Monday, January 31, 2011

Another Step Forward

Hey everyone,
It is a pleasure to check in with you all, especially to those who have been reading my blog and following all my results. Yes, thank you so much for all the support. So things have been looking pretty productive for me and I am excited about the rest of the season. I ran this weekend at the University of Kentucky and I had a lot of fun. This meet we wanted to focus on me just getting a work out in and I ran the 60 prelim/60 final and the 200. I know that I wanted to work on my speed so my goal was to do my best and I was partially satisfied. I know that I don't have the speed of an 60/100 meter runner but once I get going I get going......

I talked about having butterflies in my last blog before a race but you know the funny thing is that I did not have them on Saturday. Mostly because I wasn't running the 400 meters and instead running off events. I enjoyed the competition at UK and I was very close to my seasonal best times from 2008 in the events that I ran on Saturday. The UC Track Team was also at the meet so I felt at home and had many supporters. They did a great job and I just want to give them all a Shout Out!!!!
While at the meet I also had an opportunity to meet a very nice coach, who brought over two young ladies to meet me. I love meeting fans and it was a pleasure to meet them and take a picture with them. I hope to see our photo on facebook.....haha
But all in all the meet was another productive step towards my goal, I look forward to this week of practice and of course competing again. So please if you get a chance check out the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix meet which will be on ESPN on Saturday Feb 5th!!!! Check out www.usatf.org for more information.

See you all soon,
Mrs.W

Monday, January 24, 2011


Hey everyone,
Oh my gosh thanks so much for the supportive emails, twitters and shout outs at the meet in NYC. It is amazing how things work out for the best. I had never been to this meet before and I was happy to have been given an opportunity. Races are always nice to go and compete in and especially when you have good competitors. So being back in the NYC was a great feeling,not only because I was born in Brooklyn but it is always nice to see the NY busy life. I like to people watch and see how they talk, move and operate. I also enjoyed the fact that you can ride the subway and there are deli shops/small stores on every single corner. You will never go hungry in the NYC ha ha.
Race day was a little different in that I rode the subway to get to the meet from my hotel in Times Square. So I had printed out my directions and just knew that I was going to be a pro at this.....ummmmm let's say that it didn't work out that way. I was suppose to catch the 1 all the way to the Armory and it would take about 25 minutes. Well I waited and waited at the train station for this Number 1 train and I started to notice that it wasn't coming...to my dismay this was the week for construction and my train had to be caught on the other side of the platform. So I stayed calm because I did not want to miss my race and there was still plenty of time for me to make it to the Armory.
I saw a guy who looked like he was a New Yorker and I kindly asked him to help me and he did. He explained what was going on with the construction and sure enough the next train to come was mine. I hopped on with relief and sighed as I sat for my train ride. I made it, I made it....I could know tell everyone that I successfully rode a NY train.
The armory was so packed with high schools and it really made the atmosphere so unbelievable. The whole set up was great and I was ready for my race to begin. Again my goal was to get out and execute my own race and put my self in position to do well. I did take second to my former USA teammate but it was a good race. I ended the day thinking man nice start to the indoor season but like always you can never be satisfied until the best comes out of you. So it is like a building block and I am excited for all of my upcoming meets. So stayed tuned and if you want to watch the race here is the link

http://ny.milesplit.com/articles/58146
you may have to download the silver light to watch....
So long!!!!!
Mrs. Wineberg


New Balance Games Results: Women 400 Meter Dash Elite
================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
================================================================================
1 Hastings, Natasha Nike 52.29
2 Wineberg, Mary Unattached 52.61 3 Dorr, Wendy Brooks 53.71
4 Cross, Brandi Unattached 53.85
5 Kinchens,Tamika Unattached 56.56

Monday, January 17, 2011

"My First Indoor Meet"

