A portrait of Allyson Felix (© Getty Images)
“Hi everybody!
“My training is progressing nicely and both (coach) Bobby Kersee and I are very pleased with the way things are going. We are still putting a great deal of work into my endurance while continuing to focus on my start.
“I've recently had a small weight room added to my house so I'm pleased to be able to do my lifting and abdominal work at home on certain occasions.
“I'm still planning to open my season at the Mt. San Antonio College Relays in two weeks running both the 4x100m and 4x400m Relays. I'm so excited to run at Mt. SAC not only because it is special to me since I have ran there since high school, but also because it is the meet's 50-year anniversary.
“I've been having a lot of fun away from the track and keeping busy. This weekend I will be heading to St. Louis to participate in Jackie Joyner-Kersee's annual program, `Winning in the Life.’
“Jackie is such an amazing person and her community center that she has is so inspiring to me because of my passion for children and my community. She is truly making a difference in so many young people's lives.
“I'm very excited to go to the center and talk to the children about the important aspects it takes to win in life.
“I recently did a photo shoot for Glamour and had an amazing time. I was wearing a dress by Lanvin, which if you know anything about fashion you will understand how stunning the clothing is. My Vogue issue is actually out right now. (not in the summer as I originally thought) It's the shape issue which features a lot of fascinating athletes.
“I also shot my Olympic profile piece for NBC. They came and followed me around. They went to my church, practice and to my mom's third grade classroom with me. I had a great time giving them a peek into my life.
“Two weeks ago, I also gave my boyfriend (Kenneth Ferguson) a surprise birthday get-together at my house. He had no idea about it and he really enjoyed himself. `Rock Band’ was a big hit and we got to see Shawn Crawford's skills on the guitar and Joanna Hayes on the mic. It was very entertaining.
“I have a new website. It's www.Allysonfelix.com. People can come here and learn about myself, my faith, take a look down memory lane, check out my journal and look at some pictures. I'll be constantly adding new information to it so definitely check back often.
“A lot of people have been asking me about Bianca Knight, who recently turned professional before completing her freshman year at Texas.
“I think Bianca ran an amazing 200m race in the NCAA Indoors and she is clearly a phenomenal athlete.
“I can completely understand and relate to her decision to turn professional right now because it is an Olympic year. I think that her decision will allow her to focus on making her first Olympic team which takes complete dedication.
“My advice to her would first be to commit herself to earning her degree and not to lose sight of that goal.
“The road she is taking is without a doubt extremely difficult and not everyone can handle the amount of work it takes to balance a full-time professional running career with being a full-time student, but as long as she makes a plan for herself and is willing to put in the work she will be just fine.
“I would also tell her to surround herself with people who she trusts and can depend on because she will need their support as she embarks upon her dream. I look forward to watching her career unfold and competing alongside her.
“That’s all I can think of for now. Thanks to everybody for their support this year.”
Allyson
