One of the main reasons I haven't been on the computer is just that I don't have as much time (ie. Im not forcing myself to stay up wee hours in the night for all the facebook updates and wall posts...yea fb is a problem). Instead I've determined to at least try to start heading in a better direction and allow my body to get the rest and nutrients it needs.
Of late I've been reading and researching about eating healthy and several other vital elements our body needs to function at optimal efficiency. The book is by Dr. Don Colbert titled, The Seven Pillars of Health. In it he describes seven main areas where almost every person (especially americans) can improve on for their body to "get back to creation" essentially. As you know our bodies are very complex and intricately designed not only to sustain our active lifestyles, but to ward off diseases and toxins we encounter on a daily basis too. Some of the pillars include the importance of water, sleep and rest, eating living foods, and coping/eliminating stress. I am learning a whole lot from the book and I feel that the small changes Im implementing are already showing results in my practices and my job.
Speaking of practice it has been going much better and it is safe to say I've gotten into a comfortable rythm to where my hurdle days are not so scary. I used to get mini anxiety attacks going into hurdle practice for fear of messing up, not doing exactly what coach wanted, or being mentally fatigued, all of which ended up wearing on me and came to pass for the most part. The past 2.5 weeks have been much better and I've been more relaxed, faster, and more confident.
Some things that helped me out, which I would recommend you do if you have any similar life issues, is to have someone to discuss what you feel is going on. Try identifying what is causing any mental or physical blocks, and when you discover them do what is necessary to erradicate them. Next I read the Bible (you may be surprised how comforting it is to your issues). I am a Christian, and have grown up in church all my life, but the Bible isn't just for "religion". It literally has advice and substantial wisdom in MANY areas of any persons regular lifestyle. I try take a little time out every day to read The Word, but I have really been activating it with my faith, and in so doing have seen amazing results. I challenge you to try the Word in truth and sincerity and see if it doesn't help comfort and lead you to a better life. There is one last thing I've chose to do in efforts to eliminate the stresses of life, bills, and worry. I've kept my mind off worry and instead have done things I like such as listened to music, reading books, or (my favorite) watching a good movie, usually comedy, that takes my mind off my cares. After these things I always feel much better. If you have worries, bills, and problems that are disturbing you it doesn't help to pout about them. If you clear your mind and relax your body you will be in a better mental position where you can think clearly and solve your problems.
In addition to these changes I've been trying to implement a better nutrition intake for myself and get the necessary 7-9 hours of sleep each day. On days that I know I'll be working my evening job, and possibly miss out on my full nights sleep, I try to get in a nap after practice. This way my body will allow itself to jumpstart the recovery thing for a little while so it can pick up later that night. Drop a comment to say what helps you get over stress. The life of...DKtG
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Relaxing with the fam
I haven't been on my computer for a few reasons lately, but there is a lot to talk about. I guess since my last post I've been had the pleasure of taking some down time about a week ago. I went to see my family out near Daytona, and could use a release from my world over here. I feel that even though your family may get on your nerves or ask you for strange requests, I feel that there is still a sense of tranquility around them. Plus the alluring sounds of waves on the beachside help too, lol. So I had a chance to visit my family, my Aunt Nay (who is doing very well), and my two favorite little cousins who always keep me on my toes Arrington and lil Zae.
I went over my lil guys house and hung out with them for a while trying to figure out if we could go somewhere. By the time we had our plan to go watch Iron Man 2 it was already 8pm and their grandma wasn't having that! I guess I'll have to catch up with them next time and have a plan on the way over there so we can put it into action immediately.
Aside from hanging out with the young fellas I had a chance to go down to this "Old Fort Park" which is part of some archeological ruins from Native Americans that inhabited the area roughly 400 years ago. They had a gospel festival at the park where I had a chance to meet a few old friends of my cousin (those of whom my grandma would probably remember). I also met the pastor and assistant pastor of the church most of the older members of the family grew up in...pretty cool. Personally, its fun to hear about history through the stories of others; its much better than reading books, lmbo.
Speaking of history, I was shocked and intrigued to hear that Edwin Moses, the great and most winning 400 meter hurdler ever, could be seen running around the streets where my family grew up. My uncle Jimmy said that the Moses family lived down the way from the family and young Edwin used to be around. I don't think that he lived there, but apparently he had family that he would visit in that same area. Pretty cool!
