Thumb, Pre-Dawn

Last year about this time, we made our way to Caro, Mich., in the thumb of the mitten. Unlike last year, this time the weather cooperated and, even though we left early anticipating snowy roads and blowing snow, it was a lovely morning. We saw the sun come up over a "hill", though at this time of year the sun doesn't officially rise until sometime after 8.

This year, I was ready for the difference in pool length (Meters vs. Yards), and asked Sydney to convert Lexy's times for me as she finished so we could compare apples to apples. Lexy swam a relay and three individual events, and had a great day!

I didn't take video this year, as this pool tends to be poorly lit. Good thing too, because I was just cheering away, and I think you would find it somewhat distracting.

In the 200 Medley Relay, Lexy was in her glory in the breaststroke leg. The first swimmer, doing backstroke, fell behind the other teams, but she is a relatively small 9-year old. Lexy dived in and made up the shortfall during the breaststroke leg, and I think the girls came in second.

Lexy's second event was the 100 I.M., and her only real competiton was a girl from the Bay City team, who has always given Lex a run for her money. This year, however, Lexy was right in the game, and finished just half a second behind the Bay City swimmer and four seconds faster than her best time!

In the 50 Free, Lexy finished first, and was right on her regular time. In the 50 Breaststroke, she also finished first, narrowly edging her teammate Jenny, and finishing a few seconds faster than her best time. I'm waiting to see the official times from the coaches before I update her times.