Get you up to speed…

Big thanks to all who have subscribed to my fan page! I really appreciate the support! Lots of you have had questions about what I'm doing, exactly. Are you going to the Olympics? Are you getting paid for this? Why should I be a fan of you? (Yes, someone actually asked me that) Those are amongst the most common questions. So I want to take a minute to answer these questions so you guys get an idea of what's going on in this process to London 2012.

Being a professional track athlete is a lot different from being a pro athlete in other sports. First of all, the question of money. Am I getting paid? No. LOL! Track is a "commission only" sport, so to speak. There is no salary. You perform well, you get paid well. You do poorly, you don't get squat. Each year track has a season, which for the most part is overseas; this is known as the European Circuit. In Europe, track is as big as American Football is here. There are weekly, or even bi-weekly meets that athletes compete in. At these meets, athletes have the opportunity to win prize money, by making it to the finals in their event, or placing in the top eight. The amount varies by each meet. This is the track athlete's bread and butter. It's in the athlete's best interest to train hard so that he/she can get the best time and/or distance to be in the rankings, and ultimately a win a title. Like I said before, you perform well, you get paid. Some major athletes, think Usain Bolt, can earn what is called "appearance fees" on top of prize money. So basically, stars on that level can get up to $50k just to show up and run at the meet, regardless of their performance. Then of course there are endorsements. Everyone should be familiar with this. This is when a company, say Nike, sponsors an athlete in return for product representation. This is a highly negotiable figure, based on an array of factors. Since I don't have a sponsor, I can't really give you a number on this one. But I do know that once an athlete has a sponsor, this pretty much represents his/her salary, since this is paid on a more consistent basis than prize money. Once an athlete has sponsors, the athlete can afford a nice place, food, lifestyle, all that stuff, without having to work another job whatsoever, while being able to train full-time.

Right now, I'm fortunate enough to have a good enough mark to qualify me to train at the US Olympic Training Center, here in Chula Vista, CA. The US Olympic Committee (USOC) has 4 centers throughout the US that sponsors elite athletes of various different Olympic sports to train year-round free of charge. This includes coaching, food, housing, and treatment (medical). This helps a lot so that I don't have to worry about rent or food money and I can dedicate myself 100% to training, and attaining a good mark, or distance, in my event. This brings me to my next point. (I've always wanted to say that, hehe)…

Am I going to the Olympics? I hope so. Right now, I'm what most would call an "emerging elite" athlete. This basically means that I am highly competitive in my event, with the "potential" of being among the best in the sport with proper training. There are annual Championships in Track and Field, but they are small on scale when you think of the Olympics. Obviously, the biggest event in Track and Field is the Olympics, which of course happens every 4 years. There are also World Championships, which take place every two years. In order to qualify for these meets, you must go to the USA trials during that given year. You either have to qualify in the top 3 at the USA trials, or attain the Olympic "A" standard (a mark set by the Olympic Committee) anytime during that season, which sort of guarantees you a spot on the team. So, I won't know for sure whether I'll be going to the 2012 Olympics until about June, in 2012. LOL! Until then I'll be competing on the European Circuit each season in preparation…

Why should you be a fan of me? Because I need support! Shuuu!! LOL! It gives me an extra push when I know I have a team rooting for me! And everybody knows that I rep PALM BEACH to the fullest, and UMD! So it'd be cool if people could support me in my endeavor, that's all. Not too much to ask is it?

I hope that I gave you guys a clearer idea of my goals and what it's going to take to reach them. Well, my goals are more specific actually, but this blog is long enough already. I'll talk about that that next week. Please, always feel free to ask me any questions, or give any insight, or words of encouragement. My ears are always open!

xoxoxo

Week 1

Training has officially begun folks! My expectations of intensity were met, and somewhat exceeded. BUT, my body held up well…surprisingly. Just goes to show that you can do anything you put your mind to. We lift weights three times a week, broken up into two sessions on Mon/Wed/Fri. We do our track workouts daily at 11am, and 10am on Saturdays. This week, the track workouts were a combination of lots of 350's (350m), 250's 150's and lots and lots of strides between 30-70m. Not to mention plyometric work and drills of course; including running up-hill with a medicine ball for 100m.

I don't remember ever having such a rigorous workout regimen - especially right out the gates! But it's all good if this is a picture of things to come, because I feel great and I'm getting stronger every day! I swear I saw my traps grow right before my eyes on Friday! Coach has me doing drills to straighten my form, and I can honestly feel the difference when I implement the new techniques.

On Wednesday we all went to Santa Monica for the day to do strength testing, and they put us to the test for real! I can't describe the type of things they had us doing! Our results from the test should let us know areas that we need to work on, so I'm looking forward to that. I also got to do some shopping and I visited the Santa Monica pier. Afterwards, we ate at Kizzy's, a soul food restaurant in Del Mar Rey. We happened to be eating right next to Kita Williams, whom you all may know as one of the publicists on the "T.O. Show". She was soooo nice. Very cool lady!

I'm trying to stay strong mentally. Sometimes that can be as hard, if not harder, than the actual physical work you put in. I know a lot of people can agree with me on that one! I can't stand mundane. I actually love to "work hard" every day! This is going towards a great cause, and the journey is new and exciting!... So my ADD hasn't had the opportunity to kick in! I'm learning that in order to be successful at any and everything, you really do have to give your absolute ALL too really reap the rewards you're seeking. That goes for all areas of life, not just sports.

