Sometimes, I find it's better to be somebody else ~ Dave
So....MAYBE I jumped the gun on the whole guy thing - but...despite the hiccup I seemed to have experienced this past weekend, all is well :-)
But that is not what this post will be about.
It's coming up on that time of year....Christmas, New Years....Kwanzaa. And that means it's about time for a 'Year in Review'! Awesomeness.
Seriously you guys - this is where my OCDedness is perfection. Because I write EVERYTHING down that happens in my schedule I have a legit way of looking back on my year and telling you all how the month/week/day went. Yup. I am THAT OCD. Oh well, you love me.
SIDE NOTE I JUST FOUND OUT CLIFF LEE IS A PHILLIE AGAIN! OMGOMGOMGOMOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! :-D I'm SO PUMPED! HAHAHAHA - now, I have to work on tickets for opening day and night!
anyway - just a brief update.
We had our first meet yesterday. It was kind of a cluster ef. BUT we made it through, the girls seemed to have a good time regardless of the loss. They swam their hearts out and I am/was so proud of them! There were a bunch of technical difficulties and some minor DQ's but overall, it was alright. It's all a learning process, yes? Our very first relay, however, NEARLY qualified for districts with the very first race - just .5 off....so here's hoping they do it on Friday because THEY ARE SO CLOSE! I was seriously so pumped when I thought they got it. I have two more people who are VERY close to qualifying in district times for individual events. I think I'll have a half dozen girls make it this year and possibly one state qualifier....that is, if they listen to me :-) haha
Our next meet is away at Conestoga on Friday - apparently they're MUCH better than Radnor - so - I guess we'll go Oh-fer for the first three meets - but after the holidays we should pick it back up - so here's hoping - regardless - the other teams in our league are killer so I think the girls did amazing yesterday regardless of the loss. I just hope they realize it.
Anywho - I'm off to read EVERYTHING ABOUT CLIFF LEE AND THE 2011 PHILLIES! SO EXCITED!
Showing posts with label swimming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swimming. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
"Yesterday's lazy, cures today's crazy" ~Cam, Modern Family
Ok, I love that show. If you aren't watching it - do it. You will thank me later. Just trust me on this one.
Also, I love this: (Trust me, you will love this too!)
When I lived in Orlando with Trish, Maya (her dog) ALWAYS did this as a puppy. I saw this commercial last night as I was watching TBL (the biggest loser) and just nearly died laughing. So cute!
Lots to update y'all on and a few side thoughts for me to think about:
"If you want to learn to swim jump into the water. On dry land no frame of mind is ever going to help you." ~Bruce Lee
I GOT THE JOB! I am officially the Head Swim Coach for the Girls Team at Lower Merion High School! GO ACES! Woot! But shhhhh, don't tell me cousins, they're Harriton Alum...I don't think they'd be pleased :-) But I'm SUPER PSYCHED! I met a few of the girls this afternoon but I set up a meeting for them (and hopefully more) for tomorrow. I'm stoked to take this on. I think they're pumped for it too. Obviously I'll be updating on the season's progress as it goes along. Lots of upcoming meetings - lots of things to look forward to. YAY!
“The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.”~Tom Bodett
School is going alright. I think I've figured everything out, as far as when and how much longer I'll be doing it. I have three more classes before my certification and just two more, beyond those three, for the Masters. I'm just bored. I really can't wait to teach! I'm so much more of a do-er than a reader/listener. I learn much better when I have to make mistakes and actually DO the teaching instead of just talking about it. I have a research paper and a presentation due for class on Monday and just a Unit Plan due at the end of the month but I'd like to get that taken care of asap.
Elsewhere - I got my official GRE scores back. Um...yeah. I don't think I'd be accepted to ANY graduate schools. I guess I need to take them again if I ever want to be a PhD candidate. Ha. For now though, I'm going to focus on the teaching thing. It's really what I want to do anyway. But boy do I love research....sigh.
"Who needs a social life with friends like these?"
