My first big race was okay. It didn't turn out how I would've liked. Everyone always dreams of going to a big venue and shattering records. That hardly happened on Friday lol. I was tired, but I also wasn't in the race. I was mentally fatigued from all the races that I'd run in the past two weeks and by the time I woke up from my daze the race was over. I found myself frustrated with a lot of things.
Regardless, I am at least healthy. I was really struggling at first, but now I have to once again calm myself and seriously begin to enjoy the ride. This moment will never pass again and I may never compete at another Olympic Game. That is what frustrated me about Friday's performance. I felt that I had missed an opportunity, but I now also know that I can't rush things. I have to train and just let things fall into place.
I am sorry this post is short, but I'm hungry. I have some Chicken Pot Pie in the oven. By the way, everything that has a crust is a pie here. So don't go to the pie section expecting Pecan or Lemon Meringue.
London and Randoms
Monday, July 28, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Destination East Coast.... Faaarr East Coast
It is hard to imagine that I was under a knife on a surgery table 6 months ago. It's hard to imagine that I couldn't even really run 4-5 months ago. Two days before the trials, a Jehovah's Witness came to my door to talk about God. I actually talked with him, which took him by surprise. He went through his normal routine of repentance and deliverance. I really didn't think much of it. On both days I was driven to the track by two very religious, but unassuming people. We, again, talked about the same.
After going to the track and running the worst I had since high school, I was low. I became homesick, nervous and really started to question if I had really let down all my family and friends. More than the media, the coaches, or even myself, I wondered how much I had embarrassed the people dear to me. Just when I was hitting my lowest point my mom called to calm my nerves and then my brother from another mother, Nick Raff, called me and pulled me out of my funk.
The reason why I took so long to explain all of these situations is to describe how God works through people and situations. I was able to come back from injury, but also took a break to build relationships with the people that are important to me. When I came back I was able to run within .4 secs of my personal best. When I barely qualified for the finals of the Olympic Trials, I couldn't imagine getting on the podium to receive a bronze.
I cried the morning before. All the media scrutinizes athletes on what they see. They talk about how we get things we don't deserve and how we have the easy life. But, they don't see what we put our bodies through. They don't see how long we're away from family and friends. They don't see how much we've been through as people. There is no way I should be where I am right now. Statistically, I should be in a jail cell somewhere. I shouldn't be in college. I shouldn't be well spoken or well read. I am blessed and I feel that even though I've worked hard I've been given many things.
My mom tells me that I am not being blessed for my own good, but for all the little kids that never had much of anything, that didn't see themselves making it through the year. The ones that had little hope. Little does she know that I've been praying for that responsibility for years now. This isn't about me. I can't stand to hear people talk about themselves.
On a lighter note, the race was wild! I was in lane 8. When they announced me over the speakers I did the robot on National TV! It was hilarious. I don't know if the crowd appreciated it, but I heard some laugh. I would've pulled out the oil can, but I didn't wanna over do it. When the gun went off I got out, but then really chilled for the first 200. I was actually too chill. I was in about 7th-8th going into the last 120 meters on the homestretch. It's hard to run out there by yourself. Once the 7th person passed me, I woke up and started kicking and beat out everyone but two. To be completely honest, I should've run much faster but it's hard running out there. Regardless, I MADE IT! It's not official yet, but hopefully I will be on the 4x4 relay. What a roller coaster year!
The link below are photos of the meet and my hotel. It also includes the "red carpet" that the athletes walked on. (It was really just so we didn't mess up our spikes)
Oh yea. The meet was more like a festival. It had inflatables, rides, and vending. It was much different than I had experienced in the States. People here packed the stands. Tickets were sold out. The pictures I had were taken as the meet was drawing to the end. (It took me about an 1hr and 20mins to do all the blood and urine testing. The nurse stuck me 3 times!!!) Any way see them for yourself. (Also, I didn't have much time to tour Birmingham with the meet and everything... sorry)
Sorry for not posting and the grammar, but this is just an informal blog to keep you guys posted. Thank you all so much. I really do appreciate all of the support I've had. Thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you!
Birmingham/Trials
After going to the track and running the worst I had since high school, I was low. I became homesick, nervous and really started to question if I had really let down all my family and friends. More than the media, the coaches, or even myself, I wondered how much I had embarrassed the people dear to me. Just when I was hitting my lowest point my mom called to calm my nerves and then my brother from another mother, Nick Raff, called me and pulled me out of my funk.
