Hurry Up and Wait and other Observations

Well, I have been in Beijing for four days now and things have trudged along.  I am sad to say that I have spent quite a bit of time in the dining hall meeting other coaches and watching plenty of events there.  They have closed circuit tvs there to all of the venues of the Olympics and even have multiple cameras for the multiple events of gymnastics.  I can't wait to see how they cover track!  Because we are getting closer to the day of competition, the 15th, practices have been lighter and lighter.  Today we did some approach work at the practice track here and they went really well.  Yesterday we took about 7  or 8 jumps from a shorter approach to work on a few things and they went pretty well.  Today, Shani and I discussed her strengths as a jumper and they are certainly her strength and speed, so when she goes back to a full approach, things change a bit.  Other than the practices, things have been pretty slow.  

I actually went to my first Olympic event today and it was Team Handball.  For those of you that might have known me in high school, I actually dreamed of playing team handball, so its quite fitting that this was my first event.  We watched two matches: Denmark vs Korea and then Iceland vs Germany.  In the first match, Korea won with a last second goal.  The Danish fans were animated and lively.  In the second, Iceland pulled away in the end and won by about 4 or 5.  Their goalie put on quite a display!

Also today, Steve Edwards and I went and saw Tianamin Square and the Forbidden city.  It was impressive to say the least.  Steve is Shalane Flanagan's husband, so it was fun and interesting to talk to him about his experiences as the husband of an Olympic medal contender.  Its funny that as a coach, I share a lot of his experiences and emotions going into a major competition. Anxiety, nervousness, excitement, etc.

Ok.  On to my observations of China so far.  Today I noticed that little children in China have slits cut into the back of their pants and they don't wear diapers so they can just go to the bathroom wherever they want.  As Steve and I were walking around today, he randomly blurted out, "Holy crap, thats a butthole."  Its true.  A little kids butt was hanging out of his pants!

The Olympic 15: Not a Myth but a reality.  So I already said that I have been spending a lot of time in the dining hall.  Personally, when I am bored or nervous, I tend to eat, and unfortunately, I have been doing a lot of eating.  The food is really good and it is buffet style, so do the math.

There are a million volunteers here.  Maybe not really one million, but it feels like it.

Now on to some questions from my parents (bear with me): No, Shani's family isn't here yet, but they will be on the 14th.  Her husband will be coming over as will her two little sisters and one of her best friends from home.  The air quality has been surprisingly good since we have been in Beijing.  Its a little warm and humid, but that is to be expected.  I would say that we have had more good days than bad.  I think that covers the questions.  If anyone has any more, let me know.  

Time to go to bed around here, but I hope all is well back home in Nashville, Boston, and wherever everyone else is right now.  Its hard to imagine that I have been here for almost 2 weeks with another 12 to go!  Fingers crossed and keep checking in!