Blogs : Destiny Woodbury

Sometimes You Just Have To Ask Yourself, Is IT Really Worth It?

Teaching is going really well. I love my students! I mean, yes everyday is a challenge, but it’s all worth it. I have seen my students grow up so much and they are becoming more responsible individuals. Many of them are very prepared to start high school next year. I’m still working very hard with the students who are on the verge of not going to high school. Everyday, I try my best to push them and inspire them. I really love teaching and just being around my students all the time. I must say that when I’m not in the classroom, I’m missing them.

Here is where things are becoming hard…

Track is something that you must have your HEART into. You must have PASSION for the sport to continue running after college. I always had passion for this sport. I love it more than anything and I can’t picture my life without it. Right now, I seriously don’t believe I have that drive anymore. Mainly because I’m so frustrated and embarrassed about how I am performing lately. On December 17^th, the relationship with my previous coach was ended. Things weren’t going the way I thought they would. I came to practice frustrated and stressed out because of our relationship. I felt like Ihad to walk on pins and needles and just do what I was told. Track wasn’t fun anymore. I worked out every morning at 5am at Rice or UH, which I loved! The workouts challenged me every single day. I always used to think to myself… will I survive this workout today? My coach was amazing. I never had someone challenge me physically and mentally every day. This type of training was different from what I had in college because I was never challenged at all. I remember last year, I didn't do anything over 150m in practice and I'm a 400m runner. I just knew that working with my new coach would help me become the athlete I know I could become. But sometimes, what you think is good, isn’t good at all. Therefore, things had to end.

After we went our separate ways, I found myself asking if I really wanted to continue running. My answer was obviously yes. So, being the person that I am, I began training myself. It was so difficult not having a coach there, but I knew that I had to do what I have to do until I found another coach. After the help of my friends, on January 10^th, I found a training group that I now currently with. I’m so much happier and I found my passion for track again. BUT, I’m not performing well. I guess it’s because I have a new coach, the training is different, and I just have to get my mind refocused again. After racing the past three weeks, I’ve noticed that I lost all of my speed, but I'm in shape. In practice, I can run the same pace the whole way and run what I’m supposed to run, BUT I have no gears or anything. I never had this problem where I had no speed. In college it was the opposite, I had speed, but I didn’t have the strength to finish my 400s. So, right now I’m just really frustrated on why it’s so hard for me to break 60. I found myself being so embarrassed after I run each week. I never ran so many 60’s in my life. I always try to think of something positive after I run, but this time, I’m running out of things to say to myself.

I understand that in life you have to take things one day at a time, but I just find myself lost. I find myself wondering, is it really worth it anymore? I never ever thought I would feel this way. I never ever thought I would doubt myself. I always been the person to be determined and do whatever I need to do to achieve my goals. I find myself just crying about it and wondering, why did I even move to Texas? Then, I think of my mother. If she was alive, what would she say to me? She would most likely tell me to refocus myself and just keep praying. She would tell me that giving up is NOT an option. She would tell me that everything isn’t going to be easy and I’m going to continue going through struggles throughout my life. That doesn’t mean that I should start doubting myself or even THINK about giving up.

Currently, I’m trying to get DESTINY together, so I can be prepared for outdoor. I guess I’m so frustrated because I want to see results now. I just changed coaches and I’m still adapting to the new training. Therefore, I just have to be patient. For now, I’ll continue working hard and praying.

I've been there...

2:46 PM, February 18, 2008 .. Posted by missbri

Of course everybody's situation and circumstances are different, but I feel as if I really know how you feel and where you are coming from. I have changed coaches 5 times since graduating from college so that makes four different programs other than my current one that I have had to try and adapt to and a tremendous roller coaster experience that I have had to deal with over the years. (Please note...I don't recommend that to anyone.) Anyway, you are absolutely right when you say you can't do this sport after college unless you are totally committed and dedicated to it and have a sincere passion for it. It simply can't work any other way. For some reason the transistion tends to be very difficult, moreso for some people, and only the strong survive. I've had my moments when I thought I couldn't take it anymore... when I would break down after a meet and ball my eyes out, when I had such a bad meet that I didn't go to practice for a whole week after because I thought I couldn't do it anymore and that I was through...I've pretty much experienced it all. Obviously I found a way to keep on believing, but it is no easy task and the one thing you must do is to find a way to stay strong mentally, emotionally, and spiritually because it is only in that state that your physical performances can begin to come around.

The good thing is that your talent and your ability didn't go anywhere. I don't know you...I don't even know what event you do, but if you know what you are capable of and aren't achieving it right now, you have to make sure you don't let the doubt and the fear become overwhelming and take over your confidence. Things can turn around so fast but you have to be ready for it. A different program can take a while to adapt to so just try and be patient.

Sometimes You Just Have To Ask Yourself, Is IT Really Worth It?

6:46 PM, February 18, 2008 .. Posted by Speedfirst

It's worth it, you and I know it is, stay the course, you don't wanna have any regrets about this. You are still young and healthy, continue to go after your dreams. Know there are people who believe in you and support your efforts, so you're not alone. Keep the faith, be of good cheer!!!

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2:39 PM, February 19, 2008 .. Posted by missbri

If there is one thing I know very well, it's struggle. Please don't ever hesitate to ask if you have questions or just to vent. I've been there and I know it's rough but I also know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to make sure you want to force yourself to continue until you find it.

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1:09 AM, March 17, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

Destiny..i\'m very proud of the woman you have become :).. There is no doubt in my mind that things wont start clicking again with the new coach. it always takes time to adjust to new coaching, make sure u\'r telling your coach what you feel and that there are changes that need to be done to get you back on track. best wishes

Old Friend

12:21 PM, July 30, 2008 .. Posted by Derrick Johnson

Look at Ms. Woodbury, first off CONGRATULATIONS on all you have accomplished...it may or may not have any effect on you when I say that I'm proud of you and proud to say that I know you. You are an inspiration to all young female athletes no matter what ethnical background they come from. After reading this entry I just wanna remind you that as long as you have that PASSION and DETERMINATION you could become the athlete you always dreamed of and even excel beyond that. No matter how good or bad you are you can always get better, you can always improve. So don't get discouraged because your going through a tough time, it shouldn't be new to you because you know first hand your success didn't come easy. With that said old friend keep ya head up stay focused and remember even the top athletes have to fall sometime but it's up to you to get back on top........you can do it believe in yourself just like so many of your friends and family believe in you. Take care of yourself..................Derrick

change up your routine..

1:13 PM, August 4, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

cycle your workuts, weight training plyometrics, short sprints ,long sprints, hills, resistance, over-speed training,
<br> first start with evaluating your strenghts and weakness and move from there. You may need a break from training to recover from the plateau of 60 seconds! check your health status, are i anemic, etc.

free consultation on exercise training

1:28 PM, August 4, 2008 .. Posted by Exercise scientist/trainer/T&F

you email me for information.. megastart@optonline.net

good luck with your training and new group!