You might assume that I am in pain after such an intense week, and you're right! My back feels like I'm carrying bricks. My shoulders had me doing the "John McCain" all week. And my calves? WOW! Seriously? Wow… Everything is good now, though. The plan for this weekend is rest and relaxation. Too bad today is Halloween, cause I'm definitely sitting out on the festivities. I'm just going to enjoy all the scary movies that come on cable. Hopefully they won't be too scary. But actually, right now nothing can be more terrifying than 3x350m and 3x250m workouts, hehe… So as long as I can put my feet up, I should be okay.

Be safe tonight!

xoxoxo

Pre-Season

Getting back into shape is hard. Anybody who has ever tried can attest to this. I mean, training is one thing. But going from 0 to 100 is pretty much insane - but that's my goal. I got linked up with some trainers at a kickboxing club in La Mesa, and frankly, I think they hate me! Just kidding - but they do indeed find great satisfaction in making me cry. It's their job I guess. No pain, no gain...right? Have you ever felt like your legs were on fire? NOT a good feeling. I must admit though, the mental part is a different feeling altogether. An indescribable feeling. I'm really proud of myself. I won't lie, I had my doubts about being here after about two weeks. Most people here have been training for years, and some are just coming off of stellar seasons. I, in contrast, had not run over a mile in over 2 years... a bit intimidating, to say the least.

However, after working out at the gym, and doing some preseason workouts with my new teammates, that muscle memory started to kick in! I feel great now. It feels good to walk and not feel my belly jiggle! LOL! Because I must admit, "I ain't ready for that jelly" LOL! My legs are toning up, and I generally feel healthier. I'm excited for this up-coming season. We have a large group of high caliber jumpers out here. Sheer momentum alone should push everyone to new heights (nobody likes to be last). I can't wait! Take a look at a video I made of featuring the track and the INCREDIBLE backdrop! It's like track retreat!

My first meet will be in Albuquerque, NM on January 16. So I have exactly 3 months to get right. 90 days folks! If anyone has weight loss or fitness goals, now is the perfect time to start (I sound like a Jenny Craig commercial, LOL). No, but seriously, we can work together by holding each other accountable. Maybe even set up a little wager for who is most successful. "The Biggest Loser - The Olympic Edition"! Post your goals in my comments and I'll help you with tips to get you there! - all for a low monthly payment of $39.99!!! Juuuuuust Kidding!!! I can help you guys out, and your involvement and enthusiasm is payment enough (so cheesy, lol - but true!) Soooo, think about your goals in terms of fitness and health, and talk to me! I'm waiting.... :)

xoxoxo

Recovery

Over the past few days, I've just been taking it easy a bit. I sorta, kinda forgot how much soreness comes along with getting back into competition shape. OMG! I was walking like a robot all Thursday! An hour long rehab session loosened me up, enough so that I was able to get in some crucial stretching and abs in the weight room. Friday I did an easy workout. 2 figure 8's, jogging the ends, striding the middle, followed by more stretching and abs (core to being in top shape) I figure I'll increase the figure 8's daily until I can do about 4 sets of 2. I still have about 3 weeks until practice starts full throttle…

You all have probably heard by now, but I want to take time out to speak on the murder of A.J., former fiancé of Kandi of the Bravo serious 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'. I don't know them at all, beyond the hour long glimpses we see on Thursday nights, but it's just sad to see a life cut so short by senseless violence. I hope that his family and children are holding up at. This should be a reminder to all of us to cherish our friends and family every moment, because you never know…

Friday night I and some of the athletes went to downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarters. Really nice! There's awesome food, shopping, and nightclubs! Last Sunday we ate lunch at the Hardrock Café, then Friday we returned to hit up some of the areas clubs. First Belo, a huuuge hip-hip club with 3 different party rooms. Then Red Circle, a swank lounge just above Belo that plays a variety of house, and pop. People out here are definitely a lot different from people back home. EVERYONE dances in the club! Something that is almost extinct in Florida. And I don't mean 2-stepping, I'm talking clear the floor, music video style dancing! LOL, very entertaining… Still haven't made it to the beaches yet :(, but I met a new friend who promises to take me out surfing; which I hear is a must-do in Southern California!

Me and a friend at Red Circle

I spent most of Saturday relaxing and watching the GA v. LSU thriller! Great game guys! After dinner I linked up with another jumper and a marketer from Seattle to discuss marketing and sponsorship ideas. I got a lot of information from them about talking with potential sponsors and putting yourself out there as an athlete. Jumping for me is important not only because of the obvious physical benefits of the sport, but it also gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge about fitness and leadership skills. I really want to get involved in some non-profit or volunteer projects out here. If anyone knows of opportunities in the San Diego are let me know! I'd be more than happy to look into it!

Until next time, strive to be the best you every day! Stay blessed! xoxoxo

Let's begin...

Gotta start somewhere. Just settling in to my new digs in Chula Vista... Been meaning to start a blog for years now, unfortunately, you all have missed out on some major happenings. BUT - no worries - there's always more to come. Just moved out to Cali, from the REAL Sunshine State, Florida. Yes, we are definitely the true sunshine state, considering that it's freezing! at night here. Still, the scenery is gorgeous, the houses are beautiful, and I hear they have a pretty decent beach in San Diego. Gonna check that out sometime soon. Meanwhile, here's a pic of my view for the next few months...

I'm blessed, I know...Thank you GOD!...xoxoxo