Winter is not Coming

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When the cold weather began to roll into Colorado Springs, my training group packed up our cars and headed south to Phoenix to spend the winter training in the warmth and sunshine. After a long day in the car – which included nearly running out of gas in the middle of nowhere – we found ourselves in a beautiful house in the suburbs. Our home for the next few months came equipped with the essentials: great weather; a dirt running trail just feet from our back door; close proximity to a beautiful, outdoor pool; some nice roads to bike on; and everything else necessary to live comfortably while trying to break into the top echelon of our sport.

Despite the conveniences of the OTC (dining hall, dorm living, and on-complex swimming and sports med/recovery), I have already found that training and living outside the confines of the complex is refreshing and educating. After an incredibly busy lifestyle in high school that never permitted opportunities to learn to cook, I spent four years living on the Villanova campus with a meal plan, and then moved to the OTC where I had unlimited access to the dining hall. Unless you count occasional attempts at cooking during my summer abroad (which I don’t for various reasons), I have never cooked for myself for more than a week or so at a time. This new living arrangement helps set me up with the ability to learn how to cook to train and compete by eating enough and eating healthy. It is also nice to live in a homey atmosphere, which is a comfort that dorm living simply cannot provide.

I’m ecstatic to spend the winter training in warm weather. I used to always joke that I wanted to migrate someplace warm during the cold months, and this wish has become reality. The area has a lot of great amenities for athletes, which we already have begun to take advantage of. I am excited to continue to progress over the winter months with the advantages this opportunity provides. I expect the consistent sunshine and warmth will make my progress even sweeter.

P.S. Shout out to the Villanova Cross Country Teams for winning both the men’s and women’s Mid-Atlantic Regionals yesterday, and for both teams claiming the top two individual spots in the race. I can’t wait to watch the team tear it up at NCAA’s next week! I’m so proud to call you guys my teammates and friends! Go No\V/a!

Equipment van all loaded up!

Equipment van all loaded up!

Our new aquatic home!

Our new aquatic home!

So lucky to have such a beautiful trail so close!

So lucky to have such a beautiful trail so close!