Do You Have Zero Regrets? Olympic Gold Medalist Apolo Ohno In Albany, NY For Book Signing

Apolo Ohno: Zero Regrets

Olympic speedskating gold medalist Apolo Anton Ohno is coming to a bookstore near you! Well, at least he is on Saturday, November 6th if you live in the Albany, NY area! Apolo will be at Barnes & Noble in Colonie Center Mall at 11:00am to sign his latest book Zero Regrets: Be Greater Than Yesterday.

For those readers who are new to Mom Got Blog I will share with you one of my true passions in life: Speedskating. It is a sport like no other. I am extremely active and I have done every kind of sport I can think of, but this skating in circles really fast with 17" razor blades on my feet? Well, it brings me joy down to the core of my being. It's hard to explain...but that is the best way I think I can describe it. And I did not start this sport as a young whipper snapper (did I just say that?), I was already into my 30's, an age where most skaters have long since retired. One aspect that I have enjoyed as much as competing is meeting the people that are involved. For a wide-world sport, the community feels very small and tight knit. Everyone knows everyone. When you hear folks say that this is a life-time sport- they really mean it. If you are not skating, you are involved in some shape or form to keep yourself connected.

I have written many a post on my favorite sport, especially through the Vancouver Olympics, but there is one post that sticks with me. Apolo spoke in an interview about the "Perfect Race", and it inspired me to write about one of my perfect races. We both agree that to have a perfect race does not necessarily equal winning; it's about putting everything you have out there and knowing you did your very best.

Apolo has been NON-STOP since the conclusion of the winter games in Vancouver. He started his own company, is part of the CNN "Hero" Series where he speaks of See Your Impact , traveling for appearances and now has published his first book:

Zero Regrets: Be Greater Than Yesterday

If you live near Albany and would like to meet and receive an autographed copy of Apolo's latest book, please come out to support him at :

Barnes and Noble
Colonie Center
11:00am.

Just an FYI: He is only signing his book, no memorabilia. Time is short as he will be making his way to Syracuse and Buffalo on Saturday as well.

I just reserved my copy. I'm looking forward to reading and sharing my thoughts with you.

If you have read Apolo's book, what did you think?

US Speedskating Names New Featured Bloggers

  

I received an email yesterday from US Speedskating's social media rep. She shared the news that Mom Got Blog was added to the "Featured Blogger's" tab on their Facebook page! Many thanks go out for this recognition!

Looking at the list of other bloggers, I am honored to be in such great & talented company. Here is the current list of the featured Blog Roll:

This Might Hurt Our Reputation: Lisa, Camille & Dorothy share a wonderfully written blog that takes you on the journey of three friends that share a passion for fun and skating. They have a way of pulling you into their world with stories and photos that makes you want to come back for more. A really great blog.

Ice & Times of Short Track Speedskating: Michelle has brought together all the latest news on Short Track Speedskating and shares on her blog. Expect to see great photos, videos and interviews with current and up and coming talent on the ice. Blog is an extension of The Rocker Fund, a grass-roots fan site focused on obtaining funding for US Olympic hopefuls. I am so glad to have found this site and you will be just as thrilled! Be sure to check it out.

Zen and the Art of Speedskating: If you are a speedskater, then you have already been reading this for years. If you haven't, well you should. Competitive speedskater, husband, father and all-round nice guy, Andrew Love has created the ultimate go-to site for speedskating. He shares his journey on training, competing and balancing family and work life with his passion. Andrew brings you along for the ride (literally) with his videos, shares his talents with photography and brilliant writing, making you feel like you yourself are training with those on and off the ice.

Lake Placid Skater: Christie has ceated a blog on figure skating and speedskating showcasing her talent not only as a competitive athlete, but also a writer! She covers a lot of happenings in Lake Placid, NY writing for a number of websites and blogs.

No Fact Zone: A fan blog that covers everything Stephen Colbert. "The Nation" stepped up to help sponsor the US Speedskating team, so to stop by and read the latest is a way to say Thank you!

Sara's Countdown to Vancouver: Sara takes each day and shares Olympic news. I can't wait to see what she covers for Opening Ceremonies!

This is the current list of the talent pool! Like I said, I am in great company and again I thank US Speedskating for including Mom Got Blog!

