, Emily Sweeney, Megan Sweeney, and Kate Hansen. Which essentially means Kate and Emily have switched spots for the next two world cups. And that gives us the chance to POSSIBLY qualify over the next two weeks, but if that doesn't happen then there will be another race-off AFTER the Lillehammer, Norway race to determine the Olympic team.

We are taking it one day at a time. One start, one run, one finish at a time. It's tough but both Emily and I know that whatever is meant to happen, will. We have faith that if we just keep ourselves together and push hard it's all going to work! So keep us in your thoughts and prayers this week and hope that we make it down the Berg safely!!!!!

Sweeney Success!!

This week we were in Igls, Austria. Although Megan and I could not be with our family for the holiday yesterday we did have our first Thanksgiving together in 9 years, which was pretty cool! We both raced Nations Cup today and it was a good race day for us both! Megan qualified for the World Cup race tomorrow with a 13th place finish. I finished 9th, but could not qualify for the World Cup because I am only racing Nations Cup. It's a little frustrating, but I knew this could happen going into today's race so I was prepared for it. After the race today Megan and I went on a walk through the quintessential Austrian countryside. It was the perfect end to an exciting day. We are both now ready for tomorrow-- Megan has her sled ready for the race and I'm resting my voice so that I will be able to cheer loudly! Wish us luck on our endeavors!!

Across the Pond

So Emily is supposed to be writing this blog... it's her rotation... but I'm going to instead! We are sitting right now in the Frankfurt, Germany airport awaiting our flight to Munich, Germany. It's been a LLOOONNNGGG 9.5 hour flight from Calgary, but it was pretty uneventful. We call the planes from Calgary our Luge "party planes" because it's essentially filled with our entire Luge circuit. So it's fun, it's tiring, it's weird to see all the teams in that setting. Usually it's good to try and sleep to adjust our bodies but I only managed to sleep two hours... and Emily said she didn't sleep at ALL! Fortunately though, there were movies.

So, what happened this weekend was a bit bitter-sweet for me personally. You always 'take two steps forward and one step back.' I didn't end up qualifying for the World Cup race. My run started off wrong when I cut my sled too deep into Curve 1 which sent me skidding. In Calgary that lost time is almost impossible to gain back. So long-story-short I didn't end up qualifying but instead got to hang out with my sister, mom, and dad! We just hung out, watched some races, and did some shopping. It was the perfect surprise for a send-off to Europe! And with them they brought a card from the students at Suffield High which was SOOOO cute! It was greatly appreciated! We have pictures... and once Mom and Dad figure out how to download and send them to us... they will be posted!

So I'm about to run out of battery life but once we get to Austria and start our race week again Emily will fill you! Until then, keep us in your prayers!

Much love

RACE DAY!!

Today is Emily's first Nations Cup race! Mom and Dad are coming in tonight late as a surprise, and I'm hoping to qualify for the World Cup on Saturday! Wish us all luck! More to come....