Despite how much I try to deny it…I know it’s true. Not even Seattle’s Indian Summer or the fact that people were still running mile PRs last weekend can fuel my denial any longer. It’s time to accept it. The greatest season of the year is officially coming to an end. Adios sports bra tan lines. Sayonara high-waisted jean shorts. So long to Lana Del Rey’s Summertime sadness on radio repeat.

Perhaps my aversion to letting go of summer has something to do with the uniform response of experienced Seattlites doing what they consider to be their civic duty of warning me that “Seattle isn’t always like this.” (sunny, beautiful, and 80 degrees). But I think my resistance to letting the summer chapter close stems equally from the fact that I’ve had so many epic experiences this summer. What were said epic experiences, you ask? Well I figure now is as an appropriate time as any to reflect on my first summer as a professional athlete- namely my first European racing experiences.

So what comes to mind when you think EuroTrip- techno music? Partying in packed clubs until well after it’s light? Taken and Liam Neeson? Deep V’s and fohawks? Although I did see a lot of that last one, the other stereotypical Euro experiences aren’t very descriptive of my month in Europe. However, if you want to hear about some awesome track meets that make even the best meets in the US look unspectacular then you’ve come to the right place.

On July 7^th, fellow Brooks teammate, Katie Mackey and I took off from Seattle and arrived at London Heathrow 18 hours later, looking like hot messes. Upon arriving, we headed to Teddington- a suburb about 15 mile outside of London which was our home base while we were in Europe. The Teddington Lodge acted as our home away from home for the month with the Beasts pretty much taking over the entire building. Representing the ladies were Brie Felnagle, Phoebe Wright, Katie and myself. The fellas included Matt Scherer, Mark Wiczeroick, Cas Loxsom, and Riley Masters. We also experienced guest appearances in the Lodge from Ben True, Chelsea Reilly, Jackie Areson, and Chanelle Price.