The reason why I took so long to explain all of these situations is to describe how God works through people and situations. I was able to come back from injury, but also took a break to build relationships with the people that are important to me. When I came back I was able to run within .4 secs of my personal best. When I barely qualified for the finals of the Olympic Trials, I couldn't imagine getting on the podium to receive a bronze.
I cried the morning before. All the media scrutinizes athletes on what they see. They talk about how we get things we don't deserve and how we have the easy life. But, they don't see what we put our bodies through. They don't see how long we're away from family and friends. They don't see how much we've been through as people. There is no way I should be where I am right now. Statistically, I should be in a jail cell somewhere. I shouldn't be in college. I shouldn't be well spoken or well read. I am blessed and I feel that even though I've worked hard I've been given many things.
My mom tells me that I am not being blessed for my own good, but for all the little kids that never had much of anything, that didn't see themselves making it through the year. The ones that had little hope. Little does she know that I've been praying for that responsibility for years now. This isn't about me. I can't stand to hear people talk about themselves.
On a lighter note, the race was wild! I was in lane 8. When they announced me over the speakers I did the robot on National TV! It was hilarious. I don't know if the crowd appreciated it, but I heard some laugh. I would've pulled out the oil can, but I didn't wanna over do it. When the gun went off I got out, but then really chilled for the first 200. I was actually too chill. I was in about 7th-8th going into the last 120 meters on the homestretch. It's hard to run out there by yourself. Once the 7th person passed me, I woke up and started kicking and beat out everyone but two. To be completely honest, I should've run much faster but it's hard running out there. Regardless, I MADE IT! It's not official yet, but hopefully I will be on the 4x4 relay. What a roller coaster year!
The link below are photos of the meet and my hotel. It also includes the "red carpet" that the athletes walked on. (It was really just so we didn't mess up our spikes)
Oh yea. The meet was more like a festival. It had inflatables, rides, and vending. It was much different than I had experienced in the States. People here packed the stands. Tickets were sold out. The pictures I had were taken as the meet was drawing to the end. (It took me about an 1hr and 20mins to do all the blood and urine testing. The nurse stuck me 3 times!!!) Any way see them for yourself. (Also, I didn't have much time to tour Birmingham with the meet and everything... sorry)
Sorry for not posting and the grammar, but this is just an informal blog to keep you guys posted. Thank you all so much. I really do appreciate all of the support I've had. Thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you!
Birmingham/Trials
Friday, June 20, 2008
First Couple of Days
Welp, It's the first week, and only the second day since I landed in the UK. Since then, I have been frustrated with some of the people, some of the food, and some of the street signs. In all, though, it has been awesome.
When I first got off the plan I was greeted by a long haired man that called himself Job. (first weird thing) No one in the states is named Job. But anyway, he was really helpful in getting me into my place and he drove me around for like 5 hrs to get groceries and look at different cell phone options. (I still haven't taken care of that yet, I will tomorrow) But none-the-less he was helpful.
I have also met the guy that I am supposed to be training with until my "real" coach gets back from France on Tuesday. This dude is named Nick. This guys was not the most friendly. My mom, and others tell me that it may just be culture, but I'm telling you that the guy was being an arsehole (excuse my language. He was training this "model"/sprinter that was just as welcoming. Neither one of those dudes are on my good list. My thoughts were confirmed when several other athletes told me about how odd Nick was and one even said he may be bipolar lol. He, nor his athlete, ruined my day, but it upset me that they would act that way.
After meeting those two boneheads yesterday I came back to my room sooo tired. I tried to keep my eyes open but eventually passed out at 8 O'clock local time. I woke up near 1 am in the morning and watched some cartoons online and then went back to bed around 3 am. Amazingly I wasn't tired any today. (probably because I slept in until like 1pm). I'm eventually going to get my time zone issue under control.
The workout went well and afterward I hung out with some guys that I met. They were pretty cool guys, quite the opposite from Nick and his boy. They invited me to watch the European Cup tomorrow and go to something on Sunday once some people get back the U23 championships. So things are starting to move forward a little bit.
I walked into town today, and it was amazing to see 200 year old buildings and houses. I mean some of the doors on these houses were like 5 feet high and I think people actually live in them lol. Others were more modern (you can see for yourself in the link below)
I got mad at the signs today because I, of course, got lost several times. At least I know all the nooks and crannies of the city now. I also was frustrated by the food today. I had to try the burgers here, just because I wanted to compare. They were awful. AWFUL! and the fries were pathetic. That's one thing I will miss, even though I don't eat many at home. I feel like they may have different cows over here or something lol.
In all it has been a pretty productive day and I aim to top it tomorrow. I really can't wait until things really start rolling and I have meets, and consistent training group.
