Just out here Maintaning

Well, 2013 is coming up , this semester was a pretty good semester. Grades are good , training has been better .Maybe the best shape I've been in since I've been in college. At this point I'm just #maintaining. Its funny when I say that to people beacuse their immediate response is "just maintaining?" , and I'm like yea "just maintaining". See when I see maintaining I mean gradualy growing or a consistent growth .. something like a steam engine. Everyone knows that slow and steady wins the races , they also know that patience is needed. So yeah , I'm maintaining.. Everything happens in God's timing and he help those who help themselves. So ill continue to maintain and stay focus.  Districtions have been at a minimum and that's a very good thing . I've came to far to be average like most people . I want my blessings and what my God has promised me and my family and I will not let anyone even myself stop me from getting it. To much prayer,sweat,tears,work,frustration and pride went into this. We gone keep it steady and we gone keep MAINTAINING

Good Vs Great

If Iwere guranteed sucess in my life, to be honest i don't know what exaclty it would look like. Personally, I believe that God is incharge of my life and he has instilled within me certain desires and ambtions. I beileve he also has given me every tool that i need to have a "succesful life.The twist to this delima , is that i would then have to be in-touch with him and my self to figure out those when and how i am to used and build of what he has blessed me with. This is something that will take time and mediataion. as time goes on i beileve that God is revealing to me what a "Great Life For Me". growing i played fottball and thought i would one day be a Pro football player. Well, things have changed. im currently a track and field athelte here at UF. Im pretty good one at that. One thing that pushes me to become better is the fact that i know its always going be someone better than me and its going to be someone right behind me trying to get what i have. Right now i beleive im good... But what is good to Great?.... thats why i keep going. figure out whether you were good or great wont hit you until its all over. thats why i try my best to be the best. God willing, i might one day be great

Just finished up my season. Got 4th at the North American Caribbean Championships. Right now I'm just pretty much taking summer class and helping with a few Fraternity activities. Today was the start of my Frat's 30th Annual Blue and White weekend. This is my first time on the other side. Actually producing the event is much different. Man it's gone be pressure lol . But it should be fun


Wish me luck

Fun at the Trials....

This past week up in Oregon at The 2012 Olympic Trials was an amazing experience. All the fans and coaches. Media everywhere and every athlete that every young boy and girl admires. Not my anyways but still. I know a lot of younger athletes whose role models and idols were out there this week. In such a high level of competition your
have no choice but to just embrace it.

This past weekend I was re-taught I valuable lesson . "Once you stop having fun is the minute things go down hill. " ....I saw a lot ppl "not having fun"... I just pray to GOD that I have fun like I always do in this sport until I finish my career .. It's not all about winning .. It's about having fun while going they the process. Ppl get so caught up in being number 1 that they forget the simple fact " You can't always be number one " life itself is a competition.. Have fun man and enjoy the time that you get. It's not promised to everyone ad it's not promised forever.. It's a blessing...

I was able to come out get a PR.. Of 13.49 .. And moved to #2 on Florida's all time List in the 110 H.... Made it to the semi-finals and put my nose in there.. I HAD FUN...

It still have the Under 23 North American Caribbean Championships down in Mexico.. July 5-8 ... I'm representing the United States





Go out... Thank God for everything he has ever done ... And ask for nothing but HIS will be done.

And HAVE FUN..

Amen

Middle of the Summer

It been a while since I been on here...things have been hectic. Just came off our first Outdoor National Championship, with a 5th place finish in the finals of the 110s. I felt pretty good contributing to my teams succes. Even though the media barely recognized it. It bothered me at first but you know what . My coaches, my team and most of all GOD knows how I came through. Right now I'm up in Eugene for the Olympic trials. Just wanted to come out and experience what it's like to be here and compete with the top in the US.. My only expectation is to have fun and get better .. I've also been selected for the NACAC Under 23 team . I'll be representing the US down in Mexico ... That should be fun..


