My song of the week

I am loving this song right now.

Its not your birthday Joice...................... Hell everyday is my birthday. lol

This must really be a week for birthday. Today is my training partner D.O's.

Because they were all pissing off to Penn Relays today to race we went out to dinner on Tuesday night. The co-ordinating of the dinner was down to Jack. There were so many different permutations of what we were doing.

A- Jack to cook dinner out our apartment

B- Us to go to venue 1 for dinner

C- Aub back tracking and us again eating at our apartment

D- Joice sweet talking D.O into us going out to eat venue 2

E- Jack scouting restaurants and choosing one that was not even open. As we drove past on a reckie (yes Jack I said reckie or for those who don't know reconnaissance) lol. We find they are hiring. Hmmm not a good look when we are trying to eat that same night.

F- D.O's suggestion a restaurant called Brio. Jack and I went to check it out. So D.O who you been here with? hmmmmmm. I liked Brio because they had Lobster Bisque my favourite. So sorted Brio it is. lol.





For the record Randy (Strength Coach) I know its not my birthday and I should not be choosing the restaurant. But, oh well. A girls gotta do what she's gotta do to get her Lobster Bisque.

Practice was staggered which did not help matters as the hurdlers and jumpers were first. I was 2 hours behind them but determined to make the 8pm reservation that we booked.

So the night went well.

Here's a few things that happened.

a - The guys D.O, Aub and Joel were early so decided to go shopping. hmmmmm

b - David not content to eat his own meal helped Jack order her food so he could eat off her plate.

c - David eating Jacks asparagus not knowing it was an aphrodisiac. lol

d - Aub showing off his muscle power by breaking the knife.



e - Jack arranged for Sassy our waitress to present D.O with a desert with a candle. Simple you might say. Nope. D.O's face when it came out was a picture. He was unimpressed with the presentation. Not good enough for him. Plus she had the nerve in his opinion to bring out six spoons. Like D.O had any intention of sharing. lol

All I can say is this picture below is the fakest thing I have ever seen in my life. The smile does not reach his eyes. He is so pissed off and cant even hide it.(no dimples you know he's happy when the dimples are out). D.O your a spoilt brat but we still love ya. lol

This guy was so pissed off he managed to blow out the candle, by just complaining over it.




f - We had the pleasure of the costume change by D.O mid way through desert as he spilt food on his shirt. So that earlier shopping trip came in useful lol. So all the dinners had the pleasure of the shirt off action from D.O. Hmmmmm where has he done that before? That would be everywhere. lol

All an all we had a good night. My cheeks were hurting from the laughing.

Happy B'Day kid


So I'm home alone no Louisanna this weekend for me.

Hmmmm what trouble can I get into? While the cats away.................. lol

My babies had birthdays

In pursuit of Beijing........I missed my babies having their birthdays this week.

Maxwell turned 3



and

Taylor turned 1




They are both very speacial as Maxie is my sisters first (my sister is my best friend) and Taylor was born premature (so we always thank God that she is with us)



Oh well Auntie Joice can only do one thing to make it up to them in missing their birthdays. SHOP!! for them of course. lol

I have extended days off practice this weekend and might go to Louisanna to hang out with my good friend Stephanie Durst. If not the Malls in Orlando will just have to do.

Kisses all the way across the atlantic to my babies.

Auntie Jx

‘If you don’t like it there is always something you can do’

Why is it that we allow others to affect our moods?


Those people who know me really well, will tell you that I can’t stand to have my slept disturbed with thoughts of other people and their actions. Be it good or bad Joice loves her sleep.

So for me to be up blogging at this hour means I must be pissed off. Lol

I have always prided myself on being true to my word. Really, if I don’t want to do something I won’t. The line ‘I don’t want to’ comes out of my mouth a lot, and honestly? I don’t care what others think. I know I have not promised anything so don’t expect anything from me.

There are so many cliché lines that spring to mind

‘Treat people how you want them to treat you’

‘A person’s plate is never full if they are interested in something’

‘A person’s word is their bond’

The one line that springs to mind today is a line that an ex boyfriend ALWAYS used to drop on me ‘If you don’t like it you know what to do’. Yes he’s an ex so I did do what I needed to do eventually. Lol

Since my little episode with him, I have adapted his signature line to ‘If you don’t like it there is always something you can do’ lol

So a word to the wise people who cross Joice’s path and wish to be her friend.

