On Tacoma Autumn Living

You know it's been awhile when you have to go back and re-read what you last had posted. No repeats here I can assure you.

Erin-living in Tacoma/Federal Way area has been pretty great. I always enjoy the Autumn, and as mentioned before, I am absolutely loving my life- always living the dream.

We had our last opportunity swim meet for the kids to qualify for the Pacific Northwest Swimming Championships this past weekend which will take place Dec.18ish. I am overjoyed that all the kids that had put as their goals to qualify made the cuts.

Thinking about goals from the kids has lead me to a realization over the last couple of weeks- that I need to define what MY coaching goals are. I am such a goal and routine functioning person, that I was a little surprised that this isn't something I had already thought about.

I had always had goals lined out with my HS girls when we worked together. These were goals we sat down and talked about individually/as a team at the beginning of the year that propelled productive, and focused practices and meets forward through the season.

Now looking at my group of little people ages 9-13 in my group and I wonder...what would a 9 yo goals look like? Defining the boundaries between work/fun and technique/swimming is one of the biggest challenges I am finding Age Group coaches talking about.

I don't quite think I am ready to announce what these are, but I have gotten a new sense of excitement and energy to go to practice. These little people are just too great not to have that kind of driving attitude.

 This picture was taken at my favorite practice of the year- Halloween! We had some awesome sets including a "trick or treat" where they drew from a hat what their sets were: TRICKS (6 x 50 FLY, 16 x 25 SPRINT, 5 x 100 BR 3,5,7, SPRINT....) TREATS (6 x 50 favorite stroke kick/swim, 10 turns of coaches choice, coaches do 5 pushups, 5 min shower). It was funny what sets they thought were the tricks...and what they thought were the treats. Oh, and pumpkin relays (PS pumpkins float).

SO news: I have welcomed a good friend into my home for the next 18 months. His name is Ivan and he is a cat.

Ivan is a Poulson, however with Robyn and Sandy being on work in Indonesia for a little while Ivan unfortunately had to stay. We call it our 18 mo. play date. 

He is so so so sweet. Seriously sleeps right there every single night and loves being held. He is such a cool cat.

On other news, my grandmother's house is being built! There was a break in the rain a couple weeks back and we assembled a 18 person crew to paint the outside. It was amazing seeing my entire family travel and take time out of their day to give back to my grandparents who have done/are always doing so much for our family.

This is my sister, Ashley. She lives in Portland. 

And in other news: Um Richland Bombers co-won the State 4A Swimming and Diving Title? Um what?! I mean you don't have to tell me that these girls are absolutely amazing....believe me I KNOW. This was such an amazing day/night of swimming I am still riding the high of excitement. 

AND NOT ONLY THIS BUT our VAST girls took home a State Title in the 200 Free Relay as well as 2nd in the 400 Free Relay. UM HI. LIKE OH HI. Let's win 4A State?! Oh and ps, walking out to ABBA Dancing Queen. That's a win in itself. :)

My heart is just so full with all my girls I will always keep in my heart, as well as adding all these new amazing young ladies. I am just so lucky.

Now if I could just find someone to swim with me. HAHA. I mean there are awesome Masters programs, however Im being stubborn and wanting to sleep later than 4:30am for once. 

It's SO NICE though. If you are ever in SEA area you HAVE to get to King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, WA. They have adult lap swim for $5 Mon-Friday 11:30am-1:30pm in the comp pool. 

Its amazing...absolute must. 

Oh, and yeah I need to find someone to eat this amazing food with. Veggie Grill. Buffalo wings. That are actually tofu. Um. HI.

And to finish. A squinty-eyed, cold, early Sunday morning run porch sitting. It's been off and on cold here. Just glad to see the SUN. 

There will be an attempt to make this more of a consistent thing. 

Love, Erin