31 March 2008
Now that I have the time…
Posted by Kristin Linscott under: Kristin Linscott .
This blog has really nothing to do with running…I guess I want to write about it because I now actually have the time to put more focus on my training. Funny how life can change so quickly…
Last week was a difficult one. I tend to hide my feelings about certain things - those who know me best usually have drag it out of me when I’m having a bad day, or when I’m peeved about something. I’m always ‘happy happy joy joy’ and I usually just let it bottle up inside and it eventually goes away, though I am getting better at letting it all out. Not so much the case in this situation.
I made the decision to resign my coaching position after 8 years. I never thought I would actually do it…but life changes and you have to make decisions that at first make you feel like complete crap, but in the end you know it will be for the best.
I guess I’m being selfish to a point…there are other things in life that I want to experience. I guess I can always go back to coaching in the future…but for now, there are other things in life that will be taking priority - certain people will be taking priority in my life - and I’m so glad that I took the leap of faith, though very difficult, I’m certain I’ve make the right decision.
It was the worst thing ever to have to tell my girls at last week’s banquet. All I really wanted to do was crawl under a rock - on the way to the school I thought I was going to have to pull over and get sick on the side of the road. It’s not so much fun to see your kids’ faces start to squinch up and then they start to cry…I guess I didn’t realize how much of a positive influence I’ve had on their lives. But, moving forward and not putting 150% into being their coach really isn’t fair to the kids…they deserve a coach who is realiable, which is something I am, but I can’t see myself being ‘all there’ moving into future seasons.
I’ve learned so much from the kids and families who have come into my life over the past 8 years. I’ve learned so much from Landis…my partner in crime - who would have known that you can become best of friends with your high school cheer coach - LOL! I remember sitting with her at Uccellos a few years ago, drinking beer, and thinking to myself ‘what AM I doing?’ And I look back at the person I was when I started coaching at age 21…YIKES…I thought I knew it all!
So, my girls gave me the most AMAZING coaches gift. It’s this huge scrapbook with memories of the entire season…and in the back, each girl has an entire page with a headshot and an action shot…along with a personal note from each of them. I sat in my car in the parking lot at Forest Hills Eastern High School for at least 30 minutes, reading the messages from the girls, totally bawling my eyes out. I don’t think they even have a clue as to how much this means to me…not a clue.
I’m starting to get teared up just writing this blog…ugh.
So after last Wednesday’s banquet I’ve started a bit of a different schedule…like my life is somewhat in order. Anyone who coaches knows that when you are in season…your life stops and it’s all about the kids. It’s a bittersweet relief knowing that my laundry won’t have to wait a month before being done, that my car isn’t the official ‘cheer-mobile’ (it’s actually vaccumed and clean!), and that I can spend time for myself now.
The first thing that I did on Thursday - my first official night off - was complete my running workout and then headed down to the Y to let Matt kick my butt at my first attempt playing racquetball (he was the most patient teacher…but I still think I made a total idiot of myself). I either totally whiffed the ball like I was swatting at flies or I would hit it so hard that it was actually a decent shot. Oh, and a few of them just barely missed Matt’s head - I didn’t do it on purpose, I promise! :)
Okay, so now about my running…it’s going well…did a long run on Saturday. The outside of my foot has got some wierd pain in it, but whatever, you push through that and get over it. I was fitted for our Road Warriors fashion show…thanks to Gazelle and Jeff for setting all that up - it’s a girl’s dream to be able to take a handful of outfits, try them on, and take one home for free. I guess my payback comes with the embarassment of walking down the catwalk in the fashion show - LOL! Let’s hope I don’t trip and fall!
Happy Running!
4 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
31 March 2008 at 1:31 pm.
Kristin–I’m sure the decision to quit coaching was difficult! You will find that time filled with something else just as fulfilling within no time at all. Hope your foot heals up quickly–be careful not to push TOO hard if it’s bothering you!
Steve Kelly Says:
31 March 2008 at 2:18 pm.
You know what they say about one door closing…I’m sure if you followed your heart you made the right decision. Hope the foot feels better too. I promise not to say anything silly because your post was serious and heartfelt. Although if I were to it would be about dogs scooting on carpet. But I won’t.
Bob Says:
1 April 2008 at 12:10 pm.
Even when we know it’s for the best it can be hard to walk away. Hang in there Kristin.
Deb Pieri Says:
1 April 2008 at 4:59 pm.
Kristin, I am sure your girls will miss you terribly, but I am happy that you will have more time in your life as well. You have obviously made a huge impact on the lives of the girls you worked with. Enjoy your new found freedom and yes you can always go back to it! What is it with this foot thing? Shelly’s is bugging her, mine is bugging me. . . now you too! Yikes. Ice is your friend. It really helps. Take care of yourself. Hope to see you soon.