The Good
I made it to the finals after running a solid 12.58 in the semi!
Yeah Canada is on the medal stands, silver for Priscilla, Congrats!
The Bad
Still haven't seen official results but I vaguely remember a number "15. something" beside my name...eek....please tell me that was my bib number?
The Ugly
My form, yikes...and the cry afterwards too Im sure.
What's a bella to do, but count her blessings and keep it moving. Obviously I am sad, not the result I wanted or worked for.
What Had Happened Was...
I am not injured, I am totally fine, minus some deep calf soreness and bruises from clipping hurdles. The long and short of it is my calves held a very bad cramp before the gun went up, I was in distress the entire time I was setting my blocks and preparing to race. Every vigorous action got progressively harder and made it worse. So I ceased everything and resorted to hitting my legs and rubbing my calves to get the tightness to let go.
During the intros I walked as much as I could back and forth, pleading to my rebelling limbs: Please stop your moaning and protesting for a good sub 12.5 seconds then you can cramp all you want at 101 metres. You aren't the only pair of grastrocs working the double today...I mean are ya'll kidding me right now?!.
Nope. Perhaps it was my tone.
The cramping subsided enough for me to get into the blocks but I knew any forceful contraction would send them both seizing again. Mainly the left one.....Grrr... I could have easily not started the race, I know my body enough to know what was coming. There wasn't anything I could do and no one to help.
I Had Two Options:
1. The rapture
2. Fake a cardiac arrest...thereby the race would be delayed somewhat...in the frenzy one of my people would race from the stands, give my calves a good 45 seconds of ART while faning CPR... they would slip me a a shot of Pedialyte....after which I would suddenly jump to my feet and explain to the chief judge and starter that I had actually just choked on a huge German fly...but I swallowed it...so it's all good Bubba, now go and get your gun!
Nope and nope.
Instead:
Starter: "On your marks"
Me: Umm...right now?
Starter: "Set"
Me: Hot dyam...This is not a drill!!
Starters Gun: "Bang"...
As I exited the blocks forcefully my calves and everyother part of my being were deadlocked. It felt like someone took a taser and shot them at just my calves. I smacked hurdles left and right and literally felt paralyzed. I thought about stopping mid race because I started to feel ridiculous the field was leaning for the line and here I am at hurdle 7 hobbling over it. But I worked hard to be in that final and I was going to finish what I started. Pride, tenacity and attitude willing me on...man I shoulda leaned at the tape for emphasis....take that ladies...what? They're doing victory laps.
Oh.
Season Moves On...
Bad timing, and what I had was just not good enough for today. But it's done and unchangeable and the truth is I am still in some great shape, so I'll keep racing. I will continue on my road back and forging momentum for the years to come. For a chick who opened up with 13.38 seconds, eighth at worlds in15 seconds of slow splendor is still a step in the right direction. Albeit a cramping and painful one.
I'm still digging the journey and a fun and enjoyable season. I love this job more than anything, and I'm so glad it allows me to show my worth and mettle...andI'm not talking on the track. That stone cold confidence in myself and patience in waiting for the race of my life holds strong. Even more grateful and convinced God is too good to me!
A Big Congrats To The Medalists!
Perdita Felicien- A proud 2009 World Championship Finalist...incase you didn't know! ;-)
