As I sit here watching Beowulf, I decided to take five minutes to write. Let's see if it has any fluid direction whatsoever. The truth is most of my blogs do not flow because I am constantly mentally editing what I write. I have gone so far as to write entire blogs and erase them. LOL Yup a few times. One must guard their thoughts when speaking and writing them down. This is the one reason I chuckle when I am accused of spilling my guts or telling secrets. Ok I do not actually chuckle, I get pissed.
So, Eugene was not so kind to me and my charges this year. On we move to the summer circuit. Ryan started his campaign in Oslo and Kai gets baptized in Madrid. For those of you out there, welcome him to the road, he is a virgin, with a clean passport LOL. Watch out for my man, I do not want him wandering around Europe waiting for a pick up. We all know the stories.
Congrats to D Payne (you owe the track gods lol) T Trammell(again!), and Aries (about time), go get em fellas in Berlin. D.O. get better and see you out there in London.
Here's a little history for you, Johnnie Dutch ran 48.18 to make the team at age 20. Danny Harris in 1984 ran a similar time to win an Olympic medal at age 20. Man where can I get some of that gene pool??? We have Dutch and Anderson coming up through the ranks and young kid Wyatt just getting in the game. The long hurdles are looking for a return to their glory years where you ran 47 to medal or stayed home.
Tomorrow is Madrid, come on Kai let's get it.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Slow days
I went to Houston this weekend and saw my best friend for the first time in about 5 years or so. He and I have gotten a kick out of our significant others who have implored us to call and visit each other. We are just as close whether we talk every week or twice a year (which has happened). That was put to the test this weekend when as we said, nothing has changed. That's my boy for life and I am blessed to have found such a friend. I really wish he still lived in LA though, this is the one thing my girl T Danvers was right about, I do miss him. More than I realized, but it is all good. his baby girl is beautiful, Leila. And his wife is a nut case, Tonnie. LOL
Meanwhile, track season is upon us. Started well and has hit some road bumps for the DSports crew. Tasha returned to London as is her routine, and ran in the inaugural Super8 series. A great idea that will force track into the 21st Century. A two hour team meet with some variations on the competition to keep it entertaining and action packed. Tasha was one of the team captains and spokespersons for the meet. We decided to support the endeavor and have some fun. She ran the short hurdles and the medley relay. She won the short hurdles which is always a fun race for her, and we decided to run the 200 leg of the relay. All was well until 80 meters and she pulled her hamstring. Rehab time! Tasha has a terrific attitude and as her blog said, she'll be back!
Kai Kelley finally broke through and dropped 13.44 last week. That brought a little dance out from the coach. Nothing like the newbies having success to remind you why you do something.
Jonathan Williams had a nice run in front of the federation, and for his own confidence.
Ryan has been running well. He took the Brazilian tour and got a good chance to establish some rhythm. He took second in Berlin yesterday at 13.21. Props to Dexter Faulk who won it in 13.18.
Ok tired of typing, see you all in Eugene, for the show. Time to put people on the team.
Meanwhile, track season is upon us. Started well and has hit some road bumps for the DSports crew. Tasha returned to London as is her routine, and ran in the inaugural Super8 series. A great idea that will force track into the 21st Century. A two hour team meet with some variations on the competition to keep it entertaining and action packed. Tasha was one of the team captains and spokespersons for the meet. We decided to support the endeavor and have some fun. She ran the short hurdles and the medley relay. She won the short hurdles which is always a fun race for her, and we decided to run the 200 leg of the relay. All was well until 80 meters and she pulled her hamstring. Rehab time! Tasha has a terrific attitude and as her blog said, she'll be back!
Kai Kelley finally broke through and dropped 13.44 last week. That brought a little dance out from the coach. Nothing like the newbies having success to remind you why you do something.
Jonathan Williams had a nice run in front of the federation, and for his own confidence.
Ryan has been running well. He took the Brazilian tour and got a good chance to establish some rhythm. He took second in Berlin yesterday at 13.21. Props to Dexter Faulk who won it in 13.18.
Ok tired of typing, see you all in Eugene, for the show. Time to put people on the team.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The NBA
Recently I have been told that the NBA is fixed. It is a universal thing it seems. We all like to talk trash about our favorite team and root for them and we all get upset when they lose and occasionally scream about the inconsistencies in the calls. It is what we do as bball fans. And I have heard this from fans and haters across the board. For the record I am a Lakers fan, I do not pretend I am not, I am also a Kobe fan and I also am still pissed about the Shaq trade. We should have at least five rings right now. I digress.
The point is, the officiating this playoff has been suspicious. I am all about human error, but there are some obvious calls either not being made, or only being called at certain times. I am currently watching the Magic/Cavs game and so far I am pleased to say it is just a game undisturbed by the calls. Good for the East. Out West it remains a different story. A rule of thumb for those of you reading and wondering what I am talking about, if you start to notice the announcers talking about calls, or become familiar with the referees names, they are far too visible. Refs should be unknown when the game ends, no matter the result. I promise you any Lakers fan knows Steve Javie's name. And not because of just this year. The funny thing is he has been one of the more balanced referees in Lakers game's.
What I want. I want consistency in calls form game to game. I want them to let this be the playoffs and stop handing out flagrant fouls on routine, hard nose fouls in the playoffs. I want them to call the little hip push everyone defends Kobe with. I want the refs to be invisible. We should never watch a playoff game where the 2 teams combine for 70+ free throws. I can accept the Lakers losing when I know the refs did not influence the flow of the game and the tone of it. Unfortunately this series is reminding of when the Lakers used to play the Spurs, how well the Lakers do depends on how the refs call the game. This should never be the case, but for us Lakers fans it has been the case for years. I will never forget the year the Lakers played the Spurs and for the first 2 games Tony Parker ran right through the Lakers. If they touched him he got the call. I told everyone I knew then, the Lakers will win the series, just let me see how they call the game. Sure enough, Parker went to the hole, Shaq laid him on his back and there was no call. The Lakers won the series in 6 games.
I have a friend that told me after GAME ONE of this series, the NBA wants this to go seven games. I told him no way we are winning in five. After game three I told him "See!" He simply replied, "It is going seven". If you think I am a crazed Lakers fan just look at the Houston series and notice decidedly different game seven was called and how easily the Lakers won.
Ok that's my NBA rant. I am putting my rose colored glasses back on because I want to believe the games are decided on the floor by the teams. Yup.
Let's go Magic!!!
The point is, the officiating this playoff has been suspicious. I am all about human error, but there are some obvious calls either not being made, or only being called at certain times. I am currently watching the Magic/Cavs game and so far I am pleased to say it is just a game undisturbed by the calls. Good for the East. Out West it remains a different story. A rule of thumb for those of you reading and wondering what I am talking about, if you start to notice the announcers talking about calls, or become familiar with the referees names, they are far too visible. Refs should be unknown when the game ends, no matter the result. I promise you any Lakers fan knows Steve Javie's name. And not because of just this year. The funny thing is he has been one of the more balanced referees in Lakers game's.
What I want. I want consistency in calls form game to game. I want them to let this be the playoffs and stop handing out flagrant fouls on routine, hard nose fouls in the playoffs. I want them to call the little hip push everyone defends Kobe with. I want the refs to be invisible. We should never watch a playoff game where the 2 teams combine for 70+ free throws. I can accept the Lakers losing when I know the refs did not influence the flow of the game and the tone of it. Unfortunately this series is reminding of when the Lakers used to play the Spurs, how well the Lakers do depends on how the refs call the game. This should never be the case, but for us Lakers fans it has been the case for years. I will never forget the year the Lakers played the Spurs and for the first 2 games Tony Parker ran right through the Lakers. If they touched him he got the call. I told everyone I knew then, the Lakers will win the series, just let me see how they call the game. Sure enough, Parker went to the hole, Shaq laid him on his back and there was no call. The Lakers won the series in 6 games.
I have a friend that told me after GAME ONE of this series, the NBA wants this to go seven games. I told him no way we are winning in five. After game three I told him "See!" He simply replied, "It is going seven". If you think I am a crazed Lakers fan just look at the Houston series and notice decidedly different game seven was called and how easily the Lakers won.
Ok that's my NBA rant. I am putting my rose colored glasses back on because I want to believe the games are decided on the floor by the teams. Yup.
Let's go Magic!!!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The Refs!!!
Charles Barkley said it right, the refs are struggling. People like to pigeonhole me on this topic as if I am a blind Lakers supporter or Kobe backer. I am clearly a Lakers fan and a Kobe fan. However, when I say the refs suck I am talking both conferences and all throughout the playoffs. George Karl said it best, there is a lack of consistency.
Example, Denver beats on the Lakers for three quarters, at least on Kobe, then all of a sudden it is the fourth quarter and they start blowing the whistle left and right. This type of inconsistency is happening throughout the playoffs. It throws the rhythm of the game off and keeps the players guessing at what is going on.
As a Lakers fan I am too well versed on the non calls, such as the hip push, which seems to have become an acceptable defensive move but was an instant call in the Jordan days. If you think Kobe shoots a lot of free throws now just think if they called the hip push.
HOWEVER, I am enjoying the competitiveness of the playoffs. There are good games and high drama. Teams are battling to the wire and not giving up. This is what conference finals should look like.
At this time I would like to give a shout out to my man Robby Hughes, the die hard Lakers fan living out there amongst the enemy. I know you are keeping them honest Robbie. And to my favorite Nuggets fan out there in Florida, sorry we have to do it to you. LOL
Example, Denver beats on the Lakers for three quarters, at least on Kobe, then all of a sudden it is the fourth quarter and they start blowing the whistle left and right. This type of inconsistency is happening throughout the playoffs. It throws the rhythm of the game off and keeps the players guessing at what is going on.
As a Lakers fan I am too well versed on the non calls, such as the hip push, which seems to have become an acceptable defensive move but was an instant call in the Jordan days. If you think Kobe shoots a lot of free throws now just think if they called the hip push.
HOWEVER, I am enjoying the competitiveness of the playoffs. There are good games and high drama. Teams are battling to the wire and not giving up. This is what conference finals should look like.
At this time I would like to give a shout out to my man Robby Hughes, the die hard Lakers fan living out there amongst the enemy. I know you are keeping them honest Robbie. And to my favorite Nuggets fan out there in Florida, sorry we have to do it to you. LOL
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Blogging
Been a minute. I will post to make sure I keep up. So...
Season is underway.
Carson was whack. Misplaced hurdles, cool weather, no atmosphere, and a lack of energy.
New York should be exciting.
Wariner returns to Hart.
I lost an athlete to the demands of life.
My son is growing up and it is amazing.
Kobe and LeBron are headed for a collision.
Lakers are the best team in basketball. If they play like it, we win.
Here comes the summer, the road to Berlin is about the HOT up!
Obama is still president hahahahahaha.
I still hate baseball but enjoy the fact that the Dodgers are playing well.
Be back one of these days
Season is underway.
Carson was whack. Misplaced hurdles, cool weather, no atmosphere, and a lack of energy.
New York should be exciting.
Wariner returns to Hart.
I lost an athlete to the demands of life.
My son is growing up and it is amazing.
Kobe and LeBron are headed for a collision.
Lakers are the best team in basketball. If they play like it, we win.
Here comes the summer, the road to Berlin is about the HOT up!
Obama is still president hahahahahaha.
I still hate baseball but enjoy the fact that the Dodgers are playing well.
Be back one of these days
Sunday, May 10, 2009
In real
The season has kicked off and I am excited, anxious, and confident about it. The usual
Watching Tiger try to win the TPC at Sawgrass.
Waiting for the beat down the Lakers are putting on Houston.
Here comes the Home Depot meet. I will be spectating for the most part as most of my crew will be resting and running elsewhere.
Ryan is off to experience the Brazilian circuit for a week. Jonathan is going back to Ponce. Tasha has traveled enough, it is time to train. However, Kai and Candice will be in action in Carson.
Off the track my Lakers are working hard at making this championship run interesting. I am weary of the lack of calls my boys get, and it is not just this year, it is every year. Kobe should be averaging 10 free throws a game. Where are the Jordan rules when you need them? The little push in hip on his jumpers, hindering his follow through, to outright slaps and smacks that go uncalled. I especially love when the experts say the Lakers need to go to the hole, why? They go to the hole, draw contact and get no calls. Yet, they are still winning this thing. Folks are all up in arms about Denver and Cleveland. Watch what happens when Denver faces the Lakeshow and not Dallas.
Where is football when you need it???
Watching Tiger try to win the TPC at Sawgrass.
Waiting for the beat down the Lakers are putting on Houston.
Here comes the Home Depot meet. I will be spectating for the most part as most of my crew will be resting and running elsewhere.
Ryan is off to experience the Brazilian circuit for a week. Jonathan is going back to Ponce. Tasha has traveled enough, it is time to train. However, Kai and Candice will be in action in Carson.
Off the track my Lakers are working hard at making this championship run interesting. I am weary of the lack of calls my boys get, and it is not just this year, it is every year. Kobe should be averaging 10 free throws a game. Where are the Jordan rules when you need them? The little push in hip on his jumpers, hindering his follow through, to outright slaps and smacks that go uncalled. I especially love when the experts say the Lakers need to go to the hole, why? They go to the hole, draw contact and get no calls. Yet, they are still winning this thing. Folks are all up in arms about Denver and Cleveland. Watch what happens when Denver faces the Lakeshow and not Dallas.
Where is football when you need it???