Haha! Obviously that's ironic since I have THE BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD! I got to see Drew twice while he was home from Hawaii for a few weeks. It was REALLY great to catch up with him and a few other friends from high school. I honestly didn't think I'd enjoy it but I had a great time both times. So interesting how much we all change in 10+ years.
This weekend I'm going to the Dave Matthews Concert on Saturday night. With Brian. Yep. But he bought the tickets before I told him I was just more comfortable with us being friends.
Sunday is a Cancer Walk down in the City. My neighbor, Timmy, started having seizures about a year ago and his doctors found a tumor in his brain. You can read his blog at Me and My Brain Tumor. It's really amazing to see how much has changed in his life. It's really inspiring. But I digress.....I'll be walking with most of my neighborhood and some of his mom's church friends. We're known as "Tim's Noodle Team". It's just a mile walk but I'm wanting to more and more things like this to raise money for important things.
The 2nd Annual Rachel and Troy Beef and Beer went well. We didn't have as many people as last year and didn't raise as much money but we came out on top and had a good evening. I think we're going to maybe do something a little different next year. I'd like to start a Run/Walk. I'd like to head up that task. I think it might be easier to get people involved to do it. Either way, we won't have another meeting until January (when we start working on the golf outing again).
I have an all league coaches meeting next Wednesday with all the Central League coaches. I'm pumped! I hear some of the guy coaches are young and single too :-) hehe. Who knows, maybe I'll meet my future husband?! HAHA.
"Real athletes run others just play games"
I'm still running. The plan was to start P90X after the Distance Run but alas, I'm running one more Half Marathon before the year is through. The Philly Half this month. THEN! I will start P90X. I really want to do it for a few reasons but mainly to see if I can do it and to see if I can actually get a six pack. Of course with the Holiday Season approaching, we'll see if I can ward off the food, drinks, and festivities. Ha. Good luck!
Also, I love this: (Trust me, you will love this too!)
When I lived in Orlando with Trish, Maya (her dog) ALWAYS did this as a puppy. I saw this commercial last night as I was watching TBL (the biggest loser) and just nearly died laughing. So cute!
Lots to update y'all on and a few side thoughts for me to think about:
"If you want to learn to swim jump into the water. On dry land no frame of mind is ever going to help you." ~Bruce Lee
I GOT THE JOB! I am officially the Head Swim Coach for the Girls Team at Lower Merion High School! GO ACES! Woot! But shhhhh, don't tell me cousins, they're Harriton Alum...I don't think they'd be pleased :-) But I'm SUPER PSYCHED! I met a few of the girls this afternoon but I set up a meeting for them (and hopefully more) for tomorrow. I'm stoked to take this on. I think they're pumped for it too. Obviously I'll be updating on the season's progress as it goes along. Lots of upcoming meetings - lots of things to look forward to. YAY!
“The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.”~Tom Bodett
School is going alright. I think I've figured everything out, as far as when and how much longer I'll be doing it. I have three more classes before my certification and just two more, beyond those three, for the Masters. I'm just bored. I really can't wait to teach! I'm so much more of a do-er than a reader/listener. I learn much better when I have to make mistakes and actually DO the teaching instead of just talking about it. I have a research paper and a presentation due for class on Monday and just a Unit Plan due at the end of the month but I'd like to get that taken care of asap.
Elsewhere - I got my official GRE scores back. Um...yeah. I don't think I'd be accepted to ANY graduate schools. I guess I need to take them again if I ever want to be a PhD candidate. Ha. For now though, I'm going to focus on the teaching thing. It's really what I want to do anyway. But boy do I love research....sigh.
"Who needs a social life with friends like these?"
Haha! Obviously that's ironic since I have THE BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD! I got to see Drew twice while he was home from Hawaii for a few weeks. It was REALLY great to catch up with him and a few other friends from high school. I honestly didn't think I'd enjoy it but I had a great time both times. So interesting how much we all change in 10+ years.