After a long and tiring day I had yet to complete one final task: putting together a TV stand for my aunt. It was already past 10 and I still had an hour drive back to Orlando that night. I think one of the things keeping me there was the fact that there was an NBA game on at the same time, lol. If I didn't have something to keep my attention I would have crashed right there on the floor. Fortunately I pulled myself together and made it back safely just before 1am to plop into my own cozy bed for the night. The life of...a family man...Track news up next
I went over my lil guys house and hung out with them for a while trying to figure out if we could go somewhere. By the time we had our plan to go watch Iron Man 2 it was already 8pm and their grandma wasn't having that! I guess I'll have to catch up with them next time and have a plan on the way over there so we can put it into action immediately.
Aside from hanging out with the young fellas I had a chance to go down to this "Old Fort Park" which is part of some archeological ruins from Native Americans that inhabited the area roughly 400 years ago. They had a gospel festival at the park where I had a chance to meet a few old friends of my cousin (those of whom my grandma would probably remember). I also met the pastor and assistant pastor of the church most of the older members of the family grew up in...pretty cool. Personally, its fun to hear about history through the stories of others; its much better than reading books, lmbo.
Speaking of history, I was shocked and intrigued to hear that Edwin Moses, the great and most winning 400 meter hurdler ever, could be seen running around the streets where my family grew up. My uncle Jimmy said that the Moses family lived down the way from the family and young Edwin used to be around. I don't think that he lived there, but apparently he had family that he would visit in that same area. Pretty cool!
After a long and tiring day I had yet to complete one final task: putting together a TV stand for my aunt. It was already past 10 and I still had an hour drive back to Orlando that night. I think one of the things keeping me there was the fact that there was an NBA game on at the same time, lol. If I didn't have something to keep my attention I would have crashed right there on the floor. Fortunately I pulled myself together and made it back safely just before 1am to plop into my own cozy bed for the night. The life of...a family man...Track news up next
Friday, May 14, 2010
Season update
Hello bloggers! The last time we talked was a little over a week ago. That was my first 400 hurdle race and it seems like a lot has happened since then. One of my meets ended up being rained out. Side note I have had 3 rain-outs at this particular track (they planned it, lol). Seriously though I didn't have a chance to compete in that meet so I had to wait another week (today) to get another shot at victory.
The meet was a twilight meet at USF in Tampa, FL. This was the first time on the South Florida campus and I must say that I was impressed. The school looked brand new with a spacious campus and was filled with interesting people. I definitely have to give them two thumps up for their sports facilities. The track was a specialized surface (forget the name) but was the same surface as the track in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The stadium was very nice and with a fast track like theirs you can imagine how excited I was. I was also excited to see one of my very good friends Roscoe, who I went to high school with. He just graduated from a college in the Tampa area and decided to come show your boy some love. Thanks for the support my dude!
So this was my second crack at the 400 hurdles this year and it was a success. I ended up coming in 2nd with a season best performance. The race was pretty positive all in all, so I have no regrets or complaints. I ended up getting lane 6 and took over the stagger on the two outside guys by 150 so I didn't see anyone for another 200 meters. It was only then when I started to notice the fatigue and lost the race at the last hurdle. Of course as an athlete you always have things to get better at so here goes...
I know I need to work on my hurdling. Not so much form, but getting over or clearing the hurdle faster. I felt like my trail leg was dragging on a few of them. I also have to keep in mind at the end of the race that I need to get my knees UP when Im tired so I won't have to worry about stuttering over the final 2 hurdles. I felt like I was getting in too much of a rhythm about halfway through, but my coach prompted me that 400H races require rhythm. I felt so patterened that I wasn't speeding up and thats my only concern as it relates to that. I REALLY need to work on my form for my opposite (recessive) leg because it used to look as good as my dominant leg, but my coach doesn't want me to focus so much on small things in the race at this point in time; we're just trying to set the race up so that I can run at a fast and comfortable pace. With less emphasis on the opposite leg when it comes time to use it, I look halfway out of control.
As you can see an athletes work is never finished even if you run more than a second faster than your previous race, lmbo!
Just earlier this week my coach explained the thinking pattern of a 400/400H runner and how they handle their race, which is one thing I believe helped me today. Funny thing is that the day before he told me about it I prayed for a way to be more aggressive and confident in my race...prayer changes things yall. This is my rookie year and has shown to more and more to be a learning year for me. With all the knowledge and wisdom my teammates are passing down Im trying to get an understanding of how or when it applies to me and the way to use their advice as a weapon. This is the life...of a professional!
