Today was the opening ceremonies,before we left for them we just kicked around just relaxing and trying to get one last day before our official JO journey begins.It has been nice to hang out with family we haven’t seen in a while and so nice to be on a “kinda” Vacation/Tracation the past three days. Can’t help thinking thata few days from now our team USA will take to the track in London and hopefully bring home a medal maybe even gold. The ceremony was just Ok, I heard a few people commenting on it but most I saw happy faces of expectant youth athletes ready to perform their best.
We actually arrived a little late(very unlike us) and the ceremony started a little early(I never seen that happen) so the net outcome was Lauren not being to walk in the opening procession with our region. She was a little disappointed,but the ceremony lasted a much shorter amount of time and so ,my kid did get to have fun with her fellow region friends and a couple of team member’s after it was officially over .
Unfortunately we have a very light team traveling this year. It is kinda sad because we had the fastest team in the nation Youth Girls but due to circumstances out of our control, we couldn’t get all the girls here this year. There is always a little drama with relays…..That is why parents always say they hate them,but you just cant resist watching this great and fun event.
Well it is what it is and we look forward for a very challenging week of races.With many talented top youth girls the times I think will be very fast and very close. I do not expect a ten meter blow out by any athlete in this division ,but I do expect very close times 1st-3rd for sure. So Lauren has done the best she could do,worked hard to get her foot healed, she has eaten and drank all that I place in front of her for great running fuel and now she has to go and do what she has looked forward since January 1st 2012. SO NOW LAUREN,GO MEET YOUR DESTINY
7-23-12
7.23.12_ The journey has begun. The Baltimore weather looks like thunder storms on and off all week so we are gearing up for what ever may come. We are staying with family and this is a great treat.
This is our second full day in Baltimore. Yesterday was a day with family ,church and eating out. Nothing fancy just Bob Evans (we don’t have that in Cali) and good conversation. Today starts the focus on to the track. Henry has left for the local high school with Lauren and well I am here sitting on the bed talking to you 
Lauren excitement is beginning to grow( I see the anticipation in her face of going to the track today as a clue) as I fixed her light breakfast before they left she was sure to drink her water and take plenty with her. She even ate everything I prepared no complaints or alternative requests.
She has on her running “wrist wear” she likes for her races.This is her finishing accent for practice and all her big races this week.
She was smiling and ready to go for a light shake out. Here birthday is in two days and that is also the first day of competition for her. When they return she will do her home routine of exercises, stretching etc. ,eat the real breakfast and then a little later we will explore the Harbor and pick up the souvenir shot glass and t-shirt.
All and all a pretty chill day.
My concerns are for the length of the day and the multiple rounds. She has never done that at USATF JO’s but also we will be at the track a prolonged period because of the length of time between rounds. No complaints just trying to figure out how to conserve energy in a cooler climate(indoors when we can) getting food in proper amount of time etc.
We will figure it out…..
I remember running with Lauren back in midget with Victoria Powell , GoodLuck Lauren and Do your Best !! #Somebody has to win,so why not you ?
Mrs. Williams, between you, your husband and Lauren – it is enough discipline and intellect for you all to figure it out. It’s a done deal. Go Lauren! Just continue to do what you’ve been doing but do it better.
By the way – great pictures.
Dominique and the Waters’ Family.