Funmi Jimoh

I'm Like Goldilocks, Except I didn't steal anything....

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 

 

 

 

 

Jack and The Beanstalk

Hello Everyone,

 

So today is Friday, my work week doesn't end until Saturday. I am just finishing up week 6 of training. I am enjoying my training, and it is going well. The past couple of Fridays, I have been going to the park just around the corner from Rice University, where I usually train, to run the hill. 

FYI about Houston, we dont have very much elevation. We dont have anything very steep to even be considered very challenging to run up. I believe, although I may be mistaken, that Miller hill is man made. The actual incline of the hill is probably no more than 60 meters. The degree of incline is not so challenging either. I digress.... nonetheless, I, the crazy girl I am, asked to have hills on friday.

My regular training partner was busy today, so I had to endure the "bump" all alone. Ho Hum. But, once I made it to the hill, to my surprise, there was a play going on in the Miller Outdoor Theater! This brought back memories of going to the theater as a child with my mom and my sisters. I loved it there, and I especially loved the idea of outdoor plays where people could just come and watch for free.

So today's play was definitely geared toward adolescents, but that did not stop me from enjoying the bits and pieces I heard as I ascended the top of the hill. The play was the most lively and adorable version of "Jack and the Beanstalk". The set was colorful, the actors were animated, the kids were so very excited. Me, at 26, I was intrigued and excited as well. Every time I got to the top of the hill I would hear a part of the story. As I walked back down the hill, I got further and further away from the actors, and I was unable to hear the story. As I started my runs over and over, I was treated with a bit of entertainment as i approached the base of the hill.  So today, what got me through my baby hills, that I did alone, was the story of "Jack and the Beanstalk". I am thankful for the small things in life.

If you live in Houston, Tx - or if you are just passing through, stop by Miller Outdoor Theatre for a treat!

http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/

Have a Great Weekend, 

Funmi Kay

Athletes for Hope Has been Nominated, Let's Help Them Win!

Hello Friends!!!!

A non-profit organization I work closely with, Athletes for Hope, has been nominated for a 2010 Stay Classy Award for the “Most Innovative Use of Social Media.” In the past year, Athletes for Hope has helped me, and other professional and Olympic athletes, get involved with causes I am passionate about.

If you have an extra minute, check out the competition and vote for Athletes for Hope. Here is the link to vote:

http://www.stayclassy.org/classy-awards

Please be sure to click submit at the bottom or top of the page. Every person can only vote once, so please share this with your friends and family.

Voting ends November 5th … Your social media support is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Funmi K.