I'm off to South Carolina today for the long weekend. I'll be visiting my parents, attending a family reunion, singing at church, enjoying a dinner party, and seeing an exhibit at the State Museum. While it won't be a "relaxing" weekend, it will be fun, and busy is just what I need right now.
I haven't flown anywhere in about a year, so packing was an interesting project last night! I had to dig out all of my 3oz or smaller liquid containers (3 days is not long enough to go through the hassle of checking a bag), and think about which outfits could do double duty so that all of my stuff would fit into a carryon. I think I was successful...
Well, I plan on having a great Labor Day Weekend, and I hope all of you do, too!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
And...Check!
I've checked another thing off the "Things to do in my lifetime" list. Of course, I had no idea this one was on it...
- Run a marathon....check!
- Do a triathlon........check!
- Record a jingle for a commercial....check?
On Tuesday evening, a few other members of my chorus and I traipsed up to "Baltimore" (really Essex) to record a few lines for a jingle that is being written for an Annapolis tourism commercial. I had never been to Essex and was astounded that there are areas in Maryland that look just like deserted towns in the Deep South. Who knew?
We arrived at the address provided, and the only thing we could see on the street was a diner and a deserted hair salon (named Studio 529...at first I thought it was the recording studio). Someone finally found a "4" on one of the doors leading into the warehouse. We timidly crept in, making comments about the interesting "field trips" we end up on for this adventure we call "singing". A few flights of stairs down, we found the studio. Once we were inside, it was pretty much like any other recording studio (I've only been near one other...).
In the studio, we stood around the mics, learned the 3 lines we were responsible for, and started recording. It actually sounded ok...but on a recording you can definitely hear tiny mistakes...usually with diction or pronunciation. I would say we probably had about 10 takes of each line. A few of us had the "cans" (headphones) on to listen to the playback of the recording (I'm picking up the sound engineer lingo...can you tell?). I felt a little bit like we were on an old radio show. Once a few tracks had been laid down and the engineers had enough to work with, we headed back to our cars. It was quick, painless, and a pretty interesting adventure.
So, if you see a commercial in the next few weeks for Anne Arundel County/Annapolis and hear a jingle that starts with "Come Sail Away...", listen for the chorus parts. That's us!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
De-Lurk Request
Ok, folks. After looking at my site-meter today to see where my blog hits come from, I'm curious to find out who actually reads my blog! There are some that I can figure out pretty easily (Madrid...you know who you are and so do I!) and Columbia (unless someone else who works for the State reads my blog...I know who you are, too. :)), but there are some that I am curious about.
What I found most interesting were the search terms that brought people to my blog. Most often was "tornado dreams" or "choral diction". Funny.
Anyway, if you read my blog, leave a comment and let me know who you are (although I know it's pretty likely that I already know you!)
What I found most interesting were the search terms that brought people to my blog. Most often was "tornado dreams" or "choral diction". Funny.
Anyway, if you read my blog, leave a comment and let me know who you are (although I know it's pretty likely that I already know you!)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
About the Triathlon...
Ok, so I couldn't wait to post about the tri. I was afraid I would forget the details...see my Running Blog if you want to read the blow-by-blow.
At Peace
(The above is a photo taken on our last night in Maine by my friend Jean)
I feel at peace with the world. Not that too many of you knew I wasn't at peace...for some reason I kept the feeling to myself for a few weeks. I think it was a combination of end-of-summer blues (though I don't know why...I don't really love summer), end-of-vacation blues, feeling inadequate while watching Olympic athletes, and perhaps some apprehension about the triathlon.
The triathlon is over, and I did better than I could have anticipated! I was under my goal time, which really amazed me. More on the triathlon later...I'm still waiting on a few photos from the event (and all blogs are better with photos!).
Chorus rehearsals have started again, and while that does signal the end of summer, I'm glad to get back into a routine. Grabbing a coffee before rehearsal last night and sitting in a familiar place felt right to me. I guess this just proves what a creature of habit I really am!
Anyway, I'm happy that I feel right with the world again...just in time for my favorite season....Fall!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Globalization
A year or so ago I picked up Thomas Friedman's acclaimed book, The World is Flat. Unfortunately, I put it down (probably to pick up some trashy novel with no substance) and now I can't find it. I'd really love to finish it. Anyway, it's all about globalization and the effect us Westerners are having on the world.