Don’t promise to do something and then let her down. It irks her more than you will ever know. Because, her word is her bond she expects the same of you.

I don't know why this song springs to mind but it does






So vent over lets see if I can get some sleep. Lol

Greensboro update

The meet in Greensboro went pretty well. Still putting the jigsaw puzzle that is Joice's season together, piece by piece.

The 100m got better in that I had a good finish. Which was at the sacrifice of my start.

The main thing I learned about this weekend is being able to refocus. The meet timing schedule went a little belly up. There were delays for events by hours which for warm up purposes is not good. I think I faltered mentally for the 200m. I had no clue by then what time my race actually was.

Brooks was pretty impressed with the my races yesterday considering all the factors that threw me for a loop. His comments even surprised me because I thought he would be harder on me.

I'm looking forward again to this week in practice as now I am able to focus and work on things after evaluating my races.



Results

Event 71 100 Meter Dash College/Open Women
========================================================================
Top 16 times advance to Finals
Meet Record: R 11.33 4/21/2007 Shalonda Solomon, USC
Name Year Team Prelims Wind H#
========================================================================
Preliminaries
1 593 Mahan, Shayla South Caroli 11.23q 5.1 4
2 297 Osayomi, Oludamola Nike 11.27q 2.3 2
3 777 Whitman, Nicole Unattached 11.44q 5.1 4
4 65 Currie, Lamarra Charlotte 11.45q 3.5 3
5 591 Glenn, Gabby South Caroli 11.47q 3.5 3
6 988 Rhett, Armandi Unattached 11.47q 1.4 1
7 1001 Gaines, Chryste Unattached 11.51q 1.4 1
8 762 Fant, Felicia Unattached 11.52q 3.5 3
9 586 Brookins, Lakya South Caroli 11.57q 2.3 2
10 767 Maduaka, Joice Unattached 11.59q 2.3 2

Event 71 100 Meter Dash College/Open Women
========================================================================
Top 16 times advance to Finals
Meet Record: R 11.33 4/21/2007 Shalonda Solomon, USC
Name Year Team Finals Wind H#
========================================================================
Finals
1 297 Osayomi, Oludamola Nike 11.18R 1.5 1
2 593 Mahan, Shayla South Caroli 11.31R 1.5 1
3 988 Rhett, Armandi Unattached 11.47 1.5 1
4 777 Whitman, Nicole Unattached 11.51 1.5 1
5 767 Maduaka, Joice Unattached 11.58 1.4 2

Event 107 200 Meter Dash College/Open Women
========================================================================
Meet Record: R 23.07 4/21/2007 Debbie Dunn, Unattached
Name Year Team Finals Wind H#
========================================================================
1 295 Hooker, Marshevet Adidas 22.84R 2.0 1
2 306 Dunn, Debbie Norfolk Real 22.89R 2.0 1
3 1006 Woods, Sherese Adidas 23.28 2.0 1
4 225 Smith, Angelique GW Express 23.37 3.4 2
5 294 Hennigan, Monique Nike 23.69 3.4 2
6 767 Maduaka, Joice Unattached 23.69 2.0 1


Full results





Positives
I was able to get progressively more aggressive in the closing stages of the 100m

Negatives
My ability to refocus with several schedule changes was not acceptable

Greensboro update

Yesterday was a pretty long day 6.15am flight, which meant I had to leave for the airport at 4am. We had a lunch reception at 12pm for the event. The hightlight for me was receiving the key to the City of Greensboro along with Jackie Edwards, Brooks Johnson and David Oliver.


As I am competing tomorrow today I will swat up on the history of Greensboro and chill in the hotel.

The meet tomorrow will be broadcast on iamsport

Jx

Greensboro here I come

Tomorrow morning I will be heading off to North Carolina for the Internationl Friendship and Freedom Games.

I've had a pretty good week of practice. Working on my race modelling and speed.

As my quote this week stated



Preparation is King!

I am the type of person, if given a week to chop down a tree, spends six days sharpening the axe.

Abraham Lincoln


So watch this space.

Miami meet

As you must have gathered by reading this post, I made it through the night at the motel blu. Lol

The meet last night was a night time meet. Which meant I raced at 7.20pm and 8.20pm. The 100 was ok I suppose. I was able to again work on my start and drive phase. Still have to find my pick up and finish.

