It’s Here!! The 2008 USATF Junior Olympics Has Arrived

For the Youth  Track Athlete these next two week is the defining moment for the season. Much like Beijing for our American Elite Track and Field Athletes this is their time to SHINE.

Those of you traveling  To either championship Best Wishes and a save, fun filled trip  as your athletes do their very best.

 It’s here….The 2008 USATF Junior Olympics starts tomorrow. It seems just like yeserday we were planning for Phoenix Lauren’s first meet of the season. Now..it’s Championship time and Lauren’s in it…Wow 

We are traveling  to Omaha, Nebraska Wednesday morning at 6:40 am.(Some how I keep forgetting I don’t like these early flights when booking)and leaving  Omaha for Detroit on Sunday Morning 6am for Detroit, Michgan For the National AAU Junior Olympics. 

 Over the next two weeks starting July 23rd  through August 3rd I will be writing about the Junior Olympic experience/my thoughts Laurens’ and Henry’s too. I will share her event progress, how she is feeling as well as a few of the athletes and parents I have a chance to meet.

Today is Henry’s last day of work.He is working at LAX today (overtime for LAPD) and saw the first wave of Quite Fire  athletes leave ,about 7 in all. He said they had shining faces and looked very excited about the trip. These athletes were traveling with a coach chaperon and his wife . My friend Elinar’s son was in this group.Henry said he looked particularly excited and happy to be with the team. I promised him I would watch out for him while I was there,hey it’s working out so far. Elinar they are on the plane safely : )

I am doing last minute everything today packing,shopping more packing ,just making sure I have what I need for almost 2 weeks of travel. The Williams household is excited.Lauren is double excited and wondering just what we are going to do for her birthday on the 25th this Thursday.Well besides run… I am going to get her a DS today and give it to her tomorrow when we leave.Maybe a little birthday party after the meet on Thursday. Her birthday  always falls during championships. Last year I had a party early ,but this year no big celebration just travel and fun with her team mates.

Here are some things I thought about, might want to write down as you prepare for Junior Olympic travel you may remember this post from a while ago check it out if you have read it yet.

Traveling Tips For National Championships Part 1

 More Travel Tips

 

•  Confirm flight reservations 72, and hotel 48hours before flight arrival. this is a piece of mind issue  making sure you didn’t overlook any thing and airlines didn’t change the flight .
• Make sure you know the  correct time of departure and arrival
• Write hotel reservations and flight conformation numbers in a separate book or paper.(I use a little journal that fits in my purse.I never leave home with out it.
• Write down all contact numbers for hotels parents etc in this same book not just your cell phone.If  your cell dies and you can’t charge it or it is lost you could be in some big trouble.
• Bring your charger for cell phones and all electronics to be used.
• Optional…Lap top computer.I bring it all the time because it is so helpful finding places,Lauren plays games,we can watch videos on it.Of course I can write TrackMom on the road too!
• Print out all directions you need immediately upon arrival,how to get from airport  to hotel, hotel to stadium ,registration location etc. 
• Print out schedule of events. I always to this because it is so handy to know when events you might want to see areas as  well as your own athletes events to plan ahead for arrival. They don’t allow late reporting ,your athlete can be not allowed to participate if he or she is late don’t let this happen to you. 
• Copy of AAU, USATF Card and Birth Certifcate.Again Because we were unattached last year,I was very catious about having every piece of documentation.Probably really not needed at this point but just in case I carry it.  
• Medical Cards.Last year Henry had to got to urgent care and it wasmuch easier with the proper information at hand.

Extras

• Printed National Records sheet. I print the records so as I am watching I really understand what I am watching and who. This makes it more fun for me, maybe even see a few records fall in the process.
• Rankings  sheet. I do this for the same reason as above. I like to get to know the athlete and times that got them there.

Have any tips you would like to share?  E-mail me

Trackmom1@gmail.com

Until Next Time

Related posts:

1. The 2008 USATF Junior Olympics …..Victoria Powell
2. Championship Travel Part 2
3. A Fast Day 3 At USATF Junior Olympics 2009
4. Getting Ready For Junior Olympics 2009
5. It’s That Time Of The Year……Journey To The Junior Olympics