This weekend I'm going to the Dave Matthews Concert on Saturday night. With Brian. Yep. But he bought the tickets before I told him I was just more comfortable with us being friends.
Sunday is a Cancer Walk down in the City. My neighbor, Timmy, started having seizures about a year ago and his doctors found a tumor in his brain. You can read his blog at Me and My Brain Tumor. It's really amazing to see how much has changed in his life. It's really inspiring. But I digress.....I'll be walking with most of my neighborhood and some of his mom's church friends. We're known as "Tim's Noodle Team". It's just a mile walk but I'm wanting to more and more things like this to raise money for important things.
The 2nd Annual Rachel and Troy Beef and Beer went well. We didn't have as many people as last year and didn't raise as much money but we came out on top and had a good evening. I think we're going to maybe do something a little different next year. I'd like to start a Run/Walk. I'd like to head up that task. I think it might be easier to get people involved to do it. Either way, we won't have another meeting until January (when we start working on the golf outing again).
I have an all league coaches meeting next Wednesday with all the Central League coaches. I'm pumped! I hear some of the guy coaches are young and single too :-) hehe. Who knows, maybe I'll meet my future husband?! HAHA.
"Real athletes run others just play games"
I'm still running. The plan was to start P90X after the Distance Run but alas, I'm running one more Half Marathon before the year is through. The Philly Half this month. THEN! I will start P90X. I really want to do it for a few reasons but mainly to see if I can do it and to see if I can actually get a six pack. Of course with the Holiday Season approaching, we'll see if I can ward off the food, drinks, and festivities. Ha. Good luck!
Monday, October 25, 2010
I guess that's why they call it the blues....
I'm a swimmer. Always have been (even when I wasn't competitively swimming). Always will be. I love the pool. I love the water. I love everything about coaching and working with people who want to become swimmers.
Anyone that knows me, knows how dedicated I am to the sport. I will watch swimming whenever it's on. I even got my old roommate, Trish, to actually like watching swimming during the Olympics. It's a thrilling sport and one that is not easy. If you're really lucky, you're good at it and you excel. Obviously it's not for everyone, which is made evident by the fact that there are a select few that can actually make/qualify for the US Olympic teams.
Growing up in this area (the philly burbs), as a swimmer...if you didn't know the Crippen family, you didn't really know swimming. They're like swimming royalty. All four of their kids are amazing swimmers. Maddie swam in the Sydney Games. Fran was a world class swimmer. Teresa and Clare both swim in colleges (Florida and UVA, respectively) that are known for their swim programs. That being said, I was saddened to learn about Fran Crippen on Saturday morning.
He was 26, competing in what would probably be considered a "trial" event for him since his main goal was the 2012 Olympics. He was swimming in a 10K open water event in the United Arab Emirates. The water was at nearly 86 degrees. Even if you're not a swimmer, you know that's warm for the ocean. He was about 1700 meters from the finish when he just stopped. Swimmers found him 2 hours later and was pronounced dead at the hospital. His body just gave out. Whether it was the heat, the exhaustion, the lack of water....he died. A world class athlete died.
CBS 3 has the best story on it (IMO):
http://video.philadelphia.cbslocal.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=5226320&at1=News&h1=USA Swimmer, Fran Crippen, Dies During Race In United Arab Emirates&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
Honestly, I didn't know Fran. I know the Crippen Family because, like I said, if you were a swimmer in our area...you just knew who they were. But the thing is....this is really upsetting me. I'm not entirely sure why. I think it's probably because he was a swimmer....because he's from the area...because he died doing something he loves and I love. But that's just it. He died from swimming. He died from exhaustion. He died from "over-doing-it". I can't begin to tell you how many times I can think back to swim practices where I thought I'd "die" from overdoingit. I can't even tell you how many times I felt overworked and dehydrated in those workouts. And to know that he, a world class athlete who was no doubt in shape, died from it....just baffles me.
I suppose we can take away a few things from this:
-He died doing what he loved.
-He will always be remembered among US Swimming as one of the best.
