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Desert Heat & Big Wins: Our Phoenix Adventure March 17-24, 2026

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What a week in the Arizona desert! Our time in Phoenix was the perfect blend of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable accomplishments, despite the relentless 105° heat.  While  exploring near Apache Junction, I caught a flash of zebra-striped wings and a vibrant red cap. It was a   Gila Woodpecker , a bird that seems entirely unfazed by the brutal March sun or the formidable spines of its home. Of course, I couldn't visit Mesa without hitting the trails. Before the swim meet humidity took over my day, I headed out to  Usery Mountain Regional Park  for a  4.5 mile run .  Coming from the higher elevations of Castle Rock, I thought I’d be ready for the challenge, but the Sonoran Desert is its own beast. The terrain at Usery is beautiful sweeping views of the Goldfield Mountains and trails lined with those architectural Saguaros, even though I was terrified of seeing a rattlesnake. We kicked off the trip with a visit to Saguaro Lake, spending the day at B...

From Boise to the Podium: Records, Firsts, and Unforgettable Memories March 11-17 2026

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What an incredible week in Boise! Between the intense competition, personal milestones, and some much-needed team bonding, it’s safe to say this trip will go down in the books as a massive success. I am so incredibly proud of Carly. She had an absolute standout meet, proving that all her hard work is paying off in a big way. Among her highlights: • Helping set a new team record in the 400 relay. • Securing a hard-earned time cut in the 200 free. • Helping the ROCK relay team bring the heat to earn 3rd place in the 800 relay, edging out 4th place by a nail-biting .07 seconds! Best of all, Carly is officially heading home with a medal! It wasn't just a big week for the swimmers; it was a huge milestone for me, too. I had my very first experience officiating at the elite level! Getting to work the deck alongside so many fantastic Colorado officials was an absolute honor and an experience I won't soon forget. We didn't spend the entire week smelling like chlorine. We managed...