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