This week I’ve had the privilege of forerunning the biathlon events for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Callaghan Valley. A forerunners responsibility is to ski the trails prior to race start to make sure that it is clear and ready for the athletes to make way. I was flown out to Vancouver on Feb 18th where I met up with the rest of the forerunners (Tatiana, Joel, Stuart, Matt and Isabelle) and we were taken away in a big van to pick up our accreditation and then drive out to Squamish. We are staying in a big house here in Squamish and have been given passes which get us onto busses and into some special events. Everyday we bus up to the site to do our part as forerunners, or watch other racing events that are going on close by such as cross country skiing or ski jumping. We’ve also had the chance to head into Whistler Village a couple of times and check out some of the festivities going on there. On every corner there are dazzling decorations and lights and the smell of fresh food wafting through the village. The crowds swarm street performers and there are line ups for “take your picture with the bobsled”or to get into the various pubs.

On race days, once our forerunning responsibilities have been fulfilled we are free to take off our gear and join the coaches on course to watch the race. I must say it is weird to be spectating a biathlon event having competed against most of these girls last year. I thought I would be itching to hop onto my skis and join the race, but just the opposite occurred. I was quite happy spectating. It feels like I have been a runner my whole life. Perhaps in spirit!

I am doing my very best to enjoy my last few days amongst the world in Vancouver. If you haven’t had the chance to check out Vancouver or Whistler, I highly recommend it as the Olympics will not be out this way again for a while!