-He will be a lesson for FINA and all of us.
They've started an investigation about the whole thing - if it were my family - I'd be suing FINA. There is NO REASON that the people who got him out of the water should've been other swimmers. Where were the lifeguards that they claim are all around? Why didn't they listen to Fran when he said he was struggling and wasn't feeling well? When do we learn to listen to our athletes? And when do we stop pushing?
Some say he never would've given up had they told him to stop...and although that might be true...I think there's a lot to be said for the situation that we now have.
It's a tragic loss for the swimming community - not just in the suburbs of Philadelphia but in all of the United States. My heart goes out to the Crippen family.
Anyone that knows me, knows how dedicated I am to the sport. I will watch swimming whenever it's on. I even got my old roommate, Trish, to actually like watching swimming during the Olympics. It's a thrilling sport and one that is not easy. If you're really lucky, you're good at it and you excel. Obviously it's not for everyone, which is made evident by the fact that there are a select few that can actually make/qualify for the US Olympic teams.
Growing up in this area (the philly burbs), as a swimmer...if you didn't know the Crippen family, you didn't really know swimming. They're like swimming royalty. All four of their kids are amazing swimmers. Maddie swam in the Sydney Games. Fran was a world class swimmer. Teresa and Clare both swim in colleges (Florida and UVA, respectively) that are known for their swim programs. That being said, I was saddened to learn about Fran Crippen on Saturday morning.
He was 26, competing in what would probably be considered a "trial" event for him since his main goal was the 2012 Olympics. He was swimming in a 10K open water event in the United Arab Emirates. The water was at nearly 86 degrees. Even if you're not a swimmer, you know that's warm for the ocean. He was about 1700 meters from the finish when he just stopped. Swimmers found him 2 hours later and was pronounced dead at the hospital. His body just gave out. Whether it was the heat, the exhaustion, the lack of water....he died. A world class athlete died.
CBS 3 has the best story on it (IMO):
http://video.philadelphia.cbslocal.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=5226320&at1=News&h1=USA Swimmer, Fran Crippen, Dies During Race In United Arab Emirates&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
Honestly, I didn't know Fran. I know the Crippen Family because, like I said, if you were a swimmer in our area...you just knew who they were. But the thing is....this is really upsetting me. I'm not entirely sure why. I think it's probably because he was a swimmer....because he's from the area...because he died doing something he loves and I love. But that's just it. He died from swimming. He died from exhaustion. He died from "over-doing-it". I can't begin to tell you how many times I can think back to swim practices where I thought I'd "die" from overdoingit. I can't even tell you how many times I felt overworked and dehydrated in those workouts. And to know that he, a world class athlete who was no doubt in shape, died from it....just baffles me.
I suppose we can take away a few things from this:
-He died doing what he loved.
-He will always be remembered among US Swimming as one of the best.
-He will be a lesson for FINA and all of us.
They've started an investigation about the whole thing - if it were my family - I'd be suing FINA. There is NO REASON that the people who got him out of the water should've been other swimmers. Where were the lifeguards that they claim are all around? Why didn't they listen to Fran when he said he was struggling and wasn't feeling well? When do we learn to listen to our athletes? And when do we stop pushing?
Some say he never would've given up had they told him to stop...and although that might be true...I think there's a lot to be said for the situation that we now have.
It's a tragic loss for the swimming community - not just in the suburbs of Philadelphia but in all of the United States. My heart goes out to the Crippen family.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A quickie....
