The hardest time of the year
Happy New Year! I am so happy to be back reporting to you all. It has been a great couple of months and we are getting nearer to the home stretch of Olympic trials! I took about eight months off of competing, which is something I have never done before, but coming off mono and trying to get back on track my coach and I thought it would be fore the best. My first meet back proved that it was a good decision. I competed at U.S. nationals in Atlanta in early December and had a great meet. It felt so good to be back on the blocks racing again. I placed second in the 50 and 100 freestyles and won the 200 free. My times were better than I’ve ever been at this point in the season and overall I just felt great in the water.
We are in the middle of our Christmas training right now - which is the hardest point in the season. It involves extra practices, longer hours, lots of weights and some running … yuck! I love the swimming part, lifting is OK, but the running … I could definitely do without. I was not meant to enjoy activity on land and in fact I am a firm believer that I was born to float, not stand. It always pays off in the end so for right now I just have to push through.
My Christmas at home in Michigan was awesome, as always. I love going home to see my family, relax and eat lots of home cooking! I bought my puppy, Lilly with me. It was her first Christmas which made it impossible not to spoil her. I included some pictures of her with her Santa outfit on.
I have to go to bed now, tomorrow is Sunday and during holiday training that means two practices instead of none! I’ll check back soon, bye for now!
January 25th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Kara, I just listen to your pod cast with your uncle. I to work for at&t and I am proud of any American Olympian especially a swimmer.
I have an issue I hope you can help me with. I have a daughter, Jessica Rodriguez that has been swimming competitively since she was 7, she in now fifteen. This is the age that you said you started to really improve. My daughter is an excellent swimmer but has lost the desire to swim. Is there any advice, you would give a parent or her, to regain her desire to swim or should we just let her quit.
She has excellent coach that is very attentive and her teammates are her best friends most of them have been with her from the beginning of her swimming. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated and of course best of luck to you at the Olympic trials.
Jesse Rodriguez
Jr0725@att.com
August 11th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Kara,
My name is Kevin Marquez and I met you on a flight to Atlanta with my family. I sat next to you and your cute dog. We took pictures with you and your silver medal. I have been watching the Olympics and just wanted to say you are doing great! Congratulations on another medal! I started my freshman year in high school at St Augustine’s and have gotten faster and stronger. My 50 free is at a 25. I am hoping and praying and working hard towards 2012. If you have any pointers or are ever in Tucson, AZ please look me up. You will always have a place to stay. I would love for you to stop by and swim with me and my team.
Good Luck!
Kevin