I've always been a dreamer...and by dreamer...possibly dreamer to a fault. I could get lost all day with a cup of coffee thinking of all the possible "what if's" and the following "how to get there's." The lists, the plans, the more lists for the more plans.
Well, I'm proud to say that this dreamer is starting to become a better do-er.
I've been saying for awhile I had some big news- and well...HERE YOU GO:
End of summer was awesome. We had such a great Channel Cat showing down at the Senior Zones in Clovis, CA.
This meet was definitely a bitter sweet week for me. I was absolutely floored with how some of the kids swam, but nearing the end of the week reality was starting to set in that this would be the last time coaching this group of kids, some of which I've been working with for over 4 years (between dry land/swimming/hs swimming).
It's an understatement to say that these kids have grown a very special place in my heart. There was never a day at swim practice that I left in a worse mood then when I arrived, and I have the kids to thank for this.
The dedication, persistence, talent, and heart these kids came to every session with was inspiring and absolutely an honor to work with.
However, after years of talking and talking and talking about going back to school....I decided to take the steps toward this dream, and I started applying to a few schools on the west side of the mountains in the Seattle area.
Heading home from the meet the kids bought me this bracelet. I don't think I've taken it off since. "Life is a journey not a destination." Always carrying them around with me.
It is amazing how life works out. A coaching opportunity opened up out of Federal Way, WA which trains out of King County Aquatic Center. I am proud to say I am officially the new Head Age Group with Valley Aquatics.
I've absolutely loved my first week with the kids. They are full of energy, and have a lot of potential for growth. This is a bit different scenario working with kids (coming from my mainly Senior group and Masters group), but I definitely feel it is the right place for me to grow and learn as a coach and affect as many young swimmers as I can.
It really is a dream job for me. I have grown up competing out of this world class aquatic center and always dreamed of training out of a pool like this. I cannot believe that I will be driving to work here everyday.
Along with this, I am one personal statement away from finishing up my application to UW Tacoma. I am planning on applying to their Accounting program for the Fall of next year, which will require me to finish out quite a bit of schooling Winter, Spring and (possibly) Summer quarters this year.
I am so unbelievably excited to be back in the classroom and learning. I've been absolutely geeking out about it- getting a desk for my apartment, pencil holder, stapler. It's ridiculous, I know.
I'm okay with it though. School is cool.
So lucky me, packed up the coache with la Blue, (soon to be) keets, and all the gear and trekked to my new place in Tacoma.
Don't mind all my obnoxious pictures of my bike all suited up. I rode my wheels for the FIRST time a couple weeks ago...and honestly I don't want to take them off yet.
All moved in to a cute little studio with a huge kitchen and closet in a cute neighborhood by the water. I have my name on the list to switch to the other side of the apartments which will have a view of the bay, and on the clear mornings, Mt Rainier.
I've been pretty lucky lately keeping my routine with my run and swim workouts. This running path in Tacoma along the water - Ruston Way- stretches about 5miles or so to Point Defiance (a huge wooded park that mysteriously had a black bear wandering around this week- they think it swam....as the park is surrounded by city and water).
Other than that though- a lot of work, a lot of prep, and extra time to catch up on all the races and happenings of my favorite pros. I'm currently reading "Finding the Wheel's Hub" written by Scott Tinley which was sent to me by one of my old Rev3 teammates. I love reading his approach to this very time consuming, and easily over documented/over analyzed/ over typeA'd sport. He never kept a training log. He never had a plan. He kind of just went by feel and what he felt he needed that day.
Other than work and training, I've had a couple firsts since I've been on the west side!
First time to IKEA. Incredibly overwhelming. I left with my head spinning and a potted plant....not quite what I went in for. Next time.
First Mariners game!
First Sounders game. WHICH WAS AWESOME. This was probably my favorite. Such high energy (and flags that waved...THE WHOLE TIME).
UM first piano bar. This was NOT MY CHOICE. I had to be carried onto the stage with me kicking and flailing. Longest 3 min of my life.
First time to Rainier! I absolutely fell in love with the smell of the flowers.
There were these huge gofer, guinea pig things everywhere. You could get close enough to touch them.
I almost enjoyed the view away from the mountain as much as the view of the mountain.
I would like to run it. I know this sounds ridiculous...and I guess it doesn't JUST sound ridiculous...it IS ridiculous...but I don't care. I want to run it.
If you haven't...Go.
First Sea Gal experience....oh and I guess a football game...kidding. Go Seahawks!!
First time at Coleman pool in West Seattle. If you haven't gone- go. It's unfortunately only open during the summer months (for obvious reasons), but is this BEAUTIFUL 50m pool right on the water. You have a little hike to get down to the pool, but I promise- it will not disappoint.
First time WIND SURFING. Okay not in Seattle area- went to Hood River for a 3 day course to learn to windsurf. It was AWESOME. I did NOT have high hopes for myself, as I tried paddle boarding for the first time this summer too and I was TERRIBLE at it...however this definitely redeemed myself...to myself. I could definitely see myself buying a (very cheap) wind surfing board.
FIRST TIME HOLDING A BABY FOR MORE THAN 10 minutes. I was actually closer to 30. Little baby Katelyn is possibly the cutest baby I've ever seen.
And wrapping up the summer and my time away from work was at the Viuhkola fish dock in Clatskanie, OR for Labor Day weekend with the entire family.
This is the place my mind usually goes when I'm 3 cups of coffee in, right when my mind starts to spin.
I just get daydreaming of the quiet. The wind blowing the sun soaked trees around. No place like it.
And to finish, a shot from my last ride of summer, which was also my last ride in the tri before life started back up. I don't believe I've been on a more beautiful ride than that one last Sunday. The normal couple hundred fluttering birds had to have been in the thousands, weaving little patterns together in the sky from power line to power line.
And onward, life. Always living the dream.
Love, Erin
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