August Addiction

I can't think about anything else.

I'm completely obsessed with the Olympics. I can't get enough. I've always loved the games, but I don't remember ever being as glued to them and as vigilant about what's on and when as I have been this Summer of '08. I have the tv schedule for my zip code printed out for the entire two weeks of events, and have everything I wanted to watch highlighted. How J is that. I've been racing home on my lunches to watch water polo and fencing. When I'm not by the tv I'm googling athlete interviews and the medal count and olympic blogs and opinion pages. I've had constant bags under my eyes as I can't help but stay up through the end of live coverage each night. And I'm already sad that the end is in sight.

Highlights:
-Just before I was going to fall asleep I caught the 4x100 men's swimming relay where Jason Lezak swam a superhuman lap to beat the French. I was watching alone, from my bed, and going nuts hollering at the tv and pumping my fists.
-Headquartering at Shane & Anna's, where we have been marveling at Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor, staring in disbelief at the male gymnasts on the rings, cheering on Shawn and Nastia, and discussing our frustration with the underage Chinese gymnasts and questionable judging...
-Watching the 100 meter sprint with my dad and sister where Usain Bolt made 9.69 look like child's play. The same night also saw us cheering on Michael Phelp's 8th gold medal win. I knew he'd make it happen.
-Aaron Peirsol.

I think I've historically been more into the Winter games. But this year I've been so attached to the Olympic coverage that I've had the chance to more fully realize the wealth of interesting events the summer games contain, and I'm gaining more of an appreciation for the different types of athleticism each of these different sports take. Have you seen those ladies hurl the shotput? Astounding. Because of these past few days I'm totally inspired to be more focused before and during my soccer games, I've downloaded a new super sweet workout mix for my ipod to pump up my stair running, since it seems to work for Phelps before his races, and I've decided to commit to being a better swimmer. Because I'm sure if Aaron Peirsol saw how lousy I am it wouldn't work out between us.