Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Semi-Chlorinated Life: Sport Teaches Amazing Lessons


Sport can teach so many amazing lessons. And this story will demonstrate just why that’s what it’s really all about.

A seven-year-old smiled her nervous self through all four apparatus in her first gymnastics meet of the season. Her mom could tell she was nervous because before each event, she would look at her coach with these bright excited eyes and take a deep breath with a little chuckle, it’s the way she handles that stuff. She soaked up every single cheer from her teammates, and she put every ounce of her little body into everything she did. And SHE WAS PROUD. Her parents were up in the stands cheering, clapping, and catching her eye to give her a thumbs-up. She would look at her scores and her eyes would light up because she was so much better than last year. She repeatedly counted out her score on her fingers just so her parents could really see what she had just accomplished. She congratulated her teammates, and her teammates did the same to her. The camaraderie was amazing to watch.

All the while, her mom kept thiking about what her daughter said to her the night before this meet. While readying for bed, the little girl had said, “I am so excited to win a ribbon or a medal tomorrow.” Her mom wanted to prepare for all possible outcomes so she gently replied, “You know, not everyone will get a ribbon so if you want one, you have to think about all the little things and try to do them your absolute best. But no matter what, daddy and I are SO incredibly proud of you because you have been working so hard. You have truly dedicated yourself.” She smiled. She was already proud of herself, and she didn't seem worried. . .

Read the rest of this blog and learn Skye's lesson at Semi-Chlorinated Life

Thursday, October 10, 2013

My 10 Favorite Running Destinations

The moment I hung up my competitive swimsuit, I grabbed a pair of running shoes. At the time, I didn't even know I was supposed to have a separate shoe just for running. I didn't really think about switching to running or becoming a runner, I just ran. I ran with my girlfriends around the Stanford University campus. We fondly call it “The Campus Loop,” and it’s about four miles. Since then, I have run wherever my job has taken me. I’ve run at least 50 times around Orlando, Florida during my time hosting Figure It Out, at least once through every NBA city exploring while filming Inside Stuff, and on five continents while traveling for the Olympic Games, doing charity work, or covering events for the Today Show. There is no better way to see a city or get to know your surroundings than by slipping on your running shoes and putting your soles to the pavement!

With all that legwork under me, I thought I'd share a little exploring insight. Here are my 10 favorite running destinations. . .

#10

Scotland: The Highland Way.  We learned a lot about this trail while we were camping in the Highlands in Scotland.  My number 10 destination is Scotland's premiere walking route and can be accessed via path at almost every stop along the scenic way. The scenery is so raw and beautiful. And the 96mile trail has various paths along it's route, and hosts an annual race. I'm putting that one on my bucket list.  

Check out destination 1-9 on my Semi-Chlorinated Life blog.