I have been thinking about my college years a lot these past few days as I just made my flight reservation for Knoxville for the REV3, May 9th. I ran track and cross country at the University of Tennessee. I have a Bachelor of Science and graduated in 1995. I have a lot of great memories from my time there, and I am feeling a few butterflies with nervous energy as I plan to return to campus this May.
Focusing on the some of my favorite memories today, I thought about what I loved the most about our team…
One of the things I miss about college running is the strong bond we had as women and athletes . We were ”Lady Vols”. We trained in a very competitive environment. We encouraged each other, we competed with each other, we brought out the inner fire in each other, and occasionally we fought with one another. In a sense, we were sisters. My years at the University of Tennessee are where I feel I grew the most as a young woman. Some of my best friends today are the girls that I ran with 15 years ago.
I love this picture…can you find me?? This picture is from Spring Track 1993 (I think).
After my college running career ended, I did not miss running. I missed the team. After years of being an “individual” in triathlon, I am now a part of the TRAKKERS “team”. I am returning to Knoxville not only as a Lady Vol Alumni, but as a TRAKKERS athlete. While we don’t train together everyday or see one another every day, I feel so lucky to be a part of a team again…however, I feel a few butterflies in my belly with our team challenge with K-SWISS/TREK! We have 4 of our TRAKKERS girls and 2 of our TRAKKERS guys racing!! Unlike racing as an individual, I now have a sense of responsibility to our team!
I look forward to my return to Knoxville. I look forward to seeing and catching up with my current TRAKKERS teammates who happen to be some of my closest friends in triathlon. I am also hoping to see a few of my former Lady VOL teammates that still live in the area…And since SEC’s (SouthEastern Conference Champs)is the week after the REV3 race. A group of Alumni Lady Vols are planning on having a reunion the weekend after REV3. I can not wait to catch up with some of my buddies and reminisce about our college years…
RACE FAST! RAH!
So…whatcha think of Lane Kiffin? Cool blog, btw. I just started following on Twitter. I’m @theironmadman
You’re so right about the whole team thing! I just got off the phone with one of our fellow Team Trakkers Age Groupers, Thor. Team Trakkers will rock the Knox for sure! Glad you’ll get to have fun with your Lady Vols. If you run into Pat Summit, please do not tell her I’m a UCONN Lady Huskies Fan:) Then again…if I have the fear of Pat in me, I’ll go faster perhaps ;)
Hey! Trakkers will RULE in Knoxville. You will be super fast and leave them in the dust :)
Look forward to seeing you there!
Have a great race and enjoy the time with your old teammates!
I agree with you, some of my best friends are the girls I ran with in college. The girls and I still have meet-ups and run together at every opportunity! :)
I’m super psyched for some Trakkers teammy-ness in triathlon!
P.S. The hair in that photo is incredible!
big hair totally rocks!! Is one of your teammates wearing a Brazilian or thong kit??? Lady Vols are wild!
That pic looks like your team knew how to have some fun! Loving this whole Trakkers family and can’t wait to see you and the rest of the pro team rip it up in Knoxville! Hopefully I will get to meet you too!