Looking for the latest updates, stories or results? If so, be sure to become a fan of US Speedskating on Facebook. You can also follow on Twitter @usspeedskating.

The Olympics are only 9 days away! GO TEAM USA!! 

Petra Acker, "The Sweetness" Factor

L to R: Sam Marsicano, Kelly Pugliano, Petra Acker & Josh Cummings

This photo feels like ages ago, but it is only a few years old. Sam, who used to be our much loved babysitter is now in college and a breath-taking beauty. Josh is now taller than me and is one of, well, most likely, the nicest young man I have ever met and should be on the watch list of up and coming skaters. Rounding out this photo with me is Petra Acker, a true talent in both discipline's (short and long track) of speedskating.

When I first started speedskating 8 years ago, I would go to a local rink and practice almost every day. Skating and offering advice was the world-known speedskater, Howard Ganong. Hanging out in the middle of the ice, looking bored and sitting on a big white bucket was Howard's granddaughter, Petra. She was very shy, but always said hello before going back to playing on her bucket. Who knew in a few short years she would be globe-trotting to Poland and China as a Junior World Team member!

It seems around this time the three of us-Josh, Petra and I were introduced to a well known coach in the speedskating community; Casey Wager. He had retired from the sport for many years but started to show up at the rink to lace up his skates just to "get some laps in". After a few months, Howard had talked to Casey to see if he would mind showing Petra a few exercises to do on the ice so that she didn't seem so bored. Casey obliged and realized he had a diamond in the rough; Josh and Petra have always been two peas in a pod-the best of friends-so when Casey helped Petra, Josh was learning as well. Now Casey had two diamonds and out of retirement he came.

I was like the "Auntie" of the group. Helping them along, and offering advice or support whenever they needed it. In turn, they helped me out by making me chase. The kids and I would do the technical items that were given to practice and the laps that Casey would dish out. It only took a couple of seasons for both Josh & Petra to outskate me. I remember the first time I realized it.  We were doing passing drills and I could tell they were holding back. "Keep going, Kelly." Josh would say in an encouraging voice. "Yes, come on, Kelly." Petra would echo as I tried to make my way to the front. "Don't go slow on my account!" I would say. So this day they both turned on the gas a little and started to put some distance between us. All I can remember saying is "You little stink-pots!"

My first season as a competitive speedskater I skated in the Novice class. There is a great story here, but I will save for another day. I came to the last meet of the season and decided that I wanted to skate in my age class, so that is what I signed up for. I thought "I've been skating all season-I can do this no problem". Did I get humbled, real quick. I had never skated a 1500m before and I maybe skated a 1000m once during that year. I remember thinking "Oh, my. How am I going to finish this." but worse; I was mortified that I was lapped, not once, but many times. Funny, thinking about this now because the 1000m and 1500m are my favorite and best distances to skate!

The following year, Casey had us skating this meet and I remember that it was the first time Petra had competed. She was a nervous wreck and I thought she was going to literally get sick from the butterfies in her stomach. Her mom and dad tried calming her down, but it wasn't working. Sometimes, to talk to a speedskater, you have to be a speedskater. Petra's mom asked if I could talk to her. I remember her expression and I shared with her the story I just shared with you. I assured her that she would most definitely be spared the mortification of being lapped because she was good enough NOT to get lapped. Then we came up with a handshake and a mantra for her to focus on. We gave eachother a sliding horizontal "five" and I said "It's all Sweetness. No matter what, have F-U-N! Now give me some sweetness!" We did this before every race that day.  It seemed to work in both of our favors-neither one of us were lapped and we both medaled!

Last season, Petra earned a spot on the Jr.World Long Track team and traveled to Poland. Before she left, I wished her well and held out my hand and said "Give me some Sweetness!" Her face lit up and she exclaimed "Oh, Kelly! Yes! I forgot about that! Yes, Sweetness!" and she placed her hand on top of mine as we gave eachother a horizontal-five and then a big hug.

Petra has matured into a beautiful young lady. Poised and confident to take on the world. I am so lucky to know her and I could not be more proud.

Petra returned yesterday from Taipei City, China after competing on the Junior Short Track World Team. After checking the results, I say she did awesome. Click here for article on US Speedskating and to see full results. I'm sure that the road to an Olympic Games will be very near in her future. A long way from the center of the ice and a big white bucket.

