Packing light and a big decision
I am writing this on the plane on my way down to Irvine for the Speedo Grand Challenge meet. The one thing I have to say is that I am completely shocked at how hard it was to convince the team that we only needed to bring carry-on bags for a three-day meet. Our flight back is going to be tight so we will not have a lot of time to check bags as a huge group and seriously, how much stuff can you possibly need for three days? In my carry-on bag I have a swim parka, tennis shoes, warm-ups, a towel, more suits than I have swims, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen and a ton of other toiletries and clothing. What else is there to bring? In the end, it was a struggle and some people weren’t happy, but with the help of a few sensible swimmers, I was able convince them that they could do it. Seriously, the ability to pack light is an important life skill.
In other news, I found that I had a bit of a decision to make last week about my meet schedule this summer. I was invited to make an appearance at a pretty awesome money meet in Paris this summer, but, unfortunately, it is at the same time as US nationals. At first I really, really wanted to go but my coach, Lea, really wanted me to go with her and the rest of the team to nationals. After some back and forth she finally said that it was my decision and that she trusted me to do what was best. So I am going to nationals.
I wish that I could do both but if I am going to regain control of my 200 and be more than just a 100 swimmer my coach and I are going to actually have to be in the same building/state/country/continent when I swim it a few times. Most of the time I am traveling for away meets by myself and don’t have the advantage of having my coach with me. So hopefully this was the right decision and I won’t regret it.