Hello Friends,
Long jump - It's all about balance. Not to fast, not too slow. Not too strong, not too weak. Not too high, and not too low.
Just recently at practice, I had a good conversation with my coach. During rests between sets, Coach and I solve all of the worlds problem. We become philosophers, therapists, theorist, etc. During our last workout, coach was pleased with my strength and sprinting. I often ask questions, we have discussions and I learn a lot. We discussed balancing strength with speed and leveling it with dynamic/or plyometric exercises. Coach said Funmi, you could go to the weight room and lift as much as you can and working on strength and getting stronger than you've ever been in life. But that excessive strength is not going to help you jump far, it will most likely hold you back. I may become very strong, but is my goal to be a power lifter, no. Or it's similar to going out and sprinting all day, and spending all my time on getting faster, and speed. Will I get faster, probably, but will it make me a better jumper, probably not. Will I be world record holder in the 100m, no. My talents are not within being a power lifter, nor a sprinter. I am a jumper by nature. It is what I do.
But, he said, If I have the proper balance of power, dynamics/plyometrics, and speed, I can be one of the best jumper in the world. It's like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. One is too hot, one is too cold and one is just right. Now that that is understood, let me get to what I wanted to share today.
I continue to get stronger, and I continue to get faster and I continue to become more dynamic. Therefore, I will continue to become a better jumper. All of this is possible because I have a balance of all of the components, and I know what my goal is. My goal is to be the best jumper.
The attributes that I pointed out not only help guide my athletic career, but they helped guide my academic career as well as life. You have to know your talents. You have to make a goal. And finally, you must balance all of the components necessary to make you the best at whatever it is you seek to do, or be. This is why I love sports, athletics and especially track and field. It is not a far reach to associate your view, work and passion on the field to the rest of your life. As a matter of fact, I believe sports helps drive home all aspects that will help any individual be successful in all parts of life.
Anyhow, my parents of course have guided me and instilled in me the attributes needed to pursue a goal and be successful. But I also thank my coach for helping foster those attributes in my life.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my thoughts....
Until next time,
Funmi Kay
Wow, Funmi! I really enjoyed and appreciated that last post. I'd say you hit the topic of understanding one's self right on the spot-knowing that finding the right balance is key. I believe there is one thing that we can all be a little extreme on and that is ambition. You've got plenty of it and I like that. Keep doing the great things!
Posted by: Daniel Wu | October 31, 2010 at 04:23 PM
Ask me no questions and I will tell you no lies.
Posted by: cheap ugg boots | November 10, 2010 at 11:28 PM
Hi Funmi
Balance is great, it's nice to get there and as with all things in life, we only get there and understand things by experiencing the other side of the coin. Well, let's say medal in your case :)
So I try to be patient and embrace every 'phase' on my way through life, wherever it brings me.
Congrats on your win in Doha (you looked great btw) and my thumbs are up for a medal in London 2012!
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In the world, who knows not to swim goes to the bottom.
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