Post- Workout....5:54 pm....Thursday 23rd, 2010
So winter break is among us. I'm out of school. No more waking up for class. No more study hall. And most importantly, no more reading!! Not saying that anything is wrong with reading but I'm an athlete, I'm programmed to look. listen and replicate. So far I've been doing a pretty good job at looking and listening, I still have a ways to go before I can replicate what I see and hear.
In other news, my training has NOT stopped. I still am waking up at 8am Monday, Wednesday and Friday to lift weight and I am STILL running every single day including Saturday. So far so good. The only negative has been the weather, with the snow and ice. But this week has been fortunately has been better. I never thought there would be a day when I thanked the track gods for a 40 degree day. I will take it considering it has been in the twenties for the past week. 40 is a HUGE blessing.
I have been training with a few guys and its been going well. Lifting in the morning and running in the evenings. The track has been relatively warm, besides the WIND. I swear our track is a flat wind tunnel with lanes painted on it. What a runners nightmare. In any case I've been consistently putting money into the bank. It feels good to workout without any distractions.
This week I have started a new initiative called Operation: Shock the World. this initiative was created because I have recently grew complacent and lazy. Yes, I have been practicing. Yes, I have been lifting. BUT I haven't been doing it with a clear mind. There's always something in the way whether its mentally or physically. SO....I have promised myself that I will not allow myself to allow anything or anyone to come in between my training; not even me.
Operation: Shock the World means that if I succeed, I WILL conquer the CAA again and reclaim my titles and go down as the fastest man in VCU Track & Field history. I know this will not be easy and I also know that it will take sacrifice. So, I am cutting things out of my life in order to reach my goal. Sounds simple enough right? Wish me luck.
happy trails,
-d
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Never Been so Scared
Saturday, December, 4th, 2010
After 6 months of training, lifting and working to become mentally fit, my first indoor meet is just hours away. Over 150 practice and lifting sessions have all led up to this single moment in time where I show whether I've been diligent or lax. Every muscle in my body is tense, yet relaxed. My mind is racing, year clear. I am rested, yet my legs are restless. I am mentally focusing on what I need to do. I don't know what will happen. I don't know how I will perform. I don't even know if I am even ready to compete yet. The only things I am sure of are when that that times comes I must be ready compete and to perform.
Over the past 6 months, I've experienced minor set backs. Fortunately non of them have been track related. I have had 6 months almost without distraction or injury. Which has allowed me to train, lift and perfect my craft. I have learned new techniques and have been subject to totally different training style than what I have previously experienced. In that time I've encountered a coaching change. I've graduated and I have inherited an even younger team that the proceeding teams before me. All of these things have in some way, shape or form help molded me into who I am today.
I no longer view Track and Field as a sport anymore but rather a way of life. Some start training from young ages. Beginning with club teams, through middle and high school, then eventually to college. Even though I started late in my training, being introduced to Track and Field in 10th grade, I have by the grace of God, both garnered respect and I have experienced success in just my short 8 year career. With that said, as the next calendar year rolls around I soon realize that yesterdays success is today's memory. With all great accomplishments there comes a time when you must show that you can soar even higher then you've ever soared before.
Tomorrow will be my day to soar, my day to show the world that these past 6 months have not been in vain. Tomorrow will be the first time I compete as an unattached athlete. I will not travel with the team. I will not be subject to a team speech. I will not receive per diem. I will not be wearing my alma mater's initials on my chest. Tomorrow I will be competing for the first time ever as DeAngelo Wilson. The thought of being on my own for the first time if frightening yet comforting. There has never been a time where I was this focused. This driven. this determined to compete.
Tomorrow I show what I'm made of. Tomorrow I conquer, one race at a time. Tomorrow I shock the world, one race at a time.
Signing off,
-d
After 6 months of training, lifting and working to become mentally fit, my first indoor meet is just hours away. Over 150 practice and lifting sessions have all led up to this single moment in time where I show whether I've been diligent or lax. Every muscle in my body is tense, yet relaxed. My mind is racing, year clear. I am rested, yet my legs are restless. I am mentally focusing on what I need to do. I don't know what will happen. I don't know how I will perform. I don't even know if I am even ready to compete yet. The only things I am sure of are when that that times comes I must be ready compete and to perform.
Over the past 6 months, I've experienced minor set backs. Fortunately non of them have been track related. I have had 6 months almost without distraction or injury. Which has allowed me to train, lift and perfect my craft. I have learned new techniques and have been subject to totally different training style than what I have previously experienced. In that time I've encountered a coaching change. I've graduated and I have inherited an even younger team that the proceeding teams before me. All of these things have in some way, shape or form help molded me into who I am today.
I no longer view Track and Field as a sport anymore but rather a way of life. Some start training from young ages. Beginning with club teams, through middle and high school, then eventually to college. Even though I started late in my training, being introduced to Track and Field in 10th grade, I have by the grace of God, both garnered respect and I have experienced success in just my short 8 year career. With that said, as the next calendar year rolls around I soon realize that yesterdays success is today's memory. With all great accomplishments there comes a time when you must show that you can soar even higher then you've ever soared before.
Tomorrow will be my day to soar, my day to show the world that these past 6 months have not been in vain. Tomorrow will be the first time I compete as an unattached athlete. I will not travel with the team. I will not be subject to a team speech. I will not receive per diem. I will not be wearing my alma mater's initials on my chest. Tomorrow I will be competing for the first time ever as DeAngelo Wilson. The thought of being on my own for the first time if frightening yet comforting. There has never been a time where I was this focused. This driven. this determined to compete.
Tomorrow I show what I'm made of. Tomorrow I conquer, one race at a time. Tomorrow I shock the world, one race at a time.
Signing off,
-d
Sunday, November 7, 2010
late but always on time...
Sunday wayyy Post-Work
1x350 (13,27, 37)
3x200 (26, 28,28)
Practice today was KILLER. In short, I almost passed out. The end.
1x350 (13,27, 37)
3x200 (26, 28,28)
Practice today was KILLER. In short, I almost passed out. The end.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
one step forward; two steps back...
Post Workout
11-2-10
2x500 1:20
2x350 16, 32, finish
3x200 31,31,30
Just as I thought today's workout was ridiculous. To be honest I wasn't prepared AT ALL. I didn't even start to hydrate until 30 mins until practice time. Big mistake. I had a lapse in judgment today. Instead of getting up and hydrating before class, I decided to sleep longer. So during the workout I struggled. Last week I killed a similar workout but today my lapse in judgment caused me to have a BAD practice. Grant it we ran a total of 2300 meters on a windy day with temperatures dipping into the lows 40's. Still there was no excuse for performance today. I won't lie to myself. I'm sure I looked very undisciplined today.
I feel as if I took a a few steps back in my training today. All because I was unprepared. I cannot blame anyone but myself for that; unacceptable. My coach tried to my calm my frustration by telling me, "Good Job" after the workout. I'm sorry but I couldn't accept it because I knew in my heart that I didn't perform at the level I'm capable and supposed to. Some may think that I'm being too hard on myself and that I can't perform at practice well every time but I refuse to accept that ideology. You practice how you perform; point blank. Today I didn't take my training seriously and I paid for it. This will not happen again.
If you cannot tell yourself that you need to be darn near perfect everyday and take strides to prepare yourself to be, then everything you do is in vain. You don't practice in order to compete mediocre, just like you don't study for hours in order to become a C student. You train to be the best at what you do, no matter what sacrifices you have to make in order to do so. This can translate to anything in life from an office job to being a professional athlete. I once heard, "When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail." Such a true and appropriate quote.
Many times throughout your life you will have to learn how to use disappointments, shortcomings or self inflicted pain in order to learn, move on from and grow. If ever there is a day when you stop learning or growing, examine your life. Some people get older but never grow up. I still have to constantly remind myself of my goals. Life doesn't take a day off and neither can I. And that goes fro school, track, and on the job.Everything you do now is preparing you for your future. How are you preparing yourself? Will you conquer it or will life swallow you whole? Whether you like to believe it or not, hard work is the dirtiest work but the rewards you reap are what make it all worthwhile. Time waits for no man or woman. Cease tomorrow today, while you still can.
Signing off,
D
11-2-10
2x500 1:20
2x350 16, 32, finish
3x200 31,31,30
Just as I thought today's workout was ridiculous. To be honest I wasn't prepared AT ALL. I didn't even start to hydrate until 30 mins until practice time. Big mistake. I had a lapse in judgment today. Instead of getting up and hydrating before class, I decided to sleep longer. So during the workout I struggled. Last week I killed a similar workout but today my lapse in judgment caused me to have a BAD practice. Grant it we ran a total of 2300 meters on a windy day with temperatures dipping into the lows 40's. Still there was no excuse for performance today. I won't lie to myself. I'm sure I looked very undisciplined today.
I feel as if I took a a few steps back in my training today. All because I was unprepared. I cannot blame anyone but myself for that; unacceptable. My coach tried to my calm my frustration by telling me, "Good Job" after the workout. I'm sorry but I couldn't accept it because I knew in my heart that I didn't perform at the level I'm capable and supposed to. Some may think that I'm being too hard on myself and that I can't perform at practice well every time but I refuse to accept that ideology. You practice how you perform; point blank. Today I didn't take my training seriously and I paid for it. This will not happen again.
If you cannot tell yourself that you need to be darn near perfect everyday and take strides to prepare yourself to be, then everything you do is in vain. You don't practice in order to compete mediocre, just like you don't study for hours in order to become a C student. You train to be the best at what you do, no matter what sacrifices you have to make in order to do so. This can translate to anything in life from an office job to being a professional athlete. I once heard, "When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail." Such a true and appropriate quote.
