May 19, 2004

Published Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Derrick Peterson, former MU track and field athlete. Since you last read, my life has changed, but not too much - I'm still running track. Now I am a professional track athlete, running for adidas - yes I'm the guy running around town with all the adidas gear - and traveling the world for my competitions.

What I am attempting to do is give you, the reader, a glimpse into my life and my pursuit for a spot on the 2004 Olympic team in Athens, Greece. Through this weekly journal, I want to let you know what it is I'm doing.

May 19, 2004

Over the weekend, I competed in my hometown of Atlanta at Georgia Tech. Atlanta is a beautiful place in the spring. It was a pleasure to go home again and run in a familiar place and among friends and family and my high school coach.

I must say the trip home started off on the wrong foot. I was late for my flight out of Kansas City, due to traffic and the weather, but after a coffee stop at Barnes & Noble - every city should have one - and a little gospel and house music, along with a phone call to my sports agent, I was in a better mood.

I got an exit row seat to myself. I needed the leg room, and not all professional athletes fly first class.

This was a minor meet, but it was still important to my Olympic dream, as it is officially a month away from the Trials in Sacramento, Calif.

The race: The temperature was great in my home city. I felt confident that I could go out and run a good race, whether I won or not. So the gun goes off, and I start in great position around third or fourth, and I just hold my spot there until the last 150 meters. Here I was in a bit of trouble. I was boxed in between three runners, so I had to fight my way out and then sprint to the finish line and get the victory.

The real highlight of my trip home is always getting to attend my home church, Divine Faith Ministries International, and visit with my pastor and spiritual leader Donald E. Battle. The message this past Sunday was really heartfelt, and I thank God I was able to hear the words of our Lord and Savior.

Also, I bumped into one of my best friends from Mizzou in Atlanta, of all places. So we hung out Saturday night for dinner and drinks at Justin's, the Atlanta eatery owned by Puff Daddy or P. Diddy or Sean John or whatever his name is right now. It was a great time to catch up on our lives.

Well, until next time, have a great week, and I will see you on the MKT Trail sometime.

Derrick P.