Rest assured, not only does Petra have the "It" factor, she has the "Sweetness" factor.

U.S. Long Track Olympic Team Set For Vancouver

Visit usspeedskating.org to purchase this pin!

Can you believe that the Winter Olympic Games are only 43 days away?! I am so excited to see the games this year as I have a vested interest! I have friends that have literally gone through blood, sweat and tears to make this dream a reality and experiencing the Olympics this February will have special meaning.

As I mentioned a couple days ago, the second half of Olympic Trials were taking place in Salt Lake City, UT.  The final team spots were fought for with great fervor.  All the years of training and sacrifice came down to a single moment in time of make or break and skaters left it all out there.

This photo was taken by Jerry Search in which he called this "witnessing 110%"

Rebekah Bradford had one shot left to make her dream come true. During her 1000m race, she fell coming up to the finish line. One thing about this sport of speedskating, it can bring you down to the lowest of lows and then just as quickly to the highest of highs. The Low: you try to come to grips with "ok, this is it. My shot for this year is done." You cry for the loss of all the months of training and sacrifice and the pain you put your body through for just this moment. You cry because you feel like you let your family and friends down, which of course is not the case, but as an athlete you feel that way when you don't perform up to your own expectations.  The High: you are extended a reskate. You try to come to grips with "ok, this is it. My last shot for this year." You wipe your tears and refocus with an intensity that you yourself didn't know you had. "Bekah" skated and earned her spot on the Olympic Team with a 1.16.36 (which is FAST), breaking her own personal record by .3 seconds. The opposite happened to Kelly Gunther, who skated a 1.17.12, which before Rebekah's reskate, had her as an Olympian.  The High: I made the team! The Low: watching your spot pass you by for your teammate.

So many of these high's and low's took place at the oval that it gives everyone cause to deal with the conflicting feelings of elation and heartbreak.

Vancouver will welcome the following US Long Track Olympic Team members:

Shani Davis 500, 1000, 1500, 5000, 10,000
Chad Hedrick 1000, 1500, 5000, Team Pursuit
Trevor Marsicano 1000, 1500, 5000, Team Pursuit
Nick Pearson 500, 1000
Brian Hansen 1500, Team Pursuit
Tucker Fredricks 500
Mitchell Whitmore 500
Ryan Bedford 10,000
Jonathan Kuck Team Pursuit


Jilleanne Rookard 1500, 3000, 5000, Team Pursuit
Jen Rodriguez 500, 1000, 1500, Team Pursuit
Heather Richardson 500, 1000, 1500
Elli Ochowicz 500, 1000
Catherine Raney Norman 3000, Team Pursuit
Nancy Swider-Peltz, Jr. 3000, Team Pursuit
Lauren Cholewinski 500
Rebekah Bradford 1000
Maria Lamb 5000

I have had the honor of meeting many of these skaters, some from short track meets a long time ago and some from the World Cup meet in October. The USA will be well represented in Vancouver, that's for sure!
 
I have been helping with a blog for my friend Trevor Marsicano. If you have a chance, check it out sometime to see what he is up to on his journey to the Olympic Games.
 
If you are on Facebook, then become a fan of US Speedskating to get the latest updates and stories of your USA athletes! US Speedskating is also on Twitter! Follow them @usspeedskating .
 
Congratulations to everyone!

Long Track Olympic Trials

This weekend, speedskaters are pouring their hearts and souls into last ditch efforts to make the Olympic Team and to represent the USA in Vancouver come February.

I know I said I was taking a few days off from blogging, but I just got news via Twitter and phone call that my friend and fellow speedskater, Trevor Marsicano has just added another distance to his Olympic skating card! Just a few moments ago, he won his 5000m distance, earning him a spot on the team! I just had to share this great, great news! I am so proud of him.

I will be back in the next day or two and will be sure to let you know how Trevor and the rest of your USA team did this weekend in Salt Lake City!

US Long Track National Championships/Olympic Trials

Do you have Olympic fever yet?

Well, get ready! It is almost here! Only 51 days to go until athletes from around the world come together to compete in Vancouver at the Olympic Games.