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Not very random this one
Penn Relays - over hyped by the network and too much talk about redemption. You cannot redeem something that is over. You cannot redeem something specific with something random. It was fun to watch the competition and see a little energy out there, but all the talk about Beijing was just stupid. Beijing is over and cannot be reclaimed. The sprint crown has to be reclaimed at worlds AND at the next Olympics in 2012. Until then, there is no redemption.
That being said, Dix was impressive. Carmelita continued her early season emergence. Jamaica's DMR was impressive. Nice to see Kenia back on form.
Drake relays - on Friday it was in the mid 80s. On Saturday it was cold, wet, windy and raining. Ryan dropped 13.21 from lane 8. Candice opened her campaign with a 12.96. Considering where she came from and is currently going I am pleased with that performance. Jeremy ran an easy 45.01. Lolo gambled with her hamstring and loss. Reports are she will be back by June.
Tomorrow is Guadeloupe, I am normally there enjoying the Caribbean weather and rain. But this year I am home. So Ryan is on self preservation mode, which should result in a good run since he spends most of his summer career on his own. The true meaning of vet. Saturday is Jamaica, Tasha finally gets to run a meet on the island. I thought Melaine was running but she is running the flat 400, however the field is decent and will provide a good early season push for her. Candice is locking and loading for her second race of the year as we continue to work towards Eugene.
Irvine, CA. Steve Scott Invite - this should serve as Kai's coming out party. He dropped a good 13.68 at Mt SAC, got some big boy experience on a trip to Penn relays, and now it is time to drop a real time.
USC and UCLA have the annual dual meet this year on Saturday. I love it!!!!!
That being said, Dix was impressive. Carmelita continued her early season emergence. Jamaica's DMR was impressive. Nice to see Kenia back on form.
Drake relays - on Friday it was in the mid 80s. On Saturday it was cold, wet, windy and raining. Ryan dropped 13.21 from lane 8. Candice opened her campaign with a 12.96. Considering where she came from and is currently going I am pleased with that performance. Jeremy ran an easy 45.01. Lolo gambled with her hamstring and loss. Reports are she will be back by June.
Tomorrow is Guadeloupe, I am normally there enjoying the Caribbean weather and rain. But this year I am home. So Ryan is on self preservation mode, which should result in a good run since he spends most of his summer career on his own. The true meaning of vet. Saturday is Jamaica, Tasha finally gets to run a meet on the island. I thought Melaine was running but she is running the flat 400, however the field is decent and will provide a good early season push for her. Candice is locking and loading for her second race of the year as we continue to work towards Eugene.
Irvine, CA. Steve Scott Invite - this should serve as Kai's coming out party. He dropped a good 13.68 at Mt SAC, got some big boy experience on a trip to Penn relays, and now it is time to drop a real time.
USC and UCLA have the annual dual meet this year on Saturday. I love it!!!!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Not really in the mood
I have not been able to blog. Not because I am at a loss for words but because the things I want to write about I do not need to blog about. Kind of a different writers block. My inspiration is flawed, my intent skewed, and my message deluded.
So why am I writing now? Just to write. In the next few words you will not find in depth writing, or well constructed arguments, rather I will just write until it is time to hit the publish button, OR as I have done many times before just delete what I do not want and post some edited version that the world will never know about lol.
I laugh a lot, it breaks the tension and gives structure to my words, but in the world of the Internet this is not always a good thing. People's interpretation of your words are reality, no matter what your intent or voice. I suggest you write, "I am being sarcastic" to make things clear, and even then folks will believe what they want.
Recently I had to take a moment to gather myself as I found myself under attack from a coward. Rightly or wrongly I post a lot on message boards, one in particular. It is no secret who I am and I post accordingly. Well as you can imagine things can get heated when one is sharing their opinion about others. I am no stranger to controversy, used to it, sometimes goad it on. Every once in a while I find myself under attack from the grassy knoll/clock tower. Normally I accept it as part of the game, but this time I was disturbed. The board keeper and a few posters seemed to be in cahoots and that gave me pause. When the issue became my personal life I took offense and I was rebuffed. Granted the coward had his facts skewed but it is clear it is someone that knows me personally, and that is upsetting. I am past it all now, kind of, I tend to hold grudges, but it was so foul it caught my attention.
On the other side of reality Penn and Drake are tomorrow and I am excited. I have three hurdlers running in Drake, the first time I have had anyone run at Drake. I will know a lot by Monday about where we all are.
Ryan won Mt SAC in 13.45. Kai dropped 13.68 which is a tenth off his pr so we are looking good. He looks even better because it cost him his hair. Check out my or his facebook page to see the new Kai. Jonathan went to Dakar and ran in a wind storm. Glad he got some chips for that trip because it was a waste. This weekend should give us a far better idea of what he is capable of. Candice is opening up this weekend, but this will not be any indication of what she will do this summer.
So now I will go to the track and sit back and watch some track. Those bloggers of you and twitters keep me posted.
Shout out to my man Jay Hicks and the crew at PreRaceJitters. They are doing a great job.
If you have not heard it check out Tasha's interview with Dwain this Wednesday, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tashadanvers. It was a great interview and you will have all your questions answered.
Well looks like the publish button is calling me. See you all on the circuit soon, run fast and compete well, I am always watching.
So why am I writing now? Just to write. In the next few words you will not find in depth writing, or well constructed arguments, rather I will just write until it is time to hit the publish button, OR as I have done many times before just delete what I do not want and post some edited version that the world will never know about lol.
I laugh a lot, it breaks the tension and gives structure to my words, but in the world of the Internet this is not always a good thing. People's interpretation of your words are reality, no matter what your intent or voice. I suggest you write, "I am being sarcastic" to make things clear, and even then folks will believe what they want.
Recently I had to take a moment to gather myself as I found myself under attack from a coward. Rightly or wrongly I post a lot on message boards, one in particular. It is no secret who I am and I post accordingly. Well as you can imagine things can get heated when one is sharing their opinion about others. I am no stranger to controversy, used to it, sometimes goad it on. Every once in a while I find myself under attack from the grassy knoll/clock tower. Normally I accept it as part of the game, but this time I was disturbed. The board keeper and a few posters seemed to be in cahoots and that gave me pause. When the issue became my personal life I took offense and I was rebuffed. Granted the coward had his facts skewed but it is clear it is someone that knows me personally, and that is upsetting. I am past it all now, kind of, I tend to hold grudges, but it was so foul it caught my attention.
On the other side of reality Penn and Drake are tomorrow and I am excited. I have three hurdlers running in Drake, the first time I have had anyone run at Drake. I will know a lot by Monday about where we all are.
Ryan won Mt SAC in 13.45. Kai dropped 13.68 which is a tenth off his pr so we are looking good. He looks even better because it cost him his hair. Check out my or his facebook page to see the new Kai. Jonathan went to Dakar and ran in a wind storm. Glad he got some chips for that trip because it was a waste. This weekend should give us a far better idea of what he is capable of. Candice is opening up this weekend, but this will not be any indication of what she will do this summer.
So now I will go to the track and sit back and watch some track. Those bloggers of you and twitters keep me posted.
Shout out to my man Jay Hicks and the crew at PreRaceJitters. They are doing a great job.
If you have not heard it check out Tasha's interview with Dwain this Wednesday, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tashadanvers. It was a great interview and you will have all your questions answered.
Well looks like the publish button is calling me. See you all on the circuit soon, run fast and compete well, I am always watching.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Mt SAC
OK here is the play by play
Ryan and Kai in the 110s
Carmelita in the 100
Torri in the 200
Tyrone and Martial in the 100
Teddy in the 400
This normally should take a few hours, yet thanks to a scheduling issue this is a 8 hour day if I stay for all the races. I have not decided yet. Just a long time to be at Mt SAC. I will report in tomorrow on what I think about it all.
Time to shower and shave for the show. Peace
Ryan and Kai in the 110s
Carmelita in the 100
Torri in the 200
Tyrone and Martial in the 100
Teddy in the 400
This normally should take a few hours, yet thanks to a scheduling issue this is a 8 hour day if I stay for all the races. I have not decided yet. Just a long time to be at Mt SAC. I will report in tomorrow on what I think about it all.
Time to shower and shave for the show. Peace
Thursday, April 9, 2009
"Coach I was thinking>>>"
"Coach I was thinking...." "Uhm, coach I was talking to [World class athlete X] and they do...."
These 2 lines are reserved for veteran athletes that have been with their coach for years and shown progress and proven they understand their coaches philosophy. These are not lines for neophytes, rookies, or athletes that have never bought into their coaches program.
If you are a non veteran be advised that starting a conversation with either of these phrases will result in A) a quick cussing! B) A smirk. C) A long lecture on what you should be doing. D) A quick cussing. E) A simple but loaded, "Why?" F) The "Be here or be there conversation. G) All of the above. If you are ever in wonderment about whether you are able to approach your coach with these phrases, the answer is very likely NO! However, all coaches advise you to ask the veterans. They will give you the rundown because more than likely they have been there and experienced all of the above.
"How are you feeling today?"
Many athletes think this is a trick a question that when answered incorrectly will result in them missing training, being doubted, being seen as weak or not tough, or dictating their session for the day. So the inevitable knee jerk response is some form of "Fine, Coach." The greatest lie ever told by athletes. Whew. Just tell us the truth. We asked the question for information purposes not ego purposes. Example: Athlete A responds, "Uhm I am a little tight but I am FINE." What does coach say? "How are you feeling?" Athlete, thinking they are hip to the game retorts with, "Fine coach ready to roll!" Coach says, "What's tight?" Athlete "Nothing, nothing, its all good coach." Lawd have mercy, just tell us what we want to hear. You have wasted five valuable minutes trying to dodge a question that is for your own benefit. The "I am fine athletes" seemingly end up hurt. It is because when you were rundown, or tired, or sore, or "tight" you ignored your body, did not tell the coach so he could do his job properly, and in the end he designed a session that was too much at the time. This is inexcusable and will get you the greatest cussin' of you career. A coach knows where the danger zones are in the training cycles, so he wants to know how you are handling the load and how YOU are reacting. Everyone is different, so drop the cookie cutter responses, and give your coach some details.
DO NOT tell coach "Fine" then go tell your training partners that your back was stiff all morning and you thought warming up would help, or your hamstring had a knot in it since Fridays session but you know your body and it will be all fine after you warm it up and stretch it. We hear this through the grapevine and we will have one of those walks where you do very little talking and whole lot of listening. We rather just coach.
Think of it this way, your "I'm fine" Is the equivalent to coach giving you the same workout all year without any variations. And we both know how athletes love to do the same workout over and over and over again. It loses its effectiveness and becomes useless.
These 2 lines are reserved for veteran athletes that have been with their coach for years and shown progress and proven they understand their coaches philosophy. These are not lines for neophytes, rookies, or athletes that have never bought into their coaches program.
If you are a non veteran be advised that starting a conversation with either of these phrases will result in A) a quick cussing! B) A smirk. C) A long lecture on what you should be doing. D) A quick cussing. E) A simple but loaded, "Why?" F) The "Be here or be there conversation. G) All of the above. If you are ever in wonderment about whether you are able to approach your coach with these phrases, the answer is very likely NO! However, all coaches advise you to ask the veterans. They will give you the rundown because more than likely they have been there and experienced all of the above.
"How are you feeling today?"
Many athletes think this is a trick a question that when answered incorrectly will result in them missing training, being doubted, being seen as weak or not tough, or dictating their session for the day. So the inevitable knee jerk response is some form of "Fine, Coach." The greatest lie ever told by athletes. Whew. Just tell us the truth. We asked the question for information purposes not ego purposes. Example: Athlete A responds, "Uhm I am a little tight but I am FINE." What does coach say? "How are you feeling?" Athlete, thinking they are hip to the game retorts with, "Fine coach ready to roll!" Coach says, "What's tight?" Athlete "Nothing, nothing, its all good coach." Lawd have mercy, just tell us what we want to hear. You have wasted five valuable minutes trying to dodge a question that is for your own benefit. The "I am fine athletes" seemingly end up hurt. It is because when you were rundown, or tired, or sore, or "tight" you ignored your body, did not tell the coach so he could do his job properly, and in the end he designed a session that was too much at the time. This is inexcusable and will get you the greatest cussin' of you career. A coach knows where the danger zones are in the training cycles, so he wants to know how you are handling the load and how YOU are reacting. Everyone is different, so drop the cookie cutter responses, and give your coach some details.
DO NOT tell coach "Fine" then go tell your training partners that your back was stiff all morning and you thought warming up would help, or your hamstring had a knot in it since Fridays session but you know your body and it will be all fine after you warm it up and stretch it. We hear this through the grapevine and we will have one of those walks where you do very little talking and whole lot of listening. We rather just coach.
Think of it this way, your "I'm fine" Is the equivalent to coach giving you the same workout all year without any variations. And we both know how athletes love to do the same workout over and over and over again. It loses its effectiveness and becomes useless.
Monday, April 6, 2009
From under the scoreboard
Took the crew out to UCLA for a little stretching and racing. A yawner of a meet, that served as a meet and greet more than any hot competition. The purpose being to ease into the season and wake folks up. They are all awake now. By the end of practice today they will know it is time to turn the lights up. We do not need the switch flipped, but we do need to turn the lights up.
I was honored after the meet and humbled. There was an alumni social, which they have been having for the past few years to reconnect with alumni and expose the team to the history of our tradition. I went a few years back and it was the usual old guy convention, very few of my contemporaries were there. I figured I am so vocal about my Alma mater I better start doing things that matter and at least be present. Nothing worse than sideline critics that do nothing to solve the problem.
