Girl the Olympian

It's been TWO whole weeks since I last posted! I don't really have an excuse. I would like to say it's been because I've been busy doing more important things than keeping my readership (N=3) abreast of my daily activities, but misleading journalism is unethical, indeed.

There has been one theme that's defined the last two weeks of my life, though: a feeling of Physical Inadequacy

While some people call it delusional thinking - I call it the Mindset of Champions! It's the voice in the back of your head that convinces you while you sit on your couch watching Tiger Woods win the US Open, Boston win the NBA Finals and some 5'2" girl land a twisting back flip on a balance beam @ the Olympic trials that -- "HEY!! You can do that!"

Yeah. What can I say. I'm a natural born delusional thinker champion.

Well, the past two weeks have been complete sensory overload for people like me. In addition to the aforementioned sporting occurrences - the Euro Cup soccer tournament is in its final stages, Wimbledon started a couple days ago, and worst of all: The US Track & Field Olympic Trials start this weekend. What makes the trials so bad is that I've actually competed against and with a large portion of the people who I'll be watching on TV (including my best friend!!!). As if I needed any more convincing that I am not living up to my sporting potential!

We're still about a month away from the Olympic Games, but I am being cautious & taking measures to prevent myself from spiraling into a deep depression, as the last two weeks have been only a taste of what's to come in August. Preparation has been as follows:

1) 3 hour stint in Sports Authority. Everyone knows that in order to be a world class athlete, you have to have the gear. In my case - I spent two hours trying on sporty clothes to see if I could at least look like a world class athlete if I were in fact able to afford said sporty clothes. Left the store with running socks, soccer socks, basketball shorts, power bars and soccer cleats. These will all aid in my rise to athletic greatness.

2) Play a recreational game of capture the flag. This was important. I had to test my skills. If I couldn't outrun the average 24 year old human being - there's no way I could compete in any sport on a national/international level. Although my team lost - I had one very successful jail run (i.e. freed our people from jail AND made it back to our side without getting tagged). Mission Accomplished.

3) Join a team. Organized sports provide much needed structure. I needed somewhere to wear my new cleats - so I joined a soccer team. I played my 1st game with them Sunday and was more help than hindrance! Check out the evidence: http://golerosteam.blogspot.com/2008/06/shootout.html

4) Conditioning. So, as a former track athlete, I have some sense of how to get into good running shape. I've thrown that sense out the window - as I need to be in top shape by August so I can blow off steam after watching others go for Olympic Gold. I plan to do this by running long distances at respectable speeds after particularly inspiring performances. Just finished my 2nd week of running between 4-6 miles a day. We'll see if I can walk come August.

5) Long Term Goals. Signed up to run a 190 mile relay race [split between 12 people] in September. That sounds healthy.

With all these precautions in place, I think I may be able to watch the Olympic Games in August. Last Summer Olympics I dislocated my shoulder in an expression of sheer excitement over the Games (that ended with me tumbling down a flight of stairs). SO - here's to hoping I can keep my cool this year!