I was thinking about globalization last night as I was on an online training with some clients from Asia. It amazes me that I can be sitting in my kitchen at 9PM at night (in my pjs), showing people from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia how to use an internet-based software. What amazes me even more is that even without body language, they were able to understand an ordinary 20-something Southern girl enough to ask good questions and actually understand what I was teaching.
As mind-boggling as that is, my situation last night is pretty much par for the course when it comes to business these days. Almost everything is global. Just look at Beijing...and how westernized it has become in the past few years...especially for the Olympics. Yet, 3/4 of China probably still doesn't know who Michael Phelps is (incidentally, if you want a laugh, read this story from the Onion). In the US, only those who live in a cave haven't seen his face plastered everywhere.
I wonder, though...with so many cultures adopting some form of Western culture (ok...and a lot of US culture), are we going to end up as one big homogenized world? I fear losing some of the amazing traditions that have been cultivated and preserved in countries like China. Being so different is part of what makes us human.
Anyway...I could write more on this topic, but it could take hours! It just struck me last night during that training how "globalized" our world is becoming.
I was thinking about globalization last night as I was on an online training with some clients from Asia. It amazes me that I can be sitting in my kitchen at 9PM at night (in my pjs), showing people from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia how to use an internet-based software. What amazes me even more is that even without body language, they were able to understand an ordinary 20-something Southern girl enough to ask good questions and actually understand what I was teaching.
As mind-boggling as that is, my situation last night is pretty much par for the course when it comes to business these days. Almost everything is global. Just look at Beijing...and how westernized it has become in the past few years...especially for the Olympics. Yet, 3/4 of China probably still doesn't know who Michael Phelps is (incidentally, if you want a laugh, read this story from the Onion). In the US, only those who live in a cave haven't seen his face plastered everywhere.
I wonder, though...with so many cultures adopting some form of Western culture (ok...and a lot of US culture), are we going to end up as one big homogenized world? I fear losing some of the amazing traditions that have been cultivated and preserved in countries like China. Being so different is part of what makes us human.
Anyway...I could write more on this topic, but it could take hours! It just struck me last night during that training how "globalized" our world is becoming.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
In My Head
There are quite a lot of odd thoughts rolling around in my head these days. I'll try to capture them here in cyberspace:
-I had my first tomato sandwich of the season on Monday night. It was so tasty! There is not much better than garden-grown tomatoes fresh off the vine and on soft bread with mayo. Mmm. Unfortunately, it may be a few days before I get more tomatoes.
-I ran out of my $25 a bottle shampoo a few weeks ago and picked up a new brand from my salon. I like it a lot...it keeps my hair pretty soft and smells delicious! I keep slinging my hair in my face just so I can smell it. I bet I look like a strange skater chick or something as I sling my head back and forth...
-For some reason, I've been coveting an iPhone for the past 2 days. Well, actually, I think it's due to this blog. Thanks, Ron. Now I want all the cool music related apps you can add to the iPhone. Normally I don't get too caught up in recent technology...especially when it comes to phones. I barely used my cell for the longest time. Then texting came about, and I started missing out on fun events because my phone was off...so now I pretty much have it on all the time. Plus, being an internet junkie, I love borrowing Maureen's phone to update my facebook status and check my email...even when I'm not near my computer. We'll have to see if this iPhone craving goes away...
-The triathlon is this Sunday and I'm starting to get a little nervous. I think I'm nervous simply because it's an unknown thing...not sure how the transitions will go, if I will be too grossed out by the lake to actually swim, etc. But, I think that is part of the fun of it. There is definitely excitement mixed in with the nervousness, so I guess that is a good thing!
-I think I've recovered from vacation and am pretty much back into a normal routine. The routine will be very familiar next week when chorus rehearsals start up again. Is summer really almost over? Wow. This one went by like a flash!
-I had my first tomato sandwich of the season on Monday night. It was so tasty! There is not much better than garden-grown tomatoes fresh off the vine and on soft bread with mayo. Mmm. Unfortunately, it may be a few days before I get more tomatoes.
-I ran out of my $25 a bottle shampoo a few weeks ago and picked up a new brand from my salon. I like it a lot...it keeps my hair pretty soft and smells delicious! I keep slinging my hair in my face just so I can smell it. I bet I look like a strange skater chick or something as I sling my head back and forth...