So there I was observing that the alumni from the 60 and 70s were out in force, and then the alumni from the new millennium were there, but very few from the 80s and 90s. I am talking 4 of us and three of us were surprise visitors, myself being the veteran. So I am thinking I have to spread the word next time to make sure I see my teammates when the festivities start up. Honoring Coach Bush, his athletes not letting him live down the fact that he came out of retirement to coach USC, his athletes telling stories, and then Art stepped up and gave the closing remarks. He was joking about some of his ex athletes, and recognizing various people when out of the blue he said my name. Hahahahahahaaha, made me chuckle.
I have been a vocal person about the state of my schools program and Art and I have had a few emails and a couple of face to face discussions. I would love to be the sprint coach at UCLA, I make no secret, but I do not chase it because Tony is a personal friend. So when Art recognized me in the room, I had to smile, and the strange feeling of humility ran in the room. "He has come into his own as of late," was the line he used. Great on ya Art. Thank you.
For me, it is always strange to hear my name said correctly. Darrell is so commonly pronounced Daryl here in the US, I have grown accustomed to the mistake and the needed correction, Da - Rail, is my name. Art said it right, and that rang in my ears. Felt good too, the room was full of alumni and current Bruins, my people, my brethren. We like that.
Meanwhile, before the social event there was the meet I was talking about. Nothing spectacular to speak about. That will be reserved for the up coming weeks. All I can say is there is a beast on the prowl out there and there will be some disappointed faces in 2 weeks. Stay tuned. I got a little something for everyone this year, no where to run to baby, no where to hide. LOL
I look forward to seeing all of you soon. And remember, "He who run fast in April, get ass kicked in August." I love that saying, good luck to you all, stay healthy, be patient, and let's have some fun at this thing!
I was honored after the meet and humbled. There was an alumni social, which they have been having for the past few years to reconnect with alumni and expose the team to the history of our tradition. I went a few years back and it was the usual old guy convention, very few of my contemporaries were there. I figured I am so vocal about my Alma mater I better start doing things that matter and at least be present. Nothing worse than sideline critics that do nothing to solve the problem.
So there I was observing that the alumni from the 60 and 70s were out in force, and then the alumni from the new millennium were there, but very few from the 80s and 90s. I am talking 4 of us and three of us were surprise visitors, myself being the veteran. So I am thinking I have to spread the word next time to make sure I see my teammates when the festivities start up. Honoring Coach Bush, his athletes not letting him live down the fact that he came out of retirement to coach USC, his athletes telling stories, and then Art stepped up and gave the closing remarks. He was joking about some of his ex athletes, and recognizing various people when out of the blue he said my name. Hahahahahahaaha, made me chuckle.
I have been a vocal person about the state of my schools program and Art and I have had a few emails and a couple of face to face discussions. I would love to be the sprint coach at UCLA, I make no secret, but I do not chase it because Tony is a personal friend. So when Art recognized me in the room, I had to smile, and the strange feeling of humility ran in the room. "He has come into his own as of late," was the line he used. Great on ya Art. Thank you.
For me, it is always strange to hear my name said correctly. Darrell is so commonly pronounced Daryl here in the US, I have grown accustomed to the mistake and the needed correction, Da - Rail, is my name. Art said it right, and that rang in my ears. Felt good too, the room was full of alumni and current Bruins, my people, my brethren. We like that.
Meanwhile, before the social event there was the meet I was talking about. Nothing spectacular to speak about. That will be reserved for the up coming weeks. All I can say is there is a beast on the prowl out there and there will be some disappointed faces in 2 weeks. Stay tuned. I got a little something for everyone this year, no where to run to baby, no where to hide. LOL
I look forward to seeing all of you soon. And remember, "He who run fast in April, get ass kicked in August." I love that saying, good luck to you all, stay healthy, be patient, and let's have some fun at this thing!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Twitter, Kettlecorn, and Training
Twitter is the new craze. Why? I have a twitter, and I love following Shaq, he is a funny guy, and has good gimmicks, like the first 8 people to come up and touch me get tickets to tonight's game. I love Twitter because my man Jay Hicks at PreRaceJitters and the folks over at trackshark and on track news, keep me posted on ALL the meets as fast as they can get the information. I am spoiled in that sense.
Some folks need to be banned from Twitter. I just do not need to know your every step, and I am sorry, every moment of your day was not superfantabulous! LOL
Whoever created kettle corn should be arrested and tried for witch craft! That's all I have to say about that.
Training is going well. The IR list is low, which is always a good sign. Work is quantitative and filled with quality. If you have never heard good words from your coach, you need to be around me right now! I am looking forward to competing. And I cannot wait until June. April and May will be heat checks, as we get ready for the dance. April is just look sees and the real fireworks start in May. :)
My son is four. His mom decided she wanted him to be sports, so he just started Tee Ball. He had his first game Saturday. I do not think he will hold on to baseball but it is fun watching him do him. He played with the dirt most of the time, watched the ball go by a couple of times until told he could pick it up (obedience lol), and smacked the hell out of it when he was at bat. I cannot wait for football and basketball season. I do NOT like baseball, snore!
Some folks need to be banned from Twitter. I just do not need to know your every step, and I am sorry, every moment of your day was not superfantabulous! LOL
Whoever created kettle corn should be arrested and tried for witch craft! That's all I have to say about that.
Training is going well. The IR list is low, which is always a good sign. Work is quantitative and filled with quality. If you have never heard good words from your coach, you need to be around me right now! I am looking forward to competing. And I cannot wait until June. April and May will be heat checks, as we get ready for the dance. April is just look sees and the real fireworks start in May. :)
My son is four. His mom decided she wanted him to be sports, so he just started Tee Ball. He had his first game Saturday. I do not think he will hold on to baseball but it is fun watching him do him. He played with the dirt most of the time, watched the ball go by a couple of times until told he could pick it up (obedience lol), and smacked the hell out of it when he was at bat. I cannot wait for football and basketball season. I do NOT like baseball, snore!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
WADA is rightt
How's this for irony, I am defending WADA. I would have never thunk it.
Now that other sports, tennis, soccer, cycling have signed the WADA code, they are required to provide their whereabouts as track athletes have had to for years. With their inclusion has come criticism of the new whereabouts code. Athletes have to designate one hour a day for random testing. This has prompted a lawsuit in Belgium, numerous complaints from tennis stars, and recently a rebuke from soccer authorities.
Listen folks, the problem is not in the whereabouts. It is a needed inconvenience and I for one am not sympathetic to the complaints of the whereabouts. It is a necessary step, and with all privilege comes responsibility. Drug testing is a must. Whereabouts is a must. So deal with it. I coach numerous athletes, and I live with one. Her testing time is 6am which means when she gets tested I am awaken also. Big deal. No one gets tested everyday, athletes are rarely tested more than once a quarter. We sleep well, and do more to ourselves than an rare visit from a drug tester.
The other argument presented is that the effort put into whereabouts should be directed towards better testing. This is not an either/or circumstance, it is an "and" situation. Better testing is does not mean we can ease up on whereabouts. We needed a better tracking system and we have it. Now we need to upgrade the testing system. They are not mutually exclusive but bedfellows in every sense. You cannot ave one without the other.
What has come to light is the astounding gap between cheats and testers. I have read almost every article out there, and I am looking forward to reading Dwain's book. These tell all's give great insight into what and how and when and where. Victor Conte's letter to Dwain detailing the protocol they had was eye popping. It makes it seem as though catching the cheats is an impossible task. Angel Heredia was interviewed and admitted he was still working with other athletes outside of the US because it was easier. So I am left asking what can the labs do? What can the testers do?
I know what I can do. Keep working hard and doing it the right way. I have a medal from 2008 and a young group that will generate more success. Even if doing it right means achieving personal best and being better athletes, that is what it will be. However, I know different. It takes a little longer and a lot of hard work. That's what I love about it all, the cheaters still lose, they get caught, and I will be here to see my people succeed.
Now that other sports, tennis, soccer, cycling have signed the WADA code, they are required to provide their whereabouts as track athletes have had to for years. With their inclusion has come criticism of the new whereabouts code. Athletes have to designate one hour a day for random testing. This has prompted a lawsuit in Belgium, numerous complaints from tennis stars, and recently a rebuke from soccer authorities.
Listen folks, the problem is not in the whereabouts. It is a needed inconvenience and I for one am not sympathetic to the complaints of the whereabouts. It is a necessary step, and with all privilege comes responsibility. Drug testing is a must. Whereabouts is a must. So deal with it. I coach numerous athletes, and I live with one. Her testing time is 6am which means when she gets tested I am awaken also. Big deal. No one gets tested everyday, athletes are rarely tested more than once a quarter. We sleep well, and do more to ourselves than an rare visit from a drug tester.
The other argument presented is that the effort put into whereabouts should be directed towards better testing. This is not an either/or circumstance, it is an "and" situation. Better testing is does not mean we can ease up on whereabouts. We needed a better tracking system and we have it. Now we need to upgrade the testing system. They are not mutually exclusive but bedfellows in every sense. You cannot ave one without the other.
What has come to light is the astounding gap between cheats and testers. I have read almost every article out there, and I am looking forward to reading Dwain's book. These tell all's give great insight into what and how and when and where. Victor Conte's letter to Dwain detailing the protocol they had was eye popping. It makes it seem as though catching the cheats is an impossible task. Angel Heredia was interviewed and admitted he was still working with other athletes outside of the US because it was easier. So I am left asking what can the labs do? What can the testers do?
I know what I can do. Keep working hard and doing it the right way. I have a medal from 2008 and a young group that will generate more success. Even if doing it right means achieving personal best and being better athletes, that is what it will be. However, I know different. It takes a little longer and a lot of hard work. That's what I love about it all, the cheaters still lose, they get caught, and I will be here to see my people succeed.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
And so it begins
Cerritos is in the books! The weather didn't cooperate but it was workable considering the week. We went on with no break and just ran some races.
Jonathan Williams and Kai Kelley ran the 110s. A little in camp battle never hurt anyone. 13.90 in the final. It was a classic battle as they were step for step every hurdle. Both are working on things, so it was encouraging. Jonathan is out to prove I should train him in the highs more, and I am still evaluating Kai.
Tasha opened her outdoor campaign up with another 800. I am very pleased with the run considering she asked to run on Tuesday, I had no plans for her to run anything. So with a full week of training in her legs, she cranked out a 2:08.67. You can see it on her Facebook page.
Now we are on to the next week, back to training and getting ready for the summer. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, it was hard watching my Bruins go out that way. Kevin Love would have made a world of difference, damn. So I am left to wait for next year, those freshmen we have will be great. I am a little frustrated with Ben Howland sitting most of the freshman. He reminds me of Phil Jackson, they have a philosophy and they stick to it, win or lose. We have a seven footer sitting on the bench. A kid that decided between UCLA and the NBA. I guess this is Ben's way of resolving the one hitter quitter syndrome.
Maybe because I am not a Big East fan, but the tourney is not holding my attention as it usually does. I normally find a team to adopt like a Kansas, or even UNC or whoever is playing Duke. But not this year.
The IAAF is still campaigning for no false starts. Expect it to happen, they are fighting too hard for this to happen.
Jonathan Williams and Kai Kelley ran the 110s. A little in camp battle never hurt anyone. 13.90 in the final. It was a classic battle as they were step for step every hurdle. Both are working on things, so it was encouraging. Jonathan is out to prove I should train him in the highs more, and I am still evaluating Kai.
Tasha opened her outdoor campaign up with another 800. I am very pleased with the run considering she asked to run on Tuesday, I had no plans for her to run anything. So with a full week of training in her legs, she cranked out a 2:08.67. You can see it on her Facebook page.
Now we are on to the next week, back to training and getting ready for the summer. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, it was hard watching my Bruins go out that way. Kevin Love would have made a world of difference, damn. So I am left to wait for next year, those freshmen we have will be great. I am a little frustrated with Ben Howland sitting most of the freshman. He reminds me of Phil Jackson, they have a philosophy and they stick to it, win or lose. We have a seven footer sitting on the bench. A kid that decided between UCLA and the NBA. I guess this is Ben's way of resolving the one hitter quitter syndrome.
Maybe because I am not a Big East fan, but the tourney is not holding my attention as it usually does. I normally find a team to adopt like a Kansas, or even UNC or whoever is playing Duke. But not this year.
The IAAF is still campaigning for no false starts. Expect it to happen, they are fighting too hard for this to happen.
Friday, March 20, 2009
What I think
Friday, March 20, 2009IAAF eyes continued Chambers ban
Associated Press BERLIN -- Athletics chiefs may discuss how to stop British sprinter Dwain Chambers from running even though his doping ban long has expired.
Chambers, who won the European 60-meter indoor title earlier this month, has published an autobiography, in which he provides details from years of systematic doping that left him a "walking junkie."
"The question is how to stop him from running," said Nick Davies, spokesman for the International Association of Athletics Federations.
The IAAF's legal experts have been studying Chambers' book, "Race Against Me: My Story," to see whether the sprinter can be excluded for "bringing the sport into disrepute."
"He is free to run, he's served his ban. Now, our experts have to see whether he can be banned under this clause," Davies told The Associated Press ahead of an IAAF Council meeting this weekend in Berlin.
Under IAAF rules, an athlete can face penalties, including a competition ban, if found to have brought the sport into disrepute. The experts will first address the issue with the advisory board, which will then decide whether to include it in the agenda of the council meeting.
