Needless to say, I lost track of this blog and didn't keep up with it very well. But....I'm not surprised. After Track season really got underway, life was go go go go go. Now that the Fall is here and life hasn't slowed down at all...I figured I could at least TRY to update and write again.
So, let's rewind to March through June - HS Track Season was in full motion, and the kids that Collin coaches did awesome. Three state qualifiers (two boys, one girl, all seniors) and we had a great time down in Bloomington for the State Meet. I ran my first pole vault meet EVER in May after the person who was supposed to run the Boys' Conference Meet didn't show up. Talk about a nerve wracking experience!!! Luckily, I had observed Collin enough and been to enough meets to know more or less what my job was. Plus, I had really supportive parents and coaches behind me so it made everything a lot easier.
June through August - Summer seemed to fly by. I learned how to pole vault (sorta) and found out I really really enjoyed it. I am by no means a good vaulter, but with every jump session, I start to make improvements. I'll never be amazing, but it's a fun thing for Collin and I to do together every once in a while when he's feeling healthy enough to jump. July brought the annual Beach Vault which I have to admit was probably one of the most fun things I have done in quite some time. Collin and his coaching buddy, Joe, took four boys (Nathan, Nick, Griffin and Gerald) and two girls (Lilly and Lizzy) up to Grand Haven, Mich. to jump in the competition. Collin, myself, Joe and his wife Amy served as chaperones for the trip. We rented a townhouse not far from the beach and brought bikes with us so the kids could ride at their leisure. While we were up there, I became known as Mama Duck - which I absolutely love. Now, whenever I walk into practice, I'm almost always greeted with shouts of "Mama Duck!! Mama Duck!!! Quack quack quack". More than once it has made my day SO much better after a nightmare of a day at the office. August brought the State Fair Vault and the start of school. The kids showed well at the State Fair - perhaps not as well as they wanted - but still not bad!!!
September through October - The kids have settled into school and Pole Vault Elite is booming. Every Monday and Wednesday, Collin and Joe have a nice number of kids to work with. The weather has been holding out for the most part, so they've even managed to sneak in some great weekend practices. I cannot believe we are halfway through October already - but here we are. In just two short weeks, Pole Vault Elite will be hosting it's annual Halloween Vault! I am considerably more excited for it this year for two reasons: a) I know what to expect and don't feel socially awkward around the kids anymore and b) Collin and I have great costumes inspired from this past summer.
So - there you have it. A recap of the past....oh....eight months in a nutshell. Here's hoping it won't be another eight months before I can sit down and write again!
Until next time!!!