Many times throughout your life you will have to learn how to use disappointments, shortcomings or self inflicted pain in order to learn, move on from and grow. If ever there is a day when you stop learning or growing, examine your life. Some people get older but never grow up. I still have to constantly remind myself of my goals. Life doesn't take a day off and neither can I. And that goes fro school, track, and on the job.Everything you do now is preparing you for your future. How are you preparing yourself? Will you conquer it or will life swallow you whole? Whether you like to believe it or not, hard work is the dirtiest work but the rewards you reap are what make it all worthwhile. Time waits for no man or woman. Cease tomorrow today, while you still can.
Signing off,
D
Monday, November 1, 2010
gaining ground; one step at a time
Post-Workout 11-01-10
5x60 in spikes/4 pt. stance
3x40 in spikes /out of blocks
Today's workout went great. This was the best block practice I've ever had. I can now see a major difference in my start almost 8 weeks later. I have more patience and I more technically sound. I am using more power and I'm more relaxed coming out of the blocks. Focusing on just me during a race has been my achilles heel. In the past I would panic if someone got out of the blocks before me. I never focused solely on my race and in most cases I ran the races that my opponents wanted me to run unfocused. Every time I come out of the blocks I have confidence that I will run the race I came to race because I'm focused on only one thing; me.
I won't lie. At the beginning of the season when I was introduced to all of this technique mumbo-jumbo I didn't think it would work for me because I had grown so accustomed to my running style. I thought that if I changed too much that I would have to change everything about the way I ran. Well I was right and wrong. My technique has gotten substantially better and because of it I run differently. In addition, this new way of running did not take away my personal flare. I still look like me on camera. The only difference is that I'm actually moving down the track smoothly and more natural.
Things are looking up. My first meet is December 5th at the CNU Holiday Open. You ever get the feeling when your mind is telling m you that you're ready to compete now but you know that you aren't? I think every athlete gets to that point in their training where they feel that they are ready because they are growing tired of training. It's just "competition jitters". You train for months and months and you realize that there are still months in between you and your first competition is nerve-racking. It can drive you insane! But patience will be your best friend. Trust me I know all about competing when you;re not ready mentally and physically. Trust me, patience will be your best friend at this point in your training. Take your time. Get it right tot he point that it becomes natural.
This training block in focusing on getting stronger for my longer races. I know I can run the 200 and down. I want to be able to run a good time in the 400 too. So this block will be dedicated to getting stronger and becoming more disciplined in the longer stuff; starting with tomorrows practice. It's going to be a killer but the entire time I'm going to remind myself where I why I am doing all of this. Making mental notes or write your goals down. doing this will help you push even harder when you feel like you can't or don't want to. If you're truly serious about being the best, you will make it your job, if it already isn't, to be the BEST.
Well I'm off to bed. It's after 12 and I need to get at least 9 hours of sleep. I will let you all know how tomorrows work out goes. Lets hope I make it through it. Take care and God bless.
5x60 in spikes/4 pt. stance
3x40 in spikes /out of blocks
Today's workout went great. This was the best block practice I've ever had. I can now see a major difference in my start almost 8 weeks later. I have more patience and I more technically sound. I am using more power and I'm more relaxed coming out of the blocks. Focusing on just me during a race has been my achilles heel. In the past I would panic if someone got out of the blocks before me. I never focused solely on my race and in most cases I ran the races that my opponents wanted me to run unfocused. Every time I come out of the blocks I have confidence that I will run the race I came to race because I'm focused on only one thing; me.
I won't lie. At the beginning of the season when I was introduced to all of this technique mumbo-jumbo I didn't think it would work for me because I had grown so accustomed to my running style. I thought that if I changed too much that I would have to change everything about the way I ran. Well I was right and wrong. My technique has gotten substantially better and because of it I run differently. In addition, this new way of running did not take away my personal flare. I still look like me on camera. The only difference is that I'm actually moving down the track smoothly and more natural.
Things are looking up. My first meet is December 5th at the CNU Holiday Open. You ever get the feeling when your mind is telling m you that you're ready to compete now but you know that you aren't? I think every athlete gets to that point in their training where they feel that they are ready because they are growing tired of training. It's just "competition jitters". You train for months and months and you realize that there are still months in between you and your first competition is nerve-racking. It can drive you insane! But patience will be your best friend. Trust me I know all about competing when you;re not ready mentally and physically. Trust me, patience will be your best friend at this point in your training. Take your time. Get it right tot he point that it becomes natural.
This training block in focusing on getting stronger for my longer races. I know I can run the 200 and down. I want to be able to run a good time in the 400 too. So this block will be dedicated to getting stronger and becoming more disciplined in the longer stuff; starting with tomorrows practice. It's going to be a killer but the entire time I'm going to remind myself where I why I am doing all of this. Making mental notes or write your goals down. doing this will help you push even harder when you feel like you can't or don't want to. If you're truly serious about being the best, you will make it your job, if it already isn't, to be the BEST.
Well I'm off to bed. It's after 12 and I need to get at least 9 hours of sleep. I will let you all know how tomorrows work out goes. Lets hope I make it through it. Take care and God bless.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Back AT It
Post-Workout
2X500 in 1:20
2X350 in 16, 32, 48, FINISH!
I feel like a new man. I am so focused ans enthused to be on the track now. After being in Orlando for 4 days, I've come back hungrier than ever. That break was all I needed to regain my focus. I'm ready to train like tomorrow will be my last day to. I'm giving my all and taking it one day at a time.
I finally have my meal and multivitamin schedule down thanks to Bo! I was definitely more focused today on the track. I noticed the difference from last week and today. I'm improving on my times and my technique every week. Slowly but surely I'm coming along. I believe that keeping my mind clear and staying focused on completing my workout is helping me get them done. God is getting me through these workouts I know because I can't do it by myself. I can't let my teammates down this year, so it's a MUST that I push myself harder everyday.
I slowly see my teammates complete our workouts easier. Overall, I hear less complaining and more WORK being done. I'm so proud of our progress as a team. We are STRUGGLING together, FINISHING together and GROWING TOGETHER. I team one goal. I don't always voice it when I'm hurting but mentally I hurt all the time. BOSTIC in coming for YOU! More money is being put in the BANK EVERYDAY. This day is done, now it's time to look forward to tomorrow!
Signing off,
D
2X500 in 1:20
2X350 in 16, 32, 48, FINISH!
I feel like a new man. I am so focused ans enthused to be on the track now. After being in Orlando for 4 days, I've come back hungrier than ever. That break was all I needed to regain my focus. I'm ready to train like tomorrow will be my last day to. I'm giving my all and taking it one day at a time.
I finally have my meal and multivitamin schedule down thanks to Bo! I was definitely more focused today on the track. I noticed the difference from last week and today. I'm improving on my times and my technique every week. Slowly but surely I'm coming along. I believe that keeping my mind clear and staying focused on completing my workout is helping me get them done. God is getting me through these workouts I know because I can't do it by myself. I can't let my teammates down this year, so it's a MUST that I push myself harder everyday.
I slowly see my teammates complete our workouts easier. Overall, I hear less complaining and more WORK being done. I'm so proud of our progress as a team. We are STRUGGLING together, FINISHING together and GROWING TOGETHER. I team one goal. I don't always voice it when I'm hurting but mentally I hurt all the time. BOSTIC in coming for YOU! More money is being put in the BANK EVERYDAY. This day is done, now it's time to look forward to tomorrow!
Signing off,
D
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
growing inside and out
Workout
2X500 in 1:20 sec 3 1/2 minutes rest
2X350 in 16, 32, 48 finish
Tuesday's workout was even harder to finish than Friday and it was the same exact workout. I will admit I wasn't as mentally prepared this week as I was last. I didn't have a great day on and off the track on Monday which bleed through Tuesday. Stress from the classroom and personal issues cluttered my mind and I wasn't as effective in my drive phase, which showed. I constantly got yelled at and asked, "What was wrong with me." I responded, "Nothing, I'm good." Knowing that inside I was fighting. It made me frustrated and impatient and I struggled all practice. Stress won yesterday and got the upper hand, I won't lie to you all.
I vented on Facebook and Twitter. Acting out of anger and resentment. Exposing my former character and potentially destroying my current image I've worked hard to create. All in all I've realized that I'm no leader. I'm just a mam who is taking life and training a day at a time. It's when you stand out that people want you to lead. Inherently, there's nothing wrong with that but when you look behind you and no one's following how can you be an effective leader?
All in all, after the rants, the frustration, the anger, I can say that at the end of the day, the only person I can control is me. I can't place the passion, commitment and determination I have stored up inside of me into someone else. I have come so far to allow such things, people and situations destroy what I have built. We are all individuals first and we make up a whole. Without the individual mental determination of someone to become better everyday in life, the whole is non-existent.
Now today and Wednesday, in two days I will be in Orlando for a leadership conference that will last until Sunday. I am excited to get away from it all. Finally I will be able to clear my mind and recharge. I will still be training and studying for my upcoming midterm on Monday that is contributing to my stress. But I won't complain. God has put me in a great position and given me so many opportunities that I couldn't complain even if I wanted to. All in all, I am growing inside and out. Peeling back the layers, attempting to find out who I truly am. God Bless.
Signing off,
D
2X500 in 1:20 sec 3 1/2 minutes rest
2X350 in 16, 32, 48 finish
Tuesday's workout was even harder to finish than Friday and it was the same exact workout. I will admit I wasn't as mentally prepared this week as I was last. I didn't have a great day on and off the track on Monday which bleed through Tuesday. Stress from the classroom and personal issues cluttered my mind and I wasn't as effective in my drive phase, which showed. I constantly got yelled at and asked, "What was wrong with me." I responded, "Nothing, I'm good." Knowing that inside I was fighting. It made me frustrated and impatient and I struggled all practice. Stress won yesterday and got the upper hand, I won't lie to you all.