-For some reason, I've been coveting an iPhone for the past 2 days. Well, actually, I think it's due to this blog. Thanks, Ron. Now I want all the cool music related apps you can add to the iPhone. Normally I don't get too caught up in recent technology...especially when it comes to phones. I barely used my cell for the longest time. Then texting came about, and I started missing out on fun events because my phone was off...so now I pretty much have it on all the time. Plus, being an internet junkie, I love borrowing Maureen's phone to update my facebook status and check my email...even when I'm not near my computer. We'll have to see if this iPhone craving goes away...
-The triathlon is this Sunday and I'm starting to get a little nervous. I think I'm nervous simply because it's an unknown thing...not sure how the transitions will go, if I will be too grossed out by the lake to actually swim, etc. But, I think that is part of the fun of it. There is definitely excitement mixed in with the nervousness, so I guess that is a good thing!
-I think I've recovered from vacation and am pretty much back into a normal routine. The routine will be very familiar next week when chorus rehearsals start up again. Is summer really almost over? Wow. This one went by like a flash!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
And Vacation Comes to an End...
Well, I am safely ensconced back in my normal life in Annapolis. Here's a quick recap of the last few days in Maine...
Friday we drove down to Stockton Springs, ME where Jean and John keep their sailboat. The morning was cool and foggy, but by the time we got on the boat the sun was brilliant and intense. It was an absolutely gorgeous day- low 70s for the temp and beautiful sun. We sailed for about 4 hours. Since I am not experienced in sailing (steering, moving the sails around, etc), I got to just go along for the ride. For me, sailing was quite a relaxing endeavor! We finished the day off with a nice dinner at a local restaurant and bar.
Saturday was another relaxing day on the lake...lots of reading, Olympics watching, a little water-skiing, and a cookout with friends.
Oh, and on Thursday, Maureen managed to catch a fish on the lake:
Jean and I on the boat
Serious sailor Maureen
Maureen and Jean
My attempt at an artsy shot of the sail and the sky
Our drive home on Sunday was long, but fairly uneventful (no accidents, bikes falling off the car, etc.) Now, I think I'm back into the swing of regular life again...just in time for the triathlon this weekend and Chorale rehearsals that start up again next week!
Friday we drove down to Stockton Springs, ME where Jean and John keep their sailboat. The morning was cool and foggy, but by the time we got on the boat the sun was brilliant and intense. It was an absolutely gorgeous day- low 70s for the temp and beautiful sun. We sailed for about 4 hours. Since I am not experienced in sailing (steering, moving the sails around, etc), I got to just go along for the ride. For me, sailing was quite a relaxing endeavor! We finished the day off with a nice dinner at a local restaurant and bar.
Saturday was another relaxing day on the lake...lots of reading, Olympics watching, a little water-skiing, and a cookout with friends.
Oh, and on Thursday, Maureen managed to catch a fish on the lake:
Jean and I on the boat
Serious sailor Maureen
Maureen and Jean
My attempt at an artsy shot of the sail and the sky
Our drive home on Sunday was long, but fairly uneventful (no accidents, bikes falling off the car, etc.) Now, I think I'm back into the swing of regular life again...just in time for the triathlon this weekend and Chorale rehearsals that start up again next week!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Lobster and Water Sports
On the way back from Acadia last night, we picked up some lobsters, mussels, and corn to cook for dinner. All I can say is yum, yum! The lobster was quite tasty- steamed and then I was, of course, dipping it in butter. Good thing I rode 20 miles in the park yesterday...
This morning was another lazy morning. I slept in a bit, and then we got up and John made some blue-berry pancakes. Quite tasty. Then, I took a nap in the hammock. Maureen took the opportunity to snap yet another photo of me sleeping. Oh well, what can I say. I enjoy napping!
After my nap, we changed into our suits and took the boat out for some skiing and tubing. I had quite a good time. I water-skiied for the first time in years last fall, and loved it. These were old wooden skis, but I still managed to get up. Here are a few photos from our lake day:
Being silly
Skiing
Maureen tubing
Once we were done, I swam about 800 meters into the dock. I finally managed to get used to the cold water and stick my face in for awhile to actually get a good stroke going. I think I'm going to do ok in the triathlon with swimming.
