I rowed my freshman and sophomore year in college, and for those two years, college athletics was my life. I went to bed when most fifth graders go to bed (~8:30/9pm) and woke up when most truckers were hitting the road (~4:45/5am). My closet held more spandex and athletic department T-shirts than anything else. For class, I didn’t need to dress like a normal human because I was a #studentathlete. After studying abroad in Ireland last fall, I decided to hang up the spandex and enter into the world of collegiate NARPs (non athletic regular persons). Here is my good friend Michael Scott, a fellow NARP, to explain 17 things former student athletes realize upon entering NARP-dom.

1. You don't need to carb load anymore

Twenty minutes on the treadmill is NOT a two-hour practice

2. And you don't need to consume freakish amounts of protein

You don't need 20g of protein to power through your research paper.

More veggies, less protein

3. Now you get to sleep in

Much sleep = much energy

4. You get a real breakfast

No more grabbing a Clif bar as you run out the door. #baconandeggs

5. You still feel the urge to workout

Being a student-athlete changed me. My previous motto was 'only run when chased.'

6. You don't have a pre-scheduled workout plan courtesy of coach

The personal responsibility just got real.

7. And you're no longer working out with a herd of teammates

Lone wolfing it.

8. You are now a part of gym culture

And you have no idea how to work any of the machines.

9. It's weird to workout without people yelling at you

Is it still a good workout if no one is screaming?

10. You realize half of your wardrobe is from your sport

Take away the spandex, tanks, running shorts, sports gear and you have...

socks.

11. And you no longer have an excuse to wear spandex/sweats to class

Trying to dress like a normal student like,

"I guess I have to wear pants that zip."

12. No more bus rides

You'll miss the silliness and camaraderie, but not the stench from sweaty bodies and the nasty coach bus toilet (#numberoneonlyplease)

13. Your schedule just freed up big time

No need to do things ASAP as possible anymore.

So much time for activities.

14. You dust off your social life

"Hello, non-athlete friend."

"Hello, fellow NARP."

15. The sport taught you self-discipline and time management...

Too bad the rush of procrastination feels so good.

16. You complain less

You realize how much can fit into a day, and you don't dare complain about how busy you are because you are no longer #studentathletebusy

17. But above all, you realize you will always find a home in that sport family

Even if your NARP status could make you more "once removed" than "brother/sister," you're still in that sport's fam, and they're still in your heart.