This week was a great breakthrough for me. Not so much in the sense of workouts, or discovering some intricate track secret, but just in general. I had a great week of practice. It was very challenging from the start due to my late flight back to FL Sunday night then waking up to cool temps for a intense track workout. I feel much more confident about my legs, and my knees haven't been giving any serious troubles at all.
I can finally see my endurance base starting to take shape in my workouts wherein each day training seems to get easier. I've been able to get back to the pace where I left off before the knee issue which is very encouraging. Hopefully we can drop the time by another second or two per 100 and start to really do some damage on the track.
Im learning a lot from my coach and training partners about running mechanics, dealing with unanticipated circumstances, and how to compete on the pro level. This season is going to be great, and Im looking to put out some nice times early. As for competition Im sure you have been wondering when & where I might be running first. Coach and I talked loosely and decided it would be best to open up sometime in April. Coach wants me to open up at the University of Miami with the 400I Hurdles, but to run a leg in the 4x4 at Florida Relays the week prior. The Florida Relay meet is April 3/4 and Miami is the next weekend on the 10th.
We haven't gotten back on the hurdles since January so Im hoping that the training will go well enough so that Im ready to run the hurdles in Miami. It seems like a lot to do seeing as Im just starting to get into track shape, then I have to get some type of sprinting base down while still preparing to be in hurdle shape. Sometimes you don't realize how much hurdlers have to train and get ready for (toughest events). On paper you can see that I have my work cut out, but Im determined to get on the track early April. Check back weekly and I'll keep you all posted on the training status. This is the life of dedication!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Vacation from vacation
Hey there bloggers whats up! This is DK signing in for more live news. I have been pretty unconsistent with the posts recently due to some unanticipated changes in my schedule. Recently it seems like I've been working every day at one place or another. Thankfully I do have a job that pays my bills, so that is always better.
Last weekend I had a chance to take a much needed trip back home for a break. What is funny is that during the winter months people don't normally go FROM Florida TO Michigan. Florida is an ultimate vacation spot, but I needed a break. I wanted to run at UofMichigan that weekend, but due to the knee issue I decided to simply enjoy time with family. It seemed like I was only there for about 2 days, but it was really 4. I traveled most of the time; all morning Thursday then a 6 hour drive Saturday morning and a similar return trip of 5 hours on Sunday morning turning right around to fly back on that night.
Saturday I accompanied my parents to Derek, younger brother's, hoop game in the upper peninsula of Michigan at his school. It was the first time I had ever been up there so it was kinda a new experience for me. At first I didn't want to go because so much time was spent traveling, but I really wanted to see my brother so I made the trip. Derek's team won the game by 2 points that weekend and are now in the playoffs trying to secure the top spot in the conference. Afterwards most of the families from the team went to dinner ane we had an opportunity to meet everyone. As small as the school is and as far North as it is, there are some really good people that go to his school and overshadows the fact that its very small and in the UP. Everyone up there seemed really nice and pretty cool so Im happy things are working out for Derek. He is only a Freshman, but is showing a lot of promise for the future. He has started a little less than half the season. Im really proud of my him, and can appreciate the excellent work I see him doing on and off the court. He's a better student than I was and I thought I was doing something, lol.
The time I was actually at my parents house I just watched a few movies, worked out once, ate a lot of really good food, and talked a lot with my parents. I hung out with David, my older brother, a lot less than I wanted to, but since we're out of school and have jobs its not as easy to hang out like it was on Christmas breaks. Two of my high school friends (Lindsey and her sister) came over to see me for a few hours. Its always good to see them.
So, I was able to get another break from intense training, enjoyed Michigan, and saw some of my family and friends. This is the life of a family man.
Last weekend I had a chance to take a much needed trip back home for a break. What is funny is that during the winter months people don't normally go FROM Florida TO Michigan. Florida is an ultimate vacation spot, but I needed a break. I wanted to run at UofMichigan that weekend, but due to the knee issue I decided to simply enjoy time with family. It seemed like I was only there for about 2 days, but it was really 4. I traveled most of the time; all morning Thursday then a 6 hour drive Saturday morning and a similar return trip of 5 hours on Sunday morning turning right around to fly back on that night.
