Since I've last spoke to you bloggers and friends I had just finished my last track meet of the season in Atlanta. Of late work, church, friends, and more work has occupied much of my time. I haven't been getting as many hours as I would like or need to, so I may end up looking for another job or source of income. (Keep me in your prayers). Outside of work I have been trying to do some studying on investing, which has always sparked my interest. Now I only need some money to put my newfound knowledge to use right, lol.
Aside from these things I've talked with my coach about the gameplan for offseason and the remainder of this season. Yes, the season isn't over just because I've stopped competing. I can't close out my season until the actual Professional season is over or I could run the risk of being too out of shape when we resume practice, or I could end up being worn out right around the time I need to be on fully. It made sense and Im now starting to grasp the reason why.
So it looks like I have another month of training for conditioning sake before I can completely shut it down for a few weeks break. As a rookie it was weird hearing that I should continue training even when my season is over. Like I said in past posts, this year has really been a big introductory and learning year for me in what to expect and how all of the elements fit into the pro realm of track and field. Until next time bloggers. This is the life...of me!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
AAAG Track Festival
Whew! Whats up bloggers. The past few days have been pretty hectic getting back to Florida and settling back into the groove of things, so the weekend recap is a little late. Lets rewind to Saturday...Race day! I was pretty excited to be running again and so soon. Its better to run races in either a consistent rhythm or quick spurts back to back. That way your body will start to get adjusted to racing quickly. Usually with these type of schedules you can produce consistent times and will eventually see a big drop in time.
The meet was scheduled to start at 8am Saturday morning. I still hadn't fully registered so I decided to get up early and head out before the first gun went off. Some meets I've run in have had registration prior to the meet start then they cut it off so I wasn't trying to risk traveling 400 miles to sit and watch a meet due to a late arrival and registration. Of course, to my surprise I arrived around 8 and the meet hadn't started so I had plenty of time to register. I quickly found that the meet was in a bit of some trouble, organizationally, and that it could be a long day! And BOY WAS IT A LONG ONE!!! After the initial race being delayed about an hour, preceeding the next 5 treacherous hours waiting around for my race, I'd had about enough. Long story short, due to the small group of athletes competing in the 400 hurdle event they decided to move the race to straight finals on Sunday. For some reason I didn't hear that announcement so by the time I noticed they skipped my event I was a bit frustrated.
The meet director Eric Merriweather attempted to accomodate me by allowing me to jump in the 200 since I was prepared to run and had already warmed up well. In the check-in area we received our lane assignments and we ready to head to the track any minute. At this time I was pretty excited to jump in a fun race where I would just enjoy competing and try to put down a decent 200 time. As the clerk called the open/masters sections to the front she said, "ok, we're gonna run you all tomorrow. you will go to straight finals tomorrow afternoon." WHAT, R U SERIOUS!!!!!
I really couldn't believe it. Two races both moved to the following day. To say the least I was pretty upset. At the track for 6 hours or something and hadn't run a single race. I could have been running around the city seeing the sights and enjoying myself, lol. Things happen, and you have to accept it so I after I relaxed a bit I wasnt too dissappointed. I just wish I could have used that time for something productive.
_____________
The next day I got up and went through more of the same. I ended up running at around 5pm, but thankfully I did have a chance to run. The race went well! I ended up winning and ran a decent time considering the circumstances and delays. I had a much better block start thanks to a few of my teammates who helped me a bit with blocks before I left. I attacked each hurdle all the way down the back stretch and felt like I was moving very well. Going into the curve (hurdle 6) I pressed forward and surged a bit. I had had trouble going into hurdle six all season and I was finally conquering it. I ran straight over the hurdle with my opposite leg, but since I didn't hesitate or think about messing up I didn't chop my steps. I proceeded around to H7 and cleared it with my natural leg, then came back on H8 and switched. Down the home straightaway I came, and using as much arm action I could muster. I cleared the last two hurdles to sprint to an acceptable time for me at this point in the season. Of course it wasn't a PB (personal best) but it was a solid race from start to finish, and I'll take that as an experience race. I say that because it is sometimes better to get your structure and base down in a race before you run super fast and have no time to fix it. Im learning my race, the pattern Im comfortable with, and how to be comfortable at each stage of the race. That is one thing I will come away with this year versus my previous years where I would run without any concrete understanding of the race and all its critical points (or areas of interest).