The 200 was a little better. Brooks insisted everyone in the training group run the 200 for a strength workout. I sure got that running, and winning from lane 1. I had booty lock when I finished. I'm strong enough to execute the distance with a not so great lane situation.

I have to consistently remind myself that all of the races over the last few weeks have been opportunities to put my race together. I'm still learning new techniques and don't actually own them yet. Come June is when we hope to set my times on fire.

So I again chalk last night up to another point on the learning curve and look towards my next opportunity to put my race together.

Hmmm how does next weekend sound?

Results

Event 17 Women 100 Meter Dash
========================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Wind H# Points
========================================================================================
1 Ferguson-McKenzie, Debbi Adidias 11.00 11.15 1.2 1
2 Myrick, Wyllesheia Nike 11.29 11.21 1.2 1
3 Calvert, Schillonie Unattached 11.20 11.34 1.2 1
4 Joyce, Alexis Unattached 11.35 11.35 1.2 1
5 Wells, Kelli Nike 11.40 11.50 1.3 2
6 Whitman, Nicole Unattached 11.70 11.58 0.4 3
7 Olupola, Toyin Unattached 11.70 11.67 0.4 3
8 Neal, Tangela Unattached 11.33 11.68 1.2 1
9 Ashby, Fana Trinidad & Tobag 11.30 11.70 1.2 1
10 Ratcliff, LaShawndra Unattached 11.60 11.73 1.3 2
10 Robinson, Amber Unattached 11.59 11.73 1.3 2
12 Munroe, Dianne JR Bethune-Cookman 11.45 11.74 1.3 2
12 Hutchinson, Ayanna Trinidad & Tobag 11.35 11.74 1.2 1
14 Power, Adrienne Unattached 11.51 11.75 1.3 2
14 Maduaka, Joice Unattached 11.61 11.75 0.4 3




Event 19 Women 200 Meter Dash
========================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Wind H# Points
========================================================================================
1 Williams, Lauryn Nike 22.50 22.90 0.9 1
2 Brooks, Sheri Ann Unattached 22.70 22.99 0.9 1
3 Myrick, Wyllesheia Nike 23.08 0.9 1
4 Demus, Lashinda Nike 23.35 0.9 1
5 Whitman, Nicole Unattached 24.00 23.43 0.9 3
6 Maduaka, Joice Unattached 23.40 23.63 1.0 2

Oh my God...............................

So I have headed to Miami for the track meet tomorrow night. On really short notice (last night) I arranged with Aub to stay in the same hotel as him. He sent me a link and I booked as we would be driving the 3 hours together. I should have known by the name Motel Blu. hmmm WTF springs to mind.

As we drive down the streets of Miami, the street beggers at the stop lights and the fact that the GPS tells me were are 0.4 miles from our final destination make me nervous. Aub annouces 'We in the hood' yep you got that right. Coin laundries, 'you buy we fry' stores and the tyre shop give it away. Motel Blu which was prepaid last night is next door to a full frontal strip joint. Can I say it again WTF.

As we are sharing a car I can't pull the Princess Joice stunt and announce I going to look for a Hilton and charge this to the game. So right now I am holed up in my room with the door locked no chain, praying for tomorrow to come so I can get the hell out of here.

For real the only reason I am still her is because Aub is with me. Be it in another room across the pool. But, close enough to hear my screams if anything kicks off.

Out of curiosity I looked on trip advisor for reviews of the hotel. Below is one that caught my eye. Can I say it again WTF.

Read for yourself.

“Drug and Prostitution Activity Prohibited”

This is how I approached the entrance to this motel - a big old sign reading "zero tolerance of prostitution or drug activity". The motel was in a very bad area - as we pulled up to the motel, there was a "live nude show" next to the motel. As I walked into the lobby to check-in, I was very alarmed to see the front desk enclosed in bullet-proof glass. Obviously, the actual room wasnt much better. Thankfully, it was just my husband and myself - but I would feel very bad if a young family had reserved to stay here. We couldn't even walk anywhere without getting accosted for money by street bums. Out of the 3 nights we were supposed to stay, we only stayed one - and the only reason we even did that was because our original flight in, was delayed - causing a very late arrival and lost luggage. Since the luggage was to be dropped off later at our hotel, we stayed. We get our room, no tv remote, no garbage can, food left in fridge, someone else's dirty clothes left behind in room, no toilet paper dispenser, mold on shower curtain and bathtub. A total of 2 bath towels, that were thread-bare and stiff. Overall the room was extremely shabby - site indicated that motel was recently remodeled - I hate to think what it looked like before.

