Wednesday, August 29, 2007

400 Final-Osaka, Japan

Well....... I am not very happy with the end result of today's race. You know I really don't know what went wrong. I came into the race warmed up, feeling great and wanted to run fast. My legs felt in great shape and during warm-up my turnover was quick and on point. The only solution that I can come up with is......today just wasn't my day! One amazing thing is that at the last World Championships my time would have placed fourth, this was a fast race!!!!!

I came into the race very excited, even after finding out that I was in lane 2. I reminded myself that every lane is 400 meters. Being in lane 2 might have been a small downfall for me. You are able to see the entire feild and can sometimes change your race strategy. One thing that I can take from this whole experience is that I am still a great 400 meter runner. I am one of the greatest in the world. No one exected me to even make finals, I am happy to have proved many wrong. This was my first outdoor World Championships.....I have had a long exciting year. When asked by my husband who trains with me, "Did you see yourslf being here from the start of the indoor season?" I truly can say that in January, February or even March I was not thinking about making it to the finals in the 400 meters at Worlds. For me the big accomplishment was to make the final at Nationals. Whoa did I exceed that.....I am truly thankful for all the blessings and opportunities that I have recieved this year.

I now have to revert my focus to the 4X400 relay where we have a strong chance of getting a gold medal. I will definitly have more fire to drive for the win. World's is an amazing place to be, it simulates what the Olympics will bring. The best of the best, and a place where athletes show what they have worked all year for. Once again thanks for all your support.....having you makes a difference!!!!!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

2007 World Championships Pre 400 Final

Hello everyone,

I just got done talking with someone from the Enquirer regarding the World Championships. I decided to post this because it gives some insight on what is going on. Hope to give good news in a couple of days, until then see you!!!!




1.What has the pressure been like so far in Osaka in terms of intensity of the races and the margin between moving on and missing the cut?

It's the World Championships.... the pressure is definitly there. You are not only competing with the best , but the best in the World. I have been going into the rounds with a sense of just sticking with my same game plan. I have been constantly reminded "what got you here, will keep you here...don't go changing anything" It was very important to advance, they took the top 4 in each heat. I placed second in my heat wih a 51.25 The second day consisted of me running close to my personal best to make the final, in which they took the top 2 of each heat and the next two fastest times. There were girls who ran personal best for the season and missed out on making the final. That shows you just how intense this second round was. I am just happy to surive the pressure of the rounds. I look forward to the final and hope to bring home a medal. I am currently in six place going into the meet. I see it as ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!!!

2.Now that you've made the finals, how does it affect the way you view yourself in relation everyone else on the world class level?

It helps tremendously....I am one of the best 400 meter runners in the world! I have come a long way to be able to title myself as such. As a former Conference USA runner up in the 400 meters, never qualifying for NCAA's and this being my first World Outdoor TEAM and final....I'm not doing too bad. I am greatful for this opportunity, it allows me to be more confident with myself! There is always room for improvement, but I must say that my improvements have been steadily rising. I am top 8 in the world.....that means a lot.

3.How do you gauge your prospects for Wednesday's race (Do you analyze the times from the other semifinal? Does that even matter? Does it matter to you that you're the fastest American so far in the 400 in Osaka?)

As I go into Wednesday's race...I am truly thinking about myself. How does Mary want to attack the race, come through the race and finish the race. I try not to get caught up in what other people are doing or their game plan. When you start doing that.....problems begin. I just remind myself that there are eight ladies in the race. There are only three medals, so I mentally am prepared to give my all and see what it gets me.

4.How's the heat/humidity been?

Japan has had great weather, besides being very hot and humid. I had the opportunity to race both in the morning and evening hours. Neither is better....the morning sun just beats down on your face and causes your clothes to be drenched. The evening was about the same no sun but even more humid. We were constantly reminded by our medical staff to stay hydrated. I have been doing a good job of this.

5.When you go to the starting blocks Wednesday night, what will you be thinking about?

Tough question...so many thoughts would have ran through my head prior, but I think once I am in the blocks....the thought will be (Let's do this....go after it and do your best) There are three medals......let's go get one of them and try to get another personal best time. I also ask the Lord to be with me.

6.Goals in terms of time and place? Have you set any either generally or specifically?

I always go into the race not giving myself a time to achieve....I let God do his will. If it is his plan to let me PR, then let it be. I do have a goal of getting top three. I would love to win the race!!!!

7.And finally, how does this race -- the open 400 -- measure up in terms of personal importance to you compared to the 4x400?

This race was definitely a precursor to how the 4x4 relay would be decided. I have proven myself by making the final in the 400. I see myself running the prelim round and defintely the finals. The relay is a fun event in which I know we can get the gold. I am excited to be able to run with my fellow Americans....Richards, Hasting, Trotter and Felix. We will make a great team! I know we will do well.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

2007 Pre World Championships (Osaka, Japan)

HI......
I am in Japan and have been here for a week now at the pre-camp training site. Japan has been an awesome city in catering to our needs and being very supportive as we are preparing for the World Championships. I have gotten the chance to meet some high school athletes and other individuals who love track and field, especially the USA Team. The weather is very hot here and we have trained both in the morning ad evening hours. My favorite food while in Japan has been sticky rice.....you can enjoy it both for breakfast and dinner.

I have gotten the chance to have my husband here with me. He is my training partner and coach. We have been able to get some really good workouts in prior to moving to the athlete village. This whole experience is wonderful, you get a chance to meet with oher athletes and prepare for representing your country! I am very thankful to have made this trip. I am not just thankful to be here, but excited about medaling for my country both in the 400 and 4x400 relay. Please continue to keep me in your prayers and I know that I have many supporters back in the states.

I am counting down the days until my first competition. Here in Japan we are 14 hours ahead of Cincinnati time. So as I am writing this it is 9:04am on Wednesday, but in Cincinnati it is 8:04 pm. My first day of competition will be on Sunday morning here in Japan. Until then may the Lord continue to be with me.....and I hope to write more soon!!!!!!

2007 London Meet & Stockholm Meet

Greetings,
I hope everyone is well and is enjoying the heat that the summer is providing.
Travels have been keeping me very busy, but I have to fill you in on how these two last races went. Running at these last meets gave me an opportunity to see what shape I might be in prior to the World Championships. Throughout the summer European schedule I struggled to break 51 in several races. I did not let this factor bring me down instead I stayed mentally strong!! I have realized that if you aren't mentally and physically prepared.......then you aren't ready to be in Europe.

I am definitely stronger mentally and physically. I have seen what it takes to race with the best and I am ready. If you weren't able to see either meets they are shown on www.wcsn.com You can start a subscription to view all meets and be able to enjoy from your home or work. As I race more, I am learning more and more about the 400. The London race showed that I ran the race too aggressive and was unable to relax throughout the race. Thus making the last 100 meters difficult. Starting from lane 2 I decided to push it and make up staggers......well I was in position coming off at the 300 meters but just didn't have the last 60 meters of the race. I experienced taking out the first 200 meters much faster than I usually do. The complete race will come in good time. Sweden was fascinating..... the atmosphere at the meet was very inviting and they even played Michael Jackson as we were introduced. I finally was back to my old self in this race. Lane 8 you are totally not able to see anyone. I was able to concentrate on running my own race! I was pleased with my finish. Now to prepare for the biggest meet on my schedule----WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!

I would also like to mention the two individuals that I met while in Sweden. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, and I hope that you both enjoyed the meet. As one of the meet volunteers, you guys did a great job and hope to see you again next year! I appreciate you for taking the time to read my blog..stay tuned...