Ni hao (Hello in Chinese)
I know so many of you have emailed me over the past days and stated how happy you are that track and field has started! Thanks again for all your emails and by the way I hope that you were able to catch a glimpse of Mike Phelps take home so many gold medals. Man, I don’t even know the guy but I am now his number one fan. How does he do it? He is an amazing little fish or big fish I should say! Even though I have not gone to any of the other venues I have enjoyed reading our little SPOTLIGHT NEWSLETTER that comes out each day. It alerts all the athletes to how everyone is doing. Great huh, the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) continues to do a great job taking care of the athletes.
The second round was scheduled to go off at 9:00pm so I decided to take a small nap earlier in the day. I would stick with the same routine and warm-up and get to the track ready to go. I felt really good and happy that I had got some of the track jitters out the way in the earlier round. All 3 Americans had advanced to the next round and I was thankful for that. We all were in different heats so now the goal was to place top two and make it to the final. This round would be a harsh round in which everyone would push their body to the limit. I was in lane 7 and needed to have a race like at the Trials, of course not with the weird finish, but a strong race. In these big meets you never know what to expect with lane draws except maybe in the final. So prior to going out to the stadium, Chris and I had to converse through a fence. Yes, long story but here it goes. Prior to the Olympic Games there is a coaching staff that is chosen for both the men and the women teams. As a sprinter I have a coach who represents the 400 meter group and we report to them at all times. Since all the athletes come from different places and backgrounds, we have our own personal coaches also. So imagine if every athletes coach could be on the warm up field during the Games, it could be a mad house..haha. Well anyway Chris did not have a credential to be on the warm-up track but we found a nice little spot by this fence that was slightly bent outside the warm-up track. This is how he watched me warm-up and how he gave me a good luck kiss and hug. Yes it was weird but we made it work.
I really wanted to do well this round, as the gun went off I pushed out of my blocks and ran the first curve. I headed into the 250 mark and felt as if I didn’t have the turnover that I usually would have at these point. What could be happening, I stayed calm and gave my all and still covered no ground. I saw my Olympic dream slipping away but nothing was coming from these legs. I crossed the line in 5th and was disappointed but decided to support my teammates and watched the other heats. Only one of the three fellow Americans made it into the final. I was happy for her that we had an American representation in the final and as I stepped off the track I thanked God for my blessings and held my head high.
Yes I didn’t make the final, but it wasn’t quite the end for me, because I still had a chance in the RELAY!! How many people have that opportunity? I was still an Olympian and nothing could change that. I am staying focused and getting myself ready for he 22nd and 23rd. Wish me luck.
Monday, August 18, 2008
My 1st Round in the Olympic Games (Women’s 400, lane 7)
Hey everyone,
I am so happy that I have been able to share my experiences with you all from the 2008 Olympic Games. You all are definitely great supporters and I appreciate all your prayers and best wishes. You all have helped tremendously in allowing me to stay focused and calm. Let’s start out with the first round of the women’s 400 meters which was in the morning session on the 16th at 12:30pm. I was so anxious to run and ready to get into the track stadium known as the Bird’s Nest, I didn’t know what to expect! I had already watched some events on T.V. and knew that the crowd would be there, I just didn’t realize how MANY PEOPLE WERE ACTUALLY IN THE STANDS!!! China was present in strong numbers and it was a sight to see when an American Flag flowed in a fans hand.
I had been working out a small kink in my right upper hip and quad, but was confident that I would be alright. Nothing big just a little sore spot. You know your body is never perfect, but we learn to deal with it and keep pushing forth. All of my practices had been going good and both Chris and I were confident with how the whole year had gone. The goal in the first round was to place top two in my heat so as to advance to the 2nd round. I talked with Jim the day before and he just assured me of what I needed to do. Wow my first Olympics…how would I do? I continued to say my prayers each night by asking the Lord to stay by my side, protect me, strengthen me and to allow me to do his will.