I vented on Facebook and Twitter. Acting out of anger and resentment. Exposing my former character and potentially destroying my current image I've worked hard to create. All in all I've realized that I'm no leader. I'm just a mam who is taking life and training a day at a time. It's when you stand out that people want you to lead. Inherently, there's nothing wrong with that but when you look behind you and no one's following how can you be an effective leader?
All in all, after the rants, the frustration, the anger, I can say that at the end of the day, the only person I can control is me. I can't place the passion, commitment and determination I have stored up inside of me into someone else. I have come so far to allow such things, people and situations destroy what I have built. We are all individuals first and we make up a whole. Without the individual mental determination of someone to become better everyday in life, the whole is non-existent.
Now today and Wednesday, in two days I will be in Orlando for a leadership conference that will last until Sunday. I am excited to get away from it all. Finally I will be able to clear my mind and recharge. I will still be training and studying for my upcoming midterm on Monday that is contributing to my stress. But I won't complain. God has put me in a great position and given me so many opportunities that I couldn't complain even if I wanted to. All in all, I am growing inside and out. Peeling back the layers, attempting to find out who I truly am. God Bless.
Signing off,
D
Thursday, October 14, 2010
make THE squad
10-14-10
Post-Workout
3X300's in 39 secs
3x200's in 23 secs
Abs
Today's workout had me struggling. I won't lie I made it through it but it wasn't easy..one thing I can say is that I deposited some money into the bank. I'm with my progress thus far. I'm getting into shape. Soaking last night in that Epsom Salt really help kick the soreness out of my legs after this weeks earlier workouts. It help so much that I went out and bought a 6lb bag of salt today. I'm getting older and my body isn't, so I have to take extra care of my body and do extra to get in shape. I'm not 19 anymore. I miss 19 though, I didn't have to do as much to kick soreness or get into shape. now I'm 23 and it takes forever for me to warm up and kick soreness. SUCKS but I'm happy.
We had abs right after the workout and my stomach cramped up sooooo bad that I had to do spider stretch to unclench my stomach muscles. It was so painful but I didn't cheat and did my abs when my stomach unlocked, lol. I'm guess weighted abs yesterday was a VERY bad idea.
Coach fired off the travel schedule today during practice and my eyes lit up. We're going to meets including Florida Relays, Tennessee Relays and Iowa State Invitational. Too bad I won;t be able to compete in indoor OFFICIALLY for VCU this season. Thank you NCAA!! Oh well, it's making me even more hungry for OUTDOOR. I can't wait to compete. Grinding everyday, getting better everyday. Coach also said that there will be a "Travel Squad". So you know I'm going to make the squad right? I have to, I need the PER DIEM!!
In all seriousness, I love my team by the way. They keep me going. We are growing together EVERYDAY. A team that struggles together, will eventually win together. We are going to shock the CAA this year. I slowly see the youngsters stepping up already. I need more out of my veterans. We must be the examples. But if the rookies want to step up, LET'S GO! This year we need every to be GREAT.
Signing off,
D
Post-Workout
3X300's in 39 secs
3x200's in 23 secs
Abs
Today's workout had me struggling. I won't lie I made it through it but it wasn't easy..one thing I can say is that I deposited some money into the bank. I'm with my progress thus far. I'm getting into shape. Soaking last night in that Epsom Salt really help kick the soreness out of my legs after this weeks earlier workouts. It help so much that I went out and bought a 6lb bag of salt today. I'm getting older and my body isn't, so I have to take extra care of my body and do extra to get in shape. I'm not 19 anymore. I miss 19 though, I didn't have to do as much to kick soreness or get into shape. now I'm 23 and it takes forever for me to warm up and kick soreness. SUCKS but I'm happy.
We had abs right after the workout and my stomach cramped up sooooo bad that I had to do spider stretch to unclench my stomach muscles. It was so painful but I didn't cheat and did my abs when my stomach unlocked, lol. I'm guess weighted abs yesterday was a VERY bad idea.
Coach fired off the travel schedule today during practice and my eyes lit up. We're going to meets including Florida Relays, Tennessee Relays and Iowa State Invitational. Too bad I won;t be able to compete in indoor OFFICIALLY for VCU this season. Thank you NCAA!! Oh well, it's making me even more hungry for OUTDOOR. I can't wait to compete. Grinding everyday, getting better everyday. Coach also said that there will be a "Travel Squad". So you know I'm going to make the squad right? I have to, I need the PER DIEM!!
In all seriousness, I love my team by the way. They keep me going. We are growing together EVERYDAY. A team that struggles together, will eventually win together. We are going to shock the CAA this year. I slowly see the youngsters stepping up already. I need more out of my veterans. We must be the examples. But if the rookies want to step up, LET'S GO! This year we need every to be GREAT.
Signing off,
D
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Im Back. And Better Than Ever
I've been away from you all for quite some time now. I have been caught up in school work and training. But I am back to stay for good. I will be updating 3-4 times a week.
What You Missed......
School has started and things are looking up. Being that I have done this thing before, it's not so hard the second time around. My classes seem to blur into each other these days. I forget all the time what day of the week it is and when and where my classes are and we've been in school for a month now. Sad? I know, I need to get it together. The good news is I'm on top of my classes. The bad news is I'm bored. But that comes with the territory of coming back after you've already graduated. Feels good to have a sense of accomplishment even while coming back to pursue another degree.
Training is going well. I'm finally getting skate-to-foot down, still learning though. Its a process and I'm taking it slow. I feel like everything I hit the track that it's a new experience. I forget what I did the day before and try to become someone new, someone fresh. I'm peeling off the layers of yesterday and looking forward to tomorrow. I am really excited about this upcoming season. Lord willing I will be in shape sooner than later. I feel like every time I hit the track for conditioning that I feel so out of shape. I know I am getting into shape but I just can't feel it yet. Like I said it's a process that even I can rush.
My team is coming together. We all can see that things are very different this year. We actually hang out with each other every day and every weekend. We also have some new aditions to the pack. Some of my favorites are Kenny "Niicceee" Carter and Sherrie "Pebbles" Timberlake. Kenny is the typical New Yorker, obsessed with women, Jay -Z and Fabolous (why am I not surprised). And Sherrie is the quiet (when she wants to be), composed freshman who doesn't speak much but her facial expressions do. I love the new dynamic of the team overall. My hope is that we will be ready to compete this Spring for another title. I'm hopeful that we will be united in this goal.
Well, this is the end I suppose. I will update you all later. Godspeed.
What You Missed......
School has started and things are looking up. Being that I have done this thing before, it's not so hard the second time around. My classes seem to blur into each other these days. I forget all the time what day of the week it is and when and where my classes are and we've been in school for a month now. Sad? I know, I need to get it together. The good news is I'm on top of my classes. The bad news is I'm bored. But that comes with the territory of coming back after you've already graduated. Feels good to have a sense of accomplishment even while coming back to pursue another degree.
Training is going well. I'm finally getting skate-to-foot down, still learning though. Its a process and I'm taking it slow. I feel like everything I hit the track that it's a new experience. I forget what I did the day before and try to become someone new, someone fresh. I'm peeling off the layers of yesterday and looking forward to tomorrow. I am really excited about this upcoming season. Lord willing I will be in shape sooner than later. I feel like every time I hit the track for conditioning that I feel so out of shape. I know I am getting into shape but I just can't feel it yet. Like I said it's a process that even I can rush.
My team is coming together. We all can see that things are very different this year. We actually hang out with each other every day and every weekend. We also have some new aditions to the pack. Some of my favorites are Kenny "Niicceee" Carter and Sherrie "Pebbles" Timberlake. Kenny is the typical New Yorker, obsessed with women, Jay -Z and Fabolous (why am I not surprised). And Sherrie is the quiet (when she wants to be), composed freshman who doesn't speak much but her facial expressions do. I love the new dynamic of the team overall. My hope is that we will be ready to compete this Spring for another title. I'm hopeful that we will be united in this goal.
Well, this is the end I suppose. I will update you all later. Godspeed.
Friday, September 10, 2010
6 a.m. and Rockin'...
Post Practice
9-10-10
9-10-10
Today's practice at 6 a.m. went really well. Everyone made it on time. I was surprised. We're shaping up to be a good bunch . Let's hope that this trend continues. We have weights at 4 p.m. and I'm actually looking forward to it. Even tough this morning I was so sore and tight. My favorite thing to do it lift wrights so I think I'm a bit partial. In any case I love the way training is going so far. Things are starting to take shape. I may go for a little run on Sunday being that we got two days off. I have to be in good shape this year. Quite possibly the best shape I have ever been in.
In other news.....
LIFE IS GOOD!! I am so content with life. Just the other day I realized how precious life is and how much I do have. We are so fortunate to be alive at this time in history. So much is happening and we are an active part of it. Sometimes it's good to look outside of yourself and realize that you and your problems and situaitons are minute in comparision to others. I'm learning to be more reflective and it is helping me to see the world around me in a different light. I'm happy. It's just that simple.
Well that all I have for you all today. Take care and train hard. God Bless.
-d
Thursday, September 9, 2010
here we go again...
Before Class
Thurs, Sept, 9th 2010
Thurs, Sept, 9th 2010
I know, I know it's been awhile since my last post. School is upon us once again. And with school comes more complications, dates, schedules, schedule changes and practice. So now that I'm pretty much locked in for the semester, I will be updating at least 3 times a week.
To give you a brief update, practice started on Tuesday and it went pretty well. I struggled a bit with the heat but other than that, I don't think I'm that far off. I won't lie, I am NOT in as good of shape as I thought I was. So I need to get my ish together becaus eI was looking like a rookie at practice. Nu bueno. I need to get it together.
