The day I’ve been dreading for 18 years arrived all too quickly. I swear time waits for no one. You have a baby one minute and you’re dropping her off at college the next. Before I get to that, here’s how the week in workouts went. Workouts? What are those?
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Trail Run 4 miles
Wednesday: Atlanta
Thursday: Atlanta
Friday: Atlanta
Saturday: Trail Run 4 miles
Sunday: Killer Strength Training
I did manage two trail runs, both in steamy weather, before and after our Atlanta adventure. While in Atlanta though, my workout rhythm came to a screeching halt…unless you call power shopping and moving stuff into a dorm like a boss a workout. Trust me when I say that was plenty physical.
The days before we left were filled with family and friends stopping by with well wishes and goodbyes. It was bittersweet to think of all the kids we’ve known, some since preschool, going their separate ways.
Of all of Thing 1’s friends headed to college, we were the only ones who chose to fly. We packed her clothes and planned to buy everything else when we got there. Was this plan brilliant? Or batshit crazy? We’d soon find out.
Other than a 2 hour delay when our pilot decided to stop the plane during it’s pre-takeoff taxi and return to the gate for a maintenance issue, our flight to Atlanta was smooth.
We landed, rented a large SUV for all the bags, dropped them at the hotel and went shopping for the rest.
After stops at Target, Costco, Marshals and a pre-order pickup at Pottery Barn, we snagged everything on our college dorm list. Since Thing 1’s dorm mate was already moved in, we were able to drop off a load of stuff the night before our official move-in date. That was a huge help.
Georgia Tech warned us what a hot cluster move-in day would be so we were braced for the worst. However there turned out to be no cluster at all. They’ve got this move-in thing down to a science. Move-in went off without a hitch.
Physical move-in aside, the emotional aspect of having my first-born move out was what I dreaded most. I runfess I was white-knuckling and fighting tears through some of the orientation we attended back in July. I learned something about myself though:
Why College Drop-Off is Like Marathon Training
For me college drop-off and finishing a marathon training cycle are somewhat similar. Of course the time span involved differs greatly.
Both are challenging and require lots of planning, concentration and commitment.
You pour your heart and soul into both, along with some blood, sweat and tears
When you get to that final week before the race (or college move in) you look back on your body of work. You think about how far you’ve come and how quickly the time has passed. It all flies, trust me.
You feel nervous/excited for what’s to come next.
You get your head around it and by race (move-in) day you’re ready to go (or let go).
Maybe I’m alone on this one but many times, in the final days before a marathon, or maybe during the last training run, I’ll have a good cry. After that my head is around it, my game face goes on and there are no more nerves. College drop-off was the same. The day before, I had a good cry, got my head around it, and ended up not shedding a tear during the final goodbye.
So far I’ve gotten a daily call with the sorority rush play-by-play. Classes start on Monday. It’s all good!
Loving
The warmth and kindness of the Georgia people. Southern hospitality is alive and well and I’m so grateful. From receptionists to campus police, everyone at Georgia Tech could not have been nicer or more helpful. It’s more than Georgia Tech people though. Store clerks, restaurant servers, random strangers, even motorists are way more courteous here.
Not Loving
Since returning to Chicago, I spotted not one but two flocks of geese headed South in their V-formation. Seems like migration has started very early. I hope that’s not an omen for an early/harsh winter. I’m not ready for either.
How was your week? Did you belong to a sorority/fraternity? Does a good cry help you relieve stress?
I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!
Oh Marcia….Sorry for the bittersweet marathon you’ve just completed. A few years ago (probably around the time our oldest was graduating and heading off to college), I heard (from a friend,pastor, book, SOMEPLACE) that we raise our kids, ultimately, to set them free. For me, that gave me a lot of comfort. I hope this transition goes as well for you 😉
I am a crier when it comes to my kids leaving (Abbey will be moving to LA in 2 months, I well up just thinking about it….). I cried every time I’d go home to Iowa when I was in college or after I moved to Colorado and had to go back. I cried whenever my mom came to visit and had to return back home. But the only race I ever cried after was Leadville 50. It was like part of me was gone (just like my kids leaving). I cried for weeks after.
I’m glad to hear Thing 1 is calling each day. I can’t wait to hear all about it in a few weeks :).
xo
Time flies, yesterday my children were 2 babies and now I am a grandpa. I understand your feelings. However I am lucky because they live with their families 2 minutes walking from my house.
Glad that Thing1 calls.
Here also the migration of the swallows began very very early: at the end of july our sky was empty.
I can’t imagine how hard it was for you to say goodbye! But I’m glad you were able to prepare for it and that it all went smoothly. That must have been tricky to fly her there! I just remember bringing SO much stuff when I moved into college that first year.