I was nervous I will admit, not doubting myself though but butterfly nervous like this is the OLYMPICS, Mary!!! I had come such a long way and I knew that my competitors were all thinking the same thing..going after a win. We would all want it, but whose day would it be? I finished 2nd in the heat and advance to the next day! I was relived but felt a little sluggish on the track. I quickly got a rub down from our trainers and took my 10 minute ice bath. One out of the way……more to come
I am so happy that I have been able to share my experiences with you all from the 2008 Olympic Games. You all are definitely great supporters and I appreciate all your prayers and best wishes. You all have helped tremendously in allowing me to stay focused and calm. Let’s start out with the first round of the women’s 400 meters which was in the morning session on the 16th at 12:30pm. I was so anxious to run and ready to get into the track stadium known as the Bird’s Nest, I didn’t know what to expect! I had already watched some events on T.V. and knew that the crowd would be there, I just didn’t realize how MANY PEOPLE WERE ACTUALLY IN THE STANDS!!! China was present in strong numbers and it was a sight to see when an American Flag flowed in a fans hand.
I had been working out a small kink in my right upper hip and quad, but was confident that I would be alright. Nothing big just a little sore spot. You know your body is never perfect, but we learn to deal with it and keep pushing forth. All of my practices had been going good and both Chris and I were confident with how the whole year had gone. The goal in the first round was to place top two in my heat so as to advance to the 2nd round. I talked with Jim the day before and he just assured me of what I needed to do. Wow my first Olympics…how would I do? I continued to say my prayers each night by asking the Lord to stay by my side, protect me, strengthen me and to allow me to do his will.
I was nervous I will admit, not doubting myself though but butterfly nervous like this is the OLYMPICS, Mary!!! I had come such a long way and I knew that my competitors were all thinking the same thing..going after a win. We would all want it, but whose day would it be? I finished 2nd in the heat and advance to the next day! I was relived but felt a little sluggish on the track. I quickly got a rub down from our trainers and took my 10 minute ice bath. One out of the way……more to come
Thursday, August 14, 2008
BEIJING .....the next level .......where the real athletes compete!!!!
Hey everyone,
FYI- My Home Depot Commercial aired on Aug 8th and has been on several times. Check out NBC throughout the day and you will see it or here is a link from my buddy Chris Smith who put it on youtube. He taped it with his cell phone. But hopefully you can see the real thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5Wupk7bB2g
Well sorry it took so long to write an update email to you all, but things here are great! I made it to China safe and sound with no problems. I have so many stories to tell that I don't know where to begin. Let's start with after the Olympic Trials....... I was so excited and proud of myself that I had one of the biggest smiles on my face for the remaining time that I was in Cincy before heading to Europe/China. Everyone in Cincy has been great supporters and fans. The coverage has been great for both myself and fellow Bearcat David Payne. I have enjoyed talking with all the reporters and being on all the news shows. I am happy for the exposure because it helps a lot of people understand more about my event, running and of course the Olympics.
Now I guess we can move on to the Big Trip.....My Road to Beijing. I left Cincinnati on August 2nd, 2008 and headed to San Jose, California to do processing. It was an amazing time in which I was able to go though different stages of processing, such as ring sizing, uniform collection, collection of sponsor gifts, shoes, clothing, getting Olympic information, and of course getting fitted for my opening/closing ceremony outfits. The whole process was overwhelming....I had a cart full of great things, and everyone from the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) was so helpful and nice. They definitely made my day. For this year Olympic Games the sponsor was NIKE and Ralph Lauren POLO. I got so much stuff that I was able to send a suitcase of stuff back home. While processing I found out that we get Olympic rings!!!! Wow my own ring. I was able to pick what I wanted it to say on the side (MARY 400M) and it will be white gold and have Olympic Rings on it. I can't wait to get it. After we went through processing a group of us (other track athletes) were able to eat dinner. We were expected to then after dinner get all our belongings together to get packed up for the airport. We would take off bright and early the next day to a long flight which would last 12 hours.
