Track and Field Blogs - Jenny Barringer

Good morning everyone (for me at least),

It's early here and when I originally wrote this blog it was even earlier... but I think I accidently deleted it or something... oh well. So, speaking of time, it's about 9am here on Aug. 2nd while it's almost 7pm the day before in Boulder. If anyone in the states wants to know if tomorrow is going to be a good day, just send me an e-mail and I'll let you know ;). The excitement of where I am and what I'm embarking on is enough to warp time. But, that in addition to the time-zone changes and the overnight flights had me so confused about the days and times!

So, I'll give a quick synopsis of the travel: I had my first Olympic prelim in the Denver airport on the 29th as I was sprinting all-out to catch my flight after a 6am workout on the track and quick splash-shower in the bathroom. That was soon followed by my debut in the decathlon as I passed from room to room going through processing in San Jose. Apparel was the final room I went through and it was a Christmas I'll never forget. I'm not sponsored as an individual so I don't have a whole lot to compare this experience to but the amount of uniforms and gear was unbelievable. Tune into the Opening Ceremonies... you'll have a good laugh at first and then wish you could have an occasion to dress so flash haha!

I had just moments to separate and shove clothes into China-bound luggage versus Boulder-bound boxes. For those of you that know me well, my level of exhaustion can be expressed by explaining that I didn't even fold my clothes; "shove" was in the most literal sense. Next it was just a few hours of sleep before morning came closely followed by a 12 hour flight to another world. The entrance into China was laborious along with the bus ride to the Olympic Village. The Village is amazing, props to the Chinese. I'll go on about that later... I'm just hitting the highlights for now. A group of us went on a run once we got there. Easy shakeout and strides with five of the most impressive American distance runners and then off to dinner and sleep.

I'm now finally in Dalian. We departed from the Village the following morning after another evening of dragging-butt and repacking luggage for the third time. Our flight arrived in the beautiful coastal city midday and once again, a group of us went out on a rainy run, this time on a gorgeous golf course. The running conditions here aren't superb for distance running but I feel like that's a lot to ask for when we're under such high security anyway. There are a few venues that provide approximate mile loops but not a whole lot further. Lots and lots of loops. At least the view is nice. The landscape outside my window includes crashing waves on the coast buttressing luscious green rolling hills just beyond the golf course. This morning is a little more joyful with a bright clear sky inviting me out for a nice easy run.

There's so much to tell and most of this was just travel details. I'm beginning day 5 of my adventure and this is the first morning I've woke in the same bed I'll sleep in again tonight. It's nice to finally be a little bit settled. From here on out I'll try to write more interesting stories and experiences. Mom and Dad, this boring stuff was for you :). I miss so many of you. Traveling isn't the fun part, but I'm here with Billy Nelson (teammate and good friend) which is a huge help. He keeps thing light and never takes me seriously which is the best medicine for days and days of travel.

Good evening my dears, I'm off to enjoy the rest of tomorrow while you all finish up today :).

-Jen