November 15, 2022
Here we are - at the beginning of another training season. Not sure if you know this, but I’m coming up on 20 years since my very first major international competition - the 2003 IBSA Blind World Championships. I was a teenager at the time. I was young, and hungry. My first world championships ended in a fifth-place finish. Not the results that I wanted, but it was my very first time competing internationally.
2004 rolls around and…
I made my first podium at the Athens Paralympics and that would open the door to a world that I would’ve never imagined in my wildest dreams. 18 years later, and five Paralympic Games later, I’m still just as hungry.
This week marks the beginning of our trek to the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships to be held in Paris, France. Sure, my body doesn’t feel like it’s 25 anymore, but as with most things, you grow to the point of knowing exactly what you need and how to get it done.
I understand that my nutrition is extremely important. Rest and recovery is just as important as my training, if not more. The younger me needed more reps and more time on the track and in the weight room. The older me understands that it’s all about working smarter instead of harder. Don’t get me wrong, you have to put in the work, but working smarter allows you to work with more efficiency.
I still have a lot of spring in my legs. There’s still some really good speed in me needed for those huge jumps. But most importantly…
I still have the fire burning inside of my mind and spirit. I love this! Day one is here. The lactic acid is awaiting. Sore muscles are coming. The grit and grind of fall training is not welcoming, but things usually have to get worse before they get better.
I’m here for all the pain because I know it’s going to lead to positive results. Once again, I’m asking that you follow along and support me as I move toward my sixth games.
This is going to be another incredible ride!
Let’s gooooooooo!
