Just Another Day

I don't have much exciting to write about in my blog this week. But, that is not to say I'm not excited about things. Training has going going very well these past few weeks. I feel I'm starting to make progress towards throwing farther in the discus. I hate to talk about doing well though because I guess I'm a little superstitious about jinxing myself when I talk about myself. So, I'll keep the self talk to a minimum. Throwing the discus has been going particularly well lately. I'm very excited for the season to start up soon and put myself to the test. I'm hoping all the hours and sweat will pay off this year. My first meet will be at the Mt. Sac Relays in Walnut, CA. I have never thrown there, but I've been hearing mixed reviews from people who have competed there. Apparently the discus ring is three feet below the surface of the surrounding grass. Many people will avoid throwing there at all costs. It sounds like it is more of a mental annoyance than anything. I'll find out on April 18th though, and so will you!

This past weekend a majority of the athletes at the training center gathered for a BBQ at Mission Beach in San Diego. There was a small group of foreign athletes who are training here as well that joined us. I can only count on one hand how many times I've been to the beach since I moved out here back in October. I guess I've just been too busy or too tired to go and play at the beach. So, it was a real treat to be able to go this weekend and grill some hot links and chicken on the grill! It may be one of the few times I get to go again for awhile.

Busy

I have been getting lazy with posting blogs recently, a problem that will no longer be an issue from this post on. I shouldn't say lazy, just doing a poor job of managing my time...too much to do here in California! Anyways, a lot has been going on in my little world. A few weeks back I drove up to Newport Beach, CA with my room mate and training partner Adam Kuehl to work at a throwing clinic put on by Tony Ciarelli. What an amazing guy this man is. He has been putting on the camp since 1991. This was my second year helping out at the camp and let me tell you it is a joy to be at. Tony has the ability to gather many of the top throwers in the country from now and the past, and get them to come help out with the camp and get together afterwards and socialize. It is an amazing experience for me as a relatively young thrower to hang out and talk with some of my idols in the throwing world.

Also, my girlfriend moved out here within the past two weeks to Chula Vista to train during her bobsled off season. It has been wonderful having her here to hang out with. It has recharged me to be able to see her daily instead of talking on the phone everyday. I feel it has brought a little more balance to my life as well. We both are definitely trying to be resourceful in finding fun and cheap things to do here in spendy California.

I also got the chance to meet Sarah Groff, a fellow ITA teammate. It is nice to be able to put a face and personality with a name. She is one of the few ITA members that I could say I know...I wish I had the chance to meet everyone. I first met her in the training room here at the OTC and I was caught a little off guard since I had not been expecting the encounter, but she is a very positive and outgoing person. She was eager to take a look at the Boys and Girls Club here in Chula Vista. Luis Canett, the director of the B&G club was excited to meet her and to have the help of more volunteers at his club since there has been an influx of a number of new kids joining recently.