Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Pictures from Europe......

Koln, Germany .....


Hey everybody, Just wanted to share with you all how I did at my last meet in Switzerland, I ended up winning the 400 meters in a SB time. So I am on the right track, my times are coming down so let's pray and hope that things will fall into place for Nationals. The day after the meet I immediately left Geneva and flew to Germany where my base is located in Koln. When I say base you are probably wondering.....what is she talking about...well it is a place that I stay at in between meets. I love it ....I am able to stay at the German Sports School, train and everyone there is friendly. I have attached a video with one of my agents who resides in Koln, his name is Steffen and he loves working with Peter Stubbs Management. On my first night in Koln I was able to go dinner with Steffen and his lovely girlfriend at a local Italian place downtown. We had a great time talking and ended the night with getting ice cream but they call it Gelato. The next day I practice early in the day and then headed to the downtown area, pictures to come soon. It is amazing how the shops are laid out and people have apartments on top. In Germany something's are expensive and I would probably go broke shopping there ha ha. So if you ever want to take a trip defiantly check out Geneva, Switzerland or even Koln, Germany. So long until I blog again, now I am in Dassau, Germany Chow



Sunday, May 29, 2011

Role Model Initiative....Spread the word

Hello everyone,
Greetings from Koln,Germany where I am writing this blog for tonight. I hope that you all are doing well, and were able to have some quality family time today. One thing that I love about Germany is that on Sunday...it is all about family time. As I arrived from the airport I was able to watch from the car families walking hand in hand, mothers playing in the near by fields with their children or families just sitting and enjoying the fresh air. Wow if only we did more of that in the states.....it was an amazing site to see.
I am happy to share with you all a new group in which I am apart of called the RMI- which stands for the Role Model Initiative, headed up by a friend of mine who wanted to capture what being a role model stands for and how it can help others in positive ways.

Please check out this site www.rolemodelinitiative.com

How many of you have had a special someone that you may have looked up to, or used as inspiration as you try to attain a goal? We all can probably answer yes and give the reasons of why this person played a role. At some point in my life I have had role models and now as an athlete I see myself as a role model for others. I can remember an athlete stating that they don't feel obligated to be seen as a role model, but in my eyes you should. In the world of athletics, people of all ages are admiring you, wanting to be like you and look up to you. As I represent my country in various international and domestic track meetings I always remember to be and do like how I would want to be seen. I enjoy the challenge and the positive outlook of being a role model.

It gives me the opportunity to allow others to see my work, passion, drive and determination. It allows others to also feel a sense of connection and a push that they to can succeed at whatever the dream may be. So I challenge you all....check out the site, please pass on to all who you know. Let's come together and help advance the Role Model Initiative.

www.rolemodelinitiative.com

Vielen Dank
Thank you very much

Friday, May 27, 2011

Geneva, Switzerland

Hello everyone,
Greetings from Geneva, Switzerland and yes it is such a beautiful place. I had the pleasure of flying from Thursday and arriving this morning in Geneva and just making my plane. When I left Cincinnati it was storming and my flight was slightly delayed. In order to make my connection I had to run for my life ha ha, no really I ran like 3 miles throughout the Washington airport. So maybe this is TMI but when I made the gate, I was dripping with sweat and so thankful I made it. Yes I was the last passenger to board but all the flight attendants felt sorry for me and gave me cups of water and paper towels. Man I was hoping for a upgrade to business or first class....didn't happen but I did cool down and enjoy my seat in economy plus with and extra empty seat in the middle.
So the flight wasn't to bad, I think 8 hours and I didn't get much sleep. Once I arrived I was met by the track meet organizers and to the hotel we went. I was able to eat breakfast and head to a nice cozy bed....yes I needed some zzzz's before pre meet warmup. Aaahhh once up from my nap I was adventurous and rode the bus system to the track. Ok I was nervous at first because I thought I might get lost but I made it!! So I can brag and state that I used the bus system like a Genevian....so while at the track I meet a guy who works with the youth who run track. It was great to see so many kids out there running and really enjoying it. So check out the video.......

Sunday, May 15, 2011

"Volunteering and Spreading Good News"

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to update you all on what I do with my spare time when I am not training. I am a big advocate for children and I love to give my time with the help of Athletes For Hope at my local Children's Hospital located here in Cincinnati. It is always such a great feeling to know that you are able to brighten someone's day, get them to smile, or even experience meeting a gold medalist while they are enduring their stay at the hospital. I love to see the children's eyes light up when they realize how down to earth, humble and caring I am.

I always enjoy my visits to Children's, but this last visit allowed me to meet several kids who I enjoyed talking with, laughing with and letting them know that any dream is possible. I also got to see two individuals who I met several months ago when I first started at Children's and you know sometimes it is hard to remember everyone you meet but I did remember them. So a special shout out to Buzz and also my guitar hero dancing buddy, I wish you both the best and may things work out! So to you all out there find something you cherish and give back your time, may it be working with children, the homeless, elderly or even serving as a mentor, know that it is an awesome experience.

So again stay tuned to hear more of my volunteer opportunities and just in case you all didn't hear this past weekend it was a pleasure to be inducted into my second hall of fame, the Hamilton County Sports Hall Of Fame in Cincinnati. I am always grateful for such an honor and am pleased to see that others think so too. So thanks to all my supporters out there! These accolades continue to help in pushing me to my ultimate goal of London 2012. Thanks so let's hope for some more upcoming meets. I have attached a picture of the plaque I received and a day at Children's.