This morning was another lazy morning. I slept in a bit, and then we got up and John made some blue-berry pancakes. Quite tasty. Then, I took a nap in the hammock. Maureen took the opportunity to snap yet another photo of me sleeping. Oh well, what can I say. I enjoy napping!
After my nap, we changed into our suits and took the boat out for some skiing and tubing. I had quite a good time. I water-skiied for the first time in years last fall, and loved it. These were old wooden skis, but I still managed to get up. Here are a few photos from our lake day:
Being silly
Skiing
Maureen tubing
Me tubing
Once we were done, I swam about 800 meters into the dock. I finally managed to get used to the cold water and stick my face in for awhile to actually get a good stroke going. I think I'm going to do ok in the triathlon with swimming.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wednesday Vacation
This morning, it was a beautiful day so we decide to visit Acadia National Park. I wanted to get a bike ride in, so we loaded my bike on the back of the car, and after a brief stop at Dunkin Donuts for some sustenance and coffee, we were off! The park was really crowded since it was such a lovely day. We drove part of the Park Loop road, and were dissapointed to run into fog at Thunder Hole. As we drove around to Jordan Pond, I decided that I would bike the whole Park Loop road (about 20 miles). Jean, John and Maureen dropped me off at Jordan Pond, and I headed out. My very first mile was a hill. A big hill. I almost called Maureen and asked her to come pick me up! However, I knew if I stuck it out, the whole ride would be worth it!
Truly, it was one of the most incredible rides I've ever had. The weather was perfect, about 70 degrees and sunny and pretty clear. I had my new fast bike, and the Park loop road is spectacular. It is also incredibly hilly. Which was good for my training, but absolutely wore me out! Thankfully, each time I got to the top of a hill, I was met with the most amazing views. It really was a fantastic ride...I loved speeding down the hills, as well!
After my ride, the rest of the group picked me up and we headed up to Cadillac Mountain. Every time I've tried to come to Acadia in the past and go up to the top of the mountain, it's been rainy or cloudy. Not today. The views really were stellar. On one side you can see Frenchmen's Bay, and on the other, the Atlantic Ocean.
Foggy Thunder Hole
Schooner coming out of the harbor
Frenchmen's Bay from the top of Cadillac Mountain
Porcupine Island
Looking West
My poor, tired feet!
Truly, it was one of the most incredible rides I've ever had. The weather was perfect, about 70 degrees and sunny and pretty clear. I had my new fast bike, and the Park loop road is spectacular. It is also incredibly hilly. Which was good for my training, but absolutely wore me out! Thankfully, each time I got to the top of a hill, I was met with the most amazing views. It really was a fantastic ride...I loved speeding down the hills, as well!
After my ride, the rest of the group picked me up and we headed up to Cadillac Mountain. Every time I've tried to come to Acadia in the past and go up to the top of the mountain, it's been rainy or cloudy. Not today. The views really were stellar. On one side you can see Frenchmen's Bay, and on the other, the Atlantic Ocean.
Foggy Thunder Hole
Sand Beach while I was on my bike ride
The Atlantic Ocean
One of the hills...
View at the top
Schooner coming out of the harbor
Sun on the water
My poor bike was very tired after all the hills and decided to nap on the grass
I decided to join her
Frenchmen's Bay from the top of Cadillac Mountain
Porcupine Island
Up the coast of Maine
Looking West
My poor, tired feet!
Tuesday Vacation
On Tuesday, we woke up to rain, so all decided that a lazy day was in order. After relaxing for most of the morning, we headed in to Bangor for lunch and to shop a bit. A few errands later, we came back to the house and I started making some shrimp and grits. Mmm...it was pretty tasty, if I do say so myself! After dinner we sat on the dock with some wine awaiting the start of the Olympics on tv. Jean took the above picture while I was enjoying my glass of wine on the dock.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Photos of the Trip so Far
Swimming
Maureen trying to steal my part of the picture on top of Mount Battie
Maureen and Jean
View from top of Mt. Battie
Dock on the lake
The hammock where I took a nap
Floating on the lake
Maureen and John after their canoeing adventure
Vacation So Far...Priceless
Our vacation has been lovely so far. After a 14 hour day driving (an unexpected delay at a seafood place called the Clam Box in Massachusetts added 2 hours to the trip...but provided some tasty fried clams and scallops), we arrived at Jean and John's house just north of Bangor on Pushaw lake. We had a light dinner of anti-pasto and steamed mussels and then watched the Olympics (quite a theme so far on this vacation...the Olympics, that is).