By the way, during my one political discussion today I realized that the entire world is watching American politics, and they have already made up their mind of who they would prefer, and his name rhymes with Barrack Obama.
First Week Photos
When I first got off the plan I was greeted by a long haired man that called himself Job. (first weird thing) No one in the states is named Job. But anyway, he was really helpful in getting me into my place and he drove me around for like 5 hrs to get groceries and look at different cell phone options. (I still haven't taken care of that yet, I will tomorrow) But none-the-less he was helpful.
I have also met the guy that I am supposed to be training with until my "real" coach gets back from France on Tuesday. This dude is named Nick. This guys was not the most friendly. My mom, and others tell me that it may just be culture, but I'm telling you that the guy was being an arsehole (excuse my language. He was training this "model"/sprinter that was just as welcoming. Neither one of those dudes are on my good list. My thoughts were confirmed when several other athletes told me about how odd Nick was and one even said he may be bipolar lol. He, nor his athlete, ruined my day, but it upset me that they would act that way.
After meeting those two boneheads yesterday I came back to my room sooo tired. I tried to keep my eyes open but eventually passed out at 8 O'clock local time. I woke up near 1 am in the morning and watched some cartoons online and then went back to bed around 3 am. Amazingly I wasn't tired any today. (probably because I slept in until like 1pm). I'm eventually going to get my time zone issue under control.
The workout went well and afterward I hung out with some guys that I met. They were pretty cool guys, quite the opposite from Nick and his boy. They invited me to watch the European Cup tomorrow and go to something on Sunday once some people get back the U23 championships. So things are starting to move forward a little bit.
I walked into town today, and it was amazing to see 200 year old buildings and houses. I mean some of the doors on these houses were like 5 feet high and I think people actually live in them lol. Others were more modern (you can see for yourself in the link below)
I got mad at the signs today because I, of course, got lost several times. At least I know all the nooks and crannies of the city now. I also was frustrated by the food today. I had to try the burgers here, just because I wanted to compare. They were awful. AWFUL! and the fries were pathetic. That's one thing I will miss, even though I don't eat many at home. I feel like they may have different cows over here or something lol.
In all it has been a pretty productive day and I aim to top it tomorrow. I really can't wait until things really start rolling and I have meets, and consistent training group.
By the way, during my one political discussion today I realized that the entire world is watching American politics, and they have already made up their mind of who they would prefer, and his name rhymes with Barrack Obama.
First Week Photos
Monday, June 16, 2008
Purpose
This Blog is a log of my travels this summer as I pursure my dreams of becoming an Olympian. It will be chalked full of photos, videos, and commentary on my experiences. I hope to update it at least once and week.... anyway, enjoy!
Preparation
I haven't left yet and I already feel homesick. Today I said my farewells to me family and friends. The person that I am going to miss the most is the person that most people overlook. The elderly... they get a bad rap. I said goodbye to my grandmother today, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. Right now she's unable to do anything for herself. It's remarkable that, she was the same person that I remember in my memories, and the one that I pray for every night, but after more than 10-12 years with the disease, I am reminded of the strength that runs through my veins.
My brother and I have been hanging out all day and I think about when I was bigger than he was. He's grown up right under my eyes and I know that even though we had our disputes, we are still very much connected. (except for his eating habits).
I'm off to a new place for a couple of months to pursue my dreams. Dreams, that I couldn't have even imagined a few short years ago. It is hard to imagine how a scrawny little black boy, from dirt could actually be blessed by God. I used to think that God only cared for the well-off, yet here I am. What makes me proud is the support that I have had from my family and friends. Even people I don't even know very well. I couldn't thank them enough.
I know that I am rambling, but it's to be expected. I have many things running through my head 24hrs before departure. There is one quotation that embodies my outlook on this blessing and my blessings in general. It is from Luke, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is expected."
Preparation Photos
My brother and I have been hanging out all day and I think about when I was bigger than he was. He's grown up right under my eyes and I know that even though we had our disputes, we are still very much connected. (except for his eating habits).
I'm off to a new place for a couple of months to pursue my dreams. Dreams, that I couldn't have even imagined a few short years ago. It is hard to imagine how a scrawny little black boy, from dirt could actually be blessed by God. I used to think that God only cared for the well-off, yet here I am. What makes me proud is the support that I have had from my family and friends. Even people I don't even know very well. I couldn't thank them enough.
I know that I am rambling, but it's to be expected. I have many things running through my head 24hrs before departure. There is one quotation that embodies my outlook on this blessing and my blessings in general. It is from Luke, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is expected."
Preparation Photos
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