More on the US Open

First of all, how did we ever manage before internet? The hotel I've been in for 1.5 weeks (and will be in for that amount of time still) charges $9.99 for 24 hours of internet access. Really, it's T-mobile that's ripping us off, but regardless the matter-of-the fact is we are struggling to keep current with the news, email, and of course, for me, this blog. Thank goodness for the technology of new phones these days. Not ideal, but the best I've got! I have a great blog drafted on my computer that I will post soon. Oooh and more pictures. I watched Donald Young playing mixed doubles yesterday. If you don't know (and I certainly didnt) Young is one of the youngest pro-tennis players although he's still not highl ranked. Fun to watch nonetheless. Alright I will end this blog before I trip. Blogging while walking down a wood-pannelled bridge (bridges the subway terminal with the Tennis Center) has proved hazardous. More soon.

Qualifying Rounds of the US Open

There unfortunately hasn't been much time to post since I have spent most of my days on the US Open courts, pulling 9 to 12 hour shifts so that all of the matches are covered. This past week has been demanding since too many ballpersons were hired this year and we are all fighting for a limited number of spots available for the main draw. But on Friday I received word that I had made it and I was thrilled.

So, what exactly will I be doing for the next 2 weeks while tennis pros battle for the US Open title? Basically, we are called out to a court in teams of 6 for 2 hour shifts at a time. I was hired for the net position, which means I stand at one end of the net until a player slams a ball into it and then I run after and retrieve it. 90% standing there watching the net, 10% sprinting after a ball to clear it so that the player can set up for his next serve. I do other things too, like throw the ball to the backs (who stand either of the court) who then feed the balls to the players. And during change overs I am supposed to politely ask the player on my side of the net if he/she needs any water or Gatorade. Most of the time the players are very focused so I tend to stand back and let them just ask me if they need anything.

Another great perk of my job is that I have access to the back hallways of the stadiums and free seats at what we call The Perch between the Grand Stand and Louis Armstrong stadiums. The second day I rolled in to find what court I was assigned to I had the pleasure of sitting back and watching Jelena Yankovic and Andy Roddick practicing, one on each of the 2 courts I could see. The following day the courts were bustling even more with famous tennis players and their coaches. Roger Federer warmed up with a couple serves and volleys while practicing in the Grand Stand (pictures to come once I can upload them to my computer). The Williams sisters were on a court nearby doing much the same thing. The best run in so far though was on my way back to the ballpersons lounge after a 2.5 hour shift on morning. High pitched squeals and giggling could be heard coming from down the hall far before we could identify the source. Then security guys were blocking our path and asked us to move up against the wall. Rafael Nadal then appeared, flashing us an amused smile as he walked past followed by an entourage of 12 year old girls asking for his autograph. Even in the presence of such a phenomenal athlete, I couldn't help but laugh.

These experiences so far have gotten me even more excited about what is to come. To be in the presence and on the courts with such talent and athletic ability is a real thrill. I have a real appreciation for these guys' competitive spirit and drive to win. I look forward to the continued interaction with these men and women and will hopefully be motivated even more to continue the pursuit of my own goals.

The start of the US Open

The beginning of 3 weeks as a ballgirl at the US Open. The reality of living out of a hotel for 3 weeks set in when I walked into the very nice, but very small room on the 24th floor. My roommate, Scout, arrived later in the evening and moved in as well. Every drawer, shelf, and hangar is in use and still some of my clothes are still in my suitcase. And I even tried to pack light.

Today at 2 pm I will head out to the Tennis Center to really begin. I will write more about that when I return.

Back to the long stuff...

I had a chance to take about a week off after New York. I wonder if I should've taken off more time, but I was also getting antsy about beginning my training for Ironman. So Week 1 of my training began with a long 12 hour week, which felt like a lot on top of work and completing medical school applications. I am now going into my 3rd week of Ironman workouts and the volume continues to increase. And as the volume increases my free time decreases. You'll notice that my blogs are made less frequently these days. I'm looking forward to taper week!