This upcoming fall is crucial for me ... Even though if jade success I know for a fact that I'm no where close to my true potential... If been focus but have had a few side track moments. NOT ANYMORE . I don't care who you is or what you do or how you feel . YOUR NOT going to help me get this money... I gotta get it MYSELF..


Amen

Adversity.....

See in life its this thing called adversity , and it something that we all face. It's something that can create a king or turn someone into a beggar. It all depends in how you handle that adversity.

A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.

- Unknown

Your outcome depends on how you handle your situation. Anybody can be happy when everything's all good, but will you still smile when shit hits the wall? Everybody will be your friend when your on top , but will those same people be there when it all fall down , will they be there to help your through your struggle?. To be successful in life I believe that you must've willing and know how to handle adversity. What value is anything that you didn't have to work for? , compared to something that you had to bleed , sweat , and cry for ?. These days people make to many excuses to why the didn't accomplish something.

"Excuses are tools of incompetence , used to build monuments of nothingness , those who specialize I'm using them are seldom good for anything else but excuses."

At this point in my life things are up and down , I'm trying to manage everything and get my priorities in order. As time goes I realize how you really can't please people. If never been that type. Even still it's so much pressure.

This Monday my team and I are leaving for Des Moines ,Iowa for the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Track Nationals. This year is also Olympic year. People are In full force competing for those top 3 spots to make the respective Olympic teams. The pressure is on. Thing is , either you make the cut or you got home and try again next time ... But next time is four years later . Not so fun is it?. Right now I'm 33rd in the world in the 110 high hurdles ... 10th in the NCAA. This year I will be competing in Olympic trails but the chances of me taking a spot are almost impossible .. Or is it ? Lol..." wishful thinking" ...but realistically I don't see it happening. .... BUT .. BY MEANS AM I GOING TO GIVE OR NOT TRY MY ABSOLUTE BEST TO MAKE IT THERE...

See that's the things about adversity ... Facing it makes you a better person on so many different levels... It pushes you past your limits.. Just think about it....

"If It was easy everybody could do it" -Terrell Wilks

That quotes speak wonders.. So right now in training and things have kinda been at a stand still ... My Fastest time this year was 13.54. Since then I haven't progressed. Ive been having complications with my start and finishing my races. It's very stressful because I know in better and I know I can do better but things just aren't clicking. Sometimes I think to myself "why am I doing this , why do I keep going?"

Last year I didn't make it to the finals in Hurdles so my really my main objective. To make it to the finals I will have to run 13.5 or better . It's just a must , these guys are not playing , I got it in me, it just a matter of me putting things together. I believe I can do it.

Hopefully I can get it done..

"Is what I'm doing right now gonna get me where I need to be in 2 days, 2 weeks , 2 months, 2 years, 20 years ...?"

Hopefully it does..... BUT RUNNING AWAY FROM ADVERSITY AND MAKING EXCUSES will never amount to anything, and all your efforts will be in vain ..

The Place in between you and your dreams

Well I'm back , currently up in Baton Rouge at LSU for SEC Outdoors track and Field Championships.... It's real nice out here. The weather couldn't get any better . It's nice and hot, great running conditions. The meet just started today with the heptathlon and decathlon events. I run later this week
Saturday and Sunday. This is the start of me making my mark for 2012...after this it's NCAAs then Olympic Trails . This time right now I crucial. This time is the place between me and my dreams.. And for me to begin my journey I have to have thing in my life I. The right place and perspective . Distractions are in numbers, like there really trying to get me off task... All these social ties... I don't have time for it... I cannot be bothered. I will not let you distract me. This is not the time...
Im sorry that might seem selfish ... But if I were to let you distract me and I miss my dream, or what God has for me I would be a fool. To add on, if your that distraction I have to let you go. People get selfish and think its about them... And are it conscience about others.. This is my life.. And I don't need you.. If your in my life because I want you to be.. But I would assume that you have my best interest and if you really cared you would let me life my life .. Instead of trying to budge and question everything I do....
People will never admit how selfish they are. When others point it out they get offended... Well I don't care , I can't take you with me , you have to carry your own weight. You don't want hear that but it's only fair..

