Final swim meets of the spring season.

*Photo of our group at the University of Montana

Well, we had the final meets of the spring season, the Montana Swim Championships, and the Inland Northwest Championships.  I have been training for "other things" this winter and spring so I am getting very excited to make the big reveal to everyone.  My big adventure is May 3rd, and while I am doing my best to not pull my hair out from the stress of preparing, I am excited for the day to live my dream.

After swimming such a daunting schedule at the CDA Swim Meet, I found myself in need of doing my other training, and shifting away from swimming for most of March.  I did not swim at the MT State Championships.  That did not derail the trip, though.  It was such an amazing trip with Steph, Ayla, Evan, and my family.  My parents worked so hard to accommodate a house-full, and my dad literally cooked all weekend so we had dozens of choices for meals. My mom rounded out our meals fit for kings with her special desserts.

*Evan lounging after his 1650 freestyle. 

I am always impressed with my parents' generosity towards people, especially my friends.  They are a model of selflessness and welcoming.  Everyone swam great at the MT meet, except me because I didn't swim, but the fun we had together over-shadowed it all.  It was an amazing trip and I am so thankful to have shared it with those people close to me. I dropped the ball in not getting a family + group shot. :/

*Working hard timing :)

*Patti set a new State Age Division Record in the 1,000 freestyle!

My final meet of the spring was the Inland Championships in Moscow, Idaho.  I really like this town, and the Moscow Chinooks do an incredible job of hosting.  Coach Matt and his wife, Emile, graciously allowed me, Evan, and Ayla to home-stay with them.  We are so thankful for the quarters.  Despite focusing elsewhere for the past several weeks, I was able to swim close to personal bests in most of the events, and even set a new PR in the 100 free, it was a bonus because I didn't expect much in terms of speed at all.

*Great pic of Ayla...keep that head down at the wall, girl :)

The highlight of the weekend was spending a final weekend with my swim friends.  I am always so thankful for taking that step in joining competitive swimming because these people are some of the best teammates and competitors I have ever met.  It is my pleasure to spend time with them each year.  Congratulations to Jack Bevier and Coach Matt for winning this year's Most Inspirational award, and to Sean Murphy for winning Most Dedicated.  We celebrated these folks as well as a very close race for the season's top scoring swimmers. 1. Jack Bevier. 2. James Adams 3. Ferocious Brosious, at the banquet as we sent the season out in style.

Thanks to all my swim friends and family for making the spring season great. I appreciate your friendship, see you all in the fall.