Sunday was deemed a "go nowhere day" since we had spent 14 hours in the car the day before. It was a gorgeous day, and most of it was spent on the dock by the lake, floating in the lake, on the boat, in the hammock, and in the lake working on my open water swimming. I did ok on the swimming, the water was cold and kept taking my breath away. No breath makes swimming difficult. I made it 500 meters into the dock, though. Dinner was a nice pork chop, potatoes and squash. I was the rude one and went into the living room immediately after eating to watch women's gymnastics. It was not worth it...the US gymnasts had a rough night. I'm hoping they will do better tonight.
Yesterday we drove to Camden, ME which is a touristy town on the coast. The weather was typical coastal Maine...cloudy and overcast with a bit of fog. We didn't really have any rain though, which was nice. I went for a run in the late afternoon, and managed to make it the whole way...even with a one-mile uphill climb! After my run, we headed to downtown Bangor to eat at Massimo's, an Italian restaurant with fantastic food. Afterwards, I (big surprise) watched the Olympics...another gold by Michael Phelps and a bronze medal by US men's gymnastics team. The gymnastics didn't end until 12:45 AM, so I slept in a bit this morning!
It's a rainy day today, so I think we're going to be a bit lazy again. Perhaps a trip into Bangor...and then more Olympics, I'm sure! I will be treating Jean and John to some shrimp and grits for dinner (actually the Columbia, SC's Blue Marlin restaurant's recipe). I'm convinced that I can make John like grits....nothing like Adluh flour's stone ground yellow grits!
I don't have my photos downloaded yet, but when I do I'll post a few up.
Sunday was deemed a "go nowhere day" since we had spent 14 hours in the car the day before. It was a gorgeous day, and most of it was spent on the dock by the lake, floating in the lake, on the boat, in the hammock, and in the lake working on my open water swimming. I did ok on the swimming, the water was cold and kept taking my breath away. No breath makes swimming difficult. I made it 500 meters into the dock, though. Dinner was a nice pork chop, potatoes and squash. I was the rude one and went into the living room immediately after eating to watch women's gymnastics. It was not worth it...the US gymnasts had a rough night. I'm hoping they will do better tonight.
Yesterday we drove to Camden, ME which is a touristy town on the coast. The weather was typical coastal Maine...cloudy and overcast with a bit of fog. We didn't really have any rain though, which was nice. I went for a run in the late afternoon, and managed to make it the whole way...even with a one-mile uphill climb! After my run, we headed to downtown Bangor to eat at Massimo's, an Italian restaurant with fantastic food. Afterwards, I (big surprise) watched the Olympics...another gold by Michael Phelps and a bronze medal by US men's gymnastics team. The gymnastics didn't end until 12:45 AM, so I slept in a bit this morning!
It's a rainy day today, so I think we're going to be a bit lazy again. Perhaps a trip into Bangor...and then more Olympics, I'm sure! I will be treating Jean and John to some shrimp and grits for dinner (actually the Columbia, SC's Blue Marlin restaurant's recipe). I'm convinced that I can make John like grits....nothing like Adluh flour's stone ground yellow grits!
I don't have my photos downloaded yet, but when I do I'll post a few up.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Vacation and the Olympics
In about 15 hours and 42 minutes, I will be headed to Maine on vacation! I've been waiting for this vacation for awhile...it will be a much-needed break from what turned out to be a busy summer. My roommate and I are visiting some friends who live on a lake just North of Bangor. I hope to get a few open-water swims in, and we are taking our bikes, as well. So, the triathlon training will continue...just in a much cooler place. I'm taking my computer, so if I find internet access I'll be sure to post pictures and blog about the trip.
While we're there, I plan on watching the Olympics every night. I'm a huge sports fan, and I especially love the Summer Olympics because of gymnastics. Most of you who read this blog know that I was a gymnast for 12 years, until my body outgrew the sport and my mind was ready to move on to other things. I credit my not-so-successful but fun gymnastics career as creating a lot of the determination and drive that I find in my life today.
