The 'Man in the Mirror' is you...

From “Man in the Mirror”
By Michael Jackson (1988)

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
No message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and make the change
You gotta get it right, while you got the time
‘Cause when you close your heart
Then you close your mind…

“Praying for the souls of all these amazing talents. The world has lost icons today.”
— Aubrey ODay on the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett on the same day / June 25, 2009

As time passes us in the fortitude of our health, we are reminded that we are not invincible when someone close to us passes away, or great icons disappear before our eyes as we stand in disbelief. The mind then becomes wrapped in time, lost in thought, trying to figure out the formula to stay here on this earth.
In the track & field world, this attitude is the same, we are invincible, and the time is right here on this track. Being the winner of noticeable strength is important in this sport, from the master’s athlete to the Olympian. The final attainment of glory is fulfilling to a degree—some will do whatever it takes for this.
In a race, this may be true, but what can be said when we get off the track? How do we relate to our communities? How can we help our youth who are following behind us shortly? The reality, our stay on this earth is not forever, so how do we want others to remember us?
As we look in the mirror and reflect on those who have significantly affected our lives, we realize that without them, we would not be who we are today. The dreams sought are real and can be had. The road to get there exists and can be trot.
These settle reminders help me to remember why I wanted to make sure this show, T.R.A.C.K. Live! was of a different breed reality show—something that gives back to the youth and to the community, while the athlete becomes the ultimate role model for everyone—a true icon to be remembered for his/her great athletic ability and works.
Blessed or those who came before us for such lessons to be learned.

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When the results are not what you envision...

During my first year of college when I ran for Hampton University in Virginia, I was surprised at what I was able to accomplish in my running career as a freshman. I knew it was from my training and discipline in high school. My cross-country season was a breeze where I always placed in the top three at every match. I even made it all the way to the CIAA championship finals on a very chilly day with my California skin and placed seventh overall.

Indoor track was a new experience for me and even more rewarding where I placed third in the 1500m and second in the 1600m relays, and third in the 800m CIAA Championship finals; these races were back to back so I was pleased with my winnings.

So I could expect nothing less in my outdoor season, my favorite, so I thought. My expectations were high, my goals were set, and I was ready to win like all the other races. But the season did not pan out the way I thought it would. There were more disappointments in my judgment of races more than anything. I couldn't understand it because I had trained so hard for many
months, even between seasons. I was losing faith as a mid-distance runner and wasn't sure how I was going to pull myself out of this mindset. I humbled myself, got back in touch with the enjoyment of the races instead of the winnings and found my outdoor season almost over when I began winning in the top three again.

Yet there was one more blessing, one last hope I could count on--our 1600m relay team made it to the championship finals and I was on this relay team. Everyone knew we were the favored; we were expected to win. In my freshman head, of course, I switched my mindset back to winning, because this one race should be a breeze, I figured... (Please read the rest of the Producer's Corner #3 as a FREE member of our T.R.A.C.K. Live! community blog. Sign up by clicking here.)