In other news, I was apart of a photo shoot for the website. I felt like celebrity but unfortunately I'm NOT. Oh well, at least I felt like one Tuesday. I have class at 12:30 and I am not prepared. I didn't complete my reading for class and I hope I don't get called on. That wouldn't be good at all. Practice is at 2, this time I will be hydrated so that I won't cramp as much. Well I will talk you all later. Peace.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Second Saturday
Sun, Aug 22,2010
Pre-Noon Workout
Feeling good before this lift. Let's see if I come out feeling better (doubt it).
Pre-Noon Workout
Feeling good before this lift. Let's see if I come out feeling better (doubt it).
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
a little bit of this, a little bit of that...
Post Workout
Tues, Aug 17, 2010
Tues, Aug 17, 2010
This morning I woke up feeling really good. I got really good sleep last night, at least 9 hours, which is unheard of if you know me. In any case, I think that massage I got really is what did it for me. I woke up so much more relaxed and clear-minded. Being that I was feeling really good, I got to the weight-room early and got after it. Every weight went up really smooth. Don't get me wrong, I was getting after it but you ever have one of theose days that you just feel really good? Well today was my day. I'm not sure how good I will feel tomorrow but for now I will steal this day. I may be really sore tomorrow but whatever.
I'm learning that training by yourself can be either a really relaxing, enjoyable experience or a VERY stressful one. So far I've had a mix of both. I'm having fun while feeling the pay of my labor. Whether you a a scholar or and athlete, you know the importance of pushing yourself both physically and mentally. On one hand training by yourself helps you to focus SOLELY on just YOU, getting away from all other distractions. And on the other hand you're by yourself, so you have to look within for inspiration. Or if you train with a group, others.
In order to be the be the best at anything, my trainer Ryan once said, "You have to grow and get better. There are no egos." We all know that having an ego is a huge part of competing. I won't lie I do have a pretty HUGE ego but lately I have toned him down a bit. I call him Hugo. Hugo and I have been together for 22 years and I don;t see us breaking up anytime soon. He's been there for me when I was up and all the times I was down. So as Diddy said, "We ain't goin' nowhere."
All in all I'm excited about my life. School starts in two weeks and I am totally ready for it. My rims are in and I'm ready to roll! Now all I need are handlebars, grips, tires and tubes lol. Yeah a lot of stuff, lol. It's been real. Stay tuned to my blog for my upcoming squat, bench and pull up test. I shooting for 400 lbs on squat!
And if you're ever guilty of being something; A.B.Y. Always Be You.
-d
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Inspired
Post-Workout
Sat, Aug, 14, 2010
Sat, Aug, 14, 2010
Today's workout was awesome yet again. I squatted well enough but not as well as I wanted to but it's like that sometimes. I've become such a perfectionists, it's actually scary sometimes, lol. I didn't squat the heaviest weights today but I learned something today. It's not about how much you squat on a particular day. It's more about using that strength from the weight-room and putting in to use on the track. Power sprinting.
Ryan was getting on me a little bit because I was a bit unfocused. I was upset a little but then I realized he just wants me to be the best, that's why he's so tough on me. 40 lbs out of my weight class, I squat with throwers so I'm always trying to stay on pace. All in all I believe my progress from the end of last season is so far along that I'm actually scared. I'm putting up wights that I've never put up EVER. They're going to start testing me soon, lol. I hope NOT.
My back is really sore again so I definitely will be setting up and appointment with my sister for a massage tomorrow. I need it bad. I'm hurting. I can't even lay down because my back is so sore already. Advil in excess.
In other news, I watched some videos from the Diamond League in London. Tyson Gay is the man 9.78 today. The guy the fastest man in the world right now, hands down. I watched so many videos on sprinting and technique. I try to model my running after the best but I make sure that I don't change my personal running style. Allyson Felix also held it down today; doubling in the 200 and 400. She is also an inspiration of mine. Although she's a female sprinter she's the best; point blank (can't hate).
It's a great year for Track & Field right now. Athletes are jumping further, running faster and throwing big! I'm so excited about this upcoming season that I want it to start tomorrow but I am taking it one day at a time. Today my mental preparation before weights was better. I visualized what I wanted to do before I did it which helped me put my wights up with ease. On some of my reps my form was TRASH but the weight was easy. Kinda mad at myself for not being more focused. It's in the books now. Gotta move on and progress.
Next workout is Tuesday morning. I'm looking forward to that day. Time to go to moms and get some much needed home cooking! Peace, see you all Tuesday!!!
Signing off,
-d
Friday, August 13, 2010
Random Thoughts...
Pre-workout....12:33AM Sat, Aug 14th, 2010
Doing a lot of thinking about my future. For the first time in years I am completely clear-minded and absolutely focused on obtaining my dreams. I know exactly what to do, now I just have to follow through. In other news, yesterday I got the gears turning and decided to get a massage. Fortunately for me my little sister is a massage therapist. So I solidified her services from my pre/post races and workouts. SCORE!!!! So she's apart of my regiment now and the best thing is that it's free. Thank goodness!! I don't have $100 to give some stranger every week.
My legs and my lower back were so sore from Tuesdays workout (don't tell Ryan) so you could imagine how elated I felt on her table yesterday. She massaged me for an hour and it felt like two. I feel asleep and I think I even slobbered but I wiped it up before she noticed, lol. Seriously, I am happy that she has become my "official personal massage person", lol. I know that sentence grammatically makes absolutely no sense but that is my blog, so what. I came across a great quote the other day by Geoffrey Gaberino,
"The real contest is always between what you've done and what you're capable of
doing."
Just thought I'd end with that. Good night peeps.
-d
doing."
Just thought I'd end with that. Good night peeps.
-d
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Rest
Post Workout
Thursday August 12, 2010
Thursday August 12, 2010
Today's workout was hard, from the warm-up to my last rep, it was tough but well worth the pain. "Gun Show Days" are great. I'm still trying to get my bench up so I can look swoll, lol. I'm so far behind everyone else it isn't funny but luckily for me the guys I work out with are throwers, so I don't mind looking weak in front of them. They all know that they can't handle me on squats, lol. We have a bet, well not a bet but a competition to see who will hit 400 lbs. first on squats. so far I'm the closest. I hit 385 lbs. the last time we had a test. It's only up from there. In any case it's been fun competing against the other guys and pushing them to be better.
Now that I'm older and much wiser, in my own right, I see the importance of having like-minded people around you. The benefits are tremendous. When I was younger I worked out by myself and tried to be as individual as possible. I said I did it, "To be more focused" but really I was being selfish and a a-hole. I can only attribute my past attitude to wanting to be the best. Wanting to be the best made me an outcast but a fast one, lol. to each his/her own I guess.
I still have bit and pieces of that attitude and it comes out from time to time. Sometimes I just want to be alone. That can be interpreted as acting superior or different. So be it; these days I try my hardest to assist others to reach news level of success in their own lives. Getting better during training sessions or the classroom cannot be made possible without a strong support group to push you when you wanna give up or slack off. T.N.D.O has been pushing me for 3 months now and I can see the results. Not just physically but mentally as well. I'm more focuser and determined to be better than I was before I walked in.
If you know me personally, you know I'm a no nonsense type of guy on the track and in the weight room. I might joke around with you here and there but when it comes to my training, I'm all business. That probably why I was as good as I was. I didn't play around with my training. It was my life. My secret to being the best is not the weight room or the track, it's having the ability to pull yourself and your mind away from your sport when you're not doing it. Having some alone time. Some solitude, some rest helps you appreciate other things besides your training.It's important to incorporate other things such as going out with friends, watching t.v., video games or even other recreational activities into your life so that you don't grow tired with the monotony of practice or lifting. I'm currently reading a book called, "Mental Training for Peak Performance". I picked it up in the weight room today. No harm in trying to pick up some tips from people who have changed their sports like M.J. Tiger Woods and Micheal Phelps. In attempts to grow stronger physically, I want to become more mentally tough and more focused not only on my training but in my life as well. Learning to separate the two is key.
Ralph Marston once said, "Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. then get back to work." there's nothing wrong with taking some time off to get back home mentally. I suggest you pick up a book, get a massage, go for a walk, nap (my personal favorite), or do something fun to take your mind off of your busy life. Trust me it will help you to be less anxious and more prepared to handle future tasks.
As of today I'm 221 days or 7 months and 9 days or 5304 hours or 31 weeks away from my first official meet however you look at it. Each day I'm getting better and each day I'm getting closer to earning the number one spot in the 100 and 200 meter dashes in school history and in the CAA. Everything after that can wait. I'm focused on reclaiming my titles and moving on to Regionals once again. But I'm taking it one step at a time. Don't rush your progress. Be patient and stay focused. Everything will take care of itself if you're holding up your part of the deal.
Good luck,
D
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Gettin' Better, Gettin' Focused
Today was a good day......a really good day
Tuesday August 10, 2010
Tuesday August 10, 2010
Lifting went really well. Hit some really good weights and overall had a good session. Today things were a bit loose. Lots of chatter and joking, which is different from our normal lifting sessions. Nonetheless, we came, we lifted, we left.
I'm looking forward to all of these test coming up after labor day. Ryan is going to be prepping for them after my test in a couple weeks I believe. I'm very excited to be back in school and competing next Spring. Getting into classes was the hard part; not its time to get some quality grades and make music to the track this season.