Saturday I accompanied my parents to Derek, younger brother's, hoop game in the upper peninsula of Michigan at his school. It was the first time I had ever been up there so it was kinda a new experience for me. At first I didn't want to go because so much time was spent traveling, but I really wanted to see my brother so I made the trip. Derek's team won the game by 2 points that weekend and are now in the playoffs trying to secure the top spot in the conference. Afterwards most of the families from the team went to dinner ane we had an opportunity to meet everyone. As small as the school is and as far North as it is, there are some really good people that go to his school and overshadows the fact that its very small and in the UP. Everyone up there seemed really nice and pretty cool so Im happy things are working out for Derek. He is only a Freshman, but is showing a lot of promise for the future. He has started a little less than half the season. Im really proud of my him, and can appreciate the excellent work I see him doing on and off the court. He's a better student than I was and I thought I was doing something, lol.
The time I was actually at my parents house I just watched a few movies, worked out once, ate a lot of really good food, and talked a lot with my parents. I hung out with David, my older brother, a lot less than I wanted to, but since we're out of school and have jobs its not as easy to hang out like it was on Christmas breaks. Two of my high school friends (Lindsey and her sister) came over to see me for a few hours. Its always good to see them.
So, I was able to get another break from intense training, enjoyed Michigan, and saw some of my family and friends. This is the life of a family man.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Trackside News Now!
Wow, I really wouldn't have thought that Florida get as cold as it has since I've been there. It has been continuously below 35 at night and in the mornings it doesn't break 50 until maybe 11-12. A lot of people have said that this is the worst winter FL has ever seen. fortunately, we'll be clear from the cold in another week or 2. One of my friends told me that at one point last week it was snowing somewhere in every state except Hawaii. Also, a weatherman said that there have been over 300 record freezing temps in the country and more than 200 were from FL; now THATS CRAZY!! Things need to go back to normal next year.
Aside from record lows, my third week of training since the knee problem has been pretty great. We definitely picked up the pace on some 400s earlier this week, and my body about went into shock. We dropped the target time 8 seconds, which is a whole lot! Needless to say I only made one of them the rest were about 3 seconds off. That lactate was building up in my legs too quickly for me to do much about it. As bad as I felt I think the extreme change helped jump-start my body because the next days were fine.
My endurance is coming back quickly and I have been running some times just under where I left off. Coach has been happy with my practices so I love that. I've heard horror stories when pro coaches rip holes in their athlete because of what they're doing wrong or if they're not performing to the expected level. I've gotten my coach mad a few times already, but the whole cussed out in front of a crowd type of thing I would rather avoid altogether! I could see why some athletes run fast and often even when they're severely hurt; sometimes the motivation is not to piss off your coach.
In other news Im flying home to see my family tomorrow morning. The trip was for a track meet at the University of Michigan, but that was prior to the knee problem. I bought the tix in advance so I wasn't going to let $200 go for nothing. I figure that I can enjoy some family time since I was unable to oblige during Christmas. I know my mom is Xtra excited and I can't wait to see my two brothers. My dad hasn't said too much yet, but he's always good for some strong advice so Im also looking forward to that. Until next time...this is the life of a man back on schedule!
Aside from record lows, my third week of training since the knee problem has been pretty great. We definitely picked up the pace on some 400s earlier this week, and my body about went into shock. We dropped the target time 8 seconds, which is a whole lot! Needless to say I only made one of them the rest were about 3 seconds off. That lactate was building up in my legs too quickly for me to do much about it. As bad as I felt I think the extreme change helped jump-start my body because the next days were fine.
My endurance is coming back quickly and I have been running some times just under where I left off. Coach has been happy with my practices so I love that. I've heard horror stories when pro coaches rip holes in their athlete because of what they're doing wrong or if they're not performing to the expected level. I've gotten my coach mad a few times already, but the whole cussed out in front of a crowd type of thing I would rather avoid altogether! I could see why some athletes run fast and often even when they're severely hurt; sometimes the motivation is not to piss off your coach.
