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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008 Adidas Classic- Carson, California

Hi everyone,

Well the time is steadily approaching to the 2008 Olympic Trials..and as an elite athlete you realize that there is no going backing in time. You can no longer question, "Is my training good enough, or have I trained my best?" You now have to realize and trust in your coaching staff, training partners and of COURSE yourself, and know that you are prepared!!!

I am both very excited and nervous as I head into my 2nd Olympic Trials. I am happy that I do have a big supportive group of family and friends. My mom is always telling me to go after the win and beat somebody! I actually in each race go after that goal. I want to win races and I want to give a good time. Let's talk about this past meet and ohhhhh it was so close, I actually almost had a win!

Heading into the Adidas Meet, I had a good two weeks of training prior.....I was ready.....all I could do was give my best. California at this time of the year is usually warm but this particular weekend there was a HEAT WAVE!!!! Man it was hot, so hot that I warmed up inside before my race and came out 20 minutes before to get in some fast striders. The race was full of great competitors and I wanted the win but was proud to come in second place.

If you didn't get a chance to see it here is a recap. I was in lane 3 and got out to a good start.....I started to pick it up at the 200 meter mark and realized that I still felt pretty strong and could give more. I dug deep and started to turn over once from the 150 mark as I headed into the last 100. With 100 meters to go I was in 3rd place with 2 Jamaicans on my outside. ....and I made up ground. Myself and the Jamaican we were side by side, she just slightly in the lead, we inched for the finish line and I started to feel as if I had it but she crossed the line in 50.38 and I crossed in 50.41.......so close. It was a great race and I was happy with the time of where I wanted to be right now.

I will be headed to New York next weekend....again I will continue to go after my goal!

Osaka...HERE I COME AGAIN!!

My next big meet was going to a place that was all so familiar to me, a place that I called home for three weeks. I wasn't excited about the 12 hour flight, but I was excited to go back to the place where I had won gold. The Osaka GP was an event that I attended last year and there I had won the women's 400 in 51.22. As the defending champion, it was now up to me to come back and place with another win.

Prior to making the trip I had checked the weather, I wanted to pack and be prepared for anything. The weather called for rain and chilly conditions, but I didn't let that get me down. I left for Japan on Wednesday and arrived on Thursday, and of course since I am not a high roller or big baller you could say..I rode in coach class. But man I wish I could have flown business, it looked so cozy up there on the second deck of the jumbo plane. All I could do was get a quick glimpse of those who travel in style and comfort...hahah. I got comfortable in my seat and made sure that on the flight home I would request an exit row.

Heading into the meet before I left Ohio I got a sinus infection, so imagine how comfortable flying was....I was stuffed up and my ears felt like they were full. I was happy once we arrived in Japan....I couldn't wait to get off the plane and once again say OHIO (good morning)
My Japanese was very limited but it was nice to arrive at the hotel and have some who spoke English. The Japanese people are always friendly and when they say hello they often bow. As an American I never know if I should bow also, but I enjoy the experience of being somewhere different.

Our hotel was very nice that we stayed in, but I stayed away from trying any different foods. Due to already have sinus problems and not risking getting sick..I didn't try any sushi or traditional Japanese dishes. Man you never want to get sick when traveling...not a good thing. I wasn't sure of the competition in the meet, many athletes had not made it to the meet for various reasons or were heading to another big meet in DOHA. My plan was to go out and have fun in the race, execute and come home with a win.

On the day of the race it rain all day , and was so gloomy and chilly. I always have wondered why in a meet when it is pouring raining why they make you stand in the rain as other athletes are still undressing. The rain didn't bother me too much...good thing my hair was able to wave up and be pulled back into a ponytail. (HAHA) No but really the meet was enjoyable and there was a nice crowd there to support even with the rainy weather. Osaka, thanks for having me!!!!! I ended up winning the race in 51.5, wasn't excited about the time, but again accepted the win.

My goal is to gear up for the next meet, and hope for better weather. By the way the countdown to the Olympic Trials is now less than 50 days away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See you all and thanks again for staying updated!!!!