Hello from beautiful but extremely hot Maryland,

            It is day three of Nationals and a most nerve-wracking day.  Paul, our coach decided to be nice and allow us 15 extra minutes of sleep.  However can I thank you?  Warm-ups were as crowded as ever and after a couple of whacks from swinging arms I managed to escape unharmed.  No one swam the 400 IM, and I think that Amy was relieved that she weaseled her way out of that one.  I swam the 100 free with a personal best time.  Next, Kate swam the 200 back.  It really amazes me that she can split a faster 100 than in the actual 100 back.  The 50 fly: a favorite on our team was next.  Lizzy, Kelsey, Sarah, Emily (first swim) and I all swam amazingly fast.  Again, I just missed coming back at night… I was 22nd.  A comment on swimming: the thing about it is at a big meet there are no second chances and that’s why I believe that this is why swimming is such a demanding sport.  We did not swim the relay, which I was extremely happy for.  The 800 Freestyle relay is a rigorous event that I am glad to say I didn’t swim.  As we were leaving the meet an unknown team commented on our van.  If you get the chance to check it out, well let’s just say I strongly recommend it. 

                                                                                                TEAM WISCONSIN

                                                                                    HOME OF THE TUMBLEWEED!!!

            Today I took a three-hour nap.  This could account for the fact of why I am wide-awake at night, but I needed it.  The one thing I love about coming to swim meets is watching TV.  At my summer house we have no TV and although I don’t miss it, I truly enjoy watching movie re-runs.  The team went to the Inner Harbor today and had a really great time.  For dinner we ate at a crabs and ribs restaurant… seafood is gross!!!  Just a comment: Kira got more wet than she ever has in her life and ask her about running through the cornfields.  And Paul cottage cheese does not stink.  Tomorrow is the last day of the meet.  I am sad but I miss working at my preschool camp and I miss my other teammates who I’ve trained with forever to get here.  Thanks for pushing me so hard and I'll be home soon!  My event is coming up!  AHHH!  Got to go get pumped up for it!

                                                            Love you,

                                                                        Liz Mancuso

                                                                        ANA Hurricanes

                                                                        Massachusetts