She's had a Great Run

Erika has run her last collegiate race. She has performed well.

She has trained hard in between going to classes and trying to have a social life.

Erika has always been athletic. Even when I was pregnant with her she was a mover. I first felt her kicking around 14 weeks gestation (which is a little early). And she never has stopped. She climbed on top of the house when she was two years old, she joined a softball team at 5 years of age and eventually went on to play soccer. She then joined a club level / travel soccer team. As she was preparing to enter high school, she decided to join the cross country team. She felt it would help her to be in better shape for when she made the high school soccer team. But her life took a different turn when she made the varsity cross country team as a freshman. The team ran in San Francisco and even once traveled to New York for a large invitational there (of which her team won). She went on to be a four year letter-man in cross country and track. She was the league champion in the 800m a couple of years in a row. And she was on a 4x400m relay team that took the league title twice. Once she started running, she kept going. I recently found this picture from her freshman year of high school. It is hard to believe how much she has changed and grown since then.

Biola University was a good college choice for Erika. She was able to help establish the team at the national level and she has learned so much from the coach. I will have to say though that I am a little sad that her college running days are over. We have been able to travel with her over the last 8 years and have had a blast seeing her compete. It is sort of bittersweet for me. I am proud to see her grow up, yet I understand that a chapter in her life is now over. It just makes me sort of depressed. Just knowing that I won't be able to see her race again.

Not only did Erika get to study and earn a degree. Not only did she get to compete and be part of a close knit team...but she made wonderful friends along the way. Friends that she will have for many more years to come. Friends that will be there in the good times and the bad.

Her roommates this past year. Some of which she will still be living with next year.

Erika hopes to start coaching soon. She does not plan to move back home at this time. She wants to work and then possibly go to grad school in the spring of next year. What ever she does - I know she will be successful.

My little girl who is now grown up...I love you and wish the best for your future. You have been a joy to raise and to watch grow. Maybe one day I will get to see you run a marathon or triathlon. You are such a beautiful young woman and I am so proud of you!

Love - Your Mom