Hello. it's been a while since I've writen, my dear old friends. Today I have decided to give you a glimpse into one of my favorite activities, volunteering for pre-game set up with the Seattle Reign.
I will be the first to own, that this is probably uniquely my experience of it, because no one else seems to be as Eddie the Eagle about it as me. honestly, I've always been a bit Eddie the Eagle. let's call me Mandi the Mongoos instead.
Any way, this was the first day of my third season doing pre-game set up for the Reign, but I have been training for this moment (yes, you read right training) since the moment last season ended.
I've added some weight training, indoor soccer, stair running, as well as some backwards running on the treadmill for this. mostly because of the notorious Carter Subaru tarp, which has been a beast to move for me for two seasons previous.
honestly, it was probably 90% the memorial stadium stairs that did me in. but also, that tarp is heavy. in years past I finished that task with muscles cramping and wanting to just die in exhaustion after. I was a little nervous this morning, to see if I had done enough in the off season, or if I would be bested again.
My day started at 7 am. being the incredibly overly serious person I am, I started my day with a 20 minute headspace meditation on competition. followed by 10 minutes of journaling in my Align With Joy guided journal. this allowed me to set my intentions for the day- to be in the moment, enjoying infinite possibilities, rather than caught with my thoughts in the future or the past.
after that I did some foam rolling which I should have done three days ago, but I decided better late than never. then I put on my music. we started today with No Doubt. No idea why, I just woke back with Gwen Stephanie's Holler Back Girl in my head, and ended up on No doubt.
I took a really long shower, and shaved my legs, because I always feel better about life when I do. Monday I had 15 mins to get ready for my indoor game, and I refused to put on shin guards until I shaved. result, I rushed and took a huge chunk out of the front top ankle region of both feet. it healed by this morning, thankfully.
after that I ate a good breakfast, packed my bag for the day, and very intentionally dressed for my duties. lots of layers.
after taking Nick for a quick walk, I said good bye to his adorableness and headed to the bainbridge ferry, 40 mins away. On my way I listened to a song called the Curse, another called Roots, The Roof is on Fire, and then 20 mins of the Lumineers.
once on the ferry I took advantage of quiet time and studied for my abnormal psych class. Personality Disorders. fun times.
At 12:00 I disembarked the ferry, and Had 1 hr to get up the hill to memorial stadium, with probably a 20-25 lb back pack on. I decided to use the time to warm up, so I took the waterfront route, and did some warm up sprints and a few stairs at the sculpture park. 2.5 miles, 45 mins.
nothing compares to being at Memorial before people get there. it's my favorite. but getting there was a little tough, because I arrived at about the same time as the March for our Lives marchers. to those that marched, thank you. I wanted to join, but the tarp made me decide it wasn't wise.
Today when we showed up, the Reign academy was playing some utah team (from all over, but mostly Layton. when I talked to some of the players, they said they had a few from West Point- anyone I knows kids????), so the goals were already out. I was sad, because putting the goals our is my favorite.
But this meant we got to go straight to the big show down. Mandi the Mongoose vs The Carter Subaru tarp. let me tell you, my fitness level has improved vastly. I ran all the way up those steps. and my friend Brynn, who is incredible, ran up them with me. then we threw out that tarp like it was feathers, didn't even break a sweat. mission accomplished.
The rest of the day was spent setting up corner flags, flag pole flags, and all the games on the concourse, and lots and lots of signs and barriers. we had fun filling the bases with water and hauling them up more stairs, putting out programs, and even a couple of benches for the players on the field.
Then it was time to head down to the locker room the volunteers use and ger my big bag. I couldnt find it, but Vlatko (head coach) was there and helped me find it and get on my way. hes a really nice guy.
on my way out of the tunnels I passed Barnes. this happens as a volunter sometimes. i always just try to be invisible, but the players always say hi. Lu was no exception greeting me with a cheerful hello,as i prepared to run off, up more stairs to the first and only time this season, I worked will call. it was freezing cold, but I mostly enjoyed it for once.
before I knew it, 6 hrs had passed and it was time to hit the merchandise stand, to food stand, and take my place with my friends in the stands.
I sat in my old spot for the first half with my soccer buddy, then joined the supporters section and two people from my indoor team for the second half. I really love my indoor team, and I had a really really fun night with them tonight. it was great soccer. the Reign won.
The supporters awarded their first supporters player of the match to Michelle Betos. All the players came over to the supporters section for it. Lu Barnes saw I was wearing my finding euphoria beanie, so her me and Bev Yanez got a selfie for there former teammate, now in Orlando who owns the brand.
then my teammates, my friends and myself walked to the ferry, ending the most satisfying home opener I've ever volunteered for.
I'm just getting off the ferry now and I have a 40 min drive ahead of me. I've put in about 28,000 steps today, a huge chunk of that involved running and stairs. I'm ready for sleep, and Macklemore for the drive home.