I can recall not being able to sleep that night, anticipating the next day. I felt like it was Christmas Eve and the next morning would be filled wth fun surprises. I headed to the airport the next morning and as Olympic athletes we went and checked into a special section. Check-in went smooth and the plane was a big one. I was happy with my seat choice which was a window seat with no one in the middle but another track athlete in the aisle seat. I was able to stretch out a little and get some sleep during the flight. At last after several hours and meals I landed in Beijing, China. As the plane landed I looked out to see gray skies and as I headed off the plane it was so very hot and humid. I couldn't believe....I'm Here, I'm here in China.
The transition to the Olympic Village was great, the Chinese volunteers for the games are very nice, full of smiles and very welcoming. After checking into the village the place was AMAZING. The village consisted of many dorm like buildings called suites and the athletes stay six to a room. The rooms are very cozy and I was able to recieve a gift from the Chinese children on my bed to welcome me. They painted pictures for each of the athletes. The days go by fast here espicially if you keep busy. I usually attend practice in the mornings, get treatment such as ice and stretch. then I go for lunch and then check email or go into our international zone on site, then it's time for dinner and we may have a team meeting here or there and it's bed time. Wow sounds like the life right...haha. But I am enjoying myself, and staying calm as I prepare for my first day on Saturday.
Opening ceremonies was such a great thing to be able to participate in. I was able to see so many athletes from other countries, and even from the U.S. Kobe, Carmello, Lisa Leslie, LaBron, Jenny Finch (baseball pitcher), the Venus sisters, volleyball and women's basketball, the Lopez family in Judo and even Dara Torres and Michael Phelps. I also meet President Bush, his father and Laura Bush. They all were very nice and greatful to have so many athletes to represent the USA. Walking in the cermony was long and hard because with what we had on and the weather, it was a sweaty four hours! But it was worth it and I would do it again. I was able to get some TV time by staying near Men's basketball, since I knew the TV would catch them and give them a lot of attention. If you were watching opening cermonies Men's basketball was the last team to walk into the stadium and I was talking with one of the players when the tv showed me. I was able to state to him that this crowd would be the same once track and field started. We were both amazed and he said that it was much more fans than they would have in their basketball arena. So I had a great time and was proud of Team USA for looking good and being the biggest team present. GO USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris was able to arrive a day after me and we were able to celebrate our 2nd anniversary in China. Well not really because he was actually on a plane on our date. But it is nice to have him here for support. He is also amazed with the whole experience. He is having a great time and for him the opening ceremonies was BRILLIANT. Chris wasn't able to be at the stadium but he did watch it on a big screen tv where he is staying. And boy let me tell you the coverage was great. He saw many things that you all in the US did not get a chance to see. His greatest event was the lighting of the torch and seeing the man run around the entire stadium. Chris has also been able to visit in the Olympic Village and eat a couple of meals with me. We have not been to any of the other athletic venues, but we have seen a lot on TV. We went to the Silk Market on my day off and let me just tell you there are some aggressive sellers!!!! Imagine yourself in a crowded shop with tons of people, and tons of little booths in which you go down an aisle and each floor is specific. You hear COME COME buy from me pretty girl or you handsome guy, ohhhh don't you want a tie, a purse, a shirt or some jeans. They grab your hand and usher you into their little booth and don't think you can escape. You have to bargain talk their prices!!!!! They will try to get more money from you at first then you hear the constant...ohhhh I don't make any money, youuuuu sooooo tough, or give me 300rmb and you immediately say no and only offer to give 100rmb which is like $20 USD. So that was our highlight of this trip so far. We also went to Nike hospitality in which I got some good stuff and we were able to eat and enjoy mingling. Now I am not going anywhere else until competition is over.......I am resting these legs and by he way it is raining today......