In other news Im flying home to see my family tomorrow morning. The trip was for a track meet at the University of Michigan, but that was prior to the knee problem. I bought the tix in advance so I wasn't going to let $200 go for nothing. I figure that I can enjoy some family time since I was unable to oblige during Christmas. I know my mom is Xtra excited and I can't wait to see my two brothers. My dad hasn't said too much yet, but he's always good for some strong advice so Im also looking forward to that. Until next time...this is the life of a man back on schedule!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Miscellaneous
So this post is just random stuff on my mind ok. Starting with the latest movie I saw. I went to see The Book of Eli (with Denzel Washington) a few days ago I enjoyed the movie. It is not a movie so much for entertainment as it is for a message I perceive. In it was a great message, and is something that has been in film, print, and shows a whole lot lately. The story was about a man on a purposeful destiny upon which he of course runs into tests and trials. He has to realize his purpose and stay on the path in order to complete the God-given task. It is similar to everyone on the earth. We have to seek out our purpose, and pursue it for the good of mankind as a whole I believe. Along the road to purpose you have to stay focused and withstand the storms you go though. All-in-all, the message was great and everyone can take an inspirational theme from that movie.
The other day I am pleased to announced that I got up enough guts in me to squash some long-standing "beef" which was really a huge misunderstanding that conceived a gigantic problem among myself and one of my really good college buddies. We ended up falling out in a way and hadn't really spoke to each other in a while, but everything was straightened out. Its crazy too because this was something that had really bothered me for the past year or more and I didn't want things to end off like that, especially with a person of a once strong friendship. I was pleasantly surprised the convo went as positive and receptive as it did. Whew! Im just glad things are back to normal now. Yeay!
Aside from that Im excited about the Superbowl this Sunday! Whoop, whoop! Im going for the Saints. I would have liked Farve and the Vikings to leave off on top with a title, but unfortunately they were defeated a few weeks ago @ the conference champs. I wonder if Farve will retire forreal or not. This season he really took a beating from some of these younger guys and every time the cameras would focus on his wife clasping her hands to her face in sheer anxiety. Hopefully he can retire in peace and is not too banged up for the rest of his life. As an athlete there will always be a time when you have to throw in the competitive towel and call it a good run. As difficult as it is you can only compete at the highest level for so long before you start to wither in one area or another.
I guess some bad news would be that I haven't been doing as much research as I want on the supplement biz. I haven't had a whole lot of time since I've been both working and taking care of my body continuously for the past month or so. Hopefully I can get some more info out to you all soon. Until later bloggers...this is the life of a busy man. Au revior
The other day I am pleased to announced that I got up enough guts in me to squash some long-standing "beef" which was really a huge misunderstanding that conceived a gigantic problem among myself and one of my really good college buddies. We ended up falling out in a way and hadn't really spoke to each other in a while, but everything was straightened out. Its crazy too because this was something that had really bothered me for the past year or more and I didn't want things to end off like that, especially with a person of a once strong friendship. I was pleasantly surprised the convo went as positive and receptive as it did. Whew! Im just glad things are back to normal now. Yeay!
Aside from that Im excited about the Superbowl this Sunday! Whoop, whoop! Im going for the Saints. I would have liked Farve and the Vikings to leave off on top with a title, but unfortunately they were defeated a few weeks ago @ the conference champs. I wonder if Farve will retire forreal or not. This season he really took a beating from some of these younger guys and every time the cameras would focus on his wife clasping her hands to her face in sheer anxiety. Hopefully he can retire in peace and is not too banged up for the rest of his life. As an athlete there will always be a time when you have to throw in the competitive towel and call it a good run. As difficult as it is you can only compete at the highest level for so long before you start to wither in one area or another.
I guess some bad news would be that I haven't been doing as much research as I want on the supplement biz. I haven't had a whole lot of time since I've been both working and taking care of my body continuously for the past month or so. Hopefully I can get some more info out to you all soon. Until later bloggers...this is the life of a busy man. Au revior
Back on Track!