BUSINESS BEFORE PLEASURE... I would rather cry now and laugh later .... Because time waits for no one.. And you cannot give what I want I life ..ONLY GOD CAN.. See how they works ... But you just do t give it.. You as if a need you.. I don't , so do yourself a favor and let me live my life
"Give a Dawg a bone , Leave a dawg alone, Send him on his own and let him find his way home." --DMX

Sorry for the Wait..

It's been a while , things have been getting really busy. I'm heading into the last few weeks of the spring semester.. Final Papers , Group projects, and Final exams.. It's been real crazy these past few weeks ... On the other hand things on the track have been getting better .. I've seem to find the focus that I was missing.. Ever since pledging in the fall and being injured indoor season things having been the same but they seem to be falling back onto place...


A few days ago I was lied about on. Apparently I was involve in something having to do with a certain sorority Memeber before her probate and some type of way it go out......ummm to begin with I don't even know the girl ... I know the girls first name, and I know how she looks but I do not know her as a person. I am not and have never been in contact with this female. Due to her careless life choices she chose to put somebody else's name in the fire... But why me.. What have I done to her .. Nothing! . I don't know her ..

People these days cannot hold water... They get into things they can't handle and as soon as they can't handle that heat.. They bust like bubbles .. Telling on each and everyone the can to make themselves look less guilty... Some ever stoop so low to make up lies... Word to the wise...If you don't know, keep your mouth close and vibe...


No one has any self respect or loyalty these days.. There just foul people with no principles... And listen when I say this......
JOINING AN ORGANIZATION WILL NOT INSTILL PRINCIPLES AND VALUES IN YOU, ALL IT DOES IS ENHANCE IT.... I'm tired of people who join and organization , then just just feel like all the dirt they did prior to that doesn't matter anymore....c'mon son!!!! You were a hoe before you got those letters and your still one ... Why do you feel the need to take other people don't with you?

I joined the "WORLD FAMOUS " Zeta Kappa Chapter of PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY with the intent to enhance myself as a man .... I'm a loyal man , I'm a man that lives his life based on principles that no human can change .... ΦΒΣ did not make me....
That the problem with most of the Greeks here at UF .. They let these organizations make them and define them as a person....

Blue Phi till the death of me. But when you address me you address me by my name , understand I live my life by what I believe... And what I believe only.... No mortal can change that...


People need to learn to get some self-worth , YOU WERE MADE BY A GOD.. So why do you fools constantly let these mortal being define you as a person...

This Greek life is a concept to help us as a minority population excel, it's not to make you try to be little people cause you got some damn letters ......And that goes for any organization .... This modeling shit at UF , any cultural group all dat shit.....

STAY HUMBLE .... And until you understand that concept you will not excel in life .....

Pride.....

I've lived outta a car before , ive had family put me out in the street, I've been snatched outta my home in the middle of the night by police and have been put in foster care. I've had family that treated me like I wasn't there own.. I've lived in a motel room with a broke arm..my mom, and my brothers and sisters, with everything we could salvage from the apartment packed in that one room ..... LISTEN... My pride is the LAST ... Thing you can hurt

After Math

Indoor Nationals was a another learning experience . I finished my indoor season 8th in the 2012 NCAA 60 hurdle final. I earned my first All-American and tied the School Record fir the 60 H at 7.66. We won the National Team title that's was cool, but i want my own title. So right now I'm getting ready for outdoor. The 110s and 4by1. It's bout to get turnt up and I'm ready. This outdoor season it is a must that a dominate and take control. Anything less would be shame in my eyes. We had two weeks to grind it out and we open up at Texas Relays. "Sh*t Just got real"