A suspension could keep Chambers from competing at the world championships in Berlin in August against Olympic champion and world-record holder Usain Bolt.
It is far from clear whether the experts will advise any action against Chambers or whether the executive committee would accept their recommendations or indeed even raise the subject at all, Davies said.
Chambers' 60-meter title was his first major individual trophy since he served a two-year ban related to the BALCO doping scandal.
But the victory was largely overshadowed by the fallout from his book, which has been serialized in the British media.
Chambers wrote that he had been taking more than 300 different concoctions of banned substances after linking up with BALCO founder Victor Conte in 2002. The doping products -- including THG, EPO and HGH -- cost him $30,000 a year, Chambers wrote.
The 30-year-old sprinter broke the European 60-meter indoor record by running 6.42 seconds in the semifinals, then won the title in 6.46 in the final in Turin, Italy.
Chambers dismissed speculation that he might be benefiting from residual effects of 18 months of massive use of doping products before he was caught and said he has been passing drug tests.
He tested positive for THG in 2003, becoming the first athlete connected to Conte to test positive for the previously undetectable steroid.
Under British rules, he remains banned for life from the Olympics. Organizers of European meets have promised not to invite athletes with past doping bans but the chief of Berlin's ISTAF meet, the first event in the Golden League series, has said he might allow Chambers to run in June.
British track and field chiefs have confirmed Chambers will not be part of the 400-meter relay team at the worlds in Berlin because he is ineligible for future Olympics, although he can run in the individual event.
The IAAF has ordered Chambers to pay back his prize money from the time he was doping. He still owes about $150,000.
Among other topics to be discussed by the council are ways of possibly streamlining some events and their presentations to make them more television-friendly, Davis said.
No major final decisions are expected, he said.
So my interpretation of this is simple. The IAAF got their feelings hurt and are lashing out at Dwain. Their vehicle for vengeance is this "disrepute" clause.
The question that comes to my mind is, does Dwain's book differ in any way from the IAAF always calling someone a drug cheat? Or not having a viable marketing plan? OR not developing a meet in the States? OR awarding the World Champs to places that do not have a track following? OR pursuing this issue altogether?
Dwain is telling his truth. It is ok for him to tell all about his drug program and what Victor did, and Remi did, and he did, and they are praying he tells what other athletes did, but just don't talk about them??? You can't ask for the truth but in limited doses. You can't blackmail athletes by promising them leniency for cooperation in catching the drug cheats but cry foul when that trail starts to point back at you. And you definitely cannot call foul when the athlete lashes out at what he felt was wrong doing on a personal level.
Maybe he should not have said it in his book but that is his right and FREEDOM to do. This is a great example of what is wrong at the core of the sport. This is a great moment for us as we grow and become more professional. We may not like who turned on the light(s) but we should be glad they are coming on. Now the question is who will scatter for cover now?
That's what I think about this mess, it is ridiculous and should be dropped. Censorship is what it is. If they ban Dwain, expect him to sue them and win!
Associated Press BERLIN -- Athletics chiefs may discuss how to stop British sprinter Dwain Chambers from running even though his doping ban long has expired.
Chambers, who won the European 60-meter indoor title earlier this month, has published an autobiography, in which he provides details from years of systematic doping that left him a "walking junkie."
"The question is how to stop him from running," said Nick Davies, spokesman for the International Association of Athletics Federations.
The IAAF's legal experts have been studying Chambers' book, "Race Against Me: My Story," to see whether the sprinter can be excluded for "bringing the sport into disrepute."
"He is free to run, he's served his ban. Now, our experts have to see whether he can be banned under this clause," Davies told The Associated Press ahead of an IAAF Council meeting this weekend in Berlin.
Under IAAF rules, an athlete can face penalties, including a competition ban, if found to have brought the sport into disrepute. The experts will first address the issue with the advisory board, which will then decide whether to include it in the agenda of the council meeting.
A suspension could keep Chambers from competing at the world championships in Berlin in August against Olympic champion and world-record holder Usain Bolt.
It is far from clear whether the experts will advise any action against Chambers or whether the executive committee would accept their recommendations or indeed even raise the subject at all, Davies said.
Chambers' 60-meter title was his first major individual trophy since he served a two-year ban related to the BALCO doping scandal.
But the victory was largely overshadowed by the fallout from his book, which has been serialized in the British media.
Chambers wrote that he had been taking more than 300 different concoctions of banned substances after linking up with BALCO founder Victor Conte in 2002. The doping products -- including THG, EPO and HGH -- cost him $30,000 a year, Chambers wrote.
The 30-year-old sprinter broke the European 60-meter indoor record by running 6.42 seconds in the semifinals, then won the title in 6.46 in the final in Turin, Italy.
Chambers dismissed speculation that he might be benefiting from residual effects of 18 months of massive use of doping products before he was caught and said he has been passing drug tests.
He tested positive for THG in 2003, becoming the first athlete connected to Conte to test positive for the previously undetectable steroid.
Under British rules, he remains banned for life from the Olympics. Organizers of European meets have promised not to invite athletes with past doping bans but the chief of Berlin's ISTAF meet, the first event in the Golden League series, has said he might allow Chambers to run in June.
British track and field chiefs have confirmed Chambers will not be part of the 400-meter relay team at the worlds in Berlin because he is ineligible for future Olympics, although he can run in the individual event.
The IAAF has ordered Chambers to pay back his prize money from the time he was doping. He still owes about $150,000.
Among other topics to be discussed by the council are ways of possibly streamlining some events and their presentations to make them more television-friendly, Davis said.
No major final decisions are expected, he said.
So my interpretation of this is simple. The IAAF got their feelings hurt and are lashing out at Dwain. Their vehicle for vengeance is this "disrepute" clause.
The question that comes to my mind is, does Dwain's book differ in any way from the IAAF always calling someone a drug cheat? Or not having a viable marketing plan? OR not developing a meet in the States? OR awarding the World Champs to places that do not have a track following? OR pursuing this issue altogether?
Dwain is telling his truth. It is ok for him to tell all about his drug program and what Victor did, and Remi did, and he did, and they are praying he tells what other athletes did, but just don't talk about them??? You can't ask for the truth but in limited doses. You can't blackmail athletes by promising them leniency for cooperation in catching the drug cheats but cry foul when that trail starts to point back at you. And you definitely cannot call foul when the athlete lashes out at what he felt was wrong doing on a personal level.
Maybe he should not have said it in his book but that is his right and FREEDOM to do. This is a great example of what is wrong at the core of the sport. This is a great moment for us as we grow and become more professional. We may not like who turned on the light(s) but we should be glad they are coming on. Now the question is who will scatter for cover now?
That's what I think about this mess, it is ridiculous and should be dropped. Censorship is what it is. If they ban Dwain, expect him to sue them and win!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Where have I been?
There's a lot of information out there to write about and I do not have a single clue as to what I am going to write about. Oh it just came from the air!
Everyone tune into http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tashadanvers and http://www.blogtalkradio.com/buildingonbronze. On Sunday Tyree Washington came on the show and talked about his new campaign, Killaroid, but more importantly he talked about the effect drug cheats have had on his career.
Jerome Young was his friend and competitor, and cost him a moment and money. It was enlightening and informative.
Meanwhile, the indoor season ended, FINALLY! And the outdoor season is about to kick off. Time for relays folks.
There is an interesting phenomenon this time of year, all the sprinters run relays, and all the hurdlers run their races. For the most part this holds true.
I think I have run out of things to talk about. Oh, Jaden started baseball practice. GREAT stuff to watch four year olds run around and grown people talk to them like they really know what is going on and like they really care. Some classics from practice, "Stop kicking the dirt!" "Stop playing around and stay in line!" followed by "The next person playing around is going to run!" LMAO I just stood there with a small on my face and made sure Jaden kept having fun.
Everyone tune into http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tashadanvers and http://www.blogtalkradio.com/buildingonbronze. On Sunday Tyree Washington came on the show and talked about his new campaign, Killaroid, but more importantly he talked about the effect drug cheats have had on his career.
Jerome Young was his friend and competitor, and cost him a moment and money. It was enlightening and informative.
Meanwhile, the indoor season ended, FINALLY! And the outdoor season is about to kick off. Time for relays folks.
There is an interesting phenomenon this time of year, all the sprinters run relays, and all the hurdlers run their races. For the most part this holds true.
I think I have run out of things to talk about. Oh, Jaden started baseball practice. GREAT stuff to watch four year olds run around and grown people talk to them like they really know what is going on and like they really care. Some classics from practice, "Stop kicking the dirt!" "Stop playing around and stay in line!" followed by "The next person playing around is going to run!" LMAO I just stood there with a small on my face and made sure Jaden kept having fun.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Balance
I have spent the last few months bashing the living daylights out of everything Doug Logan has done. It is only right I give him credit where it is due. I like his conclusions from the P30 report. They were logical, and sensible. I am still wondering where the money from the relay project is going and how he plans to handle the relay meets, but overall I think his recommendations were fair and promising.
We do need change and it will not be easy, I just want to ensure it is not changes based on someone's agenda, and what is best for USATF and track and field.
Athletes, get a union quick.
Kobe mania has struck! You either love him or hate him. Both sides are maniacal LOL I love him and think he is the best ever. Folks try to argue but it just is. I wish the Jordan rules were still in effect, Kobe would shoot 20 freethrows a game. LOL
Training is going well. I am pleased with everyone's progress and levels. We have a good feeling over here. Last time I felt this way I came home with a bronze medal, a medal no one expected. As my man Heavy D sang, "It's that time again!"
Dwain Chambers. Need I say more? Hahahaha. He has exposed the IAAF for who they are and they are after him with everything they have. No meets and now they are trying to ban him for what his book says. Oh but wait, Berlin has invited him to the meet. Uh oh! A chink in the armor. Only person I can remember serving a 2 year ban for 6 years while competing. LOL The European indoor champ has one meet in Europe, and may not be allowed to run at Worlds.
Here in the States we are facing a budget crisis. In Cali they are threatening to fire 9000 education employees, including 5500 teachers. Amazing.
American Idol is boring! but I like the new format with the one judges save. No more Jennifer Hudson fiascos.
ANTM needs to dump Tiffany. She runs her mouth too much and is weak and whack.
I Love Money 2 is the best reality show out. The alliance competition is dramatic and entertaining. I think it hilarious the main alliance is pissed because the others formed their own alliance and dumped one of them. Classic.
Bad Girls Club. Now the fact that this show has no other purpose than to cause drama and show that drama is enough to irritate you. But when five of the girls jumped one girl and then spent a whole night gloating about it, that was top notch reality TV. The saving grace was they sent 2 of the girls home. Sadly I must admit it felt good to watch them leave. LOL Boston was just full of it and Ailea needs to be admitted to an insane asylum.
24 is still the best. It is Jack time!
Heroes is dragging it out and killing me. I am trying to keep up but they are testing me. Never seen a show waste an hour like Heroes can.
Is there anyone as cool as Horatio on CSI Miami!
On a side note: are there any Americans at the USOC training center in Chula Vista LMAO
We do need change and it will not be easy, I just want to ensure it is not changes based on someone's agenda, and what is best for USATF and track and field.
Athletes, get a union quick.
Kobe mania has struck! You either love him or hate him. Both sides are maniacal LOL I love him and think he is the best ever. Folks try to argue but it just is. I wish the Jordan rules were still in effect, Kobe would shoot 20 freethrows a game. LOL
Training is going well. I am pleased with everyone's progress and levels. We have a good feeling over here. Last time I felt this way I came home with a bronze medal, a medal no one expected. As my man Heavy D sang, "It's that time again!"
Dwain Chambers. Need I say more? Hahahaha. He has exposed the IAAF for who they are and they are after him with everything they have. No meets and now they are trying to ban him for what his book says. Oh but wait, Berlin has invited him to the meet. Uh oh! A chink in the armor. Only person I can remember serving a 2 year ban for 6 years while competing. LOL The European indoor champ has one meet in Europe, and may not be allowed to run at Worlds.
Here in the States we are facing a budget crisis. In Cali they are threatening to fire 9000 education employees, including 5500 teachers. Amazing.
American Idol is boring! but I like the new format with the one judges save. No more Jennifer Hudson fiascos.
ANTM needs to dump Tiffany. She runs her mouth too much and is weak and whack.
I Love Money 2 is the best reality show out. The alliance competition is dramatic and entertaining. I think it hilarious the main alliance is pissed because the others formed their own alliance and dumped one of them. Classic.
Bad Girls Club. Now the fact that this show has no other purpose than to cause drama and show that drama is enough to irritate you. But when five of the girls jumped one girl and then spent a whole night gloating about it, that was top notch reality TV. The saving grace was they sent 2 of the girls home. Sadly I must admit it felt good to watch them leave. LOL Boston was just full of it and Ailea needs to be admitted to an insane asylum.
24 is still the best. It is Jack time!
Heroes is dragging it out and killing me. I am trying to keep up but they are testing me. Never seen a show waste an hour like Heroes can.
Is there anyone as cool as Horatio on CSI Miami!
On a side note: are there any Americans at the USOC training center in Chula Vista LMAO
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Your perspective will dictate your opinion
Man I am tired of the negative. Project 30 is a lie. Forget the actual bias of the panel, we need to only look at the premise behind the formation of the panel. The US failed in Beijing. From here we have had the axing of the relay program. We have a full assault on the preparation of the sprinters. The problem is this is misdirected and ill conceived.
