Hello all! And welcome to Life After Swimming!
About Me:
My name is Nikki. I am a music-obsessed, family-loving, mid-twenties blogger with a masters degree in special education. Though I am currently subbing my way to a full-time position, I cannot wait to work in the field I am so passionate about!
I started blogging in July of 2011, and since then, life has taken a turn for the better. I began blogging as a way to hold myself accountable for my lifestyle. I was a competitive swimmer from the age of 7 until I graduated from college, and afterward, I lost the drive to be an athlete. Going from Division II swimming to laziness was not a good transition. Through blogging, I’ve found that passion again. I found triathlons, and I am so happy that I did! I also joined a masters swim team as well which helped me remember why I loved swimming.
Since blogging, I’ve also grown as a person. I’ve completed my schooling. I’ve gotten engaged. Blogging has also introduced me to so many amazing people who think just like me!
Follow me on my journey as I plan a wedding, train for my first half Ironman, and continue my pursuit for a fulfilling life.
I hope you enjoy Life After Swimming! If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at lifeafterswimming@gmail.com!
I love your blog and the name! I did synchronized swimming for a lot of years (plus speed for school), so I definitely relate to eating anything you wanted and having to adjust now (and keeping active!)
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I think synchronized swimming is quite impressive..I struggle with breath control and don’t think I would be very good at it! I give you a lot of credit for that!
Cute blog! Kudos to you for completing the 1/2! So far I’ve only gotten through a 5k.
Also, Geno is completely adorable!
I completed a half marathon in May, as well! My first ever! Looking forward to following your blog
Congrats on the 1/2! It was my first ever, too! It was definitely a rewarding experience!!
Hey Nikki!
I am definitely looking forward to continuing to read your blog
I am so glad you commented on my blog so that I could find yours! Congrats on the half-marathon, that is such an accomplishment
Geno is too cute!!
Congrats on the half-marathon! That is a huge accomplishment!
Thank you!!!
So you’re from Pittsburgh? That’s cool! I grew up in a tiny town 45 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh. It’s called Ellwood City. You probably never heard of it haha.
We’re kind of from the same neck of the woods! I have a general idea of where that is, but I am from southeast of Pittsburgh so we probably grew up about an hour away from each other!
I just sent you back an email then decided to stalk your blog instead! That is so cool-I was thinking about getting a post degree in special education but then switched my major completely. Ah. We could have been ultimate twinnies!
Yes we could have been!
It’s so awesome to see people so similar to you in blog world! I swam the 100 and 200 fly! It feels so weird that I am finished with my swimming career though!
Aww Geno is so cute! I’m always happy to meet fellow swimmers in the blog world. I’m mainly a freestyler but I love the 100 fly too… I’m just lazy and don’t put much work into preparing for that race! The half marathon you did looks awesome. I bet it felt amazing to finish! I am just about to start training for my first one!
I’m glad Hollie led me to your blog!
Thanks!!! I am excited you found me! Good luck with your training…can’t wait to follow you as you work toward your goal!
Yay for Pittsburgh and swimming!!!
Both are definitely the best!
I have a cousin at Ship! And another cousin’s fiance is there too! Small world
How cool is that?! It is definitely a small world! It would be even smaller if I knew them! haha
Just stumbled upon your blog… great posts and I will definitely be reading more!
Thanks!!! Can’t wait to get to know you
Hey! Just found your blog – we have very similar stories
I played competitive volleyball for what seems like forever, and I finished last year. Since then I have been trying all different types of exercise to stay in shape!
Isn’t the freedom sooo nice?? !!!
So glad you found me
It is nice to have the freedom to choose my workouts, but sometimes I miss the motivation of a coach standing over you and making me workout!! I lack the commitment that I had before!
I’m from Pittsburgh, so that’s awesome! Congrats on the half marathon!
Also, is your cat, Geno, named after a certain Pittsburgh Penguins player?
Yayyy Pittsburgh is the best!
And of course, Geno is named after Malkin! His full name is actually Evgeni Maxime but he definitely doesn’t go by that now that Talbot is a TRAITOR! 
Hey, I love your blog! & I’m from Pittsburgh as well
Love your blog! I’m your foodie penpal this month and I’m also a swimmer…woo hoo
Hello fellow Fit Approach ambassador! I also swam throughout college!
Ahhh YAYYYY for finding new friends through Fit Approach
Hey Nikki! I’m from Pittsburgh too! Small world
Where did you go to high school? I’m adding your blog to my reader; can’t wait to see what else!
I went to Penn-Trafford…about 25 minutes from the actual city! How about you?! I love Pittsburgh!!
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Awesome job on the 5k this weekend! I have really enjoyed getting to know you better through tweet chats and blogging! I love your blog! You really inspire me and now I can’t wait to get back in the pool! I nominated you for the “One Lovely Blog” award! Details are on my page!
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Love your kitten Geno!! So so cute! Glad to have found your blog and looking forward to following.
I am so pumped I found your blog! I am also a retired swimmer (14 years of competitive swimming) turned runner/fitness nut/health enthusiast. I swam at the University of Wisconsin from 2006-2010. I can’t wait to read more of your blog! I blog at http://www.theretiredathleteblog.com. Feel free to check it out
I am sure we will be writing about similar things!
Ah that’s so awesome! I am so glad you found my blog! I will definitely check you out
Hey Nikki!
Just wanted to drop a line letting you know I love your blog! I swim for the University of Tennessee (well, I might be retired come fall, I haven’t actually decided yet…) but I love seeing how you stay active, happy and healthy now! (and I looove your kitty! I have a sweet one too). I have a little baby blog over at http://strengthinfreedom.com. Check it out–I’d love to be able to share workouts, recipes, and encouragement!
Awe yay! I am so glad you found my blog! So excited to get you know you in the blog world!!
This giveaway is awesome
I learned that I would probably be best suited for GoodBelly+. I love the probiotics, and I’d get 12 essential vitamins and minerals!
Just now finding your blog. I love reading about what other “Retired” athletes are up to when their college careers come to an end!
Came across your blog, and can’t wait to read more of your posts!
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Great blog! Can’t wait to read more
Awesome story! Keep going after ur dreams;)
Hey Nikki! I just found your blog and I’m digging it so far! The name totally caught my eye because I was also a swimmer my whole (never in college though, so not quite as speedy as you, I’m sure!) and went through a similar feeling of apathy after my swimming career was over. It took me about 7 yaers to come back to the sport with a passion, but now I’m there! I’m pondering a masters team or a triathalon…need to do some more reading though!
Hi, I love your blog! I swam from the age of about 7 or 8 until I was 17. I had a few lazy years and then got back into it two years ago. I trained up for the English Channel and completed it last summer. Keep up the good work and I look forward to following your progress :0)
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