The level 8 season has come to an end...and rather successfully I might add. Last weekend I made my first solo journey as a Twisters optional coach and took our three girls to the Regional championships. I wasn't stoked about flying alone but the trip was quick and painless. I knew I was going to be rushed when I landed due to the flight choice we made, but the new monorail/light-rail system the city has going made it easy for me to find my way to the hotel. Luckily the meet site was within walking distance so I quickly checked in and changed before making my way over to the first session of the weekend. I didn't have the chance until that point to realize just how hot it was outside and I arrived indoors sweating much more than I had anticipated.
The arena had four sets of equipment set up and was divided into two gyms. Flight A and B would run separately on both sides, one side designated for the 9/10 competition and the other side for the 8's. The first session I had was with Cecilia who has clean lines and pretty gymnastics that was highly rewarded. One of the coaches from UCLA who happened to be in our rotation with his club gym came up to us and said that her bar routine was like art...it was just that pretty. It was really nice to hear that and she continued on event after event with her game face. She ended up 2nd on floor and in the all-around for her efforts and I was ecstatic.
After the competition I went to the Hyatt where Annie was waiting with Eli and Debbie; they weren't in the same session I was so they had the chance to go to dinner together. I was exhausted from the day so I came in and slouched on the couch while we chatted and then Annie and I went to get some food. We ended up across the street at Hooters and while the food was good I was a little taken aback by the waitresses and both Annie and I remarked that we weren't qualified to work there, haha. After dinner we found ourselves at the bar of our hotel with pretty much every other coach in Region 1. It was a nice chance for me to get to know some of them a bit better and while I love traveling with Allan and Ericka it gave me the opportunity to go at it on my own and really talk to a lot of them. I walked away feeling more a part of the club and was ready to tackle my 8am session the next morning.
Unfortunately, that session didn't really go as planned and the highlight of the day was actually meeting Annie for lunch and spending time with her by the pool before she had to go for her 4pm session. I went with her and watched the level 9's on the opposite side, gathering ideas for my own kids who will be trying to move up next season. Once again the two of us had dinner and we called it a night a little earlier this time because we were both so tired.
Sunday morning (felt like Groundhog Day at this point) came and this time the result was much better. Avery was up and I have to say that I really enjoy working with this kid. We just have a connection I can't explain and she was so cute when she expressed how grateful she was for everything I'd done for her this year. She ended up 4th on vault, 3rd on floor, and 6th all-around. For having a goal of being in the top 10, I'd say that was a success! I walked away happy and sad at the same time...sad because I had to say good-bye to Annie and head to the airport. I was so exhausted when I got there that I fell asleep at the gate and almost missed my flight, but luckily I woke up just in time and made it home safely. Alex greeted me at SJC as did cold weather and a lot of wind.
This weekend it's a road trip down to LA to watch NCAA's, then lastly it will be to Vegas for level 7 Regionals. I can't wait to wrap up this season; while I'm proud of everything we've accomplished, back-to-back compulsory and optional seasons have taken their toll on me. I'm ready for some R&R before other big life events take place (Stanford graduation, my friend James coming to visit...). This summer is shaping up to be a good one and I can't wait to get it started!!
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