When I look at this image of myself standing in front of the USA Olympic Training Center, I feel like I’m looking at someone else, I don’t recognize myself.  The reminder for me is the bike, the unique machine that has carried me to the steps of a humbling and honorable opportunity.

Last week I spent seven of the most incredible days of my life suffering aboard the seat of my bicycle, a place of choice and a place of purpose.  I was invited to begin a rigorous training regime with the U.S. Paralympic cycling team, along side amazing athletes, many of whom hold gold, silver and bronze medals from previous Olympic games and a coaching staff second to none. Now I am NOT a member of the team… Yet! But I will be training to qualify within a specific category of disability to earn a spot on the National team, which competes at an international and ultimately an Olympic level. This pursuit is fitting for me, and the dreams I have for myself.

You see, three years ago my mother and I came to this facility as spectators and fans, taking the guided tour upon a golf cart, watching the history of the Olympic Games on film inside the visitor center theater, and day dreaming at how one day I would love to be sitting inside the dining hall, eating next to world class athletes, preparing both mentally and physically for something never thought possible.

Well… The food was great! The company… Stoic and impressive. The experience… Once in a lifetime!  …Until the next camp when I’m twice the athlete and ready to race!

My quest to challenge my spinal cord injury has evolved in form over the last 9 plus years and has granted me many special opportunities to live, alive and with abundance. By abundance I mean; spiritually, emotionally, lovingly- conscious and aware. I am again experiencing life with vigor and intensity, pursuing a physical feat of performance and excellence, a place I’ve known before, but this time with much, much more gratitude.

So now, this picture is my poster, a symbol in my mind of what is possible almost 10 years after my life changing accident that left me paralyzed. I smile at the image, at the hope and at the future, because as the photo says… Amazing Awaits.

Thank you to my mother Laquita for mirroring me, my father Dan for supporting me, my sister Arielle for rising above and making me proud. Thank you to Taylor, Seth and Dave for being rocks of belief and encouragment, to my friends who are closest and always there. And to my new friends in competition…  See you at the races!  

view OTC pics...olympic_training_camp_09_

 

Happy New Year! We are now well into the New Year and for some one week closer to a renewed resolution. I myself do not set resolutions but rather set projected schedules of desired endeavors. 2009 excites me when I think about all the possibilities... The people, the places and the things I envision for myself, friends and family. To begin, I welcomed in the New Year with one of my favorite people, amongst new faces and familiar places. Five days in the bay area with a scenic drive south through my home town- Carmel, was a magical way to introduce a new beginning. Mentally I was preparing myself for what I intend to do in 2009. In the waning days of 2008 I had already begun envisioning my new training program and how I would return to the bike after an injury laded holiday season. So far my body is responding well and as expected considering the severe fluctuation in holiday lifestyle. Today I capped a solid 5 days of progressively difficult cycling, allowing for ample recovery and maximum immune system efficiency as to avoid the BUG that is floating around. The only unpredictable variable in my program this week was the weather. It was extremely windy today and when on a bicycle the wind proves to be quite a challenge. Now though, I am feeling well with only a slight sniffle, but knowing that I have listened intently to my body, recognized its needs, and provided myself with an optimal environment to realize my 2009 dreams!

Written Intention- There is great power in visualization and the expression of written intention.  When a thought or an idea is written down onto paper it has been literally manifested into reality.  The tangible projection exists and can now be observed and studied by the person at will.  I can remember the first time I wrote down a desire, I was instructed to do so by JR Canaguier my racing mechanic and friend who believed in my ability aboard a motorcycle.  As a young teen in 1993 I wrote on a piece of poster board “I will be a National Champion" and hung it over my bed.  Two years later I held a #1 plate and was an Amateur Motocross National Champion.  From then on I have written down many projections, ideas, thoughts and desires all with the intention of manifesting and creating my reality.  The image I posted for this blog entry is of my first written words as a recovering quadriplegic. "I Will Walk" was a mental mantra I repeated to myself and was the first thing that came to mind when looking at a blank piece of paper. The pen was taped to my left hand and was guided by a cable harness contraption that allowed my arm to move more freely.  That paper hung in my rehab hospital room and then in my room at home...I am now walking.  There are many more profound examples of success that are still hanging in my office or are taped to the wall mirror in my room.  Everyday I stare at these sigils and visualize their meaning, meditating and willing them to become real for me and those around me.  Visualize, Sigilize and Materialize...Your dreams.