Beep, beep, beep, GO!
Have you ever wondered what it is like in that moment before a big race? What goes through your mind? Anxiety? Confidence? Fear? Excitement? A mix of all of the above? Or perhaps nothing, and just a beautiful sense of calm.
I spoke to US Ski Team member, Erik Arvidsson about this the other day (see our socials for more video of this conversation) and after thinking about it, he remarked, “I’m actually thinking about how can I get to the bottom as fast as possible. This might sound stupid, but it is about turning off your brain. There is all this preparation, all this analyzation of line and specific things on the course, and then there’s all the work over the summer about getting hips in the right position, driving the knees in to the gate, and all these technical things. But when it is time to race, it’s time to go quiet and put all that out of your brain, and just ski. Just ski top to bottom.
I have a few things I like to repeat to myself. One is a mantra from the former Swedish World Cup racer, one of the best racers of all time, Ingemar Stenmark, who said, “Det är bara åk”, which means, all you do is ski… So, yeah, that is what I’m thinking about when I’m in the gate…kind of quiet, peaceful. I like to look up to the horizon and appreciate where you are, and then just go, absolutely go.”
There you are, my new goal for 2023. Strive for peace and calm, look to the horizon and be grateful, and then just go. Absolutely go.
In health and spirit,
Eric, with a “c”
Eric Weiss, MD, March 3, 2023.
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You may all recall my introduction to last month’s newsletter. I noted the special place in my heart for Erik Arvidsson who I have known since he was just a toddler, and have enjoyed watching him sacrifice a lot, train hard, and now live his dream as part of the US SKi Team “speed team”. I described my connections to the Tirol in Austria, home of the world famous downhill race, the Hahnenkamm and my excitement when Erik raced down the treacherous “Streif” in Kitzbuhel. Now Erik is back in town, via the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel, France, where he not only competed, but, after having to time trial for the fourth US Team starting position, wound up finishing as the fastest American downhill skier! Wow.
We were delighted to have Erik stop by the office and share his thoughts, and a signed copy of his World Championship bib. You can read more about our conversation in this newsletter’s introduction, but also watch more (coming soon!) to our social media posts on Facebook and Instagram.
“Det är bara åk”, Erik, proud of you!
Eric.
Again, TVD Newsletter is a labor of love. If you enjoy reading this, please share widely! Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Please subscribe here.
*****
Yours, in health and resilience,
Eric and the TVD MD team…