Haha :-)
I'm stuck at Cabrini this morning (saturday) but I'm going to slip out in about 15 minutes so I can go pick up Bethany and head down to the Rock n' Roll Expo. I'm excited for the race tomorrow. It's her first and although it's technically "old hat" for me, I haven't done a long race like this since last year so I'm looking forward to it:-)
In the mean time...the rest of the week went really quickly. I'm (crosses fingers) over this cold...just a bit of coughing here and there...I'll most likely take medicine tomorrow morning when I wake up before the race just for good measure. Stayed at my aunt and uncles on Monday and Tuesday night's to hang out with Zack for a bit while they were dropping off Tori and Allison at Northwestern. Wednesday was back to the norm...gym...Cabrini...all that jazz. Thursday much of the same. I did have a meeting with the woman who runs the Student Teaching stuff at Cabrini. She gave me a letter of intent for any employers that want to hire me and help me get an emergency cert. But I think I've decided.....I'm undoubtedly applying to the PhD programs at UPenn and Temple. If I get accepted to either of them, I'd start next fall. Both programs provide tuition remission and a stipend (no, I don't know how much) plus medical coverage. I figured that if I don't go for it now, I might never go back for the PhD...and I definitely want it. Teaching is still there...and will always be the first option...these are just additional options for me to think about. If I DO get into either of these programs...I can finish the M.Ed. at Cabrini next semester and kind of waylay the certification stuff and/or take all that over the summer. This way, I'd have two Masters going into the program for next fall. Of course, this is all tentative on getting accepted.
A few things that have to happen - while I have the connections for both Temple and UPenn - I need to take the GRE's again. It's a test. I'm already studying for it. I've scheduled a test day for October 15th at 8am. This gives me three weeks to get things in order. I'd also like to find a job to pay some of my bills and eventually find my own place to move into. I just need my own space again.
Other stuff - (I'm all discombobulated today) - I've applied for a head coaching job at LMHS. Please think good thoughts for me. I SO want to coach my own team. Plus, I have a few in's there. The current AD is Don Walsh - aka former PWHS boys head coach my senior year of high school and summer coach prior to heading to college. I also have a recommendation from the boys head coach at LMHS because I coach with him at Baldwin. Here's hoping no one else applys for the job :-) haha yeah right.
What else.....did I mention I'm going to SPAIN!? :-D October is looking to be a pretty slammin' month. Hopefully that'll just make the rest of the year rock out.
Can anyone else not believe that September is halfway over?! So much work for this Education class I have right now....Zomg thank goodness most of the work is due before Thanksgiving...which creates for a crazy October and November but ah well. Such is life.....Lemons....right?
I'm stuck at Cabrini this morning (saturday) but I'm going to slip out in about 15 minutes so I can go pick up Bethany and head down to the Rock n' Roll Expo. I'm excited for the race tomorrow. It's her first and although it's technically "old hat" for me, I haven't done a long race like this since last year so I'm looking forward to it:-)
In the mean time...the rest of the week went really quickly. I'm (crosses fingers) over this cold...just a bit of coughing here and there...I'll most likely take medicine tomorrow morning when I wake up before the race just for good measure. Stayed at my aunt and uncles on Monday and Tuesday night's to hang out with Zack for a bit while they were dropping off Tori and Allison at Northwestern. Wednesday was back to the norm...gym...Cabrini...all that jazz. Thursday much of the same. I did have a meeting with the woman who runs the Student Teaching stuff at Cabrini. She gave me a letter of intent for any employers that want to hire me and help me get an emergency cert. But I think I've decided.....I'm undoubtedly applying to the PhD programs at UPenn and Temple. If I get accepted to either of them, I'd start next fall. Both programs provide tuition remission and a stipend (no, I don't know how much) plus medical coverage. I figured that if I don't go for it now, I might never go back for the PhD...and I definitely want it. Teaching is still there...and will always be the first option...these are just additional options for me to think about. If I DO get into either of these programs...I can finish the M.Ed. at Cabrini next semester and kind of waylay the certification stuff and/or take all that over the summer. This way, I'd have two Masters going into the program for next fall. Of course, this is all tentative on getting accepted.
A few things that have to happen - while I have the connections for both Temple and UPenn - I need to take the GRE's again. It's a test. I'm already studying for it. I've scheduled a test day for October 15th at 8am. This gives me three weeks to get things in order. I'd also like to find a job to pay some of my bills and eventually find my own place to move into. I just need my own space again.
