Sunday, November 21, 2010

Rest is for the weak?

Sometimes the greatest personality downfalls are also some of the greatest attributes. I for one am probably one of the most stubborn people that you will meet. I rarely ever admit to this fault, but I can’t seem to escape this reality. My zodiac sign is Taurus, with the symbol being bull horns. I have never been a believer in astrological signs, but I seem to fit the mold by being steadfast, determined and bull headed. I get this trait from my father, who is probably the only one capable of going head to head in a competition of stubbornness with me. My father broke his leg, falling off a ladder a few years ago, which resulted in eleven surgeries and a near amputation. One would think that after eleven surgeries he would be very careful in all aspects of life and especially climbing up and down ladders. I have learned through my father that sometimes stubbornness can verge on stupidity. I respect the fact that he is determined to do what he was able to do before his injury, but in most situations it can be more beneficially to swallow some pride and ask for help or step down when it is needed.


This is something I can say I will do, but in reality most times it does not happen. I believe that being stubborn is something that has allowed me to be successful in sports. I have been told many times that I will not be able to do the things I hope to accomplish. Instead of backing down my stubborn instincts kick into gear and I want nothing more than to prove my doubters wrong. Unfortunately, that combined with my impatient nature can lead to disaster. I have a hard time listening to my body when it is telling me that I can not do something because just like my doubters I want to prove it wrong as well. I have tried to channel my Coach D when I train or when I am injured and remember her telling me that we are not looking at the race here and now, but the one that matters at the end. I have had to attempt to be patient this week and listen to my body, instead of ‘working through the pain.’ It is very hard as an athlete to not be active or doing your sport, but my hope is that with this rest my hamstring and my body can be 100% for race day Thanksgiving Day. I know on that night I will be thankful to be racing down the Whistler track once again, remembering the amazing time I had here last February.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

To The Beach!

8 hours after beginning my travels this morning to Park City, Utah and I am still where I started, in the Albany airport.  But there is one catch…… I am 800 dollars (well, United dollars) richer!  I am not sure if the lady at the United counter has ever seen anyone as excited as I was to give up a plane seat.  Not only did I give my seat up once, but also a second time!  I was all but begging her to take my seat away from me and now I feel like I have won the plane voucher jackpot! I am not going to go as far as to say that I enjoy what the Albany airport has to offer; although it is very hard to pick which healthy option, McDonalds or Pizza, I will choose for lunch.  I chose pizza.  I do, however, appreciate sitting here and thinking of all the warms places I can fly with these vouchers.  I can never understand why everyone is not as anxious as I am to exchange a plane seat and a little time for a vacation flight.  As I look around I realize that it spending a couple extra hours in airport so that many of the passengers could get home to their children and families.  Often I am reminded of some of the things I give up for this lifestyle, but also the freedoms that it allows me to have.  I will have plenty of time for family and children, but for now I am going to sit here basking in my glory thinking of the tan I will get in the spring.