After a grueling travel schedule for the World Cup circuit, US Long Track speedskaters are back in Salt Lake City, UT and will have one more shot at earning their place on the 2010 Olympic Team. Over 70 skaters will be competing for the final open spots. You can be sure that athletes will be focused and will provide all-out efforts in chasing their dream.

US Long Track National Championships are being held December 26-29 at the Utah Olympic Oval. Be sure to catch the latest updates on US Speedskating or follow on Twitter @usspeedskating. Another great site for results is http://www.speedskatingresults.com/ .

Skaters have started their trek to Utah and will be training through the Christmas holiday. I have a feeling that many of the athletes have the same Christmas wish this year: Let me be the fastest across the line.

Long Track World Cup 5/ Jr. Short Track Championships

This weekend is a busy one for speedskating! Get ready to see some REALLY fast skating.

In Long Track:

ISU World Cup 5 is being held in Salt Lake City, UT and will be covered by Versus. Scheduled times are Saturday and Sunday from 11pm-1am (EST) and repeated from 1am-3am (EST). Check your local listings. Big thanks go out to Versus for covering another speedskating event!

Be prepared for lighting fast skating; yesterday, records were being broken all over the place!

In the Ladies 500m race, Jenny Wolf (GER) skated 37.00! She set a World Record (WR), National Record (NR), Track Record (TR), Personal Record (PR) AND Season Best (SB)! Whew! Wang Beixing (CHN) skated 37.14 setting her own (NR), (PR) & (SB). Lee Sang-Hwa (KOR) was only hairs behind with 37.24 also setting a (NR), (PR) & (SB).

USA claimed a new National Record with Elli Ochowicz skating a 37.74 also giving Ochowicz a (PR) and (SB). Heather Richardson (USA) skated 37.95 setting a new (PR) and (SB)!

The 3000m race was also held yesterday and these ladies were flying as well! Top three (USA) skaters:
(14) Jilleanne Rookard 4.05.05, (15) Catherine Raney Norman 4.05.26 and (18)  Nancy Swider-Peltz, Jr. 4.06.25!

In the Men's 1500m race, the track was smoking as well! Shani Davis (USA) keeps getting faster! He skated a 1.41.04, setting a new World Record (WR), National Record (NR), Track Record (TR), Personal Record (PR) and Season Best (SB)! Chad Hedrick (USA) was second with a 1.42.19! Third went to Mo Tae-Bum (KOR) who skated a 1.42.85 setting his own (NR), (PR) and (SB)! Trevor Marsicano (USA) skated his own (SB) or 1.43.88.

The 500m also proved to be fast with Lee Kyou-Hyuk (KOR) skating a 34.26 setting a (PR) and (SB). Yuya Oikawa (JPN) set a (NR) with a 34.27 as well as a (PR) and (SB). Another National Record was set for Mika Poutala (FIN) coming in with 34.31 also giving him a (PR) and (SB).  Tucker Fredricks (USA) skated a (SB) with 34.43 and Shani Davis (USA) was close behind with 34.85, another (SB)!

If you miss the times while watching racing on your local Versus channel, you can check out all racing results on SpeedskatingResults.com.

In Short Track:

Junior Short Track Championships are being held this weekend in Green Bay, WI.

1000m Time Trials were held yesterday and everyone is off to a great start!

Ladies:
1. Mary Grace, 2. Petra Acker, 3. Sarah Chen, 4. Morgan Izykowski, 5. Rachel Skrocki, 6. Katherine Ralston, 7. Rachel Stewart, 8. Andrea Dehnke, 9. Kendal Pumphrey, 10. Alaina Fiorenza, 11. Sarah Burg, 12. Katie Welsh, 13. Jerebelle Yutangco, 14. Sally Chea, 15. Jacqueline Chen, 16. Kristen Santos

Men:
1. Robert Lawrence, 2. Cole Krueger, 3. John-Henry Krueger, 4. Julian Wood, 5. Gilbert Claude , 6. Jonathan Sermeno, 7. Daniel Fiorenza, 8. Michael Burdekin, 9. Brett Perry, 10. Adam Callister, 11. Andrew Astalos, 12. Christian No, 13. Matthew Ferguson, 14. Ian Quinn, 15. James Rodwowsky, 16. Landon Hatfield.


To see updated results be sure to check out UpToSpeed on the official US Speedskating website!

I wish everyone the best of luck!