Other stuff - (I'm all discombobulated today) - I've applied for a head coaching job at LMHS. Please think good thoughts for me. I SO want to coach my own team. Plus, I have a few in's there. The current AD is Don Walsh - aka former PWHS boys head coach my senior year of high school and summer coach prior to heading to college. I also have a recommendation from the boys head coach at LMHS because I coach with him at Baldwin. Here's hoping no one else applys for the job :-) haha yeah right.
What else.....did I mention I'm going to SPAIN!? :-D October is looking to be a pretty slammin' month. Hopefully that'll just make the rest of the year rock out.
Can anyone else not believe that September is halfway over?! So much work for this Education class I have right now....Zomg thank goodness most of the work is due before Thanksgiving...which creates for a crazy October and November but ah well. Such is life.....Lemons....right?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
It keeps you running....yeah it keeps you running....
Lately I've been really in to running - I'm not sure if it's just because I really enjoy the solitude or if I know in the back of my head that I am running a half marathon in about two months with the hopes of doing a full just a few months after that. All this being said - I was reading a blog from Hot Thick Chick and she did a meme about running so I thought I'd humor myself and whomever reads this (which is like - two people)...and do it...here goes
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
10 years ago - actually - I was a senior in high school - and honestly - that year, I started running - to lose weight and stay in shape when swimming was over. I always swore to myself that I would never run - I HATED running - I mean, despised it. Which is kind of ironic because I played sports in which I had to run - field hockey, lacrosse, soccer - I guess things change over time. But 10 years ago - I would run every other day after school was over and swim season was over - about 6 miles - and I distinctly remember running to ESPN Jock Jams over and OVER .....ah, memories
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
I haven't really had a bad race experience YET...but so far my best race experience was the 15k I ran at disney in May - I did pretty well - 1:24:45 (about 9 mins)...so I'm hoping to get a little faster for my half marathon and hopefully do a sub 4 for the marathon
Worst: I do remember a run I did last year at my old house - my back was KILLING me about 2 miles into the run - I had to stop and walk back home - i was laid up the rest of the day :-( it was no fun
3. Why do you run?
Honestly - I'm pretty much addicted to it now....I run for the solitude...I run for the stress relief....I run for the high afterwards...I run to feel good...I run so I can eat whatever I want....I run because I can get more mileage in an hour than if I walk:-)
4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?
I don't really ask about running - I read everything I can - but I've definitely learned to never wash or put my sneakers in the dryer.....
5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
As much as I like running outside - I totally prefer running on a treadmill.
Side note to all of this - I am pretty sure I am going to join a masters swim team - I just miss it
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
10 years ago - actually - I was a senior in high school - and honestly - that year, I started running - to lose weight and stay in shape when swimming was over. I always swore to myself that I would never run - I HATED running - I mean, despised it. Which is kind of ironic because I played sports in which I had to run - field hockey, lacrosse, soccer - I guess things change over time. But 10 years ago - I would run every other day after school was over and swim season was over - about 6 miles - and I distinctly remember running to ESPN Jock Jams over and OVER .....ah, memories
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
I haven't really had a bad race experience YET...but so far my best race experience was the 15k I ran at disney in May - I did pretty well - 1:24:45 (about 9 mins)...so I'm hoping to get a little faster for my half marathon and hopefully do a sub 4 for the marathon
Worst: I do remember a run I did last year at my old house - my back was KILLING me about 2 miles into the run - I had to stop and walk back home - i was laid up the rest of the day :-( it was no fun
3. Why do you run?
Honestly - I'm pretty much addicted to it now....I run for the solitude...I run for the stress relief....I run for the high afterwards...I run to feel good...I run so I can eat whatever I want....I run because I can get more mileage in an hour than if I walk:-)
4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?
I don't really ask about running - I read everything I can - but I've definitely learned to never wash or put my sneakers in the dryer.....
5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
As much as I like running outside - I totally prefer running on a treadmill.
Side note to all of this - I am pretty sure I am going to join a masters swim team - I just miss it
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