After the meet I had a chance to chat with a few young guys that also ran the 400 hurdles. They were all pretty positive and seemed eager to do well and reach their goals, so I have no doubt that they will accomplish them with dedication and hard work. All in all I was pleased with the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the HUGE city of Atlanta.
Again, I want to thank Mr. Merriweather for getting me into the meet and working with me throughout the time there. He was a cool guy and we shared a few laughs together waiting around at the track. A big thanks also goes out to my cousin Turiq for taking such good care of me. This is the life of...me, DK.
The meet was scheduled to start at 8am Saturday morning. I still hadn't fully registered so I decided to get up early and head out before the first gun went off. Some meets I've run in have had registration prior to the meet start then they cut it off so I wasn't trying to risk traveling 400 miles to sit and watch a meet due to a late arrival and registration. Of course, to my surprise I arrived around 8 and the meet hadn't started so I had plenty of time to register. I quickly found that the meet was in a bit of some trouble, organizationally, and that it could be a long day! And BOY WAS IT A LONG ONE!!! After the initial race being delayed about an hour, preceeding the next 5 treacherous hours waiting around for my race, I'd had about enough. Long story short, due to the small group of athletes competing in the 400 hurdle event they decided to move the race to straight finals on Sunday. For some reason I didn't hear that announcement so by the time I noticed they skipped my event I was a bit frustrated.
The meet director Eric Merriweather attempted to accomodate me by allowing me to jump in the 200 since I was prepared to run and had already warmed up well. In the check-in area we received our lane assignments and we ready to head to the track any minute. At this time I was pretty excited to jump in a fun race where I would just enjoy competing and try to put down a decent 200 time. As the clerk called the open/masters sections to the front she said, "ok, we're gonna run you all tomorrow. you will go to straight finals tomorrow afternoon." WHAT, R U SERIOUS!!!!!
I really couldn't believe it. Two races both moved to the following day. To say the least I was pretty upset. At the track for 6 hours or something and hadn't run a single race. I could have been running around the city seeing the sights and enjoying myself, lol. Things happen, and you have to accept it so I after I relaxed a bit I wasnt too dissappointed. I just wish I could have used that time for something productive.
_____________
The next day I got up and went through more of the same. I ended up running at around 5pm, but thankfully I did have a chance to run. The race went well! I ended up winning and ran a decent time considering the circumstances and delays. I had a much better block start thanks to a few of my teammates who helped me a bit with blocks before I left. I attacked each hurdle all the way down the back stretch and felt like I was moving very well. Going into the curve (hurdle 6) I pressed forward and surged a bit. I had had trouble going into hurdle six all season and I was finally conquering it. I ran straight over the hurdle with my opposite leg, but since I didn't hesitate or think about messing up I didn't chop my steps. I proceeded around to H7 and cleared it with my natural leg, then came back on H8 and switched. Down the home straightaway I came, and using as much arm action I could muster. I cleared the last two hurdles to sprint to an acceptable time for me at this point in the season. Of course it wasn't a PB (personal best) but it was a solid race from start to finish, and I'll take that as an experience race. I say that because it is sometimes better to get your structure and base down in a race before you run super fast and have no time to fix it. Im learning my race, the pattern Im comfortable with, and how to be comfortable at each stage of the race. That is one thing I will come away with this year versus my previous years where I would run without any concrete understanding of the race and all its critical points (or areas of interest).
After the meet I had a chance to chat with a few young guys that also ran the 400 hurdles. They were all pretty positive and seemed eager to do well and reach their goals, so I have no doubt that they will accomplish them with dedication and hard work. All in all I was pleased with the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the HUGE city of Atlanta.
Again, I want to thank Mr. Merriweather for getting me into the meet and working with me throughout the time there. He was a cool guy and we shared a few laughs together waiting around at the track. A big thanks also goes out to my cousin Turiq for taking such good care of me. This is the life of...me, DK.
Friday, July 23, 2010
ATL Shawty!