Excuses

Man for every young cat growing up in the hood in hard situations I wanna let y'all boys know a better life is possible , it's attainable, but to have to make up in your mind that you want a better life , you gotta want a change.. Dream big and chase to dreams. Ian grow up no goon or no thugs but I went through hell , shit most people would be able to talk about without breaking down and crying... I was born in some mess... Like literally out of my mom's shaking and shit in the incubator.. Stop making EXCUSES, excuses build monuments of nothing. Those who specialize in using them are not good for anything else but excuses.. Yo block , yo set, yo hood, gang or family situation should be the reason for you wasting your life. Where I'm at in my life , I never thought I would be here.. I coulda gave up . But I wanted better I wanted more.... I wanted to MAKE MY MOMS n GMA HAPPY and they don't have to be living for you to make them proud, STOP making excuses... Yu don't need CASH to make it in the World , you need talent and ability, this goes past sports this is anything , each and everyone of us was born with a GOD GIVEN GIFT now find it and USE IT AND STOP MAKING EXCUSES

The Day Before Tomorrow

The day before tomorrow I was pre-meet. It went pretty good .... Excuse me ... IT WENT GREAT . Probably that best pre-meet I had since I ran 13.03 at Pan Am Juniors. Yesterday the Day after tomorrow seems real promising. The Day after tomorrow as well. My quad and hip was tight at first but once I got it warm all was well. God willing the next two days go well. I'm believing in you Lord. I know you haven't brought me this far too leave me. I'm trusting and putting all my faith in you Lord God. I talk to my grandma yesterday and she I'd come out victorious. I agree. In your word you said "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst that. Matthew 18:20 " .... Amen

3 days Till Nationals

Been gone for a while. These last few days have been busy. Just getting things together and getting ready for practice. Things have been on the right path. Practices have been getting better. As for my hip , it's still getting sore during practice but I can fight through it. My team and I are currently on the way to Nationals. We're headed to Jacksonville airport on the bus and will flight out from their to Boise. I'm really upset that my Brother couldn't make it couldn't come on this trip. For whatever reason , he couldn't make it.if you don't my brother , he's Terrell Wilks , Rel isn't my blood brother , but he is my Fraternity Brother, he was the Dean Of Pledges through my process and my Ex-teammate. He events were the 100,200 , the 3rd leg on UF's back to back 4x100 National Champ relay. He also was the 3rd leg on the 2011 SEC 4x100 relay , which I Lead off. The first time I meet Rel was my visit. He was a cool dude. When I got to UF he continued to that cool , laid back dude. Over time and Rel got cool. I realized that he was a "Real N*gga"
excuse the term but that term is defined as someone who has lives there life by there own rules, someone who is true to there self and is loyal to his family , the people he loves and those who deserve it. From a person like this you will get what you what you earn. In other words, this person is genuine and wishes the best for thee people in there life, BUT BY NO MEANS WILL YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS PERSON. A PERSON LIKE THIS HAS THERE OWN GOALS AND THERE OWN AMBITIONS AND WILL STRIVE TO ACHIEVE THEM AND WILL FIGHT ADVERSITY. I AM ALSO A REAL N*GGA. The people I surround myself around people with these qualities. During my freshman Rel has been there for me. If I has upset or jus needed somebody to talk to and confide in. Even when I would trip he make I tighten up and act like I know what's right and had my mind on the right things. I'm very thankful for Rel being in my life. He's a real brother. I wish he was coming on this trip. It's all good though. 3 days till Nationals "P. U. S. H. Eye on the prize, Keep ya Ones Up......... UGGGGGHHH!!!"

6 days till Nationals Change of plans

Today I had practice at 12 , I woke up around 10 am feeling the same pain. I did everything I could do to feel better. Today was a longer practice so I had to get my mind right. During warm up I felt the same normal pain and I said to myself "This is gonna be a long day". I warmed up as hard as I could. Even still no difference. After my warm-up in went to our trainer Andy Klock to check my hips and alignment. He did so, and went on to check my hips. He saw that my right wasn't aligned. Andy pulled my hip back I'm place. Ma that junk felt so crazy. A shock went through my whole right side. I jump clear off the table. Andy was looking at me crazy. I didn't know what happened but I feel better. I went out had two starts and hurdle approaches. FELT NO PAIN. I TOOK THE TIME OUT THANK GOD. I had a good practice. I pray to GOD that I can keep this going.

