LAKE PLACID, NY — To really understand what it takes to be an Olympic hopeful you have to walk in someone else’s shoes — or sled in this case. So I suited up for a first-hand look at the ice.

Inside America’s only indoor Luge starting track and with the help of USA Luge marketing director Yuliia Tyshevych I accelerated on my journey to Italy with a slight push at the top of the track.Not quite a gold medal result, but a great effort.

Year-round, since the facility was built in 2016, Team USA has been equipped with a great resource for going for gold. The Luge starting track is open to the public every Friday at 2 pm in Lake Placid, New York. For pricing and scheduling, just go to www.usaluge.org.