I had to get one of those off when I first arrived. ATLANTA, here I am! The drive up here was pretty smooth. I ran into bad traffic about 2 hours away from the city, but the rest of the way was easy driving. It was a pretty taxing trip early, but as I got closer and had something to eat I started to feel better. It ended up taking way too long 8 hours, but it was primarily because I stopped 3 times for almost an hour each. I wanted to have plenty of time to get out and stretch for awhile. That way I wouldn't be sitting for too long at any time and I can take some of the shock off of my body. After a long traveling day whether it be flying or driving you want to try to relieve as much stress from your body as you can. Usually traveling causes your muscles to tighten up pretty bad and it takes a day or two to recover from it.
When I arrived in Atlanta I met up with my cousin and stopped by his house. I haven't seen much of the city yet, but so far Atlanta is the spot. I have my first round of the hurdles tomorrow so Im going to hit the sack. Let you know how it goes. Stay posted.
When I arrived in Atlanta I met up with my cousin and stopped by his house. I haven't seen much of the city yet, but so far Atlanta is the spot. I have my first round of the hurdles tomorrow so Im going to hit the sack. Let you know how it goes. Stay posted.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Back at it
My flight into Orlando this morning was pretty late, like past midnight late. I wasn't too shaken up with the delayed arrival, other than the very rocky landing. I usually don't go to sleep until at least 12 anyway, so I just tried to think like I didn't fly, but had just been up all day. It helped for the most part.
I woke up to an early sunrise to head to the track and get back to work. Im happy I have a chance to come home between my meets because sometimes you can get pretty unmotivated under stressful situations. I didn't even realize it, but my coach went out of town after practice and I was looking forward to getting some damage done on the track this week. Not sure if our unofficial assistant coach will be there tomorrow to help out, but I wouldn't bet money on it. That means that I will have to come prepared tomorrow to push myself and solely get the job done.
Im actually pretty excited about my next meet this weekend. It will be in Atlanta and we have TWO ROUNDS of the 400m hurdles! That almost never happens. Sprinters always like to have more than one round because it allows you to not only get the first-race jitters out, but it also allows you to fix what issues come up in the preliminary round. Needless to say I will focus on a few things the first round then try to tighten up the following day in the finals.
This is actually my first time going to Atlanta (besides the unforgettable night I spent in their airport). Thats a totally different story. Anyways I hear Atlanta is a great city and has a lot of opportunities for educated African Americans. Not that Im planning on moving or living there, but I think it will be cool to get a glimpse of an upcoming city in which I've never been. Aside from positive features I also hear it has its several very notable downs. If you don't know...you should probably ask someone. Hopefully I don't have any problems either way. I head for the ATL Friday morning so I will try and give you all an update when I arrive. The life of...a traveling man :) I love it!!
I woke up to an early sunrise to head to the track and get back to work. Im happy I have a chance to come home between my meets because sometimes you can get pretty unmotivated under stressful situations. I didn't even realize it, but my coach went out of town after practice and I was looking forward to getting some damage done on the track this week. Not sure if our unofficial assistant coach will be there tomorrow to help out, but I wouldn't bet money on it. That means that I will have to come prepared tomorrow to push myself and solely get the job done.
Im actually pretty excited about my next meet this weekend. It will be in Atlanta and we have TWO ROUNDS of the 400m hurdles! That almost never happens. Sprinters always like to have more than one round because it allows you to not only get the first-race jitters out, but it also allows you to fix what issues come up in the preliminary round. Needless to say I will focus on a few things the first round then try to tighten up the following day in the finals.
This is actually my first time going to Atlanta (besides the unforgettable night I spent in their airport). Thats a totally different story. Anyways I hear Atlanta is a great city and has a lot of opportunities for educated African Americans. Not that Im planning on moving or living there, but I think it will be cool to get a glimpse of an upcoming city in which I've never been. Aside from positive features I also hear it has its several very notable downs. If you don't know...you should probably ask someone. Hopefully I don't have any problems either way. I head for the ATL Friday morning so I will try and give you all an update when I arrive. The life of...a traveling man :) I love it!!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Windsor Legion Meet
Hey bloggers whats up? The meet in Windsor was quite the experience. I arrived a few hours early to have a chance to relax and sit around before I warm up. (Thats kinda my thing. I hate to rush a warm-up, and I feel its good to have a chance to chill in the meet enviornment before you start to warm-up.) When they finally opened up the registration booth I found myself climbing up several flights of steps to the pressbox only to be found missing from the meet entries list. I had to wait another 20 or so minutes until the meet director showed up to add my name to the list as a pre-registered athlete (less $ for me to pay). Then I finished stretching, drilling, and went over about 6 hurdles real easy.