The relays won 2 out of four golds. The sprint relays dropped the stick, it happens. Period. The relay program itself was extensive and did all the things the panel claims they are in favor of and in need of. But what led to this opinion of failure. Logan goes so far as to say no one can look at Beijing and say this was an aberration. With all due respect, that is a stupid comment. It most assuredly was a blip. Nothing more nothing less. He has no factual basis to make this comment.
No jumper won a medal! Not one long jumper made the final. If that is not an aberration I do not know what is. In 2007, we won all four gold medals in the relays and last year we dropped the stick, looks like a blip to me.
The problem is the premise behind the panel. Why was this review board convened? Since all the talk has been about the relays I am led to believe it is the dropped sticks and the $1 million dollars (spread over 6 years by the way). Not the failure of the jumpers, there was nothing said to address the jumping woes in the report. Not the distance failures, which is truly where it was not a blip. Just something about those 2 batons on the ground.
We are supposed to forget that in the 100,200 and 4x100 a wr was set to win. In the men 400 we SWEPT. We won both 4x400 relays. We are supposed to ignore all the injuries to the athletes. Just know that the relay program has been scrapped, freeing up a million dollars.
My second pet peeve is Dwain Chambers. It is time to leave him alone. He has a book tomorrow which I cannot wait to read. He is the European champ and record holder now. He was busted in 2003, returned to the track in 2006. Can we please just get back to track? The acronyms are working overtime to get this man out of the sport, and I for one say let him run and if he is dirty he will stumble again. The end. Move on for all of our sakes. The latest row is from the IAAF who are threatening to ban him and end his career if they can prove his book has put the sport in ill-repute. LOL Censorship is the word. Overt threat to all athletes is what it is. Athletes you all need to pay attention. This is way beyond Dwain and drug cheating, this is about control. Pay attention.
Meanwhile, in keeping with my positive theme. Kudos to Logan for challenging the Jamaicans to a home and home dual meet. I am excited just thinking about it. I am disappointed in the few Jamaican fans I have talked to online who seem to think this is sour grapes and it is just a ploy to take the Jamaicans down because they are on top. Foolishness. This is good old fashioned competition. This is what breeds champions and performances. This is appealing to the American public. It is not personal, it is sport.
It does not matter if the best of the best do not show up the allegiances will push the competition and the performances and feed the future. TV will have easy story lines to write, as we are fed more and more images of Bolt whipping the Americans ass in Beijing, Asafa crossing the line as they take down the US wr in the 4x100. The three yellow vest crossing the line in front of Americans in the women's 100. Veronica Campbell beating the American sweetheart, Allyson Felix. It is a great marketing ploy that can fuel a generation of track.
Do not underestimate the country battle, all you ever need to do is travel to Penn relays and see the sea of Jamaicans that come out to cheer the high schooler's out there. Teams from the LA area go to Penn and immediately adopt the rivalry. We are a nation driven by rivalries, from age group teams to high school to college to pro teams. We love good rivalries. This rise of the Jamaicans in the sprints, our back yard, is perfect. I hope it works. And I want to win!
Coming soon I will blog about something other than track LOL
The relays won 2 out of four golds. The sprint relays dropped the stick, it happens. Period. The relay program itself was extensive and did all the things the panel claims they are in favor of and in need of. But what led to this opinion of failure. Logan goes so far as to say no one can look at Beijing and say this was an aberration. With all due respect, that is a stupid comment. It most assuredly was a blip. Nothing more nothing less. He has no factual basis to make this comment.
No jumper won a medal! Not one long jumper made the final. If that is not an aberration I do not know what is. In 2007, we won all four gold medals in the relays and last year we dropped the stick, looks like a blip to me.
The problem is the premise behind the panel. Why was this review board convened? Since all the talk has been about the relays I am led to believe it is the dropped sticks and the $1 million dollars (spread over 6 years by the way). Not the failure of the jumpers, there was nothing said to address the jumping woes in the report. Not the distance failures, which is truly where it was not a blip. Just something about those 2 batons on the ground.
We are supposed to forget that in the 100,200 and 4x100 a wr was set to win. In the men 400 we SWEPT. We won both 4x400 relays. We are supposed to ignore all the injuries to the athletes. Just know that the relay program has been scrapped, freeing up a million dollars.
My second pet peeve is Dwain Chambers. It is time to leave him alone. He has a book tomorrow which I cannot wait to read. He is the European champ and record holder now. He was busted in 2003, returned to the track in 2006. Can we please just get back to track? The acronyms are working overtime to get this man out of the sport, and I for one say let him run and if he is dirty he will stumble again. The end. Move on for all of our sakes. The latest row is from the IAAF who are threatening to ban him and end his career if they can prove his book has put the sport in ill-repute. LOL Censorship is the word. Overt threat to all athletes is what it is. Athletes you all need to pay attention. This is way beyond Dwain and drug cheating, this is about control. Pay attention.
Meanwhile, in keeping with my positive theme. Kudos to Logan for challenging the Jamaicans to a home and home dual meet. I am excited just thinking about it. I am disappointed in the few Jamaican fans I have talked to online who seem to think this is sour grapes and it is just a ploy to take the Jamaicans down because they are on top. Foolishness. This is good old fashioned competition. This is what breeds champions and performances. This is appealing to the American public. It is not personal, it is sport.
It does not matter if the best of the best do not show up the allegiances will push the competition and the performances and feed the future. TV will have easy story lines to write, as we are fed more and more images of Bolt whipping the Americans ass in Beijing, Asafa crossing the line as they take down the US wr in the 4x100. The three yellow vest crossing the line in front of Americans in the women's 100. Veronica Campbell beating the American sweetheart, Allyson Felix. It is a great marketing ploy that can fuel a generation of track.
Do not underestimate the country battle, all you ever need to do is travel to Penn relays and see the sea of Jamaicans that come out to cheer the high schooler's out there. Teams from the LA area go to Penn and immediately adopt the rivalry. We are a nation driven by rivalries, from age group teams to high school to college to pro teams. We love good rivalries. This rise of the Jamaicans in the sprints, our back yard, is perfect. I hope it works. And I want to win!
Coming soon I will blog about something other than track LOL
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Desensitized
I am clearly a little jaded these days. Dwain is releasing his book and the UK is in an uproar. Excerpts have been released and oh yes they are eye popping, but oh well. I am not shocked. I am not appalled. I am amused, very amused. I have a different angle on the history, and a different perspective on it all I guess.
I cannot wait for his book to come out and read it. I want to know just like everyone else. I want to read the names, I would love to know the names that were redacted because they were unsubstantiated. Dwain says he can spot the abusers now. LMAO. That's a load of crap. He is jaded.
I like Dwain, I really do. He has made some stupid decisions and still proves that he has questionable judgment. He is clearly jaded and has the same things in him that allowed him to decide to follow Victor's lead. Until he shakes that weakness he will struggle to be great. The sadness is he is probably the most talented sprinter the UK has produced in 20 years.
As he correctly states in his book, he did all that drug taking and managed nothing! He did not gain a tenth of a second in truth. That race had a 2.0 wind. His 1999 bronze medal run was superior, and he was clean then. So the question becomes who was advising him through 2000 and allowed him to believe and buy into the notion that he was not good enough??? Now that pisses me off.
The young man was good, real good. He had all the makings of the British record holder, and if you doubt it just look at his performances since his return. First race back he ran 10.07. Last year he ran 10 flat. The lesson here is about perspective. It is about determining what is success.
European champs are this weekend. Dwain and Simeon will battle to the finish line to the gold. But I will be waiting for Monday. I cannot get a book, but I know there will be chunks all over the Internet. And I will be reading it all.
Meanwhile, tune into Tasha's radio show. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tashadanvers. It is fun but serious. I invite you all to call in, tune in, listen in and join in. The more the merrier.
I cannot wait for his book to come out and read it. I want to know just like everyone else. I want to read the names, I would love to know the names that were redacted because they were unsubstantiated. Dwain says he can spot the abusers now. LMAO. That's a load of crap. He is jaded.
I like Dwain, I really do. He has made some stupid decisions and still proves that he has questionable judgment. He is clearly jaded and has the same things in him that allowed him to decide to follow Victor's lead. Until he shakes that weakness he will struggle to be great. The sadness is he is probably the most talented sprinter the UK has produced in 20 years.
As he correctly states in his book, he did all that drug taking and managed nothing! He did not gain a tenth of a second in truth. That race had a 2.0 wind. His 1999 bronze medal run was superior, and he was clean then. So the question becomes who was advising him through 2000 and allowed him to believe and buy into the notion that he was not good enough??? Now that pisses me off.
The young man was good, real good. He had all the makings of the British record holder, and if you doubt it just look at his performances since his return. First race back he ran 10.07. Last year he ran 10 flat. The lesson here is about perspective. It is about determining what is success.
European champs are this weekend. Dwain and Simeon will battle to the finish line to the gold. But I will be waiting for Monday. I cannot get a book, but I know there will be chunks all over the Internet. And I will be reading it all.
Meanwhile, tune into Tasha's radio show. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tashadanvers. It is fun but serious. I invite you all to call in, tune in, listen in and join in. The more the merrier.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
A coaching eye
I realized a long time ago I see everything from a coaching perspective. Everything! Including my life and myself. Probably the source of a lot of problems, thinking things through instead of moving. Anyway, it is what I am and what i am is me.
Some people like to say you are not what you do. That doesn't apply to me. I am a coach because it is a natural fit for me. Even when I ran I thought I would be a good coach. I guess I manifested my destiny without knowing it. I should have thought I would be a good gold medalist! LOL
I would like to publicly welcome Candice Davis. We spent a year and a half playing ring around the rosey but now she is in the fold and I am pleased about this development. Now common practice says I should keep it all a secret and let folks find out later but that has never made sense to me and has been a symptom of what is wrong with the sport. We always think we have to have some doggone secret. Negative. I coach Candice and I am proud of it.
Quick rundown of the DSports roster; Ryan Wilson, Bryan Scott, Tasha Danvers, Jonathan Williams, Kai Kelley, and Candice Davis. Oh and Martial MBandjock, threw in a sprinter for commercial purposes LOL.
Back to the blog. Couple of updates. I have been co hosting Tasha's radio blog shows. She has 2 of them, one is on Wednesdays and the other on Sundays. The Sunday show is every 2 weeks. Wednesday show is Tasha and the Ladies of Speed chatting it up on various subjects weekly. Show time is 1pm PST/4PM EST/ 9pm GMT. Sunday's show is geared towards the younger crowd, Tasha and varied guest will discuss life topics and track, Building on Bronze. Show time is 12pm PST/3pm EST/ 8PM GMT. All of you pass the word and tune in AND more importantly call in. The more the better. even if you do not do anything more than tune in and listen do that. It is great fun. Tomorrow will have Adrian Peck from the UK as a co host talking about the importance of communication.
I advise you to call in from your cell phones for clarity, but there is a call in button and number on the web page. Skype works too. Hope you all tune in and call in.
That was a word from our sponsor.
Lord of the Rings is great! Pick any one of the three movies.
Out of brain power, this cold is trying to run me down, literally, so let me go rest. Until the next thought hits me...
Some people like to say you are not what you do. That doesn't apply to me. I am a coach because it is a natural fit for me. Even when I ran I thought I would be a good coach. I guess I manifested my destiny without knowing it. I should have thought I would be a good gold medalist! LOL
I would like to publicly welcome Candice Davis. We spent a year and a half playing ring around the rosey but now she is in the fold and I am pleased about this development. Now common practice says I should keep it all a secret and let folks find out later but that has never made sense to me and has been a symptom of what is wrong with the sport. We always think we have to have some doggone secret. Negative. I coach Candice and I am proud of it.
Quick rundown of the DSports roster; Ryan Wilson, Bryan Scott, Tasha Danvers, Jonathan Williams, Kai Kelley, and Candice Davis. Oh and Martial MBandjock, threw in a sprinter for commercial purposes LOL.
Back to the blog. Couple of updates. I have been co hosting Tasha's radio blog shows. She has 2 of them, one is on Wednesdays and the other on Sundays. The Sunday show is every 2 weeks. Wednesday show is Tasha and the Ladies of Speed chatting it up on various subjects weekly. Show time is 1pm PST/4PM EST/ 9pm GMT. Sunday's show is geared towards the younger crowd, Tasha and varied guest will discuss life topics and track, Building on Bronze. Show time is 12pm PST/3pm EST/ 8PM GMT. All of you pass the word and tune in AND more importantly call in. The more the better. even if you do not do anything more than tune in and listen do that. It is great fun. Tomorrow will have Adrian Peck from the UK as a co host talking about the importance of communication.
I advise you to call in from your cell phones for clarity, but there is a call in button and number on the web page. Skype works too. Hope you all tune in and call in.
That was a word from our sponsor.
Lord of the Rings is great! Pick any one of the three movies.
Out of brain power, this cold is trying to run me down, literally, so let me go rest. Until the next thought hits me...
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Just News
I come and talk so now I will just blog.
Tasha and her mum have established separate online radio shows. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aunty-dee and http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tashadanvers. Check them out. Tasha's show is every Wednesday 9pm GMT/1pm PST. They also archive shows so if you miss it you can listen later. If you catch the shows you can call in also.
Congrats to Jet on her recent success on the track. She has taken very well to the training and has folks eyes wide open. LOL
I am still disconnected from indoors. I just can't get into it. Just straight money runs. I like seeing my people win and run well but it carries little weight when considering the big picture and winning medals.
