Saturday, August 6, 2011

End of Season

I'm back in the good ol' U S of A now and my trip home signifies the end of the 2011 season for me. I'd like to say I went out with a bang, but the truth is it was more like a handheld sparkler than a fireworks show. The reason for that is nothing more than the fact that I was at the end of a five week span that saw me do 10 competitions in 7 different countries. In fact, during one eight day time period I somehow fit in four competitions. To say the least, my body was understandably wiped out. That is not the type of schedule you would draw up for peak performances, but it is the kind of schedule you make work when you know that these five weeks will be the last opportunity you have to go out and work for a very long time.

What I will say, however, is that I left Europe far better than I arrived--and that is true in both performance and attitude. I came to Europe probably in the best shape of my life and I couldn't do anything with it because mentally I was still the #1 guest at my very own pity party. But thankfully, I realized soon enough that that party was a real drag. Truth be told, if I could have stayed in Europe another month and done 10 more competitions I totally would have. Athlete's always like to say how they can't wait to come home but home for me right now doesn't seem all that great, and the gelato isn't nearly as good. Over the years I have really come to appreciate competing and living in Europe and all that being away from home has to offer… for the most part. There are a few things, however, that I am glad I will not have to deal with for a while.

Here is a list of my top 10 things I won't miss.

10. Lukewarm drinks. Nothing is cold and ice doesn't exist… so there you go.

9. The worst internet connections. Ever. There were literally times I would wait 15 min for a page to load.

8. European breakfast. Scrambled egg soup, hard bread, and mushrooms?! Eww. In fact, at one hotel this was ALL that was offered. And yes, you could bounce that roll off a wall.


7. Siesta time (in some countries) during the day and Sundays when all of civilization just shuts down. I'm used to what you want, when you want it, mentality. If I forget to eat lunch before 13:00 (that's 1 for the yanks) or don't go to the grocery store before Saturday, I end up with starvation as my only option.

6. The non-existence of lines. We are not a herd of animals and I stick out like a sore thumb, so please get behind me and wait your turn.



5. Cold, rainy weather. It's summer, but the majority of time I got ready for competitions dressed like this..



4. Smoking. Everybody. Everywhere

3. Sandwiches, especially when that is the only thing offered at airports. Hard bread, one slice of the most thinly sliced meat you can imagine, and butter.

2.
Beds not made for full-sized human beings and put so close together that you should be married to the person sleeping next to you, but instead it's a person who doesn't speak your language and prefers to be a nudist all day. (sorry…can't include picture of nudist)


1. The Euro. And all other forms of currency I encountered, that put my measly American dollar to shame and forced me to dread conversion calculations.


That being said, the things I actually enjoy and appreciate about being able to live and work on another continent would make a much longer list than this one. I'm bummed to be home, and I am even more bummed that it is going to be many, many months before I get to compete again. But, everything happens for a reason and I plan on making the most of my time off. Mostly eating.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Way to leave the pity party behind. Enjoy a well deserved rest in normal sized bed.

...Tim

Daniel said...

Ms. Glenn,
I so love you for this ...
"Mostly eating."
I laughed so hard.

Good luck on the ab machine infomercial. Get that paycheck!
And kick the "no-show" date ta da curb.

Tobias Jackson Bradford said...

I don't get it....?

A meet for you consists of running about 30 yards, 5 times, and jumping into some sand.

You then walk leisurely back to a bench where you sip on water, waiting your turn to jump again.

What is so physically draining or demanding about that?

You should be able to have a meet twice a day, each and every day and still not be tired.

Or am I missing something here?

And frankly I see nothing wrong with posting some of the nudists pics!! Was she a hottie? Any bi curious stories you'd like to share? lol :)!!!

Christine said...

Your list of the 10 things you won't miss makes me laugh, those are so typically European and living in the states for 6 years, I almost forgot about it :)

Anonymous2 said...

Don't ever ever ever mention nude and not post pictures,a partial leg, bum, nip something. Since this was Europe and roommates are sleeping nude, where all roommates female or some of them male? Hey it's Europe I don't know.

Anonymous said...

@ Tobias, being in peak physical condition doesn't mean you are able to perform lots of high intensity work (aka 10 long jump competitions) into a short window of time (5 weeks). Add to that the time and stress of travel, and you're just begging to suck at anything besides being comatose 12 hours a day.

Gophertrackshots said...

Folks, lighten up on Tobias. After all, he may be only 12 or attempting to be sarcastic.

Lauren Fleshman said...

Funny funny funny! My top 10 list would look very similar...my last race, the twin beds were literally pushed together with no way to separate them. Not even a sliver of space between the two of us!
Nice summer chickadee. Enjoy home.

Tobias Jackson Bradford said...

Ohh Poooolease!

Being a Marine, a Football Player, a Water Polo Player, a Soccer Player, a Distance Runner, anything 400m and over, is a demanding performance.

5 runs, 30 yards is not either stressful on your body or your mind.

In fact, I can't think of anything more fun!

You never get winded!

You never have long periods of physical demands of your body!

You get 5 chances to do it right!

You don't even have to break a sweat!

What a more cushy, easy, life can a person have!!

It is obvious the Anonymous Gang above are a bunch of fat girls who want more chocolate cake! Except for Anony2 who is formerly known as Dust. ha ha

If the "sport" you are in doesn't require you to break a sweat, or demand anything of you mentally......oh please....give me a break! #delieriousdramaqueens

Long jump is 1 stones throw from being a Bathing Suit Beauty Contest!

So, back to this Nudist roommate situation! From my experience European girls don't always have the same culturally expected body manicuring that we do here in the west. Can you confirm this please? Now when you say "all day", does this mean all day, or just sleeping? And lastly, would this be a long jump nudist or other event nudest...because some events girls tend to be lacking the goodies up top and I don't think we can get a clear mental image unless we know this! :)!!

Brianna said...

Glad you guys enjoyed my list! :)

Tobias isn't even worth responding to because he doesn't even know how many jumps I actually take or how long my run even is. can't do much reasoning with that type of ignorance. Beyond that, he just doesn't understand athletics but that's ok, I'm sure you are reading my blog to educate yourself

Tobias Jackson Bradford said...

@Brianna

Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me! LOL

Whether the pageant calls for 5 jumps, 6 jumps, 30 yards, 50 yards......it's all the same thong, ut um thing.

You are on a roll....on your last comment but I will not take the bait! "Marco".....'Polo'....."Marco".....'Polo'....ha ha!

That dog has already hunted and been back before you even got up to get the worm. Muah! lol

xoxo

Anonymous said...

I am not Tobias, but you really make too much out of yourself and bring it on yourself. It's not THAT hard but you want people to think so. I know many top athletes who work WAY harder than you and complain less. I live in Michigan btw, come and visit if you want a REAL workout. Btw, you are not that important but you surely want to believe it to justify your actions.