Ready to Run

There are lots of little milestones when you get invited to a big tournament.  There’s the preparation and hoping that maybe all that hard work will translate into an appointment.  There’s the moment you get the letter and excitement starts to set in, but you know there is still a lot to do before you get there.  Next you have to pass the test.  This is a moment of happiness for knocking off one more obstacle, but also a moment of pride at the achievement. 

This past weekend, the women’s FIFA panel from the USA gathered in Chicago to take the fitness test.  This year the fitness test was being given in country for the Olympics and the Women’s U-20 World Cup.  It was great to jump that last hurdle and pass the fitness test, but it’s even better when you can do it as a team.  Just like on the field, Kari led the team and set a great pace for us despite the heat.  Going around the track, one lap seemed to just melt into the next with friends encouraging us, keeping us entertained with jokes, and bringing us water. 

There are at least three more milestones to this tournament.  One was checked off when we got our plane tickets after we passed the test.  That’s the signal that the tournament is almost here and final preparations are underway.  Yes, it’s still a month off, but it’s become real and I get a big smile on my face and my heart races a little every time I think about it.  Now we just have to wait for the next big milestones, the flight to London, and our first match!