I'm back in the saddle again - or I guess I should say, back in the spikes. I've been training everyday since November, getting my body prepared for what lies ahead.

 

I'm a year older, and I have a renewed, more mature respect for the sport. Why? Because sprinting is hard work. And, you can't be anything less than DEDICATED in order to succeed.

 

I've been blessed to have supportive people around me my entire career, and they've made my journey that much easier. They've picked me up when I was down, encouraged me when I was discouraged and cheered me on when I was successful. Their love - and the support that track and field fans bring to the table ... it's awesome.

 

There is nothing like stepping on the track knowing that someone has your back and is there just for you. And then, to feel the energy that booms from the crowd of fans? It's amazing. It's enrgizing. And, it reaffirms and renews my competitive spirit.  So here's my shout-out to all of you! You are appreciated.

 

Every once in a while, I have these "reflective" moments, so work with me here. 

 

And, while I'm feeling appreciative, I feel compelled to share what I've learned throughout my  years of competition....and that is that there is a difference between confidence and arrogrance; ambition and zealotry; humility and pride.

 

You know what the difference is?

 

The difference is trust.

 

I've learned to trust in my abilities instead of myself because my abilities are a gift. And, those gifts come from God. I can let myself down....but God will never let me down. His plan is THE plan.

 

By trusting Him with my career and everything else I do in life, I can never be disappointed with the outcome. As long as I'm working hard, living and competing right, I can't complain!

 

So here's to a great season. It's already in motion.

 

The Boston Indoor Games were fun, and I'm happy with my performance in the 60M. It was my fastest indoor season opener (6.61) and only 0.03 seconds off my PR.

 

But, you know what?

 

It's extremely early in the season, and there is always room for improvement.

 

What's the message here?

 

Keep a level head, and keep it moving. It's going to be a fun year!

 

By the way, check me out this weekend at the Tyson Invitational!

 

More to come soon...

Nine months of training, Nine months weights. Nine months of staying in shape...Nine months of low fat this, skim milk that, can't have this, or you're-going-to-pay-for-it! Finally! The season is over and that means two things: Football and junk food! I'm taking it all in, enjoying and indulging in anything baked, fried, or smothered. And, the good thing is, it's all legal. No weight training, practice, or sweating for three more weeks. I can re-introduce myself to Twinkies, Ding Dongs, oatmeal cream pies, chocolate chip cookies....and as I type, I'm downing a Dr. Pepper ice cream float! Life is good. I can eat again! But you know what....even my new found food freedom has its limitations...or should I say, disappointments. You know how every once in a while, you get an undeniable craving for something? It seems to just fall out of the sky and slap you in the head...and you can't ignore it. It's like a mini-obsession...It could be a Cinnabon, or a funnel cake with extra powdered sugar..I don't know, pick you poision...but you have to have it...like right then. Well this weekend...I had one of those attacks. The Cowboys had lost and in my saddened frustration, it hit me: extra long cheese coney from Sonic. I glanced at the clock. It was 10:45 p.m. I grabbed my computer, Googled the nearest Sonic and called. "What time do y'all close tonight?" The voice on the other end of the telephone said, "12:00 a.m. sir." Bet! I grabbed my keys and headed to my car. During my ten minute drive, I mindlessly scrolled through the menu in my head. I decided to add an Oreo Cookie Sonic Blast with chocolate syrup. Or, so I thought. As I pulled into the driveway...the lights cut off. I paused as my heat began to sink. I pressed the red button on the drive-up menu and waited. I looked at the clock. 10:58 p.m. I waited some more. "Hello?" a static-y voice said, "Uhh, we're closed." I blinked. and stared back at the red button. "No, you're not." "Um, yes we are. We are closed." Trying to control the rage bubbling up in my empty, sugar-craved stomach, I said, "No, I just called ten...(I looked back at the clock...11:01 p.m.) sixteen minutes ago and the girl said y'all didn't close until 12 a.m." No reply. I sat there. I watched as the voice behind the red button walked out from behind the window, locked the door, and jumped in a waiting car. My stomach growled. I contemplated many things..many things that my mother would not approve of...many things that would probably embarass my wife... You know, I can't quite express the frustration I felt at that moment. I mean, all I wanted was an extra long cheese coney with a oreo cookie sonic blast. Was that too much to ask? I was hungry, I was at the right place, and I had money...but the two things I wanted most in life...an extra long cheese coney and a oreo cookie sonic blast were....not there. Have you ever been in that place before? Maybe you hid the last piece of cake it the back of the fridge, and you came home and it was gone...or maybe you wrote your name on the last red soda and your roommate drank it....or maybe you were about to eat your last scoop of ice cream and warm apple pie and your son or daughter asked if they could have some...either way, plain and simple....the plans you had for your tastebuds and stomach fell short of expectation. How do you cope with that!??! Help me out man.

Did the headline grab your attention? Good! I know, I know... lame, and SO selfish, but effective, huh? So, how do you introduce yourself to the world? Well, besides posting a slightly misleading headlinev... I'll try: What's up Yardbarkers!?!? I'm Doc Patton. Good enough? (Probably not, but hey, work with me here! Typing to yourself is a bit awkward at first.) Who am I? I'm a sprinter. 100M, 200M, and the always-fun 4x100M relay. A two-time Olympian, two-time World Champion (4x100M) and 2003 U.S. Champion (200M). Most people run to stay in shape, or because someone is chasing them, and I guess I'm a hybrid of the two. Most recently, I competed in the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing, China. It was an honor to say the least, and an experience I'll carry with me for quite some time. Definitely one I will never take for granted. I'm new to Yardbarker, and I must admit, I'm happy to be here. There's nothing like talking to sports fanatics. Especially, track fans. I guess I'm a little biased, but I've got nothing but love for you guys! You keep me going. There's nothing like competing and knowing that there are folks out there who love the sport as much as you do. Hopefully, you'll get to see a side of me that the track doesn't show you ... the side that eats junk food in the off season ... the side that is a die-hard football fan ... the side that is an uncle and BIG brother, husband and friend. I'll do my best to keep you posted at least once a week. And, if I don't, keep me honest. Just promise to chime in every once in a while, and keep the party going. Deal?