The meet was a twilight meet at USF in Tampa, FL. This was the first time on the South Florida campus and I must say that I was impressed. The school looked brand new with a spacious campus and was filled with interesting people. I definitely have to give them two thumps up for their sports facilities. The track was a specialized surface (forget the name) but was the same surface as the track in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The stadium was very nice and with a fast track like theirs you can imagine how excited I was. I was also excited to see one of my very good friends Roscoe, who I went to high school with. He just graduated from a college in the Tampa area and decided to come show your boy some love. Thanks for the support my dude!
So this was my second crack at the 400 hurdles this year and it was a success. I ended up coming in 2nd with a season best performance. The race was pretty positive all in all, so I have no regrets or complaints. I ended up getting lane 6 and took over the stagger on the two outside guys by 150 so I didn't see anyone for another 200 meters. It was only then when I started to notice the fatigue and lost the race at the last hurdle. Of course as an athlete you always have things to get better at so here goes...
I know I need to work on my hurdling. Not so much form, but getting over or clearing the hurdle faster. I felt like my trail leg was dragging on a few of them. I also have to keep in mind at the end of the race that I need to get my knees UP when Im tired so I won't have to worry about stuttering over the final 2 hurdles. I felt like I was getting in too much of a rhythm about halfway through, but my coach prompted me that 400H races require rhythm. I felt so patterened that I wasn't speeding up and thats my only concern as it relates to that. I REALLY need to work on my form for my opposite (recessive) leg because it used to look as good as my dominant leg, but my coach doesn't want me to focus so much on small things in the race at this point in time; we're just trying to set the race up so that I can run at a fast and comfortable pace. With less emphasis on the opposite leg when it comes time to use it, I look halfway out of control.
As you can see an athletes work is never finished even if you run more than a second faster than your previous race, lmbo!
Just earlier this week my coach explained the thinking pattern of a 400/400H runner and how they handle their race, which is one thing I believe helped me today. Funny thing is that the day before he told me about it I prayed for a way to be more aggressive and confident in my race...prayer changes things yall. This is my rookie year and has shown to more and more to be a learning year for me. With all the knowledge and wisdom my teammates are passing down Im trying to get an understanding of how or when it applies to me and the way to use their advice as a weapon. This is the life...of a professional!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
1st Race
Today was my first race in the chosen event of specialization (400H), and it ended in victory. I felt pretty good going into the race today and didn't really have any issues to express, pre-race at least. Was not to thrilled about the time, but again as an opener I was happy with the race consistency.
I would say I had a fairly good reaction to the gun and got out at a decent pace (not fast though). I could use some more aggression on the first 3 hurdles to set the race up speed-wise, but my steps were on all the way until H7. I cruised down the back stretch and set up for the next curve. I did well going in, focusing on my steps but studdered @ hurdle 7 where I started to feel a little fatigue, and I ended up switching legs also. I had my mind made up I would switch at 7, but coming towards it I may have actually been on, which caused the hesitation. I'll have to watch the film to get a verdict on that. After 7 my form broke down over the hurdles and was not where I wanted it, but I managed to go over with my natural leg the rest of the race and finish strong. I didn't feel out of shape or extremely tired so that tells me Im in good shape with MUCH more to burn in the race.
It was about 88 degrees out under the FL sun which was near a 95 temperature on the track. I can't say I felt much wind during the race, but I wasn't really concentrating on that anyways, so who knows. All in all a solid effort with some positive things to take from it, but also a lot of things I can look forward to fixing. Next meet UCF on Thurs. May 6th...This is the life in the hurdle lane
I would say I had a fairly good reaction to the gun and got out at a decent pace (not fast though). I could use some more aggression on the first 3 hurdles to set the race up speed-wise, but my steps were on all the way until H7. I cruised down the back stretch and set up for the next curve. I did well going in, focusing on my steps but studdered @ hurdle 7 where I started to feel a little fatigue, and I ended up switching legs also. I had my mind made up I would switch at 7, but coming towards it I may have actually been on, which caused the hesitation. I'll have to watch the film to get a verdict on that. After 7 my form broke down over the hurdles and was not where I wanted it, but I managed to go over with my natural leg the rest of the race and finish strong. I didn't feel out of shape or extremely tired so that tells me Im in good shape with MUCH more to burn in the race.
It was about 88 degrees out under the FL sun which was near a 95 temperature on the track. I can't say I felt much wind during the race, but I wasn't really concentrating on that anyways, so who knows. All in all a solid effort with some positive things to take from it, but also a lot of things I can look forward to fixing. Next meet UCF on Thurs. May 6th...This is the life in the hurdle lane
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