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Pushing a car through a warehouse - only in PEI

March 18, 2009 05:39 PM | Posted by   Heather Moyse  

Hmmm…I find myself back in Whistler for another two weeks of sliding prior to Canadian championships.

Even though we reached record speeds Tuesday on the first day out with 146 km/hr for the women and 149 km/hr for the men, it’s hard to get back into the sliding mode knowing that the World Cup season is done (especially after such a great week at home with my parents).

While I was home, Mom and I sorted through lots of drawers and boxes, feeling very productive. But part of my reason for going home this time was to make my mother relax a bit and chill out with me. So, can you believe that I had to teach my mom what a pyjama day is? Without being sick?!

Technically, it wasn’t a REAL pyjama day because we did get dressed to go out to the movies, but I think it was beneficial nonetheless. We actually got a lot of sorting done in our pyjamas. (Hmmm… I wonder if she minds me telling everyone that I made her stay in her pyjamas until 6 p.m.?!)

Craziest training session

While I was home there was a huge freezing rain storm which left the Island looking like it was encased in crystal. Everything glistened in the sun. It was spectacular. I took so many pictures, but I’m not sure any picture can really do it justice. You’ll just have to take my word for it. It was amazing!

It was a pretty relaxing week in all. I did have an interview with Bruce Rainnie for his CBC Rewind segment while I was home, which I think will be aired on March 24. It was fun being in the studio that I’ve seen so many times from my living room. We had a great time catching up.

Oh. Speaking of PEI … I thought I’d tell you about my craziest training session this year.

When I was in PEI last month to see my grandmother the week that she passed away, I still had to train as the next week was the world championships.

I did my normal training stuff. Although I wasn’t scheduled to race in Park City, I would have been doing training runs anyway, so … to get a little pushing action, my coach told me I needed to push a car! Yes, that’s right. A car!

I decided to push in the parking lot behind the medical centre on Saturday, but then we got a ton of snow the day before so it was too slippery outside. What to do? There is no indoor parking lot, no parking garage. So, I did what I’m sure any other athlete-in-need would do. I called the city’s mayor, Basil Stewart!

Only on the Island

After explaining my interesting training requirements, he gave me a contact name and the number for the potato warehouse on the docks. He also had someone from the Wellness Centre call me and offer the main lobby as well as one of the display cars! VERY funny!

You never know. You may see me someday pushing a car through the lobby of the Summerside Wellness Centre! Only in PEI!

Do you know what else would only happen in PEI? Having the mayor of the city hook me up with the inside man of the warehouse, signing a liability waiver for access, then pushing my brother’s car while in neutral with my brother and nephew sitting in the front seats, cheering me on with Eye of the Tiger blaring from the radio!

Although inspired by the music, pushing and accelerating a car for 25 metres is actually harder than you might think! But REALLY funny for those watching! Only in PEI! I love it! I have to thank Basil Stewart, my inside man at the warehouse, my contact at the Wellness Centre, and my brother for steering and braking. My brakeman!

I also want to thank my sponsors who have helped to support me this year: RONA and APM. You have helped alleviate some of the financial stresses of being a Canadian amateur athlete and I appreciate it very much. It is a tough journey, but one that I am prepared to take. And this upcoming year is going to be a very exciting one, and I am glad that you’ll be taking it with me! Every bit helps. I also want to thank Entertainment Partners and the Shea Insurance golf team from the Digby Golf Classic for supporting me in my endeavours. You are all part of this adventure with me!

Thank you.

Smiles ...
Heather

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