After some of the controversy that has sprung up about the sport in the past year or so (well, really it's the same controversy that springs up every 4 years or so around the Olympics), I want to comment on my experience with gymnastics and what I think is going on in the sport today.
A lot of the criticism circling the sport today involves the fact that gymnasts of the highest caliber are often not over the age of 18. In order to perform on a world-class level, a gymnast has to be tiny and strong. To be honest, with the skills that these girls/women perform, any extra weight on a gymnast can be dangerous. Many of the gymnasts you see on tv have not gone through puberty. Gymnasts on the Elite level (what you see on tv) often train 6-8 hours a day, are home-schooled, and sometimes travel far from home and their families to pursue an Olympic dream. This causes many outside the world of gymnastics to ask, "Are we putting too much pressure on these girls?". Stories of coaches having weigh-ins, calling the gymnasts fat, putting too much pressure on them, verbal abuse, etc., abound. Every now and then, a book will come out, or a TV show will do an expose on the world of gymnastics (most recently...HBO's Real Sports). There are also often rumors of eating disorders running rampant. So do I think these things happen? Do I think gymnastics should be outlawed for girls? Do I think we are exploiting young teenagers and putting uneccessary pressure on them? When I have kids will I allow my daughters to go into gymnastics?
Let me back up by stating that I was never remotely close to being an Olympic gymnast. I competed on Levels 9 and 8 (dropped back a level due to a catastrophic toe injury that kept me out for 4 months...another blog for another time) which are 2 and 3 levels below the Elite level. I had mostly female coaches, and I can't remember any of them ever saying anything to me about my weight. Actually, my friends called me the human garbage disposal because I ate anything and everything I could get my hands on. I was far from fat, though....but very muscular. If I could dig up a photo from those days I would...but I'm sure they are buried somewhere deep in the recesses of my parents' house in SC. I do remember one of my coaches who was a physiology student bringing in a scale one day to do a couple of studies. We all freaked out so much that our parents asked her not to bring it back! My experience with the sport was all positive...though I'm not sure how my coaches put up with my last year or so when I mostly sat around crying and refusing to do tricks that scared me. My parents supported me, but never pushed me. My coaches pushed me to the level that I wanted to be pushed. Any competitive drive I had was from within.
Now, do I think the horror stories about what go on in Elite gymnastics (weigh-ins, eating disorders, verbal abuse, ignoring injuries, etc) are true? I do. There are too many stories and corroborating evidence to deny that in some cases, these things happen. At the same time, I also know that no gymnast can really be pushed past the level that she wants to go. Many of the girls put up with the abuse because they believe it will make them champions. And often, it does. The question is, "Is it worth it?". I don't think we can answer that for them. Even though they are young, these athletes are still elite athletes and I believe they are aware of the sacrifices they are making. I agree that some of the coaches employ methods that should not be used. But the gymnasts in their gym choose to be there. There are other great coaches who aren't abusive. But, the gymnasts choose to stay where they are because they believe they will be great. US gymnasts are not in the position of those in the former communist bloc countries or China where they have no choice but to train with the National team.
I do think some changes need to be made in the politics of the sport. Currently, there is a "gymnastics mafia family" that controls the sport. If you get on their bad side, you can forget about your career as a World Team or Olympic gymnast. I understand that the intent was to make the US competitive on the world stage again, but there is too much power centralized around two coaches and their opinions.
Ultimately, I think the responsibility for protecting these gymnasts lies with their parents. It is a parent's job to not lose sight of the big picture (i.e. life after gymnastics) and make sure that their child is healthy and happy. Some girls can take the abuse and it simply makes them stronger. Others crack under the pressure. It is a parent's role to step in when it becomes too much. I know that parents can get caught up in the drama of the ride to the top, but I think as the adult, parents need to know when to stop. Parents also know their children better than the coaches, and might know what their child's limits are. I don't think a gymnast should ever leave home to train in another part of the country without a parent going with them. It's too dangerous in some cases not to.
In any case, I'll enjoy watching gymnastics, knowing the dedication and sacrifices that those girls have made, and hoping that if they have experienced any of the "dark side" of gymnastics, that it has been worth it for them.
While we're there, I plan on watching the Olympics every night. I'm a huge sports fan, and I especially love the Summer Olympics because of gymnastics. Most of you who read this blog know that I was a gymnast for 12 years, until my body outgrew the sport and my mind was ready to move on to other things. I credit my not-so-successful but fun gymnastics career as creating a lot of the determination and drive that I find in my life today.