If you haven't check out the website feel free to...I actually can't put any pictures up from opening ceremony until 3 days after the Olympics so sorry you will have to wait until then. But I do know my friend Amy is a wiz on the computer and she was able to find some shots of me. We should have a listing up and schedule of when I run on the website. I will be also blogging but will try to keep it short on there. I hope everyone is well and please continue to keep me in your prayers. Talk to you all soon!!
Mary Wineberg
FYI- My Home Depot Commercial aired on Aug 8th and has been on several times. Check out NBC throughout the day and you will see it or here is a link from my buddy Chris Smith who put it on youtube. He taped it with his cell phone. But hopefully you can see the real thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5Wupk7bB2g
Well sorry it took so long to write an update email to you all, but things here are great! I made it to China safe and sound with no problems. I have so many stories to tell that I don't know where to begin. Let's start with after the Olympic Trials....... I was so excited and proud of myself that I had one of the biggest smiles on my face for the remaining time that I was in Cincy before heading to Europe/China. Everyone in Cincy has been great supporters and fans. The coverage has been great for both myself and fellow Bearcat David Payne. I have enjoyed talking with all the reporters and being on all the news shows. I am happy for the exposure because it helps a lot of people understand more about my event, running and of course the Olympics.
Now I guess we can move on to the Big Trip.....My Road to Beijing. I left Cincinnati on August 2nd, 2008 and headed to San Jose, California to do processing. It was an amazing time in which I was able to go though different stages of processing, such as ring sizing, uniform collection, collection of sponsor gifts, shoes, clothing, getting Olympic information, and of course getting fitted for my opening/closing ceremony outfits. The whole process was overwhelming....I had a cart full of great things, and everyone from the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) was so helpful and nice. They definitely made my day. For this year Olympic Games the sponsor was NIKE and Ralph Lauren POLO. I got so much stuff that I was able to send a suitcase of stuff back home. While processing I found out that we get Olympic rings!!!! Wow my own ring. I was able to pick what I wanted it to say on the side (MARY 400M) and it will be white gold and have Olympic Rings on it. I can't wait to get it. After we went through processing a group of us (other track athletes) were able to eat dinner. We were expected to then after dinner get all our belongings together to get packed up for the airport. We would take off bright and early the next day to a long flight which would last 12 hours.
I can recall not being able to sleep that night, anticipating the next day. I felt like it was Christmas Eve and the next morning would be filled wth fun surprises. I headed to the airport the next morning and as Olympic athletes we went and checked into a special section. Check-in went smooth and the plane was a big one. I was happy with my seat choice which was a window seat with no one in the middle but another track athlete in the aisle seat. I was able to stretch out a little and get some sleep during the flight. At last after several hours and meals I landed in Beijing, China. As the plane landed I looked out to see gray skies and as I headed off the plane it was so very hot and humid. I couldn't believe....I'm Here, I'm here in China.
The transition to the Olympic Village was great, the Chinese volunteers for the games are very nice, full of smiles and very welcoming. After checking into the village the place was AMAZING. The village consisted of many dorm like buildings called suites and the athletes stay six to a room. The rooms are very cozy and I was able to recieve a gift from the Chinese children on my bed to welcome me. They painted pictures for each of the athletes. The days go by fast here espicially if you keep busy. I usually attend practice in the mornings, get treatment such as ice and stretch. then I go for lunch and then check email or go into our international zone on site, then it's time for dinner and we may have a team meeting here or there and it's bed time. Wow sounds like the life right...haha. But I am enjoying myself, and staying calm as I prepare for my first day on Saturday.
