Hello!
Now that 100 degrees of heat and extreme humidity seems like a brisk afternoon, our staff has decided to make our lives a little more uncomfortable!
Yesterday we received custom made ice vests and face masks for the games. Lets just say I may have appeared a bit odd driving to the training center with a white bulletproof looking vest and ice wrapped around my neck, easily mistaken for a neck brace. I have to admit I avoided every car on the road! Besides the foolish appearance, these vests may prove to be critical to our success over in Beijing. Most likely we will wear them to the field, during our warm-up, at half time, and post game. They will help get our core body temperature down, so throughout the game we will be less likely to experience heat exhaustion or other heat related issues.
Now the face mask is just downright funny. Because of the high pollution threat, they have been so kind to give us mouth and nose face masks to protect our lungs. I am not sure if any other team has gone to this measure, but hopefully it will give us the upper edge!
Just one last warning…..when you see pictures from the Olympics of the USA Field Hockey team in “bullet proof vest” and face masks, please don’t be alarmed…its just an average day in the village!
Until next time….
Lauren
Oops, put my comment in the wrong area. We like the ice vest concept and sure could use it in Florida right now. We’ll be cheering!!! Enjoy your adventure.
Hey Lauren, the face mask may seem funny now but you may be really glad to have it. Plus, it will always come in handy when Jonathan’s around! (Sorry Jon..) Good luck over there, we’ll be watching when it’s possible! Will look for you during the opening ceremony.
Lauren, writing from the UK (my adopted home)- excited to follow your progress, many congratulations for this achievement can’t wait to watch a match! All the best, do us proud!