I have spent some time in Atlanta and found it such a friendly, lovely place – and like you say, all of it, people in shops, I had random people befriend me in restaurants and all sorts. Well done on getting all that sorted so well.
I am glad that the move in process went rather smoothly. It seems like you definitely made the right call by purchasing a majority of the items down there. So much better to fly than to have to do that long drive back!
I’ve never been to Atlanta but it’s on my “future travel” list. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the city.
I completely agree that move in is quite the workout! I will be doing it this week. You are right time does fly by. I’ve been thinking about you and hoping you are ok. It’s an adjustment for sure. It does a get a little easier I think. I will let you know this week.
You know I cried. But not until we pulled up to the dorm. I think moving in is a bit different with boys tho. I did all the shopping before, picked out everything for his room because he ‘didn’t care’ what I picked out. This year he’s moving to a townhouse–and he has not a clue about what they need! Stay tuned for that cluster…
Glad that everything went so well. How nice that you get a daily phone call! You did good, mama!
What a beautiful analogy. I remember my move in so clearly – my mom cried and my dad busied himself with going back and forth to the car. I’m glad everything went so well! I experienced similar Southern hospitality when I visited my friend at Emory – everyone was so nice and welcoming, it felt very similar to the Midwest niceness.
Oh wow, college drop off definitely does sound like a marathon! I am sure my son’s turn will be here before I know it and he’s only 11. Time does fly by though and I can’t believe he is headed to middle school in a couple of weeks. Hugs to you!
My school did not have a greek culture at all (I feel like there’s less of a need for them on urban campuses) but I’ve had friends who’ve made lifelong friendships through their sororities.
Hope you’re doing OK! I’m sure it wasn’t an easy week….
I literally had chills reading the similarities between college drop off and marathon training and racing. Although I have yet to go though the former, I can absolutely see the similarities and you are definitely not alone in the pre-race cry session! I refuse to think about having both my boys move out at once. I’m going to need a trip to Hawaii for a month to help, I’m sure 🙂
I also love that southern hospitality is alive and well. I find most Southerners to be like a warm blanket and boy did you need that for this trip!! Best of luck to you and Thing 1 as you navigate freshman year.
That SUV must have been relieved to be off duty
Does Georgia Tech have summer storage so you don’t have to haul things home after the year? That was sanity saver when my cousin who lived iN Texas went to Syracuse. He left valuables at my parents’ place, but didn’t have to worry about bedding, clothes etc.
We had a funny when moving me out after graduation and packing up my brother after his freshman year. We had the clamshell that seemingly everyone had in the 80s, 90s and dad forgot about it — top sheared off when he pulled into a garage in Boston so that was a very packed van with it out of commission
Aw, but this isn’t a finish line, just the start of a new journey. ;-). I think I would have flown too, but we did rent a u-haul to get my daughter’s stuff to New Orleans, so maybe I’m not as smart as I’d like to think!
I didn’t want to say it on your FB post, but your daughter is gorgeous. She’s looks ready to take on the world and is going to have a blast.
I was thinking about you and am happy to hear that the move-in went well. Sounds like it was a smart choice to fly and shop there – I’ll have to remember that one when the time comes.
Time just goes by too fast! It’s great that she’s been calling you – hopefully that makes the transition a little easier.
You are definitely in my thoughts as you go through this transition! I’m so glad the actual moving portion went well. Big schools can be a big nightmare when it comes to actual moving day. I am definitely one who releases stress with a good cry. I’m with you though. I cry it out beforehand and get my mind behind it and I’m good when the time comes. Glad you’re getting the play by play with sorority activities and hope she gets into the one she wants!
I cannot imagine what this was like for you. Glad to hear the move went well. When will you see her again?
First of all moving is definitely a workout!
Isn’t it good to know that she is around such nice southern people! Sounds like everything went smooth and you obviously raised her right since she’s calling every day! You got this!
Wow! Your daughter is a Ramblin Wreck from Georgia Tech? Congrats to her. I used to cry each time I dropped off one of our kids to college. The first time is the hardest too. They seem too young to be off on their own so far away from home! Atlanta is a great destination to visit, though. Just like a marathon, you will get through this!
The fact that you’re getting daily calls (although easier in this day & age) is just a sign of how well you’ve raised your daughter.
My siblings & I all went to college in NY (cheaper), so we drove, although it was a fairly long drive, as we all went to schools in Western NY (me going the furthest).
I am not much of a cryer. I think it’s just from my grandma and my mom, strong women who are/were not very demonstrative, although my mom wasn’t quite as stoic as my grandma.Then again, I’ve never run a marathon so who knows what would happen?
And moving in is definitely a good work out!