Opening ceremonies was such a great thing to be able to participate in. I was able to see so many athletes from other countries, and even from the U.S. Kobe, Carmello, Lisa Leslie, LaBron, Jenny Finch (baseball pitcher), the Venus sisters, volleyball and women's basketball, the Lopez family in Judo and even Dara Torres and Michael Phelps. I also meet President Bush, his father and Laura Bush. They all were very nice and greatful to have so many athletes to represent the USA. Walking in the cermony was long and hard because with what we had on and the weather, it was a sweaty four hours! But it was worth it and I would do it again. I was able to get some TV time by staying near Men's basketball, since I knew the TV would catch them and give them a lot of attention. If you were watching opening cermonies Men's basketball was the last team to walk into the stadium and I was talking with one of the players when the tv showed me. I was able to state to him that this crowd would be the same once track and field started. We were both amazed and he said that it was much more fans than they would have in their basketball arena. So I had a great time and was proud of Team USA for looking good and being the biggest team present. GO USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris was able to arrive a day after me and we were able to celebrate our 2nd anniversary in China. Well not really because he was actually on a plane on our date. But it is nice to have him here for support. He is also amazed with the whole experience. He is having a great time and for him the opening ceremonies was BRILLIANT. Chris wasn't able to be at the stadium but he did watch it on a big screen tv where he is staying. And boy let me tell you the coverage was great. He saw many things that you all in the US did not get a chance to see. His greatest event was the lighting of the torch and seeing the man run around the entire stadium. Chris has also been able to visit in the Olympic Village and eat a couple of meals with me. We have not been to any of the other athletic venues, but we have seen a lot on TV. We went to the Silk Market on my day off and let me just tell you there are some aggressive sellers!!!! Imagine yourself in a crowded shop with tons of people, and tons of little booths in which you go down an aisle and each floor is specific. You hear COME COME buy from me pretty girl or you handsome guy, ohhhh don't you want a tie, a purse, a shirt or some jeans. They grab your hand and usher you into their little booth and don't think you can escape. You have to bargain talk their prices!!!!! They will try to get more money from you at first then you hear the constant...ohhhh I don't make any money, youuuuu sooooo tough, or give me 300rmb and you immediately say no and only offer to give 100rmb which is like $20 USD. So that was our highlight of this trip so far. We also went to Nike hospitality in which I got some good stuff and we were able to eat and enjoy mingling. Now I am not going anywhere else until competition is over.......I am resting these legs and by he way it is raining today......
If you haven't check out the website feel free to...I actually can't put any pictures up from opening ceremony until 3 days after the Olympics so sorry you will have to wait until then. But I do know my friend Amy is a wiz on the computer and she was able to find some shots of me. We should have a listing up and schedule of when I run on the website. I will be also blogging but will try to keep it short on there. I hope everyone is well and please continue to keep me in your prayers. Talk to you all soon!!
Mary Wineberg
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
BEIJING HERE I COME.....
Hi everyone,
I AM SO HAPPY AND RELIEVED THAT THE TRIALS ARE OVER, I MADE IT, I DID IT...WHAT MORE CAN I SAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Things were so hectic after the Olympic Trials(throwing my mom an early surprise birthday party to leaving for Europe 2 days later), so sorry for just getting around to writing about the wonderful experience I had. I knew that I couldn't take too long because so many people were asking me how the race went, what happened and how was my stay in Eugene. So here it goes, I hope that I answer all your questions and make you feel as if you were there with me.
Eugene, Oregon is actually a very nice quiet place in which people seem to love not only football but track and field. Just to throw this out there for those who may not know Steve Prefontaine. He was a great distance runner who went to the University of Oregon. He was AMAZING, he set so many records, went to the Olympics and unfortunately did not get to advance his career due to dying in a car accident. His name still lives on in Oregon, they have a track meet named after him, and you will see many people wear PRE shirts or just sit and reminisce about him. Hey google him and read his story!
