So it's been like FOREVER since I last posted....almost 2 months or something like that. Well, I really haven't been doing much of anything, just trying to find a job, find a place to live, and be able to go to grad school and stuff...oh and my birthday was on July 25th but it really wasn't that exciting. I also passed my athletic training certification exam, so I am officially "Maleah Cole, ATC".
Anyways...This summer was SUPER HOT, so I wasn't really running much this summer...but now I'm back at it with a passion similar to what I had when I was training for Boston (which was pretty intense) and I think part of the reason is my new job!!
That's right folks, I have a new job and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!! This job was literally an answer to prayer!
Let me tell you the story.
I had found a part-time coaching job at a christian school close to Charlotte, but it didn't pay enough to afford an apartment or food or gas or much of anything really...so I was looking for another part-time job (something like a waitress or sales associate...anything really) where I would still be able to coach....and I was having absolutely no luck. I was starting to freak out about what I was going to do because I was going to be starting grad school in less than 3 weeks, and living an hour and a half from where I took classes was not an option in my mind.
Then I got an email from the head track & field coach at Wingate University (which is where I'm taking grad classes btw) saying that they had a G. A. (graduate assistant) coaching position available and that he would like for me to send in my resume and a cover letter.
To make a long story short, I jumped on the opportunity, interviewed, and got the position like a week before I started class!!! My official title is Graduate Assistant Cross Country/Track and Field Coach, but my main responsibility will be coaching sprints for track.
Right now, you're probably thinking something along the lines of...You're coaching sprints? Do you know anything about sprints??
It's true, I don't have any real experience with sprints...but I have such a big passion for the sport of running that I'm really excited to be learning all about sprints (which is probably why I got hired). Plus, whenever I'm done with my GA position, it will have increased my marketability as a coach to where I could pretty much coaching anything in track (except throws). Which will also help me in my pursuit of a head coaching position.
I'm really looking forward to sharing my experiences with the xc team and learning from their program. I'm already learning that they have an awesome program, and that the coach I work with knows his stuff (like Whoa!!)
And the reason that it was literally an answer to prayer is (1) I was praying and other people were praying for me and (2) because it meets all of my needs! This position covers my tuition, provides housing, a meal plan, and I get a stipend that I can comfortably live off of (it's not much, but I don't need much).
I am more than thrilled to be able to do something I really, truly love and to share my passion with a team that has a passion for it as well.
I LOVE RUNNING!!!!!!!!!