Random but whatever.... Tyson Gay defeats the all mighty Usain Bolt. Can you say rivalry. My had goes off to Bolt because he's out for the season with back problems. I wish him a speedy recovery. Track & Field needs him. Good luck my man. The video is posted below:
http://www.universalsports.com/video/assetid=aa51eb32-cd70-499c-b899-a82c6d1d37a7.html#gay+whips+bolt+100m
To be honest, America needed that victory. We're somewhat back on top in the world now. Now we need the other amazing talents we have to step up. For Gay that's two wins against quality opponents. He's already defeated Powell in an incredible come from behind victory. Apparently Bolt has been having back problems lately, so his coaches are saying "that attributed" to his first lost since 2008. In any case in this sport, you take a win however you can get it. Whether you beat to the stripe first or they false start. A win is a win. It's always legit win if they line up next to you, whether they finish or not.
My trainer Ryan says so many inspirational things that's sometimes I wanna keep my pen and pad next to me so that I can quote him. Dude is a wise man. He told me, "A little extra work never made anyone weaker." I think about that statement every time I feel as if I have a few more in the tank. I keep pushing as hard as I can to be better than I was before I arrived to the gym. This mind-state will take me far. Every week I see my body changing and my attitude becoming more and more refined. I'm becoming more focused and determined and its showing in the gains I'm making in the gym.
Next week I'm hitting the track for real. If you know me you know that I will be on my own. I do not like training with other people because alone I can talk to myself and work on what I need to perfect without any distractions. My goal times this year are 20.80 and 10.20. Keep me honest and straight my people.
Shout-out to D.Moss for getting it done and competing in Finland this summer. She;s such an inspirational person in my life. One of the only people I came in with that I still speak to. you deserve it. Just don't forget about me when you make it big. All I want is a jersey. I'm a simple man to please.
Signing Off,
D
Monday, August 2, 2010
King Kong Who, You Mean King Horn Right?
Tuesday August 2, 2010
Post-Workout
Post-Workout
You wouldn't believe who I went out with today. Well I wouldn't say it was a date. A date usually includes enjoyment and fun. This date included pain, straining and lots of laughs. Not with me but at me. If you thought King Kong was fierce wait till you workout with King Ryan Horn. Don't let his blond hair and dreamy eyes fool you. His is nothing to play with. They say, "Once you workout with him, you'll cry." I've seen it with my own two, lol. Anyways my personal 1 on 1 workout with Ryan was at best: yeah. If I could take the pain I'm feeling from one of my azz cheeks and give it to you, you'd know what I mean.
I'm so tired and sore already and I just finished my 2 hour workout 3 hours ago. And might I add that today's workout was ridiculous! Totally sick! My butt, shulders, abs, butt again, hurt like a midget on a growth spurt. Sorry if you're a midget and offended; i guess that's two strikes. In any case that's why I affectionately changed the day of the week originally called "Monday" to "F-U Monday's". From the beginning the weights said, "Yeah I'm kinda gonna kill you today, don;t take it personal." My body is on fire. My bodies like burning up... *breaks into song..
Before I went home I realized that I had no food. Oh yeah I completed that workout with just 2 bottles of water in my system. Not a good idea; do not try that at home kids. In the grocery store I looked delirious; something out of Lord of The Rings. My legs weight 100 lbs, my back ached and let's not talk about my azz! Shuffling, sliding and swaying from side to side, up and down aisles I looked for food. Then it hit me, "Get some frshly sliced meat and cheese. Yeah, cheese and meat!"After waiting in the deli line for almost 30 mins, I was able to purchase some sliced chicken breast and some provolone cheese. I was not a happy camper. Today was not my day. It felt as if everyone I knew was in Kroger. And if you've ever been to Kroger on campus you know how slow people can be. On top of my cheeks burning like tiger balm caught in my tights, I was extremely tired. I ended up spending 40 bucks on meat, cheese, bread, milk, cereal oatmeal, pancake mix and Cheetos. Yes, Cheetos. Got a problem? Oh yeah I didn't think so.
After those shenanigans I am back home and all I have now to comfort me is my two chicken and cheese sammiches, a glass of water and my Cheetos. On top of feeling like someone performed a science experiment on the lower half of my body, I work in 2 hours for 6 hours. Gotta love being an aspiring pro athlete. You never a break until you get a break. I will definitely be hiding out in the back, trying to catch some zzzz's while at work. In the end today taught me a lot about myself once again. I will keep that for my personal memory log.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
We've Only Just Begun
Tuesday July 27, 2010
Laying in Bed
Laying in Bed
So I'm back at it this week gang....
This morning weights nearly killed me; not the actual weights but the surprise run we had before them. Well it was surprise to me at least, everyone else was suited, booted and ready to go. I was sorta of as I walk in eating a bowl of broccoli and cheese of course. Devouring it like Lions during a fresh kill, I am then notified that we have a 15 minute run to warm up before weights. I'm thinking this and saying it simultaneously, "Are you serious? Really? Like is this a joke of something? Mm hello, broccoli and cheese here, eating it right this moment is kind of not conducive to running." I look to Karise for a confirmation, a explanation, and as a scape goat. I find only two and end up running through campus with a stomach full of broccoli and cheese. Why broccoli and cheese you ask? I dunno, is "poor mans breakfast" a good response? No? I guess I already used that one before.
In any case and at any rate, I inhale the rest of my breakfast, yes I said breakfast, and head out to door with my ipod Touch in hand and full stomach ready to burst. We run for about 6 minutes then we're back in the weight room doing and I watch them do their warm up stretches. Yes, I watched because I was about to erupt and spew yellow and green over everything and everyone, not cool by the way. As I watch them I notice that I'm 2 exercises behind everyone, taking small breaks to make sure my food was going to stay down. Thank God in Heaven on a white cloud it did and I started my lift. I finish my lift and that was that. Nothing really exciting today. Kind of a somber day to be honest.
In other news, I turned my "undergraduate paperwork" in today. Just the sound of those words make me feel 18 again. If you know like I know you'd do best to walk your paperwork to the office because it would somehow get "lost". I also tried to work my charm to ge tout of paying another $40 application fee but was "very" unsuccessful. VCU said, "Where my money! I need, I need, I need cash!" And I gave it to them. Yeah I'm such a rebel, now arguments, no objections. Oh well, I'm back in school y'all and I'm happy.
when I think about it my track debut isn't until March 2011, so until then I will be running and training. Gotta get back on top of the CAA, then back to Regionals. I am destined for greatness as long as God keeps me healthy. We've only just begun. Still well over 100 days for me to get better. I can only go up from here. Team N.D.O. I love you! No matter what you have to have like-minded people around you to keep you on the straight and narrow.
"One thing about life is that with or without you, it will continue to move along. Will you be ready?"
Signing off,
D
Friday, July 23, 2010
Post Workout
Friday July 23, 2010
Friday July 23, 2010
Today's workout went really well. Pretty simple day; Box Squats, Russian Split Squats, Back Extensions and abs. Yes #ftw!!! But it wasn't easy. The key to have a down week is working as hard as you can. Staying focused on the purpose behind what you're doing. So if its doing and extra rep or taking extra time to make sure your form is perfect, all makes a huge difference in the long run.
Once again a group of my friends and I talked about different training techniques and the reason behind why you do certain things in the weight room that mimic what you're doing while you perform your sport. to be honest I've been kind of bored with the assistance work I've been doing and you might grow tired of the technical stuff but it goes a long way.
It's all about repetition, reception and sooner or later you'll make gains in your speed, strength and endurance because you put the extra work in. I know everyone wants to lift heavy and workout hard but if you do that day in and day out you will burn out. Still, you have to be patient and stay focused on the purpose behind what you're doing. I have been attempting to keep myself honest. Getting into shape is easy but getting into the right shape takes time and discipline.
My training Ryan systematically breaks every exercise to me so that I understand the purpose behind them. Box Squats for example probably the toughest exercise I do because it takes patience, form and patience. The purpose behind doing them is so that I get used to pausing in the blocks when in the set position, then firing as soon as the gun sounds. Certain exercises are all about teaching your muscles to fire a certain way. Keeping in mind why you're doing it will help you while you're performing your sport.
I'm learning to practice, live and lift like I'm bulletproof. Strengthening every muscle in my body so that I will be less prone to injury so stretching, icing and fueling your system before, during and after you workout are key.
Here are a few things I incorporate into my day to help me recover and maintain before, during or after my workouts during the day and week:
Breakfast: Oatmeal (3 packets or 105g's of oatmeal), protein (3 pieces of sausage or bacon), 2 eggs, at least 48 oz's of water.
Before Workout: 2 11oz protein shakes, 48oz's of water
During workout: 96 oz's of water or 1 11oz's of protein shake
After Workout: 2 cups of rice, Turkey Sandwich with Cheese, light Mayo, Mustard on Wheat Bread, 96oz's of water
Dinner: Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Turkey Breast, 2 Veggies (one light and one dark), 48 oz's water
Remember your body is like a car. You want to fuel your body right that it will perform at a high level. Good luck!
Always remember, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."--Bernt Notke
Signing off,
D
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
You Are NOT Alone
Real talk from a real guy....
A kid came into my job last week and said, "Hey don't you run for VCU? I remember you." Initially I was kind of surprised that someone actually remembered who I was. If you know me you know how much respect I've received in 4 years for my accomplishments and achievements as an athlete and you also know how unrecognizable VCU Track & Field athletes are on campus and to other athletes. Most athletes only know of us because of the annual athletic banquet or by seeing our names dominate the performance board in the weight room.
When the kid spoke to me, I didn't realize at the time the significance behind what he asked. Now that I think on it once more, I can't help but think about how important his question was. He actually remembered me but not only me, he remembered what I represented. He doesn't know if he will ever see me again. All he knew I was just another VCU athlete. I didn't catch his name but he did tell me he went to Hermitage High and that he was a hurdler. So I have to go back and catch some meets. Maybe he will be out there. Who knows.
