A couple of weeks have gone been by since the start of school, and I think I can now accurately put down my thoughts as to how everything is going out here. My life can basically be split into 2 parts right now: studies, and running. Outside of these, I really don’t have much of a life (not that it’s a bad thing…I like how it’s worked out thus far).

As I had expected, University has proven to be much different than College. It’s not that the content is necessarily really hard, but there is a lot more regular work to do, and I have come to understand the importance of scheduling. It has taken a bit, but I finally feel like I am beginning to get a good feel for the academic portion of my life. I have 4 classes, 1 which is my hardest (Calculus), 1 easy one and 2 that fit somewhere in-between. I think it is a good and manageable setup as long as I stay on top of things.

That leaves the other part of my life out here: running. As I’ve mentioned in a few posts already, I’m pretty excited about how this is going. We have now completed 2 races: one in Seattle, WA and the other our home meet here. I have been more than happy with my results, and things are really falling into place. I have finished 7th and 6th on the team, and am running far better than I ever have. Our team is solid this year, and I must say, I am really proud to be an SFU Clan athlete. I can’t wait to see how things progress.

A friend asked me the other day “is it everything you expected out there?”, and I have to say, it’s everything and more. I think I’m really finding myself out here in many areas, and gaining enjoyable experiences and learning new things in the process. I know that before I left, I had a peace about coming out here, and that has really be realized.

On that note, I also have to say that I’m also really looking forward to my brief trip home this weekend, and being able to see my family and friends again. Despite the fact that I love it out here, I still miss everyone and certainly haven’t forgotten them.

If the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” holds true, I would argue that no matter how many photos I take, I could still not describe the beauty out here.

Last week during a light run I was introduced to what is now my favorite place on campus. From this park area, I can see Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet, Indian Arm and the Pacific Ocean. All of this with just the turn of my head.

[photopress:CRW_6777.jpg,thumb,alignleft]Many of you have asked to see what the campus and area looks like, and I finally had a chance to take a bit of a walk around with my camera. I didn’t have the time to get everything, but do take a gander at some of the sights that I do see on a regular basis at http://picasaweb.google.com/trevor.feeney/AroundSFU

There are plenty areas from atop the school or it’s various patios to have absolutely stunning sights, and I am making use of these for work/study areas. Hopefully the pictures give you a small idea as to what it’s like where I am. The pictures honestly aren’t great in a photographic sense, but I think the views in them will speak for themselves.

[photopress:CRW_6590.jpg,thumb,alignleft]The countdown has dwindled. Training camp is over. The students have arrived, and the nightlife is abuzz as summer comes to a close.

On Tuesday, my classes begin. I really am not sure what I think about that, or what to expect. Although I have 4 years of College under my belt, I expect that University will be vastly different than what I am used to. I am going in ready to work hard at every aspect while here, whether it be my running or my academics.

After numerous shopping trips (and by numerous, I mean way too many), I am fairly settled into my new home. I have learned that shopping without a vehicle can be a difficult task, as one can only buy what they can carry (and I have definitely overdone it a couple of times already). I never realized how many items are required to set up a household. Today was my first go at using the laundry facilities here (and it went smoothly).

Training camp was a super experience (and vacation of sorts), and it was great getting to know the team members who I’m sure I’ll be spending a lot of time with over the years…it’s also comforting actually knowing some people in the residences nearby. As I mentioned in my previous post, I am definitely excited about the upcoming season.

[photopress:CRW_6602.jpg,thumb,alignright]So after a year of preparation, waiting, fretting and trusting, the time for things to kick in has arrived. I look forward to posting my thoughts as I adjust to being back in school. For now, I’m enjoying some quiet time with a nice view of the Vancouver skyline at night…and I still can’t get over all of the spectacular views out here.