Reminiscing on Swimming

It's easy to tell people my story. I've said it so many times that I have it rehearsed to the T. I lost my leg when I was six months to a congenital defect...etc. (If you want the rest of the story check out my biography at the bottom of this page. I really don't want to tell it again.) But one detail rarely shared is that when I moved back to the States from Germany I wanted to join the swim team. I was a good swimmer, even as a seven year old. I loved the water and the water seemed to love me. I could float like a buoy in the middle of a lake. I was doing back flips off the diving board with one leg when I was six. I can't do them anymore, but I could then. But the coach...well, I won't give you my real feelings about the coach, but basically he was a real piece of work. "Kelly will never be a good swimmer," he told my mom. That's what you get when someone doesn't want to take on a challenge or is afraid of the unknown. I was full of potential and everyone knew it.

But you know what? All I can say is thank you now. I set out to prove him wrong. Rather than kill my taste for swimming he fueled my drive to succeed. My goal is never to meet expectations, but rather to exceed expectations and then some.

New York City Triathlon

I don't even know where to begin. With the heat, or the jellyfish, or the lack of current in the Hudson. Okay, let's start at the beginning. The night before the race my team got hotel rooms at the Beacon Hotel on Broadway a couple of blocks from the transition zone. First off, I'm still trying to figure out who's brilliant idea it was to put hotel rooms along Broadway. Great location maybe, but not exactly quiet nor dark at any hour of the night. I know this because I laid awake staring at the ceiling (yes, I could see the ceiling with the lights off it was so bright in the room) and listening to the shouts and catcalls of club-goers and partiers. It may have quieted down around 2:00 am so by 4:00 am I'd at least snuck in a couple of hours of sleep.

We started our walk over to the transition zone at 4:30 am in a heat that was not much cooler than it'd been before the sun went down. I didn't really feel ready for this race like I'd been for Worlds, but I also was less anxious than I'd been during previous years. I was just going to have to go out there and run my race. I was looking forward to the fast course, but to my surprise I had to work harder on the swim that I anticipated.

While we sat on the floating dock on the Hudson River waiting to be told to hop into the water for the official race start, a jellyfish popped out from under the dock, got stuck on the start rope, and floated off ahead of us. Wait, what? Yes, I know. I looked at Kati and she confirmed that I wasn't seeing things. It was indeed a jellyfish and it turned out that there was definitely more than one in the water. Not long after that the race horn went off and after a few seconds of confusion about whether or not the race had actually started (normally we do an in water start, but we were still sitting on the dock when the horn sounded) I started the swim.

This was not one of my better swims. The usual Hudson current was practically non-existent and the water was surprisingly choppy for so early in the morning. My goggles filled up with water twice forcing me to stop and rearrange them. My swim cap even started to slide up over my ears, pulling my goggles off with it. I had to stop for a third time. All in all, I should be thrilled that I was fifth overall and the second female out of the water.

The race was supposed to get easier after that, but the heat and humidity failed to cooperate causing performance levels to suffer. All I can say is that I left everything I had on the course. I was tanked as I crossed the finish line and couldn't down enough water and Gatorade fast enough to replenish the stores I'd sweated out. Not my best race, but I am content with the title 2008 National Champion for my category of disability. Oh, and I got a large pewter plate. And the largest Tiffany and Co. box I'm sure I'll ever get in my entire life (see pic above).

Riding through Central Park

I don't normally arrive at a race early enough to ride any of the course, but it was different this time. I'm in New York today (3 days before the New York City Triathlon) with nothing that I have to do so I put my bike together early and went out to ride the run course in Central Park. My sister warned me that there is a specific direction that you're supposed to the run/bike/rollerblade around the Park and unfortunately it's in the opposite direction to our race day course. Nonetheless, I heeded her advice and proceeded counter-clockwise around the Park. I was expecting a nice easy ride through the park, but within seconds I realized that there would be nothing relaxing about my ride today. I was dodging bikes, runners, baby strollers, and rollerbladers that were all coming at me not to mention cars, which, according to one sign, weren't allowed in the park today anyway. But after 3 taxis passed me, it was obvious that the sign either didn't apply or the drivers didn't care. The most interesting object in my path that forced me to swerve quickly off course was a cute little turtle crossing the street. Another rider dodged on my left and we both looked back as we passed the brave (or stupid) little turtle who was slowly making his way across the pavement. He reminded me of the true nature of Central Park and the little oasis it represents in the middle of New York City; a small refuge of protection for many little animals. For the remainder of my ride I paid more attention to the nature on either side of the road and noticed everything else a little less. Nearly missed the ramp back to 72nd street too.