One thing that encounter taught me is that I'm not a insignificant as I once thought I was. Of course you get praise from your team and the athletic department for doing well but when it's all said and done, who else is watching? Who really cares? I've won conference championships, run against now Olympians and won awards for my accolades but when I look at my career I can't really say that I've done something so special that I will really be remembered for being great. My career number are 10.55sec in the 100m dash and 21.13sec in the 200m, both meager numbers to my standards and yet these time shave yet to be surpassed in 2 years. Still the only person who cares about them is me.
I was 20 when I ran those times. I still remember how I felt when I ran both of those times. How surreal it was. I didn't expect to run them at all. I just went out there an ran. It was to my surprise that those times were going to be the fastest times I ran as an undergrad. Injuries the final two years of my career kept me cautious and therefore I was unable to improve those times. Now I have a second wind and I'm breathing deep.
Micheal Johnson, one of my favorite sprinters, said that he never put limits on his performances, times or abilities on the track because he himself didn't even know how fast he could potentially go. Micheal Johnson is arguably the most recognizable track and field name in the history of the sport and the world. He never settled and we all know what he did at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, winning the 200 and 400m dashes in World Record fashion. What an inspiration that kid was to me. Even if only one person remembers me I will be happy. I'd rather be remembered by one than overlooked by 100.
Don't put limitations on yourself or your life. Impossible is nothing. In fact, impossible shouldn't be a word in your vocab. Never take for granted what you have. Never waste your talent or abilities. Never be afraid to fail. Never be afraid to be great. Never allow the opinion of others to deter you from accomplishing your goals.
I'm teaching myself that my rivals are everyone that I run against. That's why I'm working everyday to be better, faster and stronger than everyone I run against. There will always be someone to beat, always. Strive to simply be the best, that's all. If you do that, you will always reach your goals and eventually you will surprise yourself.
Signing off,
D
A kid came into my job last week and said, "Hey don't you run for VCU? I remember you." Initially I was kind of surprised that someone actually remembered who I was. If you know me you know how much respect I've received in 4 years for my accomplishments and achievements as an athlete and you also know how unrecognizable VCU Track & Field athletes are on campus and to other athletes. Most athletes only know of us because of the annual athletic banquet or by seeing our names dominate the performance board in the weight room.
When the kid spoke to me, I didn't realize at the time the significance behind what he asked. Now that I think on it once more, I can't help but think about how important his question was. He actually remembered me but not only me, he remembered what I represented. He doesn't know if he will ever see me again. All he knew I was just another VCU athlete. I didn't catch his name but he did tell me he went to Hermitage High and that he was a hurdler. So I have to go back and catch some meets. Maybe he will be out there. Who knows.
One thing that encounter taught me is that I'm not a insignificant as I once thought I was. Of course you get praise from your team and the athletic department for doing well but when it's all said and done, who else is watching? Who really cares? I've won conference championships, run against now Olympians and won awards for my accolades but when I look at my career I can't really say that I've done something so special that I will really be remembered for being great. My career number are 10.55sec in the 100m dash and 21.13sec in the 200m, both meager numbers to my standards and yet these time shave yet to be surpassed in 2 years. Still the only person who cares about them is me.
I was 20 when I ran those times. I still remember how I felt when I ran both of those times. How surreal it was. I didn't expect to run them at all. I just went out there an ran. It was to my surprise that those times were going to be the fastest times I ran as an undergrad. Injuries the final two years of my career kept me cautious and therefore I was unable to improve those times. Now I have a second wind and I'm breathing deep.
Micheal Johnson, one of my favorite sprinters, said that he never put limits on his performances, times or abilities on the track because he himself didn't even know how fast he could potentially go. Micheal Johnson is arguably the most recognizable track and field name in the history of the sport and the world. He never settled and we all know what he did at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, winning the 200 and 400m dashes in World Record fashion. What an inspiration that kid was to me. Even if only one person remembers me I will be happy. I'd rather be remembered by one than overlooked by 100.
Don't put limitations on yourself or your life. Impossible is nothing. In fact, impossible shouldn't be a word in your vocab. Never take for granted what you have. Never waste your talent or abilities. Never be afraid to fail. Never be afraid to be great. Never allow the opinion of others to deter you from accomplishing your goals.
I'm teaching myself that my rivals are everyone that I run against. That's why I'm working everyday to be better, faster and stronger than everyone I run against. There will always be someone to beat, always. Strive to simply be the best, that's all. If you do that, you will always reach your goals and eventually you will surprise yourself.
Signing off,
D
My Vow
From here on out I promise to take my training and my life serious, period.
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Feelin' Good Feelin' Great
Post-Lifting Session
Wednesday July 21, 2010
I feel great. I had a great lifting session. An hour and a half of hard work. I can definitely see a change in my mind set already. The more I think about the purpose behind what I'm doing, It becomes easier for me to push harder. I have been thinking a lot about being the best once again and what it's going to take to do so. In high school I was the best in my District, the best in my Region but when it came to the State Championships, I didn't perform at the level I think I should have.
One reason is because I didn't honestly work that hard in practice or outside of practice. Grant it I did play soccer and run track in the same season, so I did workout a lot but that still didn't amount to success necessarily on the field or track. I never did extra work, I never did anything to necessarily be better than those guys, I was just VERY talented. But I am learning in college that talent does not always beat skill. Some guys have it and some guys don't. If you have it it's more about refining what you have and making yourself more efficient and eventually superseding what talent you have currently.
Talent doesn't always beat hard work. Even if you're the most talented person in the world, you still have to work hard to keep that level of talent you already posses at the highest possible level it can be. Trust me I learned that from experience. Every time I was complacent either during my training session or weight room sessions, I didn't compete at the level I wanted to. It can ALL be contributed to a part of my life when I was not EXCELLENT. So everyday I make it a point to do "something, anything" to get better. Whether it's 1000 crunches, 200 push-ups, or stretching. Everyday you have to do something to help you reach the level of excellence you want to perform and compete at everyday. And to reach even higher heights, you have to strive to reach those heights. No person who was ever called great, sat around waiting for their greatness to fall in their laps from the sky. Working harder may not pay off all the time but if you know that you've worked as hard as you possibly could, then you will have no regrets.
Newt Gingrich once said, "Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you've already did."
I take that quote to heart because it's so true. You have to grind hard to achieve great things. Being lazy never made anyone successful. Even a thief works hard not to get caught. I'm not saying you have to go out and cheat and steal to be the best, but even a burglar knows the fundamentals principles of practicing his/her craft to become good at it. I hope this post inspires you to be better than you were the day before. There's always someone working hard when you're not; somewhere.
Signing off,
D
Wednesday July 21, 2010
I feel great. I had a great lifting session. An hour and a half of hard work. I can definitely see a change in my mind set already. The more I think about the purpose behind what I'm doing, It becomes easier for me to push harder. I have been thinking a lot about being the best once again and what it's going to take to do so. In high school I was the best in my District, the best in my Region but when it came to the State Championships, I didn't perform at the level I think I should have.
One reason is because I didn't honestly work that hard in practice or outside of practice. Grant it I did play soccer and run track in the same season, so I did workout a lot but that still didn't amount to success necessarily on the field or track. I never did extra work, I never did anything to necessarily be better than those guys, I was just VERY talented. But I am learning in college that talent does not always beat skill. Some guys have it and some guys don't. If you have it it's more about refining what you have and making yourself more efficient and eventually superseding what talent you have currently.
Talent doesn't always beat hard work. Even if you're the most talented person in the world, you still have to work hard to keep that level of talent you already posses at the highest possible level it can be. Trust me I learned that from experience. Every time I was complacent either during my training session or weight room sessions, I didn't compete at the level I wanted to. It can ALL be contributed to a part of my life when I was not EXCELLENT. So everyday I make it a point to do "something, anything" to get better. Whether it's 1000 crunches, 200 push-ups, or stretching. Everyday you have to do something to help you reach the level of excellence you want to perform and compete at everyday. And to reach even higher heights, you have to strive to reach those heights. No person who was ever called great, sat around waiting for their greatness to fall in their laps from the sky. Working harder may not pay off all the time but if you know that you've worked as hard as you possibly could, then you will have no regrets.
Newt Gingrich once said, "Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you've already did."
I take that quote to heart because it's so true. You have to grind hard to achieve great things. Being lazy never made anyone successful. Even a thief works hard not to get caught. I'm not saying you have to go out and cheat and steal to be the best, but even a burglar knows the fundamentals principles of practicing his/her craft to become good at it. I hope this post inspires you to be better than you were the day before. There's always someone working hard when you're not; somewhere.
Signing off,
D
Up and at'em!
Wednesday July, 21, 2010
Greetings everyone. I realized just this second that I didn't have a formal greeting for those either are stumbling across my blog for the first time for those of your who read it more than the Bible. This generic greeting will suffice until I can think of a more appropriate and less In any case, hello and good morning. now that the formalities are out of the way....
This morning was extremely hard for me to get up for a number of reasons. For starters I am a bit sore from me lifting session on Monday, which shouldn't be a surprise, I'm always in a permanent stasis of soreness and pain. Every time I yawn or walk or stretch or twist or turn, I feel a new part of my body screaming in agony. In any case you have to suck it up and mash on. Another reason is my second denial into a graduate study!
I am so frustrated with this entire process and the NCAA, that I want to forfeit my 5th year, the same 5th year that I waited on for almost 3 months, missing any and every deadline in the graduate school only to find out that I will be taking undergraduates classes again in the Fall! (taking a breath...aaahhhh) I feel as if I am in a hole lined with quicksand and no matter how hard I scratch and claw I only sink deeper and deeper into frustration and unimaginable disppoitment.
when this process is over I will one happy camper.....IN OTHER NEWS
I am eating oatmeal for breakfast...yes, again. Once again I am poor and this is all I can afford. On other note, it looks as if it will rain today so I debating whether or not to hit the track today. (i.e. soggy ain't the way to be)
I finally made it to the weight room. It's definitely overcast outside, so I know I am not going to be able to run today. Well I can but I do not want to get wet. Being wet is not where it's at. Okay people, I'm about to start my workout as soon as I finish my oatmeal. Team N.D.O.