Hey bloggers, I havent been doing a lot of writing on here because I was constantly treating my legs and working toward healing. At times it was a challenging process but I've whethered the storm and God has helped bring me out. I was constantly praying and believing in faith that I am healed. At first I started doubting it when I was struck with excruciating pain, but as I learned from an excellent book I've been reading and would recommend to anyone, "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale, you have to change your thinking and speaking before you get results in this world. So thats what I did, and started to make a quick recovery from that point forward. Mind you...I am still exactly 2 weeks ahead of schedule as to when I was encouraged to come back. Faith and Prayer works.
As can be expected, I'm really excited! This week I have been able to train on the track instead of the boring workouts that seemed to go on forever in the pool. I've even moved from the grass back to the red carpet! I have been training on it all week and am just kind of getting back into the swing of things. Unfortunately, I have obviously lost some of my endurance and have been passed out after these 'easy' practices. I have to get back in the swing of it, but I've noticed a very rapid improvement from day-day in my fitness level, which is to be expected. Im sure just about any athlete that has had a problem with their body you're always a little hesitant about getting back to your full throttle when you recover, ya know. You have to be confident that they past has past and you are well enough to continue training again. So thats the good news, Im back training now.
More on the track news...I've been keeping loose tabs on a few runners (teammates and friends) that have been competing the past few weeks. Team USA has been on an early roll this season which is great to see after a less than great showing in Beijing. We'll come back strong the next few years, Im sure. Terrance Trammel has the fastest time in the world (7.49) since last weekend in the 60HH. Dave Oliver, the Howard Alum, also clocked a fast time of 7.57 a few days ago, good enough for 8th in the world in the same event. A few of my teammates Damu Cherry-Mitchell and Kellie Wells ran some of the fastest times in the world also coming in around 8 flat in their hurdle races. PLUS I want to congratulate my former teammate Landria Buckley for an outstanding couple of performances at her last few meets running two new PRs in the hurdles at 8.35 and 8.32.
I know you all are anxious for me to start competing and broadcasting from that perspective, but I wont be competing until outdoor season for sure, and it may not be until mid-April. It is coming sooner than we all think so look out for the good news! Until then keep up with me on the track progress and I'll talk with ya soon. This is the life of a recovered athlete!
As can be expected, I'm really excited! This week I have been able to train on the track instead of the boring workouts that seemed to go on forever in the pool. I've even moved from the grass back to the red carpet! I have been training on it all week and am just kind of getting back into the swing of things. Unfortunately, I have obviously lost some of my endurance and have been passed out after these 'easy' practices. I have to get back in the swing of it, but I've noticed a very rapid improvement from day-day in my fitness level, which is to be expected. Im sure just about any athlete that has had a problem with their body you're always a little hesitant about getting back to your full throttle when you recover, ya know. You have to be confident that they past has past and you are well enough to continue training again. So thats the good news, Im back training now.
More on the track news...I've been keeping loose tabs on a few runners (teammates and friends) that have been competing the past few weeks. Team USA has been on an early roll this season which is great to see after a less than great showing in Beijing. We'll come back strong the next few years, Im sure. Terrance Trammel has the fastest time in the world (7.49) since last weekend in the 60HH. Dave Oliver, the Howard Alum, also clocked a fast time of 7.57 a few days ago, good enough for 8th in the world in the same event. A few of my teammates Damu Cherry-Mitchell and Kellie Wells ran some of the fastest times in the world also coming in around 8 flat in their hurdle races. PLUS I want to congratulate my former teammate Landria Buckley for an outstanding couple of performances at her last few meets running two new PRs in the hurdles at 8.35 and 8.32.
I know you all are anxious for me to start competing and broadcasting from that perspective, but I wont be competing until outdoor season for sure, and it may not be until mid-April. It is coming sooner than we all think so look out for the good news! Until then keep up with me on the track progress and I'll talk with ya soon. This is the life of a recovered athlete!
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