We checked out the next night and the clerk informed us that we would still be charged for the entire stay, even though we only actually stayed one night. Dont be deceived by there website - because it was clearly not as advertised. I wasn't looking for a fancy place, just something with decent staff, safe environment and basic amenities - this motel had none

Supposedly I am in the renovated part of the hotel. 'Sleep please come and take me soon.'

Jx

Things to make you go hmmmm

My sister just sent me this link.
I actually sat here with my mouth open thinking. WTF.

Click here to check it out

This is why we should not complain about what we have. There is far worse out there around the world.

Jx

Through the eyes of the coach

I firstly must apologise for my short sharp blog yesterday. Frustration is a beast. But, in good old Joice style, I have marinaded it and now continue forward. If anything I was just upset with myself for putting my foot down the pot hole. Jack, has come the conclusion that I am clumsy. Which is something that I really need to work on. There have been too many incidents where I have tripped, fell and walked into things. Bruising and constantly needing ice.

I applied caution yesterday and took the day off practice. The Dr was not in the office yesterday, also had something to do with it. So all I could get was a massage, which was needed. Plus ultra sound on my ankle and knee.

So yesterday I was the coaches apprentice so to speak. I sat in the stands and saw what he saw. It was actually really good for me. I watched the guys running flying 30's. Lets just say there are many ways to skin a cat. I was able to question Brooks and pretty much had a 1:1 visual training session with him.

So there you have it. Always find a positive in every negative.

I'm going back to the Dr's office now as I am her first appointment this morning. I have practice later on this evening so need to get checked out.

Chat soon

Jx

Florida relays day two

Lets just make this a simple blog.
I put my foot down a pot hole and went over on my ankle during warmup.
It hurts like hell and I have a Dr's appointment in the morning.

Florida relays day one. I nearly met my maker.

Jack and I left out early for Gainsville on Friday morning. The drive over was pretty decent just under 2 hours without a stop. We had more than enough time to sit and chill before heading over to the track to compete.

Today I was trying alone my D.O inspired warm up, with a few of my old drills added. I have been warming up with D.O and Aubrey in practice for the last two weeks. I think it went pretty well.

My race was the 100m today. All week we have been working on my start. No I did not set the world on fire with my time 11.68. But, that's not wholly what this was about. Could I execute in a race situation, what I had been working on in practice? Answer YES. Job done! So now we will continue to work on my start and add another phase to my race.

Dinner this evening was in a place called Grandys. It was not a fancy joint. Just good quick food. I ordered catfish which was made to order. Never had catfish before, so thought why not! As hungry as I was I ordered a chicken wing whilst I waited. All good, until a piece of bone went down my throat and got caught. I tried to swallow down with a gulp. Nothing. I tried to bring it back up. Nothing. Sip of drink? Nothing. Then panic set in. I announced calmly to the table. "Oh my God I think I'm choking". Lauren (training partner) and Randy weight room coach both thought I was joking and laughed. How could I be choking and be that calm. I was still able to talk and said no I'm serious. I was able to slide to the edge of the booth, brace myself on the floor upside down and try again to bring it up. This is when they realised, I was being serious. Laurens attempt to thump me on the back was weak bless her. Randy on the other hand had to give perform the Heimlich Maneuver to make me bring it up. Yeah he shook me around like a rag doll. Only ever seen that stuff in the movies. Trust me it works. The sound affects were not cute. Or the splat on the floor as my chicken, stomach acid and finally the piece of bone hit the floor. I felt sorry for all the other people dining.



Brooks ever calm announced to one of the guys in Grandys that they needed a mop, and everyone went back to eating.

These Americans are amazing!!!. My life just flashed before me. I was thinking "Shit how much would it cost for my mum to ship my body home? Would my insurance cover it?" They on the other hand just continued eating. With them laughing at how calm I was every so so minutes.

Thanks Randy for tossing me around like a rag doll. That would have been a damn shame, if I never made the Olympics cause I choked on a chicken bone in Gainsville in April. Lol

Off to run the 200m today. Again all about execution. I will update later.

Jx

Florida Relays Here I Come

So this weekend I am off to Gainsville to run the Florida Relays. This time on year in the USA is relay time. Athletes who are not ready to open up in their own individual events run relays instead.

