Living the Life of a Celebrity....

Hello everyone,
O.K. I know the title may be a little too much but I had a great experience shooting a commercial in L.A. last week, so I figured that I would share it with all my supporters and fans. It was a great experience in which I learned a lot about how commercials are made. Not only did the company Backyard Productions take very good care of me, but I was able to meet one of their employees who use to have family that lived near Colerain Township. Man small world, we were both able to talk about the great spots in Cincy and how Colerain is. Being that I am new to the area I have found everyone that I have meet to be nice and the neighborhood is quiet.

So back to the commercial, I was picked up by a town car and taken to the CVG airport, I was able to fly first class and landed in LA at 10pm on a Monday night. The commercial was shot on the next day and I found out that I would be coming out of the blocks with a stadium full of people, who at the time weren't there. They would be digitally put in during editing. I was able to meet up with other athletes who would be doing other shots. Man t....hey had it all, make-up/hair, wardrobe, and a trailer for us to relax in. The director for this commercial would be the same guy who directed Invincible! That movie was great and after meeting him he was a friendly person.

So when my time actually came around I had five other girls (actors)in my shot. They built a track of about 20 meters in the soccer stadium where Beckham plays...and man I heard that he had walked by while I was in my trailer...I missed him! They made the stadium look really neat and we shot at night. It was a fun time, I did everything I normally did when getting in and coming out of the blocks. Sorry an' give you too many details, so be on the look out. The commercial airs in August of course for the Olympics and will be a Home Depot Commercial, so look for it. I will be "let's get started" theme. To top of the trip I ended the day with eating dinner and ending back to my hotel. I had to get up early the next day to head back to Cincy to get training in. Boy was I surprised when I woke up the next day to go to the airport, my taxi had arrived early, and the hotel receptionist called to alert me. I walked down with my bags and once I realized that my taxi was no taxi but a stretch limo..I couldn't believe it. So that was my quick trip to LA...the city of luxury and celebrities.

Check out the picture taken by one of the guy working on the shoot!
Copyright 2008 Kevin Althans

2008 Reebok GP & 2008 Prefontaine Meet

Greetings,

This year has definitely been a true blessing for me. Not only am I healthy now but my running has been going very well. I am quite satisfied with the Lord's plan for me and all the blessings he has given to this day. I have found that many times individuals will start to doubt themselves or give up. For myself I have found neither of those as options. As I am heading into the Olympic Trials there is no doubting. I must know and state always that I am one of the best athletes in the world and I will run like one. In terms of giving up...there have been days when the work outs have been hard, but I still push forward. THERE IS NO STOPPING!!!!!

I have a huge support staff that I must THANK!!!!....1)My mom (who is unable to travel with me to many of the meets...finds pleasure watching and screaming at the T.V....Go Mary Go!!!!), 2) My husband and his entire family......I guess there like my number 1 fans also...they too scream at the TV..only if I could hear 3) My family...who is all over in the US and supports each time I am T.V. and enjoys seeing one of their family members on the screen....I guess the list could go on and on and on. Lots of Friends, my Church, the Spots, the Depot, UC, my sands, and of course Boxer!!!!!

After having a good positive year in 2007, I only wished for an even better one in 2008. I have started the year running ahead of my times from last year. I am satisfied with how my meets have been going. Yes you do want to win, but you also want to set yourself up for the bigger picture (Olympic Games). My last two meets were in New York and Eugene.

Here are the details:
New York- unfortunately there were several time delays due to the severe thunderstorms. The race ended up going off at 10:05pm. I had warmed up, sat and then had to re-warm up. Mentally I had to re do everything all over again. This was actually good practice for any future meets. As athletes no meet is set in stone...weather can always delay or change things...so you have to be ready. My legs prior to these meet felt very flat and tired. I tried not to think about it, and just remember that I wanted to race well. I went out in this race and actually could have had a better first half and second half. I ended up third but again the race did not feel fast or feel as if it was my entire best. Next week would bring something better.

Prefontaine- I came into the race with more preparation. I wanted to execute my race well. I was in lane 6 and the weather was perfect...a little windy. I discussed the race plan with my coach and my husband and knew that if I did what they asked things would work out. I placed 2nd in the meet and closed well....and saw the race as being almost perfect. There are always things that can be worked on and in my case it was two small things. Working the 3rd hundred a little better and not leaning too forward as I am closing. My time of 50.32 is close to my lifetime PR so in the trials I should get even better. I am very excited and will continue to work hard in practice. This meet is always enjoyable and the crowd in Eugene was awesome. Track Town here I come.....
See ya!!!!

The many questions of T.V. Coverage.....

Hey everyone,

I hope that you all are doing well and of course enjoying all the track and field coverage on T.V. I have found that since introducing myself to different people, I have opened their eyes up to the world of track and field. They enjoy watching and of course cheering me on. Thanks!!!!

But I guess the only problem that many of my fans have found and have mentioned to me is the horrible coverage of athletes. "How hard can these be...we wonder?" I think that in each event more athletes should be introduced or even shown briefly getting into the blocks or race position. I have found that the European coverage is perfect...the camera gets all the athletes and their introductions. So to all who always ask me after my races..."Why didn't they show you or why didn't they mention your gold medal in Osaka for the 4X4?".....I don't know....let's just hope for better coverage.

Track on t.V. is always a special privilege when it does come on. I am thankful for all opportunities!!!
I thank you all for the support and best wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!