Signing off,
D
This morning was extremely hard for me to get up for a number of reasons. For starters I am a bit sore from me lifting session on Monday, which shouldn't be a surprise, I'm always in a permanent stasis of soreness and pain. Every time I yawn or walk or stretch or twist or turn, I feel a new part of my body screaming in agony. In any case you have to suck it up and mash on. Another reason is my second denial into a graduate study!
I am so frustrated with this entire process and the NCAA, that I want to forfeit my 5th year, the same 5th year that I waited on for almost 3 months, missing any and every deadline in the graduate school only to find out that I will be taking undergraduates classes again in the Fall! (taking a breath...aaahhhh) I feel as if I am in a hole lined with quicksand and no matter how hard I scratch and claw I only sink deeper and deeper into frustration and unimaginable disppoitment.
when this process is over I will one happy camper.....IN OTHER NEWS
I am eating oatmeal for breakfast...yes, again. Once again I am poor and this is all I can afford. On other note, it looks as if it will rain today so I debating whether or not to hit the track today. (i.e. soggy ain't the way to be)
I finally made it to the weight room. It's definitely overcast outside, so I know I am not going to be able to run today. Well I can but I do not want to get wet. Being wet is not where it's at. Okay people, I'm about to start my workout as soon as I finish my oatmeal. Team N.D.O.
Signing off,
D
Monday, July 19, 2010
What a Workout
Post-Workout Monday July, 19, 2010
Training today was a bit tougher than usual. Instead of me working out with Team N.D.O. I was worked out personally by Ryan. As soon as hit the door he was upset. So I knew that today would be especially hard. I thought his head was going to pop off, he was so red and drenched in sweat, so I'm assuming he had just finished working out or he was so mad his pores began to spew sulfuric acid.
<<<<<<This is Ryan:
So you imagine that I didn't want any parts of what he was dishing out. So immediately I go into "Make Everything Better Mode". I hop on the treadmill. He hops on the elliptical. We talk about this and that. I take his mind of of that idiot who almost got me killed v.i.a workout.
My advice to anyone who talks out of turn: "If you don't know nothin' don't say nothin'." I feel like sometimes a humans we allow our emotions, feelings and opnions get the best of us. Sometimes we need to reflect and keep certain thing son the inside.
Don't get me wrong, I will never back down from a challenge but it's Monday and I definitely was not trying to die from my first workout of the week. Do you see how big he is?!!!!! You know he can inflict some pain. That weight on his back is sweating at just the sight of him. all in all pain or not I love this guy, he's a hell of a trainer. The best I've had. I love him because he reminds you to, "focus on why you are doing what you're doing, if you know the purpose behind it you will see how and why you benefit from it.
Any-who here was my workout today...
Warm-up- Med Ball Circuit - ALL HIP. We are working on getting my hips stronger so that I will be more explosive out of the blocks.
A** Machine 3X8
Fire Hydrants 3X8
Hip Circles 3X8
Squats @ 70% of my max 5X5- 1 minute rest
Back extensions- weighted 4X8
Hanging Leg Raises- Feet to bar 4X8
So far I have ingested two 11oz Protein shakes, and 2 Gatorade Perform's and I'm still tired! On top of that I have been attempting to sort out this Graduate school mess. So far I've sent 8 emails and still have no answers. Let's hope I can get it all sorted out, less I will be enrolling as an undergraduate student again. Trust me when I say this, THAT WILL NOT BE HAPPENING.
Next stop, choooooo, chooooo; home. I need some R&R from this long today already. Maybe I will go for a run if it doesn't rain cats and dogs outside. We actually need the rain so bring it on sky.
Stumbling, rumbling & fumbling
Monday July, 19th
This morning started off the same as my normal Monday. Getting up, fighting falling back to sleep, stumbling down the stairs, brushing teeth, washing face, then packing my bag to train and then on my way to train.
Items in my bag today:
Trainers (for comfort)
Sprint Spikes (for practice)
Running pants (just in case it rains)
iPod Touch & headphones (for sanity)
Change of clothing (for hygiene)
Cell Phone (for emergency)
Vans (for lifting)
I left my laptop today because I am attempting to teach myself to not be so dependent on it. I have also decided to retire from Facebook and Twitter altogether until I find myself in a place where I have them around but don't necessarily need them. I guess my life is a life long journey teaching me the subtle ways of humility and self sacrifice.
This morning I am also praying for my grandmother who was rushed to the hospital yesterday in excruciating pain. I pray that she is alright. She was released with pain medication but who knows what those docs are encouraging her to put into her body. Well fingers and heart crossed. I'm off to weights. God is good and so are you.
Signing off,
D
Items in my bag today:
Trainers (for comfort)
Sprint Spikes (for practice)
Running pants (just in case it rains)
iPod Touch & headphones (for sanity)
Change of clothing (for hygiene)
Cell Phone (for emergency)
Vans (for lifting)
I left my laptop today because I am attempting to teach myself to not be so dependent on it. I have also decided to retire from Facebook and Twitter altogether until I find myself in a place where I have them around but don't necessarily need them. I guess my life is a life long journey teaching me the subtle ways of humility and self sacrifice.
This morning I am also praying for my grandmother who was rushed to the hospital yesterday in excruciating pain. I pray that she is alright. She was released with pain medication but who knows what those docs are encouraging her to put into her body. Well fingers and heart crossed. I'm off to weights. God is good and so are you.
Signing off,
D
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Dream Shoes
My Dream Shoes: I need these!!! $160.00 RETAIL. At those prices I won't ever be able to afford these babies. wishfulthinking*
Get Involved with Nike Shoe Recycling | Reuse-A-Shoe & Nike Grind
Get Involved with Nike Shoe Recycling | Reuse-A-Shoe & Nike Grind
I try to donate every old pair of my running shoes. Its a great way to reduce waste.
I try to donate every old pair of my running shoes. Its a great way to reduce waste.
scorcher = torture
Friday July 16, 2010
So to begin this I will tell the truth, "It was friggin hot today!!!!" I literally thought my skin was going to melt away from my flesh. I warmed up and 30 minutes later Skate-to-Foot. I managed 6 steps this time. Still 6 decent steps. Norvell and Joe killed me. I was sad for a moment, next. Everything seemed normal until I started the running part of our workout. Sun + Humidity + Being out of Shape = Death
It felt as if someone injected a straw into my body and began to slurp all of my energy. The thermometer on my phone displayed 93 degrees but it felt like 193 degrees. I mean it literally was hazy on the track from the Sun beams raining down on me. Good thing I hydrated really well before I left the house. Otherwise I would still be out on the track now, passed out and turning into a raisin.
One more truth: I am out of shape but I won't feel sorry for myself. I've learned to take it a day at a time. Step by step, slow and steady. The entire time I ran I kept telling myself, "This will all pass, its going to be alright." Comforting words from my inner me willing me to continue. Once I was done in from the running. This time it was at least 20 degrees hotter than Wednesday, so I couldn't be too hard on myself. In the end I have to continue to push myself to become better everyday. Whether its running a little harder or doing more reps in the gym. It begins will sacrifice. I question and challenge myself to work hard even when no one is looking. That's when it counts. When the only person staring back at you is the track or a dumbbell, what do you do?
I've learned that over the years as a collegiate athlete I cheated myself so much. There where days where I eased off when I should have went harder. Lifting sessions where I had 2 more reps but quit instead. Nights where I should have studied and went to bed at a decent hour. The list goes on and on. What I learned from my past experiences is that life, school, track will give you what you put in. If you don't give 100% every time don't expect a miracle to fall from the sky. The next time I come to a fork and want to give up or quit or slack I will tell myself, "All progress in my life will occur when I dare to be better. Because I want to be better." Everyday I try to be a man of value. Exceeding what I did yesterday. Even if I am an ounce better, that's progress. Do you dare to be better?
Signing off,
D
Wakie, Wakie, Eggs & Bakie
Friday July 16, 2010
Creak, creak, creak, splash...me rolling and falling out of bed
I wake up this morning and not to my surprise I am sore. I go to raise my arms to stretch and yarn and couldn't. Ryan set me up yesterday in the weight room. On top of that my glutes, hams and hips are still sore from Tuesdays lifting session and Wednesdays track workout. So double trouble. On top of that I have a track workout today at 12 noon, so things are looking up, right? I guess I should stretch and hydrate because it's supposed to reach 100 degrees today. I don't want to pass out from heat exhaustion or spew my breakfast on my shiny new track. I'm still trying to figure out why my ankles hurt so bad as well. Maybe it was from squatting without shoes on Tuesday. Thank you Ryan.
In other news: "Le Bug" did not come to visit me last night and I was thrilled. I still had trouble sleeping. Sleeping with one eye open is difficult. I have yet to master it yet but with practice I think I will get it. Last night I declared that I couldn't allow "Le Bug" to run my life. So I took my bedroom back and continued my normal day-to-day functions but I still have my eyes open just in case he or she decides to violate again. I have a more tactical plan this time to combat its next attack. Solution: Windex! The ammonia will kill it drop dead for sure. I hate to burn a creature to death with ammonia but its either me or the bug. And the last time I checked it was my room, lol.
I think I may have found out where "Le Bug" originated from. Maybe it was this HUGE whole in my ceiling developed by rain water from a past storm that has increasingly gotten worse . Solution: Roof guy coming by today to repair it. YES!!! So hopefully by the time I'm through with the track, the hole will be patched up. Let us pray,"Dear ceiling god please will the repair man to fix my ceiling and roof today in a timely and professional manner. Amen."