Tasha ran indoors this year. She ran an 800. We planned for it but did not target it or train for it. Figured it was a good spot to show her face to the fans, and let the Brits know she is still a Brit and some personal promotion. All that was fine. We did not expect the expectations. Coach will take the blame for that and it will never happen again. I now know better, and I will use the information to all my athletes advantage in the future.
Tyrone Edgar took second at their European trials but has some niggles and is done for the indoor season.
To all my track people, let's all give a collective laugh to the other sports whining about the WADA whereabouts. See it is new to them, not to us. And boy you would swear someone stole their bike or something. The code is not perfect, the bugs in the system need fixing, and it will only get done if people contact the people in charge and let them know their problems. I do it religiously. And they always answer. Might not be the answer I want but I do know they are aware of my concerns and it is all documented.
Most days I feel like I am walking manifestation of Pinky and the Brain LOL. Yup, everyday I make up a plan to take over the world! And like the brain I never remember what yesterdays plan was hahahahaha. Here I come...AGAIN! :)
First time ever I will do some thing and probably the last. Here is a brief update on who I coach and how they are doing.
Ryan Wilson - training well, looking to return to form after a season of pain, literal pain.
Tasha Danvers - the bronze medalist. Adjusting to the demands, and it is an adjustment, but ran 2:12 indoors, so all is well. Now to get her back home and training
Jonathan Williams - He will set a new national record soon.
Bryan Scott - has a little rookie-itis, but some rehab and well deserved rest should solve it. Healthy he will run well
Kai Kelly - training really well. I am learning his strengths as we go since he came as a dual hurdler I have spent the time determining where I can run him. Maybe he will be the first doubler LOL
There are a few satellite athletes out here too but I will tell you about them another day. You will know their names soon enough.
What? You thought I was going to give you details or something? If you want details please come to West LA college at 10am, bring your spikes, and a commitment. ;)
Until another random thought hits me...
Tasha and her mum have established separate online radio shows. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aunty-dee and http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tashadanvers. Check them out. Tasha's show is every Wednesday 9pm GMT/1pm PST. They also archive shows so if you miss it you can listen later. If you catch the shows you can call in also.
Congrats to Jet on her recent success on the track. She has taken very well to the training and has folks eyes wide open. LOL
I am still disconnected from indoors. I just can't get into it. Just straight money runs. I like seeing my people win and run well but it carries little weight when considering the big picture and winning medals.
Tasha ran indoors this year. She ran an 800. We planned for it but did not target it or train for it. Figured it was a good spot to show her face to the fans, and let the Brits know she is still a Brit and some personal promotion. All that was fine. We did not expect the expectations. Coach will take the blame for that and it will never happen again. I now know better, and I will use the information to all my athletes advantage in the future.
Tyrone Edgar took second at their European trials but has some niggles and is done for the indoor season.
To all my track people, let's all give a collective laugh to the other sports whining about the WADA whereabouts. See it is new to them, not to us. And boy you would swear someone stole their bike or something. The code is not perfect, the bugs in the system need fixing, and it will only get done if people contact the people in charge and let them know their problems. I do it religiously. And they always answer. Might not be the answer I want but I do know they are aware of my concerns and it is all documented.
Most days I feel like I am walking manifestation of Pinky and the Brain LOL. Yup, everyday I make up a plan to take over the world! And like the brain I never remember what yesterdays plan was hahahahaha. Here I come...AGAIN! :)
First time ever I will do some thing and probably the last. Here is a brief update on who I coach and how they are doing.
Ryan Wilson - training well, looking to return to form after a season of pain, literal pain.
Tasha Danvers - the bronze medalist. Adjusting to the demands, and it is an adjustment, but ran 2:12 indoors, so all is well. Now to get her back home and training
Jonathan Williams - He will set a new national record soon.
Bryan Scott - has a little rookie-itis, but some rehab and well deserved rest should solve it. Healthy he will run well
Kai Kelly - training really well. I am learning his strengths as we go since he came as a dual hurdler I have spent the time determining where I can run him. Maybe he will be the first doubler LOL
There are a few satellite athletes out here too but I will tell you about them another day. You will know their names soon enough.
What? You thought I was going to give you details or something? If you want details please come to West LA college at 10am, bring your spikes, and a commitment. ;)
Until another random thought hits me...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
A few points on my mind...
Athletes pay your coaches. These men and women spend everyday with you, rain or shine, helping you reach your potential and achieve your dreams. Pay them. I say this as much as a coach as I am a person that wants to push us into the realm of professionalism. I am tired of hearing the horror stories from fellow coaches. And I am not talking about one year coaches or neo coaches, this tale goes all the way to the best coaches on earth.
Does it makes sense to pay your coach 1% of your earnings? Or less than that? Most of you think it is criminal for a coach to even venture the thought of getting paid off your hard work. Some times you have to sit back and look at the big picture. See, when you are paying out lump sums it is overwhelming. Any time you have to pay anyone $10,000 in a lump sum it hurts. You do not want to do it. I wouldn't. But you have to step back and analyze. You made $200,000 in the year and you have paid your agent $30,000 - $40,000. Your coach has asked you for something, per your verbal agreement (most of us coaches are still working on the honor system), you come up with $5,000. That's a big check, right? You damn right it is a big check. Problem is you haven't paid your coach a dime all year and now you are offering him/her pennies on the hour. Pay your coach.
We love you more than you love yourself most days. We spend countless moments working through the plan so when you step out there to compete you are at your best. I will suggest to all of you, work out a monthly plan and put it in writing, it is professional, it keeps business off the track, and your coach will appreciate the gesture. We are track junkies. There is no denying that we love the sport, but we have to make a living.
For the record, I am not writing this out of anger or any personal situation I am going through. I actually have a contract and removed everything I listed above from the track (mostly LOL). I am writing this because you are a professional athlete, in a professional sport. It is time we all started acting like it, from top to bottom.
Coaches get a contract and help the athletes out. All of the above is not their fault. We have tried to conduct our business on a handshake and trust. It is a recipe for disaster. It does not make you money hungry to establish a professional, business relationship in conjunction with our personal coaching relationship.
Sit down and figure out what you want, put it in writing, and get to negotiating with your athletes. I have done it. It took me a lot of trial and error but I worked it out. Now all I have to do is coach. Ideally, I would like to have an agent, but one step at a time.
Do not sit there thinking when they make it they will take care of you. They are human. They have their own world to manage. And your idea of "take care" is not always the same as their idea of "take care of". So put it in writing.
Don't be an asshole about it either. But handle business as business. This thing we do is too personal to treat it like we are 24 Hour Fitness or something. Just keep the business separate for yourself.
I have more points but it is time for practice.
Athletes pay your coaches. These men and women spend everyday with you, rain or shine, helping you reach your potential and achieve your dreams. Pay them. I say this as much as a coach as I am a person that wants to push us into the realm of professionalism. I am tired of hearing the horror stories from fellow coaches. And I am not talking about one year coaches or neo coaches, this tale goes all the way to the best coaches on earth.
Does it makes sense to pay your coach 1% of your earnings? Or less than that? Most of you think it is criminal for a coach to even venture the thought of getting paid off your hard work. Some times you have to sit back and look at the big picture. See, when you are paying out lump sums it is overwhelming. Any time you have to pay anyone $10,000 in a lump sum it hurts. You do not want to do it. I wouldn't. But you have to step back and analyze. You made $200,000 in the year and you have paid your agent $30,000 - $40,000. Your coach has asked you for something, per your verbal agreement (most of us coaches are still working on the honor system), you come up with $5,000. That's a big check, right? You damn right it is a big check. Problem is you haven't paid your coach a dime all year and now you are offering him/her pennies on the hour. Pay your coach.
We love you more than you love yourself most days. We spend countless moments working through the plan so when you step out there to compete you are at your best. I will suggest to all of you, work out a monthly plan and put it in writing, it is professional, it keeps business off the track, and your coach will appreciate the gesture. We are track junkies. There is no denying that we love the sport, but we have to make a living.
For the record, I am not writing this out of anger or any personal situation I am going through. I actually have a contract and removed everything I listed above from the track (mostly LOL). I am writing this because you are a professional athlete, in a professional sport. It is time we all started acting like it, from top to bottom.
Coaches get a contract and help the athletes out. All of the above is not their fault. We have tried to conduct our business on a handshake and trust. It is a recipe for disaster. It does not make you money hungry to establish a professional, business relationship in conjunction with our personal coaching relationship.
Sit down and figure out what you want, put it in writing, and get to negotiating with your athletes. I have done it. It took me a lot of trial and error but I worked it out. Now all I have to do is coach. Ideally, I would like to have an agent, but one step at a time.
Do not sit there thinking when they make it they will take care of you. They are human. They have their own world to manage. And your idea of "take care" is not always the same as their idea of "take care of". So put it in writing.
Don't be an asshole about it either. But handle business as business. This thing we do is too personal to treat it like we are 24 Hour Fitness or something. Just keep the business separate for yourself.
I have more points but it is time for practice.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dynamic v Static
Ok I normally pace my entries but I have had stuff to say. Tonight's topic is one that irritates me to no end. There is a raging debate among biomechanists, coaches, physios, and athletes about which stretching or warm up routine is best, static v dynamic.
I have seen both. I have seen a couple of videos. Heard more than few opinions, professional and personal. And here is the answer. Yes I said the answer. It is both. You need to have both in your program, not either or. Here is another revelation, dynamic programs contain both. No one pays attention to this small fact. Every single dynamic program I have seen contains static stretching.
That aside, let me elaborate. Static stretching can hurt you. It creates micro tears, and if you push your self beyond your limits you will irritate something. Dynamic stretching is limited by the body and its various systems that protect itself. However, it fails to "stretch" when you are "tight". The theory of dynamic proponents revolves around the notion that blood flow and "warming up" will lubricate the body enough. We have all trained to the point of being "tight", and I do not care how many A skips you do, until you sit down and touch your toes that tightness remains.
Everything is in moderation. Example, I know of a hyper flexible sprinter who developed an insertion issue where his hamstrings meet his glutes. Nothing helped, he stretched and stretched, and yet it remained. He had to stop stretching. His hyper flexibility was irritating the spot. This is why we were told growing up to not bounce but hold stretches. Even in the new dynamic regime they stress not bouncing but controlled movements with a minimal hold.
My warm up is dynamic by definition. It takes 45 minutes. It includes, jogging and/or striding, static stretching, and dynamic drills that focus on the specific movements of running. Admittedly there are other drills or dynamic stretches that can be included, but what I use is effective and ensures a proper warm up when done correctly.
Done correctly. Here is another key aspect. It is hard enough getting athletes to do static stretching for the appropriate time, short cuts are worked into all warm up routines. I did it as an athlete, and when I was in college we had the "modifications" down to a science. Dynamic routines become just that, routines. I watch the athletes do the fancy stuff without a thought of why they are doing it nor with the intensity needed to achieve the prescribed goal. This is to be guarded against if you are using a dynamic routine void of static stretching.
All of my opinion aside, my point is both types of stretching are needed. No one should ever do static stretching for 30-45 minutes, that's called socializing. LOL
I have seen both. I have seen a couple of videos. Heard more than few opinions, professional and personal. And here is the answer. Yes I said the answer. It is both. You need to have both in your program, not either or. Here is another revelation, dynamic programs contain both. No one pays attention to this small fact. Every single dynamic program I have seen contains static stretching.
That aside, let me elaborate. Static stretching can hurt you. It creates micro tears, and if you push your self beyond your limits you will irritate something. Dynamic stretching is limited by the body and its various systems that protect itself. However, it fails to "stretch" when you are "tight". The theory of dynamic proponents revolves around the notion that blood flow and "warming up" will lubricate the body enough. We have all trained to the point of being "tight", and I do not care how many A skips you do, until you sit down and touch your toes that tightness remains.
Everything is in moderation. Example, I know of a hyper flexible sprinter who developed an insertion issue where his hamstrings meet his glutes. Nothing helped, he stretched and stretched, and yet it remained. He had to stop stretching. His hyper flexibility was irritating the spot. This is why we were told growing up to not bounce but hold stretches. Even in the new dynamic regime they stress not bouncing but controlled movements with a minimal hold.
My warm up is dynamic by definition. It takes 45 minutes. It includes, jogging and/or striding, static stretching, and dynamic drills that focus on the specific movements of running. Admittedly there are other drills or dynamic stretches that can be included, but what I use is effective and ensures a proper warm up when done correctly.
Done correctly. Here is another key aspect. It is hard enough getting athletes to do static stretching for the appropriate time, short cuts are worked into all warm up routines. I did it as an athlete, and when I was in college we had the "modifications" down to a science. Dynamic routines become just that, routines. I watch the athletes do the fancy stuff without a thought of why they are doing it nor with the intensity needed to achieve the prescribed goal. This is to be guarded against if you are using a dynamic routine void of static stretching.
All of my opinion aside, my point is both types of stretching are needed. No one should ever do static stretching for 30-45 minutes, that's called socializing. LOL
Women here's some advice
Since I have read numerous post about what men need to do I figured hey why not return the kind favor. The hard part is women will write back with all kinds of rebuttals which is a HUGE problem, can't tell y'all nothin'! LOL
1 - Listen before you respond. I mean really listen. Don't hear what was said before or what you thought we meant, listen to what we are saying right now.
2 - Stay on point. An anecdote is just that, a story to illustrate the actual topic, not a new topic to argue about. This is where most arguments end in Chris Brown episodes.