Sunday, May 8, 2011

Update of my race in Kawasaki

Hey hey,
So the race is over and it is 10:48pm and I am up tweeting and decided to update my blog. I felt prepared and ready to go for today's race but I guess my day at the office did not go as planned. I finished the race second but made a big mistake that cost me some time in the 400 meters. I was not at all satisfied with my time or place but realized what I did wrong. After reporting to Wineberg what happened, he asked well why do you think you ran like that? I really could just tell him that my intention was to go out and execute the race and go for the win, I let the field get away from me leading into the second hundred and by then I was playing catch up and didn't make the move I was suppose to make.
So I came out with a second place finish, and my fellow American Sherese Woods came out with the win. Congrats to her and all the best. I am still focused on improving my time and sometimes you have to let the bad days go and keep looking for the sunny happy days. I still have over a month before our USA Nationals and I look forward to making the World Championship team. I tried to attach a picture before and it wouldn't work so here is a quick glimpse of what I could watch on tv while here in Japan. So thanks again to the meet director, my agent and competitors for,coming out and making this meet special for the people of Japan.

Update of my race in Kawasaki

Hey hey,
So the race is over and it is 10:48pm and I am up tweeting and decided to update my blog. I felt prepared and ready to go for today's race but I guess my day at the office did not go as planned. I finished the race second but made a big mistake that cost me some time in the 400 meters. I was not at all satisfied with my time or place but realized what I did wrong. After reporting to Wineberg what happened, he asked well why do you think you ran like that? I really could just tell him that my intention was to go out and execute the race and go for the win, I let the field get away from me leading into the second hundred and by then I was playing catch up and didn't make the move I was suppose to make.
So I came out with a second place finish, and my fellow American Sherese Woods came out with the win. Congrats to her and all the best. I am still focused on improving my time and sometimes you have to let the bad days go and keep looking for the sunny happy days. I still have over a month before our USA Nationals and I look forward to making the World Championship team. I tried to attach a picture before and it wouldn't work so here is a quick glimpse of what I could watch on tv while here in Japan. So thanks again to the meet director, my agent and competitors for,coming out and making this meet special for the people of Japan.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Kawasaki, Japan

Good morning everyone,
It is now 8:28am here and a beautiful Sunday morning in Japan. My view from my hotel room is awesome in that I can see the whole city, the high rises, city life and some of the homes. My flight was long but not to bad because I was in a comfortable seat with lots of leg room, awwww just great! I literally watched like 6 movies and may have even caused my television to stop working, ha ha the flight attendants had to reset my screen. So once I arrived there were other athletes that traveled on the same flights, the meet people got us all together and they sent us on our way to the hotel. I am so thankful to have made this trip and it is always a pleasure to see the meet organizers and staff from the Japanese Athletic Federation. My heart goes out to all the families who were affected by the past earthquakes/tsunami, may they be able to rebuild, restore and start again. I continue to pray for all the lives lost and may you all do so also and remember to donate to the cause.
Yesterday I decided to walk around a little and I will attach a short video of what I saw. Japan has lots of people and the culture here is so great. After site seeing I then ate lunch and was able to do my pre-meet shake out. There are no English channels so i have not been able to watch tv. But I will admit their tv is interesting even if I don't know what they are saying haha. So my race today is at 2:45pm and I can't wait to run. Please wish me the best and I will check in with you all later.


Bye
Mrs.W

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

2011 DRAKE RELAYS...... "almost got the win"

Hey everyone,
I am so happy and excited to be writing to you all tonight! It has been a while since my last blog entry and I just wanted to take a quick moment to update you all on the Drake Relays and how ya girl almost got the win. So yes there is no shame in my game for accepting that on that day my competitor came out the winner. I was able to realize that sometimes what we want may not happen and the Lord has plans for all of us and we must take it day by day and step by step. The race was very smooth and I really can not be mad with how I went out with a competitive mind and spirit and executed. Going into the race I knew that the field consisted of a good group of ladies, and I wanted to do my best and continue to lower my 400 times. The race came down to the end and with 70 meters to go I broke away from the field and pushed home with all my might. I have been known for my strong finish in the 400 and kept pushing and pushing....as I crossed the finish line my competitor crossed also in what seemed like the same time. I looked up at the board to see that the meet officials had us tied but later determined that she crossed first ahead of my chest so man was it a close finish!!!! An exciting race, a good time with my athletes, and seeing other pro athletes, there is something about Drake that I will always love.

Being at this meet and not attending Penn Relays which I have done in the past gave me an opportunity to see the UC Track and Field Team compete along with having my husband/coach in attendance. The men and women's team did great in the events, some better than others but everyone had a good attitude and wanted to do their best. In my last blog I cited out the Gold Runner of the Week and without a doubt it goes to Terrence Somerville....who handled his business this past weekend. Not only is he currently ranked 7th in the nation among the NCAA but 15th in the world in the 110 hurdles but he also was the 2011 Drake Relays Athlete of the Meet, ran the anchor leg on the winning 4x110 hurdle shuttle relay. Yeah Terrence, you went and got you one, and serves as a true inspiration to all that anything can happen.

Now that I have put in another good week of training I will be off to Japan on Thursday to run in a meet. Feel free to goggle or refer to my tweets to find out how I do. The meet is called Seiko Golden Grand Prix in Kawasaki, Japan. Please have a great week and continue to send all those well wishes......until we meet again on this site, best wishes and to all the mothers out there "Happy Mother's Day!"


I'm out as my athletes would say
Mrs. W
"Good luck to all and remember to strive for your dreams"