I arrived in Eugene five days before the first round of the 400 meters. I was able to have my husband attend with me, his parents and my coach Jim Schnur. My inlaws and coach were able to stay with a very nice family in Eugene. The Duncan's were great! They opened up their home and were enjoyable host. They even attended the final round of the 400 to watch me run. The Duncan's had lived in Eugene for 17 years but actually had ties from Spingfield, Ohio where they both grew up. My inlaws and husband are from there..so we kept thinking man small world...it's interesting who you can meet. So being there early in Eugene of course allowed me to adjust to the time difference of three hours and the weather/allergies. Chris and I got in our last work out while in Eugene, and from there we knew I was ready to go. Nnow all that was left was making it through the rounds and letting the Final take care of it self. I really didn't sight see too much but I stayed off my feet and just relaxed. Chris did go see the mountains and sea lions which were pretty neat, but he said they smelled strong! I will admit prior to competiting...we found out while my coach was with me that he did not get renewed the following year as head womens coach for UC. We were all shocked, upset and confused! I couldn't belive that this happened and happened during the biggest event of my life..the TRIALS. We all decided to not think about it and move forth with our plan...nothing was going to ruin my chance. It is unfortunate that he will no longer be coaching at UC...he is a great coach, very knowledgeable and produced 11 NCAA All Americans for UC. He will still be coaching me in part with my husband, but let's keep him in our prayers!!!
On the day of the Final I will admit I was nervous but confident...I had a plan but sometimes things don't go as plan and you still have to wing it so here it is.....
how the race went:
The race was a blur to me right after....I definitely had so many emotions especially during the last 50 meters. But also after watching it several times I was able to dissect the race and see my mistakes and what I did right. Going into the final I was very confident with myself, I knew that I had worked hard all year and I would make this team no matter how I came across the line. I wanted to complete my goal and I had the look of war on my face for the final...some thought it was nervousness.
As the announcer said set my goal was to get out hard and just run with my heart. My coach had expressed to me to get out the first 80 meters, relax the back stretch but stay in position and then bring it home strong like in Indy last year. Unfortunately it wasn't that easy, as I got into the blocks I said to myself...let's go after her...you can run with her....let's do it. (referring to Sanya...she is a great teammate and competitor) I got out hard the first 100 meters and then didn't get relaxed the second hundred...I increased my turnover causing me to come through the 200 at 23.2 (TOO FAST FOR ME....I USUALLY DO 23.8 or 24 flat) even the announcer stated before that myself and Trotter were slower in the first 200 than our competitors)
I actually made up ground and I was pumped, maybe a little too much....and was in the lead for a little until she turned on her legs and at that point on the third hundred...I still thought I could go with her and still tried to turn over.....as we headed into the last 100 meters...I thought my body felt OK and would be able to finish strong....but the effects of sprinting too fast in the 2nd hundred caught up with me.....ugggggggghhhhhhhhh
That horrible feeling came on quick. The feeling as if a monkey jumped out on my back and was pulling and pulling me into the track. Sort of like your sinking and there is no way out!!! I started to strain and I saw my life flash before me..but quickly. I just needed to hoooooooooooollllllllllllld on....
Sanya took off strong down the home stretch, and as I lifted and struggled down the homestretch I was able to hold on to 2nd place and fall across the line.WHEWWWW!!!!!!! I made it....but gave a lot of people the scare of their life, including myself. Once laid out on the track, I looked back at the screen to see the places because I wasn't exactly sure I had made it. Once I saw it I was so relieved that I didn't even remember how the race had went or that I had fallen...I got up to enjoy my news...I was so happy and thankful!!! The Lord blessed me and I was know an Olympian. Well what I did right in the race was go after it!!! I wasn't afraid and sometimes you have to do that. I didn't run the best race of my life...certainly not but it's amazing how I still made the team and got second at that. My worst race.....think if I would have ran a more relaxed first part my time I know would have possibly been a PR!!! But I will now shoot after that for the Olympic Games.
Thank you all for your continual support and I hope that I have made you all proud. I can remember in 2004 when I was looking for sponsporship....at that time I didn't have anything. I was paying my own way to meets in California and trying to stay focused at the same time. I can remember talking with my high school coach Karl Kauffman, and he referred me to a family that decided to help me out. I tried using my resources in Cincinnati and sent out DVD's expressing to companies my need for sponsporship and pleading my case. This family decided to help me out...I was very greatful and to this day I still think back to Connolly Family in Cincinnati. Thanks again
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