This week my training group have been preparing for the weekend. We have focused on different aspects of our race. This is to the point that I can picture my start in my sleep. lol

Today was in a word HOT. We struggled out there. For the ladies out there all the guys had their shirts off. lol. Yeah Hot Hot Hot in Orlando.

Below is a picture of Jack trying to find some shade. Lets just say she was unsuccessful.



Brooks had great pleasure in informing me that it is only going to get hotter in the coming weeks. I rolled my eyes and thanked God I would not be here in June. lol

I will update from Gainsville when I get the chance.

Jx

If we have to move again.........................................

OK so yesterday morning I received a phone call from the management company for our apartment. The guy informed me that as of April 1st they no longer managed the property so we had to move to another unit. Wow is the polite version of my reaction. Move when? Today the guy informs me. Where? Across the way to another unit. OK so not too bad. Whats the unit number so I can go check it out before we move our stuff.

We go over to a huge apartment with a beautiful sunken bath but, it has 1 Kingsize bed and 4 singles. Hmmmmmm. So we head back over to our apartment to inform the guy that the bedding allocation is not sufficient as we need at least 2 double beds. So he gives me another until number same block once again hugewith the sunken bath. Also again with the 1 King size bed and 4 singles. Ok so am I speaking in Swahili?

Yet another phone call where Matt (the management company guy) now tries to get smart. Informing me there is no guarantee on the bedding allocation. How about I'm paying for the apartment and there is no way I'm gonna put Jack not even for one night in a single bed. He then starts calling me Mame. Hmmmm so I ask to speak to his manager. She is a little bit nicer understands my plight but, still gives me the no guarantee on bedding allocation. Jack at this point has shut down and is talking about going back to LA.

What we don't understand is why there are so many apartments on this complex with 4 single beds. How many people come to Orlando with 4 kids? Is that the only type of visitor they expect? The management company are wrong for their approach. Come on now. Why would you allocate an apartment with pictures of Mickey and Donald on the walls to two adults, expecting them to sleep in single beds?

The manager calls around and finds us an apartment on the same complex but in a different part.By this point, we don't care just give us the unit number as long as it has two double beds. We have practice at 3pm today and by now it 1.15pm. I tell her that we have to leave at 2pm for practice so if we are going to move, it needs to be soon. 'The units not ready'. Oh boy!. It won't be ready till after 5pm. 'OK so whats the unit number' She can't give it to me until after 5pm. Yeah, by this point I just sigh. So my instructions are call this 1-800 number when I get back from practice and she will give me the details.

So now we head to practice ill prepared because we had packed up the apartment, food included. Had not really eaten well. If you call 2 Weetabix and a glass of Pink Lemonade OK then hmmmm.

We get caught in a thunderstorm. Yep we didn't really dress for this so sat in the car for a good 15mins. That is until we see Brooks walking in his waterproof USA Track and Field jacket. Suppose we had better get out the car and follow him. Its drizzling by now. It tried to rain for the whole session. The thing down here is after the rain its so humid. So I'm in a crop top sweating whilst being rained on. Oh and I'm hungry.

Session done so I sit and watch the guys doing starts. You can always pick up a little something from watching Capel and them do starts. That is until there is a flash of lightening. Capel raises his sun glasses and looks at Brooks with a genuine look of fear in this eyes. The thunder followed too close for comfort. Capel literally ran off the track and started changing into his running shoes. The hurdlers ever the Trojan horses wanted to continue. Then we hear a siren. Yeah a siren starts peeling across the Disney complex. Brooks informs us 'OK that's it they want us out of here'. Practice is done for the day. This is made even more obvious as Brooks jumps on the back of a golf cart driven by a Disney employee and shouts 'See you guys at 3pm tomorrow'. lol

Oh hell we still have to move!!

So we are now in our new apartment with two double beds.

If we have to move again I think Jack will kill me and I will lay on the floor and cry. Oh the view from the balcony is OK anyway.




Forgot to tell you guys this is our 4th apartment since I have been in Orlando.
Reasons for moving.

Apartment 1 - Champions Gate Tuscana - Lovely apartment just in the middle of no where.

Apartment 2 - Vista Cay - The first experience of the allocation cop out. We moved in on a Friday so had to spend the weekend here. 1 King size bed and 4 singles.

Apartment 3 - Vista Cay - The two bed that we moved out of last night.

Apartment 4 - Vista Cay - The one we are now in.

Oh and I have had to inform drug testing every time I have moved. lol