After some of the controversy that has sprung up about the sport in the past year or so (well, really it's the same controversy that springs up every 4 years or so around the Olympics), I want to comment on my experience with gymnastics and what I think is going on in the sport today.
A lot of the criticism circling the sport today involves the fact that gymnasts of the highest caliber are often not over the age of 18. In order to perform on a world-class level, a gymnast has to be tiny and strong. To be honest, with the skills that these girls/women perform, any extra weight on a gymnast can be dangerous. Many of the gymnasts you see on tv have not gone through puberty. Gymnasts on the Elite level (what you see on tv) often train 6-8 hours a day, are home-schooled, and sometimes travel far from home and their families to pursue an Olympic dream. This causes many outside the world of gymnastics to ask, "Are we putting too much pressure on these girls?". Stories of coaches having weigh-ins, calling the gymnasts fat, putting too much pressure on them, verbal abuse, etc., abound. Every now and then, a book will come out, or a TV show will do an expose on the world of gymnastics (most recently...HBO's Real Sports). There are also often rumors of eating disorders running rampant. So do I think these things happen? Do I think gymnastics should be outlawed for girls? Do I think we are exploiting young teenagers and putting uneccessary pressure on them? When I have kids will I allow my daughters to go into gymnastics?
Let me back up by stating that I was never remotely close to being an Olympic gymnast. I competed on Levels 9 and 8 (dropped back a level due to a catastrophic toe injury that kept me out for 4 months...another blog for another time) which are 2 and 3 levels below the Elite level. I had mostly female coaches, and I can't remember any of them ever saying anything to me about my weight. Actually, my friends called me the human garbage disposal because I ate anything and everything I could get my hands on. I was far from fat, though....but very muscular. If I could dig up a photo from those days I would...but I'm sure they are buried somewhere deep in the recesses of my parents' house in SC. I do remember one of my coaches who was a physiology student bringing in a scale one day to do a couple of studies. We all freaked out so much that our parents asked her not to bring it back! My experience with the sport was all positive...though I'm not sure how my coaches put up with my last year or so when I mostly sat around crying and refusing to do tricks that scared me. My parents supported me, but never pushed me. My coaches pushed me to the level that I wanted to be pushed. Any competitive drive I had was from within.
Now, do I think the horror stories about what go on in Elite gymnastics (weigh-ins, eating disorders, verbal abuse, ignoring injuries, etc) are true? I do. There are too many stories and corroborating evidence to deny that in some cases, these things happen. At the same time, I also know that no gymnast can really be pushed past the level that she wants to go. Many of the girls put up with the abuse because they believe it will make them champions. And often, it does. The question is, "Is it worth it?". I don't think we can answer that for them. Even though they are young, these athletes are still elite athletes and I believe they are aware of the sacrifices they are making. I agree that some of the coaches employ methods that should not be used. But the gymnasts in their gym choose to be there. There are other great coaches who aren't abusive. But, the gymnasts choose to stay where they are because they believe they will be great. US gymnasts are not in the position of those in the former communist bloc countries or China where they have no choice but to train with the National team.
I do think some changes need to be made in the politics of the sport. Currently, there is a "gymnastics mafia family" that controls the sport. If you get on their bad side, you can forget about your career as a World Team or Olympic gymnast. I understand that the intent was to make the US competitive on the world stage again, but there is too much power centralized around two coaches and their opinions.
Ultimately, I think the responsibility for protecting these gymnasts lies with their parents. It is a parent's job to not lose sight of the big picture (i.e. life after gymnastics) and make sure that their child is healthy and happy. Some girls can take the abuse and it simply makes them stronger. Others crack under the pressure. It is a parent's role to step in when it becomes too much. I know that parents can get caught up in the drama of the ride to the top, but I think as the adult, parents need to know when to stop. Parents also know their children better than the coaches, and might know what their child's limits are. I don't think a gymnast should ever leave home to train in another part of the country without a parent going with them. It's too dangerous in some cases not to.
In any case, I'll enjoy watching gymnastics, knowing the dedication and sacrifices that those girls have made, and hoping that if they have experienced any of the "dark side" of gymnastics, that it has been worth it for them.
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