July Challenge

          I have frequently started running plans with goals in mind (run a marathon, half or something of that sort). Inevitably, I've always failed. Most likely because it was too structured and there was a fear of failure or judgement. I was talking to one of my friends and she mentioned that she was doing a 30-day challenge for Bikram yoga. She said that she was nervous at first, but that after being 22 days in, she was glad she did it. 
          I got the idea to finish up the summer with two, separate month long challenges. July will be running and August will be Bikram. It will be perfect and allow me the focus going into the new school year and swim season. 
          So, here is the challenge for July: Run every day. No time requirements, no distance goals. Just simply run. 
          Had to start off the challenge right with new running shoes. They are a little bright for my taste, but they work.

          And with today being July 1, I am one day into the challenge. This mornings run was 1.83 miles in 26:19 minutes, stop for coffee at Sbucks and then walk home (.56 mi in 11:06). Day 1 complete.

bucket list

I've never had a bucket list. I've been pretty lucky in my life to experience some pretty cool things and meet extraordinary individuals. However, Tuesday was a pretty special day. About two weeks ago, I received an email from our Associate AD stating that Cullen Jones wanted to use our pool for a workout while he was here in town for the MakeASplash kickoff. I immediately responded with "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

Fast forward to Tuesday and I have been invited to the kickoff breakfast. It was great and inspiring to get to know more about MakeASplash, in addition to hearing a great panel of speakers. As the breakfast was finishing up, I find out that Rowdy Gaines will also be coming to Wash U for a workout. Stephe, my boss at BYLG, was talking to Rowdy and somehow he invited us to swim with him. So, what started out as me opening up the pool turned into me swimming a workout with a multiple gold medalist. It was pretty neat. And what was better was that both were incredibly personable and easy to talk to. It was a great experience and something I will never forget.

 With 
Rowdy Gaines (left) 
&
 Cullen Jones (right)
at the Kickoff Breakfast