3 - Be a woman. Not meek or weak, but soft, feminine, thoughtful, emotional and caring. We spend our entire existence fighting men on various levels, comparing egos, bashing our heads together like rams on the plains, the last thing we want to do is bang heads with our women as if they are men. You will kill us easier with kindness, I promise.
4 - Know the difference between a man and a pretender. Just because he has a penis does not make him a man. Just because he does not fight does not mean he is not strong or tough. Just because he fights does not mean he is strong or tough.
5 - Something the fellas were discussing today, stop running up on us like you can physically beat us down. You get one of these pretenders and it is all bad for you. You get a man and you will lose him. Women were "blessed" with a mouthpiece no man can match. Your weapon is far more powerful than our fist, trust me, I am a man, I know from experience. We hear you and we remember. Which brings me to...
6 - Be careful what you use as a verbal weapon with your man. Pushing his buttons may make you feel better in a fight but it will cause irreparable damage to your relationship no matter the outcome of the argument. In relationships, us cretins trust our women with information we would never tell anyone else. TRUST. We trust you to protect our soft spots as you expect us to trust yours. When you strike at those trusted issues, we rarely forget it and for the rest of our relationship it shapes how we respond to you. Most of us want comfort, and your man is most comfortable when he can trust you with his ego, his house ( not the physical house), and his secrets. Break that trust and you will spend your days being asked stupid questions like "Where are you going?" when all you did was switch positions on the couch. :)
7 - Make sure you and he are partners. A two way street. This is huge in this day and age. We have been taught to be independent entities that only co exist. This is why the divorce rate is so high. Men and women have ceased being partners in crime. He should be the Clyde to your Bonnie and you the Bonnie to his Clyde. Partners through thick and thin. but see this only works when the thick and thin our shared, when thick and thin are only shared after they become a thick and thin it is a recipe for mass destruction.
8 - Be you. Man I am telling you, us men love a woman that is unafraid to be herself. When we are the only ones allowed to get beyond the wall, you have us hooked for life! There's nothing worse than a woman that tries to change for the man she is with. Another recipe for disaster.
9 - Love yourself.
10 - Take all of this with a grain of salt. I could be 100% wrong. Seriously. I doubt I am but I am not foolish enough to think otherwise. :)
1 - Listen before you respond. I mean really listen. Don't hear what was said before or what you thought we meant, listen to what we are saying right now.
2 - Stay on point. An anecdote is just that, a story to illustrate the actual topic, not a new topic to argue about. This is where most arguments end in Chris Brown episodes.
3 - Be a woman. Not meek or weak, but soft, feminine, thoughtful, emotional and caring. We spend our entire existence fighting men on various levels, comparing egos, bashing our heads together like rams on the plains, the last thing we want to do is bang heads with our women as if they are men. You will kill us easier with kindness, I promise.
4 - Know the difference between a man and a pretender. Just because he has a penis does not make him a man. Just because he does not fight does not mean he is not strong or tough. Just because he fights does not mean he is strong or tough.
5 - Something the fellas were discussing today, stop running up on us like you can physically beat us down. You get one of these pretenders and it is all bad for you. You get a man and you will lose him. Women were "blessed" with a mouthpiece no man can match. Your weapon is far more powerful than our fist, trust me, I am a man, I know from experience. We hear you and we remember. Which brings me to...
6 - Be careful what you use as a verbal weapon with your man. Pushing his buttons may make you feel better in a fight but it will cause irreparable damage to your relationship no matter the outcome of the argument. In relationships, us cretins trust our women with information we would never tell anyone else. TRUST. We trust you to protect our soft spots as you expect us to trust yours. When you strike at those trusted issues, we rarely forget it and for the rest of our relationship it shapes how we respond to you. Most of us want comfort, and your man is most comfortable when he can trust you with his ego, his house ( not the physical house), and his secrets. Break that trust and you will spend your days being asked stupid questions like "Where are you going?" when all you did was switch positions on the couch. :)
7 - Make sure you and he are partners. A two way street. This is huge in this day and age. We have been taught to be independent entities that only co exist. This is why the divorce rate is so high. Men and women have ceased being partners in crime. He should be the Clyde to your Bonnie and you the Bonnie to his Clyde. Partners through thick and thin. but see this only works when the thick and thin our shared, when thick and thin are only shared after they become a thick and thin it is a recipe for mass destruction.
8 - Be you. Man I am telling you, us men love a woman that is unafraid to be herself. When we are the only ones allowed to get beyond the wall, you have us hooked for life! There's nothing worse than a woman that tries to change for the man she is with. Another recipe for disaster.
9 - Love yourself.
10 - Take all of this with a grain of salt. I could be 100% wrong. Seriously. I doubt I am but I am not foolish enough to think otherwise. :)
Expectations - A Cautionary Tale
I woke up and this one just will not settle down. I pride myself on staying on the high ground as best I can, and that means knowing when to say something and when not to. Today I will split the difference with a disclaimer, no names will be used to protect the guilty.
A person spends their entire career, whether that is track or otherwise, striving to reach the level of expectations that define success. It is hard work and in some cases, a labor of love with the belief that when you get there it will all pay off, figuratively and literally. This is what gets us all up in the morning, and drives us through the trials of training and grunt work. The thought that when you put it all together you will reap the benefits. Not in track.
In track you work for the pennies that are out there and believe when you get that medal or run that time or win those races that the business will turn in your favor and pay you. When you win that medal you expect to be the star and garner the support of sport. Not in track.
The cruelest aspect is the dishonest business of cutting people who have won medals that year. Dishonest is the exact word that fits here. We are all told and accept that this is the business we work in, however that does not make it honest. Many athletes run around for year wearing the free uniform a company once offered them, with the implied and sometimes explicit promise that dollars will follow their charity tot he company. It is really sticky when you find athletes that stray and wear generic gear only to be told later that they did not support the mainstream company and have no brand recognition so they will not be signed. That's called blackmail and collusion. When you win an Olympic medal you are a recognized face that is to cash in on that ultimate of successes. Not in track.
Win an Olympic medal, get a shoe contract. This is the baseline sell of track and field. Again, not in track.
I have been on the track in some form for all 38 years of my life. I have been coaching for the last 17 years. It is safe to say I am committed to this and love this. Today I am pissed off and disappointed. More disappointed. I wrote this to share some thoughts and to point out to all of you, be about your business with a long term outlook that includes more than running and the shoe companies. I will attack it with energy and not be swayed by the disappointments, but neither will I stay silent on these important issues any longer. You have to make it happen because no one out there is trying to bring it to you, even when you have done all the things that were asked of you. All the things that have been outlined in the blueprint of success in track. I will see you all in the sun. Do your due diligence
A person spends their entire career, whether that is track or otherwise, striving to reach the level of expectations that define success. It is hard work and in some cases, a labor of love with the belief that when you get there it will all pay off, figuratively and literally. This is what gets us all up in the morning, and drives us through the trials of training and grunt work. The thought that when you put it all together you will reap the benefits. Not in track.
In track you work for the pennies that are out there and believe when you get that medal or run that time or win those races that the business will turn in your favor and pay you. When you win that medal you expect to be the star and garner the support of sport. Not in track.
The cruelest aspect is the dishonest business of cutting people who have won medals that year. Dishonest is the exact word that fits here. We are all told and accept that this is the business we work in, however that does not make it honest. Many athletes run around for year wearing the free uniform a company once offered them, with the implied and sometimes explicit promise that dollars will follow their charity tot he company. It is really sticky when you find athletes that stray and wear generic gear only to be told later that they did not support the mainstream company and have no brand recognition so they will not be signed. That's called blackmail and collusion. When you win an Olympic medal you are a recognized face that is to cash in on that ultimate of successes. Not in track.
Win an Olympic medal, get a shoe contract. This is the baseline sell of track and field. Again, not in track.
I have been on the track in some form for all 38 years of my life. I have been coaching for the last 17 years. It is safe to say I am committed to this and love this. Today I am pissed off and disappointed. More disappointed. I wrote this to share some thoughts and to point out to all of you, be about your business with a long term outlook that includes more than running and the shoe companies. I will attack it with energy and not be swayed by the disappointments, but neither will I stay silent on these important issues any longer. You have to make it happen because no one out there is trying to bring it to you, even when you have done all the things that were asked of you. All the things that have been outlined in the blueprint of success in track. I will see you all in the sun. Do your due diligence
Monday, February 16, 2009
This week in track and world
Wow. That's all that comes to mind. It is my usual lead in to what I want to say while I think about what I want to say. Wow.
NBA All star events were terrific. I listen to talk radio and I think people take themselves way too seriously sometimes. It was fun, it had entertainment, and the stars did their thing. My lasting memory is Dwight Howard hopping up to the 12 foot rim as if it was at 8 feet. I listen to the maysayers, "Oh he is 7 feet tall!" as if that makes 12 feet any closer to the ground. Let me tell you something, dunking at 12 feet is a beast. It has been the test height in the NBA for decades and very few have been able to jump that high, let alone dunk a basketball that high. He touched the rim so easily. Then dunked it off a backboard pass. And then there was the side of the backboard dunk. If you do not know please youtube it.
Meanwhile I am disgusted that Nate won. He used boosters on his last 2 dunks. Whack! his best dunk was his first one, and it was all of that! One bounce, catch, to the shoe tops, reverse flush from an 5'8" man. That was sweet.
If you are a Lakers hater or blind Lakers fan you will not feel me on this next point. Jerry Buss punked out and cost me at least 2 more ring runs. He let it get personal and traded Shaq. I am still mad about it. If you watched them play last night you see why the Big Aristotle calls them the best big man/small man duo ever. Kobe 27, Shaq 22 (in 11 minutes). I had that every week, now I am hoping the Lakers stay healthy so Kobe can lead them to the top. Pissed off about it.
On the track, Isinbayeva OPENED her season with a wr. That would be a five meter opening competition. Whatever, they have figured out, I want to know. Can you imagine opening your campaign with a wr???
Hooker goes 6 meters again.
Lolo is still dominating the spot.
Vlasic goes over 2 meters for the hundredthousandmillionth time in a row, and LOSES! The women's high jump is a very good event.
Tasha is not running Birmingham now. I am disappointed, but as I said it is indoors. No skin lost.
It rained today. It was 50 degrees. It was windy. Check out my FB page to see how we handled that. I am telling you guys it is cold out here.
See you guys out doors. I am sure there was something else I wanted to say, wait, oh I got it.
Barack is killing me right now. He made me a promise and I expect him to keep it. Partisan politics are what he sore to avoid, yet he gave one of the most partisan speeches I have ever heard. And his whack stimulus package is just that, whack. Not enough things to STIMULATE the economy, but a whole load of social programs to improve the quality of life. Just not the time for it, we are in need of specific things right now, and $75 million for anti smoking is not it.
Yup that's all for now
NBA All star events were terrific. I listen to talk radio and I think people take themselves way too seriously sometimes. It was fun, it had entertainment, and the stars did their thing. My lasting memory is Dwight Howard hopping up to the 12 foot rim as if it was at 8 feet. I listen to the maysayers, "Oh he is 7 feet tall!" as if that makes 12 feet any closer to the ground. Let me tell you something, dunking at 12 feet is a beast. It has been the test height in the NBA for decades and very few have been able to jump that high, let alone dunk a basketball that high. He touched the rim so easily. Then dunked it off a backboard pass. And then there was the side of the backboard dunk. If you do not know please youtube it.
Meanwhile I am disgusted that Nate won. He used boosters on his last 2 dunks. Whack! his best dunk was his first one, and it was all of that! One bounce, catch, to the shoe tops, reverse flush from an 5'8" man. That was sweet.
If you are a Lakers hater or blind Lakers fan you will not feel me on this next point. Jerry Buss punked out and cost me at least 2 more ring runs. He let it get personal and traded Shaq. I am still mad about it. If you watched them play last night you see why the Big Aristotle calls them the best big man/small man duo ever. Kobe 27, Shaq 22 (in 11 minutes). I had that every week, now I am hoping the Lakers stay healthy so Kobe can lead them to the top. Pissed off about it.
On the track, Isinbayeva OPENED her season with a wr. That would be a five meter opening competition. Whatever, they have figured out, I want to know. Can you imagine opening your campaign with a wr???
Hooker goes 6 meters again.
Lolo is still dominating the spot.
Vlasic goes over 2 meters for the hundredthousandmillionth time in a row, and LOSES! The women's high jump is a very good event.
Tasha is not running Birmingham now. I am disappointed, but as I said it is indoors. No skin lost.
It rained today. It was 50 degrees. It was windy. Check out my FB page to see how we handled that. I am telling you guys it is cold out here.
See you guys out doors. I am sure there was something else I wanted to say, wait, oh I got it.
Barack is killing me right now. He made me a promise and I expect him to keep it. Partisan politics are what he sore to avoid, yet he gave one of the most partisan speeches I have ever heard. And his whack stimulus package is just that, whack. Not enough things to STIMULATE the economy, but a whole load of social programs to improve the quality of life. Just not the time for it, we are in need of specific things right now, and $75 million for anti smoking is not it.
Yup that's all for now
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Perspective
Last year I quoted a classic "He who run fast in April get ass kicked in August!" It was our running joke back in the day as we watched folks run fast early and disappear during money time or fold up. This weekend brings me full circle, AGAIN!
I sent my girl Tasha over the lake to run indoors. She ran the 800 at her national meet. For those that do not know she is a 400 hurdler. And for those who have forgotten, she is a 400 hurdler. We chose the 800 because it fits what we are doing right now and allows her the chance to run indoors and show her face to her fans.
