My daughter Rachel graduated from Baylor University last month and has moved back home temporarily. She is in a life transition – moving from the life of a student athlete to the life of a professional athlete. Rachel must choose a place to live, work, and train. She did not want to make that choice this spring – in the midst of finishing up school while training for the USA Olympic Track Trials.

Rachel deferred that life choice until after summer. This summer she will run several out-of-town races, then compete in the USA Olympic Track Trials in July, then run the European summer track circuit. After getting back from Europe, she will spend time researching training groups, coaches, and the towns in which she might reside. Then she will make her decision and move out of our home.

So for now, Rachel has “parked” all her worldly goods at our home. Our home has changed as a result of her presence.

Shoes – I have never seen so many athletic shoes! This girl goes through shoes at a rapid clip. Rachel puts 300 – 400 miles per shoe into her training shoes. Training at about 70 miles a week, she goes through many pairs of training shoes. She also has flats and racing spikes of various models.

  

Physical therapy and health maintenance equipment – Normatec recovery system, Roll Recovery rollers, yoga mats, foam rollers, and other items. These items occupy her old bedroom.  This equipment helps Rachel maintain her health and helps her to recover quickly from intense workouts.

Food – the pantry and refrigerator have been invaded by a health nut. This girl eats completely healthy. Mainly fruits, vegetables and grains – squash, sweet potatoes, melons, leafy greens, quinoa, nuts, and berries of all kinds. Few breads, some light cheeses, and few sweets (mainly power bars). We brought a few of the portable shelves from Rachel’s apartment and set it up in the kitchen so that she would have room to store staples for her healthy diet.

Coffee and tea – caffeine is only “legal” drug for athletes. Rachel’s coffee equipment and coffee supplies now occupy a small corner of our kitchen. She has a coffee bean grinder, an espresso machine, a coffee brewer, and carafe with which she makes pour overs. She drinks all kinds of coffee, mainly black, with no additives (no sweetener, no cream).

Workouts – Rachel usually runs two-a-day workouts, along with gym sessions, balance drills, and hurdle drills, yoga, and other fitness and training techniques.  Now that school is finished, Rachel can focus on workouts without the added stress of academic studies.

As a professional athlete, Rachel lives a much different life than most of us. I am amazed at what it takes to run in that world. And I am thankful for the brief time we have with Rachel while she lives temporarily at our home. We will see where life takes her in the next few months.