I felt good going into the race and my body had no complaints as I was concerned so I was looking for a good race. As they were finishing up the sprint race just before they set the hurdles up a heavy overcast came in. It was already pretty windy when I showed up to the track but since the meet had begun the wind only got worse from there. The race just prior to mine read a wind reading of 4.4 which is PSYCHO!! That is probably the worst wind I've ever encountered in my days running track. Unfortunately for 400, or 1-lap runners, we get the head and tailwind to challenge us throughout the race.
With apacolypse in the air and my race about to start the show must go on. I was really looking to have a good race in Canada, but there is only so much you can do as an athlete before outside circumstances come your way. Weather is one of the most difficult. In races like this you know that times will be off from the norm so you just go for the win, and thats just what I did.
I started out in lane 6, due to another technicality wherein I was not located on the hurdle start list. They just stuck me in the outside of my four competitors; I love it! From that point on I never looked back and didn't see anyone else until the race was over; start to finish I controlled the race. Im sure I could have started off a bit faster, but my race was very solid for the first 7 hurdles. I was on with my natural leg (most comfortable lead leg and trail leg) for six hurdles, then switched very well at seven. I came around to hurdle 8 and hesitated for a split second and shortened my last step just a bit causing my velocity to drop. I got over hurdle 9 and came powering towards the final barrier only to see the clock passing the time I wanted to be coming off of that last one. Clearing the last hurdle, I had an akward landing on my trail leg which also took some more time off the clock before I was able to sprint it in for first place.
Was the time world leading, a PR or even a Seasons best? NO. But was the race solid and tactful, I would say for the most part. My race pattern is getting stronger and stronger so I can't complain. Would I have liked to have put together a better and faster race? Sure! I think any athlete can say that after whatever they run. I thank God that the rain held off until my race was over and that I came out of there healthy and without injury. That is always something to shout about; its never fun watching from the sidelines knowing what you can do, so Im greatful for the healthy finish. The rest of the weekend entails hanging out with my close friend Adrean and seeing family. I will enjoy the life I have outside of track. So until next time bloggers. This is the life of...a trackstar.
I felt good going into the race and my body had no complaints as I was concerned so I was looking for a good race. As they were finishing up the sprint race just before they set the hurdles up a heavy overcast came in. It was already pretty windy when I showed up to the track but since the meet had begun the wind only got worse from there. The race just prior to mine read a wind reading of 4.4 which is PSYCHO!! That is probably the worst wind I've ever encountered in my days running track. Unfortunately for 400, or 1-lap runners, we get the head and tailwind to challenge us throughout the race.
With apacolypse in the air and my race about to start the show must go on. I was really looking to have a good race in Canada, but there is only so much you can do as an athlete before outside circumstances come your way. Weather is one of the most difficult. In races like this you know that times will be off from the norm so you just go for the win, and thats just what I did.
I started out in lane 6, due to another technicality wherein I was not located on the hurdle start list. They just stuck me in the outside of my four competitors; I love it! From that point on I never looked back and didn't see anyone else until the race was over; start to finish I controlled the race. Im sure I could have started off a bit faster, but my race was very solid for the first 7 hurdles. I was on with my natural leg (most comfortable lead leg and trail leg) for six hurdles, then switched very well at seven. I came around to hurdle 8 and hesitated for a split second and shortened my last step just a bit causing my velocity to drop. I got over hurdle 9 and came powering towards the final barrier only to see the clock passing the time I wanted to be coming off of that last one. Clearing the last hurdle, I had an akward landing on my trail leg which also took some more time off the clock before I was able to sprint it in for first place.
