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