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Hey guys, I'm in a much better mood after my second race than I was after my first race!  What a difference a week makes! 

I was second again, which is the most frustrating part, but this time I only lost by .02 as opposed to .21.  It may not seem like it but that’s a huge difference in a race that lasts under 13 seconds!

My start was very good and even though I made a mistake, I was over the first hurdle well before the rest of the field and held onto my lead until the second half of the race!  I made some choices that slowed me down a bit, and I was caught by almost everyone! Okay well not everyone, but a few really made strong moves and challenged my lead with one succeeding.   BUT, that's okay because I improved significantly and I have to be satisfied with that because I am taking this one race at a time and believe that I will get better and better throughout the rest of the season, hopefully enough to secure me a spot on the 2012 Olympic team! 

Just the thought of that gives me chills!  It's been so long and so many things have happened since I won in 2004.   But, I can remember it like it was yesterday!  After winning the Gold medal it was like I could finally breathe because everything I had worked so hard for was finally worth it!  

And now fast forward to 2012, and I'm starting all over again and imagining what it would be like to be on the podium at the Olympics.  Making the team would be so incredible, but in order for that to happen, I have to be at the very top of my game (game that I hope I still have!) the 100m hurdles is loaded in America!  It really is anyone's race - the ladies who are cleanest over the hurdles and most aggressive are going to be in the front.  You can't win if you are too safe and scared of the hurdles.  In the hurdles you must be technically sound and very fast, and I really can feel myself getting better and stronger in both categories. 

I am excited because I have another race this coming Sunday, April 29th.   It's a small meet here in Irvine so still no traveling for me, and I am fine with that.   I really just want to get back in the groove of racing, and these local meets are really helping me with that.  I had a very good practice Tuesday and feel very confident about my hurdling right now and can't wait until Sunday.  I hope that I put out a fast time, and I know if I run like I did last week but correct my second half, I can do that.

I am beginning to feel a little more rested with Zoe in daycare 2-3 days a week.  She has only gone 4 times but it is starting to become part of our routine and it is working for us both.  Zoe loves hanging out with the little kids and I love not having to worry about her and chase her around and can focus on training and working.  So, things are now falling into place. I just need to stay prayerful, faithful, and continue to work hard.  Those things I am certainly capable of! 

Well, that's all for now!  I will check in with you guys soon.  Until then, be healthy be happy!

XO,

Joanna 

Watch Joanna's race at the Mt. SAC Relays on Saturday:

Watch Joanna's post-race interview from this weekend by Ryan Fenton of Flotrack:

Watch more videos on Flotrack

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