Here in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the sky is overcast but the mood around town is extremely festive. I haven't seen much of Vancouver yet, but I'm looking forward to it in the days to come. I grew up running track in the Bay Area and it was always a dream to either compete in or at least attend the Olympics, so needless to say I'm excited.

I have to say that I was thrilled to interview two Olympic legends in Dan Jansen and Picabo Street. Both are being featured on a tribute mural dedicated to Olympic Hall of Famers spearheaded by AllState. The art work, done in colored chalk, captures various moments in time during their glorious careers.

Dan spoke of finally winning the gold medal and dedicating it to his deceased sister (but added that not even that compares to having his first child). Picabo spoke on losing being a greater teacher than winning, which was interesting stuff. I also got a great piece of salmon jerky in "Gas Town" district of Vancouver. (If you didn't know, Gas Town was named after a saloon keeper named Captain John "Gassy Jack" Deighton. He was the first settler in the area that eventually became Vancouver. I dropped that in there because I think history is always an interesting component to include when you're documenting travel to a place you've never been.)

Later, I had a chance to speak with two more Olympians: Skeleton sliders Kate Uhlander and Noelle Pikus, pace both of whom are mad cool. If you aren't aware, Skeleton is the event where you speed down a luge head first at speeds up to 90 miles per hour (which, needless to say, is insane). Kate, from Colorado, was very jovial and even showed me a surgical scar on her knee that has to be at least eight inches long! She thought that Black Eyed Peas "Imma Be" could be a great song to get her in a competitive mood. Meanwhile, Noelle was just simply impressive! She has managed to balance being an elite world-class athlete with being a mom. Who does that? She's definitely a front runner in these Olympics, and with her patriotic red and blue extensions in her hair, she wont be hard to miss! Good luck ladies.