Race preparation

Talking to this Czech guy, he travels around the world taking part in ski marathons. He brings everything with him, including the ski bench for waxing his skis. There are many dedicated and enthusiastic people in the valley for the race tomorrow.
My ski didn't go so well. I fell in the first minute of putting on my newly waxed skis and now have a big black bruise below my thumb. Ice packs and ibuprofen for the rest of the day.