Lastly, I have decided what program to take. Drum-roll please....Sports Leadership it is. Its an excellerated program, so I will earn my Master's Degree in one year as opposed to a year and a half. So all in all it took me about two days to figure this out. And the icing on the cake is that I get to go to Europe at the end of the year!!!!! You know I'm not passing that up. Let me order my passport this week. I'm excited if you can't already tell. Well that's all the excitement I have for you this morning. Off to eat and hydrate.
Signing off,
D
Can I Get an Order of Weights and a Side of Headache?
Thursday July 15, 2010
Today's training session went well. The only problem was that I had a raging headache!!! I mean this headache woke me out of my sleep this morning. So I have been up since 7 a.m. struggling. Please don't feel bad for me, lol. I need some meds.
Weights today weren't bad other than Ryan kicking my butt the entire workout. I mean on every single exercise. And if you know Ryan you know he was very modest about it too. Sarge and I were sitting back watching him cheat on push-ups. Then yelling, "You can't keep up with the old man! I'm smoking y'all!" Ryan is an entirely different animal in the weight room. this guys made a guy cry in the weight room last week during a workout. I'm talking slobber, spit, tear and boogers. I won't say what team because you may know which team would cry during a workout.. Dude is a beast, literally. Its great working beside him because he pushed you to be better. That's one of the reasons I respect him so much because he not only instructs you while you workout but he does it with you. Gotta love a trainer like that. Much respect.
Eddie came in today with his camera taking action shots. Even though I was struggling I made sure I had a straight face when he started snapping. Sometimes you gotta fake it til' you make it, lol.
In other news I have a HUGE headache, which I already mentioned but since it has yet to subside I thought I'd inform you again. I also still have no figured out what classes I want to take in the Fall. I believe I will be applying to the Sports Leadership Graduate program. Turns out that I have to reapply to the university. That should be fun. I also do not know how to do that. So that's what I will be spending the next week. Sounds like fun right? Yeah I know.
I hit the track again tomorrow. Wish me luck. I desperately need to get into so type of shape. I swear I almost died on Wednesday. Tried more skate to foot today. I only managed two steps again but it's coming along. I will master the ways of Skate-to-Foot soon. Let's hope Riley doesn't try to kill me tomorrow afternoon.
Signing off,
D
It's Official: The Good. The Bad. The Great.
Thursday July 15, 2010
I have some Good News and I have some Bad News....
The Good News: The time has finally come. After waiting for over 3 months, I finally received confirmation that I have been granted my 5th year of competition by the NCAA and the CAA. The funny thing is I was sent an email yesterday but overlooked it. In any case, I am so amped about this great news! Good thing I already have one degree. I feel that this process will be a lot smoother because I have already went through it once. Now all I have to do is do it all over again. Reminds me of practice; repetition, repetition, repetition. Secretly, I didn't want to go back to school but I did want to train and compete. I guess that's any athlete right? Can you hear me out there, lol!?
S/N: My uncle told me this morning, "I want to see you on books, television, buses, and on the Whitehouse. As soon as you get on top I want tickets to every meet." I don't know if I can pull off having the Whitehouse paint a mural of me on the outside of it but I believe Lord willing, I can muster appearing on television, lol. The reason I'm laughing because my uncle is the countriest (sp) man in the world. I can barely understand what he says sometimes because of his super think southern accent. Hahah. I can hear him now!
And the bad news....
I don't know what I want to get my Masters Degree in. I want to teach high school but I wasn't sire what. No, I don't want to be physical education teacher. I feel like that would be a cop out as much as I love to workout, I definitely do not want to chase kids all day. Then I thought about teaching History, but I know I would get bored very easily. I need to study something exciting like Pyrotechnics or Chemistry, so that I can make explosions all day!!! Oh yeah I forget I know nothing about Chemistry lol. Can you picture me as the Present Day George Washington Carver? I can. On that note the memory of Mr. Carver reminds me of something he said,
"No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving something behind."
My plan is to leave something behind for the generations behind me. I'm not sure what it will be but I'm sure it will be something great. Make sure you do the same. Challenge yourself today: Try to do something for someone else not to get credit or recognition but because you sincerely want to bring joy to their life.
The Great News is: I'M ALIVE AND SO ARE YOU!!
Signing off, gotta hit the weights,
D
Bittersweet:: The Legend of Skate to Foot
Wednesday July 14, 2010
Day 3 of the rest of my life.....
Today was the first time I stepped foot on any track in 74 days since May 15th at IC4A's. In an instance I could still imagine my coach yelling at me to run faster, harder, correcting my form as I came through the finish. I could hear the feet of my teammates strike the bleachers going up and down. 4 years of working out Monday through Friday and sometimes on Saturdays by myself working on my craft, clearing my mind, becoming one with the track. Bittersweet memories came to mind as well I could hear Jones' voice crack through the air, "Go, pick it up! Imma ride you like a pony til' you show me the money!" All distant memories now in his absence. Still in his absence I still work harder to get back where I once was. I will because I can only go up from where I came from. Faithful Farmville.
On that very track, well that very location, was the first time I ran on a huge stage. As a senior in high school I ran the 100 and 200 meter dashes, solo, at the 2006 Southern Track Classic. On that same track I went on to perfect my craft and as a sophomore at VCU I ran 21.1 and 10.5, winning the 100 and 200 meter dashes in 2007, reigning as the conferences fastest man. All distant memories now that I have graduated. My medals, trophies, certificates and articles all collect dust these days. They scream for more company. So you know I will try to please them. Anything in my path this year will be conquered.
In the end I realized that being the best in your team doesn't matter much. Being the best in the conference does. Then being the best in the Region, then the Nation. And eventually the World. I have been blessed to this point to be fortunate to experience the top and the bottom. What a humbling experience that I thank God for every morning. Everyday I can get out of bed with my full motor functions is another day I can get better.
The track looks different now, it has been resurfaced. It feels different too but at the end of the day a track is a track. I don't know if its fast or slow. I've never heard of someone calling a track fast until a fast person has run on it. As for my new track, we will do war sometime in the near future but as for now, I will train and get back in shape so that when I am challenged by you, I will conquer you. I promise.
Today I attempted to learn Skate to Foot, key word "attempted" and yes I failed miserably. I only managed two decent steps (if that). I hate not being able to get something down on the same day. Coach Riley says it takes time and I suppose I do have time, not but time. I will practice it everyday until I get it. This at least gives me something to work on and master. Its so hard to change something you've been doing for so long. You all have no idea how frustrated I was. And if you know me you know I will do it over and over until I get it right. Karise video taped me over and over. I could tell she was getting tired so I stopped after an hour. I will get it soon. I have too.
Weights tomorrow at 10 a.m. with Ryan and I'm still sore from yesterday. Gotta push through it. My man Einstein wrote, "Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value." Well since I value success I will be just fine.
Signing off,
D
Attack of "Le Bug"
Wednesday July, 14, 2010
So, last night I figured I'd get a really good night of sleep, being that I will be hitting the track for a noontime practice, "Le Bug" had other plans. I come into my room and I'm greeted by this huge bug. The first thing that comes to my mind is Darwin, "Survival of the Fittest" echoed through my mind. If thought, "It's only a bug, you kill it and you get to go to sleep.
So I proceed my siege of this creature that was keeping me from my comfie bed. I swat at it, I chase it but somehow it must have mastered the ways of ninja stealth. Maybe it was watching movies with me these past two months. No matter it learned I had to destroy it or woo it to another room that wasn't my own.
In my delirium, mental and physical exhaustion I retired to my bed. I decided to wait for it to make its move. I cut the lights off and waited. After 20 minutes of waiting or so, I heard it. Well I heard some sort of flapping. I look up and it was crawling on my ceiling. Now I'm thinking, "How did it get from the floor to the ceiling that fast."
In any case I sought to destroy this enemy of mine. I grab my weapon on choice, a box of mini blinds, figuring I could kill it with one swipe. I landed a glancing blow and it survived! Perplexed and confused I made my next attack more calculated. But this time it sensed it was in real danger and scurried on the ceiling with incredible speed. I hit swiped it again and it sprouted wings and flew. This is when I realized that this was no normal bug.
Now I'm kinda of scared, I hit "Le Bug" twice with everything I had and it wasn't fazed. It mocked me by flying. After an hour of searching for it again, with not results I immediately I packed my laptop, phone, pillows and comforter up and sleep downstairs on the couch.
So after a night of laying on the couch, I realized that I should never be defeated by anything, no matter how large or small it is. I once read a quote that said, "Never ask God to give you a lighter load, ask Him for a stronger back." Well God I am asking you for just that.
Signing off,
D
Day 2 of My Journey
Tuesday July 13, 2010
Today was a lot different from any normal day of training. Yes, I did lift. Yes, I did run. But something was different. Maybe its just me but this morning I woke up with purpose. more purpose and determination than I have had in a long time. It felt good to feel good.
Yesterday's 30 min run can still be felt right now, after my 3 hour personal workout alongside my trainer Ryan. This guy is a machine and a top notch trainer. He knows so much about my sport that he amazes me when he explains why he's having me do the exercises. I respect him even more because he does them with me. Its kind of like we're growing together through this entire process.
Did I mention I am so sore already. I will be hurting tomorrow I'm sure. Oh well it's apart of the process of getting back on top of the CAA. I will do it with my team behind me. Much love to Team No Days Off, which consist of a conglomerate of athletes from a number of different disciplines. Karise, Price, Ryan, Niko, Sarge and myself. We get after it 4 days a week in the weight room, getting better everyday and growing together as a unit. Together we push each other to be better each session. I love them.
Well this is my first log, stay tuned to my progress and my thoughts during this journey.
Signing off,
D
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