Hey everyone,
How is it going? Thanks for checking up on my blog and I hope I am keeping you interested and wanting more!!! So I bet you want to know how my first indoor meet of the season resulted? I will tell you all that it is amazing how you can race in front of thousands of people, start off the Olympic Games 4x400 relay and still get nervous at a college track meet. Yes that's right I can admit that I was jittery, butterflies fluttering and I asked myself...am I sure that I want to do this....running the 400 is torture to the body ha ha but hey I told myself.....jeez you're a pro at this...you got this! That morning I ate my ritual breakfast and then Chris, Brooklyn and I hit the rode to the University of Kentucky. On our way we stopped to pick up one of my fellow teammates/training partner Antione Drakeford and his wife as he too would be running his first indoor race. We sat comfortably for an hour and 15 minutes and Brooklyn entertained us. How many sing along songs did we participate in...."On the Road Again.... Uummm she actually had fun playing Peek-A-Boo....sorry there was no singing!

So we arrived and we did our usual, locate the check in table,confirm time of race,recheck lane draw and then relax for about 15 minutes. My game face was now turned on and I was excited about the day. I talked with Wineberg on my race strategy and he wanted me to execute my own race and he knew that a happy result would come. I was able to see a couple of old friends/and past Olympic Team Mates.....said hello briefly and started my warm-up. I was in lane 5 for the race of the 400 meters. As I sat in the blocks waiting for the starter I began to feel my hands shake and my legs turn to jello....but as soon as the gun went off those feelings went away. Thank Goodness for that gun....
So as the race started to unfold, things were looking promising as I approached the last 100 meters, I was on the outside of the girl in lane one right on her shoulder trying to make my move and then the girl behind us makes a move also and gets in on the inside. I push and push and pump my arms harder and harder and never gave up because I wanted a good time and to finish with a good start to the indoor season. My competitor crossed the line in 52.85 and I came in second in 53.11. Wow....not too bad for running in lane 2 most of the race and a plus to know that there were some things to be corrected. After the race, Wineberg and Brooklyn approached me, and of course all I could hear was MOMMA, MOMMA, MOMMA. I smiled and gave her a big hug and kiss and awaited to hear Wineberg's thoughts. "Not bad, you came through in what we wanted, it's a start and was an opportunity to get the first race under your belt. I know your next race will be faster and better and bring us closer to your goals for Indoor Nationals.
So with that said, I am ready for the next race!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Happy New Year........

Hey Hey,
It's officially the 11th of January and I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I know that I am a little late but I am sure you all enjoyed the holiday. My family actually attended church and I was able to think about my New Year's Resolution. How many of you have a resolution.....a new start.....a new beginning?

As the year 2011 is in full effect I plan to continue to be spiritually sound, advance in track and field and continue to be a loving friend, mother and daughter. I really just want the Lord to continue to bless me, my family and friends. I love the Lord and I can state that He WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS and WILL BLESS HIS CHILDREN!!!!

So I know you all would like to know about some things going on in my life (1)my training, (2) family life, (3) and my community presence. I have been doing very well in training and as we enter into the competitive season of Indoor Track and Field, I will be training through. The workouts have gotten more demanding, harder and Coach Chris expects a lot from me. I sometimes think he is crazy and give him grief but I do end up realizing that he knows what he is talking about, he knows me, my body, my ability, my speed, my ultimate end time for work outs. So who better could I have in my corner....Wineberg your the best!!!

Brooklyn is now 17 months and boy is she into everything, especially DORA! My child has everything Dora, uumm what left but to redo her bedroom Dora style.....ummm will think about that. But she is talking, sometimes gribish, other times some words. She already is very expressive, personality like her mother and continues to look like daddy. From day 1 when she was born all I heard is ahhhh she looks just like Chris, but haha guess what she is starting to favor momma. She loves watching me run, she likes to run and she is currently in her NO stage. This is where it is important with our parenting that we teach her right/wrong/and of course we give her lots and lots of love. She is our Pika and we LOVE her so much, so much!!!!

For the new year my plan is to continue my community service. I love to give back to young children in the community. I will be doing some speaking engagements and of course continuing to help out with the UC Track and Field Team....let's wish them good luck on their indoor season....go CATS!!!!

And by the way I have my first meet on the 15th at the University of Kentucky!!! Wish me luck and thanks for all your support!! I am grateful for all the help that you have provided as I accomplish my new Dream....Daegu and 2012 Olympics!!!