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Snerf's slant: The 2004 Nicole Freedman Diary
Sprinter, 2000 Olympian and a founder of the Basis women's team, Nicole Freedman - known as Snerf to her friends - is one of the US circuit's great characters. Her goal for 2004 is to make the Olympic team for Israel and failing that "to see one of my developmental teammates win their first NRC race and subsequently take all their prize money."
Boston, Massachusetts, May 15, 2004
'Tis the season to be sneezy
Those hailing from sunny, comfortable climates are known to disparage Boston, citing its somewhat long winters. Really the winters are not so bad, particularly when one leaves at the first hint of sub-60 degree day and returns nonchalantly, four months later in, hmm, May.
These cynics fail to realize that Boston's charm lies in the seasons; I love the seasons that I stick around for.
May is by far one of the loveliest week in Massachusetts. Since returning home, I have enjoyed many serene rides under tree-canopied roads wearing just shorts and a jersey, thanks to idyllic Spring temperatures.
One minor drawback: Spring is (a little too much) in the air... as well as my lungs and chest. Floating through the air are hefty white flakes of pollen which have a tendency to every now and then, launch themselves into the nostrils of unsuspecting cyclists and beeline directly for the victim's chest. The scene evokes images of a Claratyne commercial except there are no smiling actors.
Despite the inconsequential setback caused by my instantaneous onset of 24-hour allergies, which progressed into a full bacterial infection and bronchitis, I am thoroughly enjoying being home. Over the last four months I have crossed into four continents and experienced eight different countries, none of which I could locate on a map. I have not slept in the same bed more than four nights in a row - a feat unparalleled by most, but certainly not all, of my college roommates.
Nothing is better than having an extended period of downtime at home to rest, relax, train and catch up with all my friends: "Sara, it is so good to see you, really. How have you been?" I call out excitedly.
Equally enthusiastic, she responds, "You look so familiar. Hmmm. Nancy??"
In all, I will have three weeks at home. And, just as the temperature begins to skyrocket, the humidity threatens to suffocate, and the mosquitoes replace the balls of pollen, I will set off yet again, hopefully to return just in time for peak foliage season.