The result was a good 2:12 for her. Not impressive when compared to the half milers mind you but I am pleased. See competitive fire aside, this is her first indoor race since 1995, her first indoor 800 ever, and we did not break training for this. She is not trying to make the indoor team, so in my eyes all is going to plan. Outdoors that's worth about 2:10, so for her fourth 800 in her life I have very little to complain about.
Tasha and I seem to be the only ones with reality in mind. Articles are written and people are talking as if she is a half miler that struggled out there. No it was not the quality run we wanted but it carries no weight as far as long term goals go. She is healthy, she is fit as she is going to be right now, and we got a great gauge on where she is. We did not plan to go out and beat the big girls, if that were case we would be looking at an event change, as some tried to intimate.
For clarity to all, there's no event change. She enjoys running the event, it relates well to her pet event, and she wanted to run an indoor race. She got the chance to see her fans and not fall into the marketing black hole of track stars.
Too often medalists disappear from the track landscape and become irrelevant, never getting the chance to take advantage of the opportunities presented by that success. This is the message I want to get out. We have to work at pushing the product and not wait for the machine to work for you. There is no machine, therefore you have to go get it. You have to make sure the fans see you, the papers interview you, and your brand is visible. All while doing what got you that chance, run.
Make a plan, set it in motion and remember what it is while never forgetting we run to win medals and earn a living. Let everyone play their roles, maintain the brain trust, they will love you when you win in August. My mantra right now, "It is FEBRUARY!" Keep it in pocket.
Oh so none of you feel slighted, good work to everyone doing their thing indoors, more than one way to success.
I sent my girl Tasha over the lake to run indoors. She ran the 800 at her national meet. For those that do not know she is a 400 hurdler. And for those who have forgotten, she is a 400 hurdler. We chose the 800 because it fits what we are doing right now and allows her the chance to run indoors and show her face to her fans.
The result was a good 2:12 for her. Not impressive when compared to the half milers mind you but I am pleased. See competitive fire aside, this is her first indoor race since 1995, her first indoor 800 ever, and we did not break training for this. She is not trying to make the indoor team, so in my eyes all is going to plan. Outdoors that's worth about 2:10, so for her fourth 800 in her life I have very little to complain about.
Tasha and I seem to be the only ones with reality in mind. Articles are written and people are talking as if she is a half miler that struggled out there. No it was not the quality run we wanted but it carries no weight as far as long term goals go. She is healthy, she is fit as she is going to be right now, and we got a great gauge on where she is. We did not plan to go out and beat the big girls, if that were case we would be looking at an event change, as some tried to intimate.
For clarity to all, there's no event change. She enjoys running the event, it relates well to her pet event, and she wanted to run an indoor race. She got the chance to see her fans and not fall into the marketing black hole of track stars.
Too often medalists disappear from the track landscape and become irrelevant, never getting the chance to take advantage of the opportunities presented by that success. This is the message I want to get out. We have to work at pushing the product and not wait for the machine to work for you. There is no machine, therefore you have to go get it. You have to make sure the fans see you, the papers interview you, and your brand is visible. All while doing what got you that chance, run.
Make a plan, set it in motion and remember what it is while never forgetting we run to win medals and earn a living. Let everyone play their roles, maintain the brain trust, they will love you when you win in August. My mantra right now, "It is FEBRUARY!" Keep it in pocket.
Oh so none of you feel slighted, good work to everyone doing their thing indoors, more than one way to success.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Today
Yesterday the Project 30 report came out and the track world is abuzz with talk about USATF reform.
I will read the report today but my insatiable need to summarize has me speaking on it now. And later.
I read an article from the Register Guard in Oregon and the author summed up a feeling I had, the teleconference, and the various articles I have read tell me that the same opinion held before the report was confirmed by the report. Not to say this is impossible, but it comes off as more of an affirmation of preconceived notions rather than a genuine conclusion of the findings.
The relay program is recommended to be scraped and replaced with the same program that preceded it, which is what led to the call for a new program. Come on!
More after I read more...
I will read the report today but my insatiable need to summarize has me speaking on it now. And later.
I read an article from the Register Guard in Oregon and the author summed up a feeling I had, the teleconference, and the various articles I have read tell me that the same opinion held before the report was confirmed by the report. Not to say this is impossible, but it comes off as more of an affirmation of preconceived notions rather than a genuine conclusion of the findings.
The relay program is recommended to be scraped and replaced with the same program that preceded it, which is what led to the call for a new program. Come on!
More after I read more...
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Kid
He is 4 now. And he is a spark plug. He goes and goes and goes. His mum is wishing for an on/off switch after 730PM, and that is the exact time he gets going. Now our place is not huge but it is not small either, I know because he runs and hops all over it. LMAO He is a ball to watch, he enjoys life, not like a kid but like a free spirit. He is an only child and needs no one to entertain himself (like his mum and grandma). He does the things I used to think about when I was his age, to embarrassed or reserved to let people see me "act a fool". Hahahahaha. That's my son Jaden, and I never want him to change he is too much fun. He can sing/rap/dance in just one show.
We finally got some rain, I am not amused, entertained or happy. 2 things I do not like, rain and cold, and it has been both. However, it has provided a natural break in training. Just in time for a transition in cycles. ;)
While the Cardinals could not pull off my predicted upset (so close), my Lakers have run through the NBA this week. We are the team to beat. Just like the good old days (that would be the 80s for you youngsters). I could not resist texting Paul Doyle bright and early Friday morning. Shout out to Shawn Crawford for having court side seats right behind the Celtics bench, and Steve Hooker.
Now I wait for the playoffs because that's all that matters to me.
Good luck to all you indoor runners, stay healthy.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
President Obama
I wrote this wonderful blog on my phone and was unable to post it, so here is the revised version.
It is official, Barack Obama is the President of the United States (POTUS). Sweet! A very proud moment in history.
NOW, here is what I have to say. There are no more excuses. No one should be saying they cannot believe this day ever came. More importantly I do not have to worry about my children facing the insinuation that there is something they cannot do in life. If you think carefully, no one ever told you that you could not be president, it was actual us saying things such as, "One day you could be president" that led to the belief that we had roadblocks there. Unless you are 45 or older, you have not faced any obstacles to your success, especially if you were raised in the West.
Now while some of you are sitting there feeling I have rained on the parade, let me come around the mountain. I am delighted! I love the satisfaction folks like my parents, my uncle, and Brooks Johnson feel. See they lived through the stuff we have watched on TV. It is not a black and white image, the blood is not some different shade of gray, it was red. Emmit Till is not a still image in a casket, it was real and scary. The Watts Riots were not a documentary, my parents lived right there, my uncle was in school when those murders happened and Angela Davis was arrested. They fought for this day and loved through the bullshit that was our society in the 60s.
I want to give a big shout to my man Brooks and his new blog. He brings such history and knowledge to the table. You never realize what it means to be honest until you meet someone that is truly honest. He minces no words or opinions. I appreciate it, and I tend to agree with 95% of everything he says. www.spikesandflats.com
Oh track? Training is going well for everyone. I expect good seasons for all. And there are a few surprises in store for a few out there.
Here comes indoor season. Folks are on their way. We will sit out here and watch the festivities from afar.
It is official, Barack Obama is the President of the United States (POTUS). Sweet! A very proud moment in history.
NOW, here is what I have to say. There are no more excuses. No one should be saying they cannot believe this day ever came. More importantly I do not have to worry about my children facing the insinuation that there is something they cannot do in life. If you think carefully, no one ever told you that you could not be president, it was actual us saying things such as, "One day you could be president" that led to the belief that we had roadblocks there. Unless you are 45 or older, you have not faced any obstacles to your success, especially if you were raised in the West.
Now while some of you are sitting there feeling I have rained on the parade, let me come around the mountain. I am delighted! I love the satisfaction folks like my parents, my uncle, and Brooks Johnson feel. See they lived through the stuff we have watched on TV. It is not a black and white image, the blood is not some different shade of gray, it was red. Emmit Till is not a still image in a casket, it was real and scary. The Watts Riots were not a documentary, my parents lived right there, my uncle was in school when those murders happened and Angela Davis was arrested. They fought for this day and loved through the bullshit that was our society in the 60s.
I want to give a big shout to my man Brooks and his new blog. He brings such history and knowledge to the table. You never realize what it means to be honest until you meet someone that is truly honest. He minces no words or opinions. I appreciate it, and I tend to agree with 95% of everything he says. www.spikesandflats.com
Oh track? Training is going well for everyone. I expect good seasons for all. And there are a few surprises in store for a few out there.
Here comes indoor season. Folks are on their way. We will sit out here and watch the festivities from afar.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Happy New Year
The calendar has changed and here we are in 2009. So what did I learn.
I learned that I attract a whole lot of attention when I write online. And folks always got something to say about what I write. This is what I learned from that, I am a grown ass man, with a healthy mind and have things to say. YOU do not dictate what I say or when I say it, just as I do not to anyone else.
I learned that I can compartmentalize my life. And that sucks. I do not want to have to break it up, but that is what I learned this year.
I learned I can coach my ass off. I am a coach, Damon! LOL I did it. I can say it like that because this is my first major medal and I hope every coach that achieves at least one appreciates the process it took.
I learned HOW to coach BETTER. Aw man, if only you knew how this year transformed my coaching. I still feel like a 12 year old working amongst men, but that is wearing off. How to coach is the key. I have other coaches asking me questions and I stress the how over the what. The what is easy. The what is in books all over the place. The how is not in a book and cannot be put in a book.
I learned that a man's life is a lonely road. I was told this numerous times in my life, and just when I thought I had experienced what it meant I learned it is even lonelier.
I learned how to love. Let me say something publicly to you all, I love my wife. I do. This will mean different things to different people, including her, but to me it just says I learned how to love this year. Which is a really strange realization to come to but it is the truth.
I learned how to be. This is still a work in progress.
What I did not learn.
I did not learn how to hate.
I did not learn what to coach.
I did not learn how to be loved. Huge difference between loving and being loved, and you have to learn how to be loved as well. I think this is the trickiest part for me but not how some of you are thinking.
I did not learn how to take. I have to work on this one.
I did not learn how to be negative. THANK GOD! I can't do pessimism, cynicism. It grates me. I have my own private pity parties, I do not have the strength to deal with anyone elses. I need light around me, vision, positivity.
I did not learn how to be on the top step of the podium. Give me time, I will get someone(s) there.
ok back to what I did learn.
I learned that our world is what I thought it has always been, a place of chance and opportunity. Barack is president. Never once in my life did I think it was impossible, I am glad everyone else knows this now. I learned that the sport is changing and it is a hard change but damnit it is a necessary one for sure!!!!
I learned that the West Coast is on another planet and it cost too much for athletes to call Cali when they need a coach. :) For those prospecting, the West Coast is attached to the United States. The calling rates are the same as all the other states. And I have a few open spots out here. Doesn't mean I am open to everyone, but there are a select few I will entertain. Email, call, send pigeons, whatever works for you. LOL Seriously.
I learned that 2009 is a great year for me. I spoke it and it is.
D
I learned that I attract a whole lot of attention when I write online. And folks always got something to say about what I write. This is what I learned from that, I am a grown ass man, with a healthy mind and have things to say. YOU do not dictate what I say or when I say it, just as I do not to anyone else.
I learned that I can compartmentalize my life. And that sucks. I do not want to have to break it up, but that is what I learned this year.
I learned I can coach my ass off. I am a coach, Damon! LOL I did it. I can say it like that because this is my first major medal and I hope every coach that achieves at least one appreciates the process it took.
I learned HOW to coach BETTER. Aw man, if only you knew how this year transformed my coaching. I still feel like a 12 year old working amongst men, but that is wearing off. How to coach is the key. I have other coaches asking me questions and I stress the how over the what. The what is easy. The what is in books all over the place. The how is not in a book and cannot be put in a book.
I learned that a man's life is a lonely road. I was told this numerous times in my life, and just when I thought I had experienced what it meant I learned it is even lonelier.
I learned how to love. Let me say something publicly to you all, I love my wife. I do. This will mean different things to different people, including her, but to me it just says I learned how to love this year. Which is a really strange realization to come to but it is the truth.
I learned how to be. This is still a work in progress.
What I did not learn.
I did not learn how to hate.
I did not learn what to coach.
I did not learn how to be loved. Huge difference between loving and being loved, and you have to learn how to be loved as well. I think this is the trickiest part for me but not how some of you are thinking.
I did not learn how to take. I have to work on this one.
I did not learn how to be negative. THANK GOD! I can't do pessimism, cynicism. It grates me. I have my own private pity parties, I do not have the strength to deal with anyone elses. I need light around me, vision, positivity.
I did not learn how to be on the top step of the podium. Give me time, I will get someone(s) there.
ok back to what I did learn.
I learned that our world is what I thought it has always been, a place of chance and opportunity. Barack is president. Never once in my life did I think it was impossible, I am glad everyone else knows this now. I learned that the sport is changing and it is a hard change but damnit it is a necessary one for sure!!!!
I learned that the West Coast is on another planet and it cost too much for athletes to call Cali when they need a coach. :) For those prospecting, the West Coast is attached to the United States. The calling rates are the same as all the other states. And I have a few open spots out here. Doesn't mean I am open to everyone, but there are a select few I will entertain. Email, call, send pigeons, whatever works for you. LOL Seriously.
I learned that 2009 is a great year for me. I spoke it and it is.
D
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