Was the time world leading, a PR or even a Seasons best? NO. But was the race solid and tactful, I would say for the most part. My race pattern is getting stronger and stronger so I can't complain. Would I have liked to have put together a better and faster race? Sure! I think any athlete can say that after whatever they run. I thank God that the rain held off until my race was over and that I came out of there healthy and without injury. That is always something to shout about; its never fun watching from the sidelines knowing what you can do, so Im greatful for the healthy finish. The rest of the weekend entails hanging out with my close friend Adrean and seeing family. I will enjoy the life I have outside of track. So until next time bloggers. This is the life of...a trackstar.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Back in Action
Hey everyone! I was able to get home in very good time considering a scare I had the night before. I received a call from delta while I was at work informing me that my flight home was CANCELLED. Then the worst news came; they rerouted me from my straight flight home to a layover in Atlanta. Now look here I don't really mind layovers when Im not in a rush and it NOT IN ATLANTA. I've had some BAD experiences going through Atlanta and it usually resulted in more delayed flights, cancellations, and sleep overs, lmbo. Im not down for the raindeer games anymore, and Im not trying to encounter any of that mess.
So anyway, I arrived to the airport just in time to take an earlier non-stop flight home and had an extra hour at home before I saw my parents off for their vacation. The rest of the week I have a loose schedule, but Im hoping to staple some things down for sure. I'm planning on seeing several friends and family members this week, so Im looking forward to that.
Until then I'll just be relaxing and taking it easy around the house preparing for my track meet that will be held in Windsor, Canada on Thursday. Im excited to finally get back out on the track because the last 3 weeks at practice have been monumental from a quality standpoint. Im expecting good things and a clean race. I just have to go out there and execute. The life...of an athlete.
So anyway, I arrived to the airport just in time to take an earlier non-stop flight home and had an extra hour at home before I saw my parents off for their vacation. The rest of the week I have a loose schedule, but Im hoping to staple some things down for sure. I'm planning on seeing several friends and family members this week, so Im looking forward to that.
Until then I'll just be relaxing and taking it easy around the house preparing for my track meet that will be held in Windsor, Canada on Thursday. Im excited to finally get back out on the track because the last 3 weeks at practice have been monumental from a quality standpoint. Im expecting good things and a clean race. I just have to go out there and execute. The life...of an athlete.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Hey bloggers whats up? Im back with another post to keep you all up to date with my happenings. I can say that despite any competitions the past weeks I have been feeling great! I have had some awesome practices and have been attacking the hurdles much better. I believe that I have finally gotten down my pace for my race and my coach and I have seen a superior improvement in my practices. Im attacking all the hurdles much cleaner, I no longer have to think about whether I'll clear any hurdles, my race confidence is there, and although we don't spend much time on it, my form is even coming together.
Coach has really done a great job coaching our mentality as well as our physical. There are several times I thought I was in church because I got a revelation of what he was telling us. I feel that sometimes God is using him to speak right into our races. Those times it always helps and see improvement due to his coaching insight.
I haven't been able to put my new found race to use since there is a serious drought of meets around the area, but I am planning on it Thursday when I race in Windsor Canada. Im looking forward to the meet and Im expecting a great result. I don't want to place any limitations on my race so I'll just say it will be a good one.
So Im headed back home to Michigan to see family, friends, and handle this business. If you are around and have a passport (new rules from US for any of our borders) stop by Thursday evening @ 5pm at the University of Windsor and check me out. This is the life...of a man fulfilling his assignment
Coach has really done a great job coaching our mentality as well as our physical. There are several times I thought I was in church because I got a revelation of what he was telling us. I feel that sometimes God is using him to speak right into our races. Those times it always helps and see improvement due to his coaching insight.
I haven't been able to put my new found race to use since there is a serious drought of meets around the area, but I am planning on it Thursday when I race in Windsor Canada. Im looking forward to the meet and Im expecting a great result. I don't want to place any limitations on my race so I'll just say it will be a good one.
So Im headed back home to Michigan to see family, friends, and handle this business. If you are around and have a passport (new rules from US for any of our borders) stop by Thursday evening @ 5pm at the University of Windsor and check me out. This is the life...of a man fulfilling his assignment
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