My back n hip is killing me. I don't if I can take this anymore

Practice was good , I at first the pain was really phasing me but I jus had to fight through it. I just had to to put it in the back of my mind. The pain is like in my hip and lower right back. Its painful when I walk. And stretching the muscle doesn't help. It's mind over matter at this point. I plan to make finals at NCAA. I will not be in the stands. I will not watch the race.

Todays practice is short. Hopefully I can make it through. Everyday In the back of my mind. I hope I don't injure myself event more

7 days Till Nationals

As I told you before , all year I've been tryin to stay healthy. I started the year with an oblique strain. Now I'm having complications with my Psoas.

How the Psoas Moves Us

The psoas is traditionally considered a hip flexor. Hip flexors are muscles that bring the trunk and leg closer together. Also a posture stabilizing muscle, the psoas assists in straightening the lumbar (lower) spine. Finally, in actions where one side contracts and not the other, the psoas aids side-bending. It is important to note that the psoas muscle works by eccentric contraction, lengthening along the front spine rather than shortening on exertion.
A tight or weak psoas also causes lower back and hip pain. Maintaining my core has been the hardest thing all year.

My Ambition

My Goal in life is to be the best person I can be and excel in whatever I chose to pursue. I want to be a pioneer. I don't want me to be like anybody and I don't want to compare to anybody. I want people to compare to me. I want to be the only person that will accomplish what I will accomplish in the manner that i accomplished it.
This goal applies to every area in my life. It might not be possible. But the journey is the best part. Meeting success only satisfies me for a fee minutes. For every Championship or title won I was content. Content in the fact that I accomplished it, but I believed that I could one day do it. So it just a check off my list and I go back the drawing board to improve some more. For me winning is never enough
I have to keep excelling I have to keep improving.

Countdown to Nationals

My first season was pretty successful. I won indoor SECs in the 60 hurdles, got SEC outdoor runner up and qualified for both Indoor and Outdoor Nationals. I was the lead-off leg of the 2011 400 Meter Relay team. In addition I competed at US Jrs and won , I made the JR Pan American US team and ended up winning and breaking the 110 Jr Pan Am Record. This year started shaky I injured my oblique but over came it in a few weeks. Since the. If been trying to stay healthy. Seems like every time I fix something , anything aches. This past weekend I managed to win my second SEC indoor 60 H title. My hip felt like it was about to rip but I jus had to fight through the pain. Right now I'm jus maintaining till Nationals. I have 8 days to get my body right....God willing it's enough time

The Road to Gainesville

As I told you before , I grew up in a single parent home. My dad was rarely apart of my life. Each summer I would go the the Virgin Islands. On the 10th birthday after my trip to the Virgin Islands my Grandmother died. Till this day That was the last time I heard from my dad. My dad was a baseball player and my mom played basketball. They both were good but having kids made it difficult to pursue athletics. I actually have 10 brothers and sisters but I haven't had much contact with them. Just last year at SEC outdoors I meet my younger brother Christopher. I grew up playing football . I never had a position I was jus an athlete. I played quarter back , receiver , safety , corner. Pretty much any where I could used
I attend HS at Palm Beach Lakes in West Palm Beach. Football career eas mediocre. My team was talented but could never put it together. The summer heading into my junior year
I decided to do track. My main event were the High Hurdles. I was coach by Jermone Groover and Mark Drummond
Coach Drummond was mainly my Summer track and Groover coached me during school. Both were great coaches. They pushed me to and beyond my limits. Things only got better from that point on. I went on to win the 4A state title in the 110 hurdles my junior year. Then it was back to football. During my 3rd game of the season I was hit going up for a fly ball. I broke my right humerus. From there it send like things went down hill. Family issues and school overwhelmed me even more. I wanted to give up, to call it quits. To jus forget about school and sports. After a long rehab I decided
to focus in track. I ended my senior by winning the 3A State Title and break the state record of (13.59) with a time of 13.46 . Making me the fastest HS hurdler in the US and 6th in the World.
I furthered my Success by winning the 2010 New Balance Nationals title in the 110s. I was offered full scholarship from LSU, USC , UF. Obviously Florida was the place for me.