Christmas 2012

It is that time of the year, our home is once again filled with Christmas, from the fresh smell of a nice big tree to appropriately-themed music. Well, actually, the christmasy music has been playing since Halloween, which is fine (I think by the time New Year comes, I’ll be ready for an auditory break from decking the halls and techno-frosty).

A ver... vamos a checar esta serie.... ¿Están prendidos todos los foquitos?

Though hard on the grown-ups to be upbeat this season as we remember Christina’s passing one year ago, Donovan  is all excited. One of the most vivid memories I have of Christmas with my family was helping my father check the strands of lights prior to placing them on our tree. I remember a feeling of satisfaction when I would replace a burnt out light, and its neighboring bulbs would once again light up.

Hope this season is full of happy memories. Thanks for reading.

JC

From CX to Xmas season

Christmas music and decorations started to fill our home since shortly after Halloween.  Donovan is full of anticipation as these last few days tick by, and he crosses them off the calendar.  A growing list of injuries ended my (lackluster) cx season, and that has given me ample time and reason to enjoy activities with friends and family. Fun in the mud was still great this year, and even though I didn't have the success I had last year, it was offset by seeing Donovan having fun with the sport.

At full speed and committed to his choice of line as he goes into a corner...
(Photo by Janet Hill)

Diligent physical therapy and strengthening will hopefully deliver a more solid me for 2013. In the meantime, there is a dark beer and some cookies somewhere with my name on them.

Happy Holidays!

....

I have been hesitant to publicly write my thoughts in the wake of the events last Friday. Mostly b/c I was really mad. I still am. Hell, this is my little blog and I can write whatever the heck I went. Nobody reads it anyway. So here is what I think-

I am not going to try to wrestle with the mental aspect of this tragedy. I am ignorant of how a person's mind and decisions go from A to where this guy went. Boggles my mind.

Guns. Illegal. Period. It is the one thing I really dislike of the US. I'm sure I would get an earful from the hunting/target shooting enthusiasts I know. And I don't care. The 'guns don't kill people' argument is stupid. There. Said it. Take my homeland- Drug people getting decapitated? Cartel associates' bodies piled high inside (choice of vehicle), or broken & packed into concrete-filled drums? Check and check. Cars driving by, spaying homes with automatic fire? Sure, happened around the corner from my house. Drug family members targeted with car bombs? Check, saw the lovely aftermath of one of those. Large number of innocent casualties? Yep, check, just look at the statistics. Young children shot at school? Uh...wait... what? WHO targets kids? WTFF!? C'mon... For all the truly brutal crimes that happen in Mexico, this type of atrocity does not happen. There are no metal detectors or armed guards at schools. Heck, there are no "Gun-free zone" signs at schools. I'm not saying it's not dangerous, and sure, criminals probably have it (very) easy getting their hands on something that goes BANG!. My point is fire arms should not be ready to be had from your parents' closet for when u decide to loose your marbles.  And I would be foolish to pretend some parents I knew didn't own guns back then, mostly obtained illegally and for the sake of safety. Still, with that violent of a platform, this is unheard of in a struggling 2nd world country. You tell me-How does this take place in the US? 

Woodland Park CX 2012

The 2012 version of the cross venue we like the most has come and gone. Once again, some 1000+ people came out on a cold, cloudy day with some sprinkles to watch the spectacle of lycra-clad guys, girls and kids race their bikes over mud, grass, gravel, logs. 

Donovan had a blast in his race, and despite starting in the back, made good progress thru the field.

Working through the traffic....

"I'm beating that big kid in the big helmet & big kid bike!"

That loud spectator in blue/black couldn't be more proud

The finish... and feeling the effort.

I was hoping to defend my win from last year, but alas, it wasn't to be this year. After fumbling at the start with getting clicked in, I was sitting in ~24th spot just 4 seconds into the race. I spent the remainder of the time racing flat-out, and managed to get back up to 6th.

I caught my good friend Todd for 6th with 1 lap to go, and thought we could work together, see if we could catch the leaders, but we were both at our limit and the front of the race was out of our sight.

Theresa and Donovan picked a really good spot near a corner, where I could clearly see and hear them every lap. "Vamos Papa!" cheered Donovan every time, and it gave me a little extra motivation.

Another good race. Another good memory...
peace

All photos above courtesy of Woodinvillebicycle.com 

While sick...

Ugh... being sick is so annoying. I know I've had the conversation with other tri guys, and seems the consensus is, when we get sick, we get SICK and for a while, even if it is just a little cold.

Forced to race on a demo bike with discs.... didn't like it one bit.... it was either no brakes, or locking wheels and/or over the handlebars every time....

So this latest bout against a cold rendered me unable to race cross this past weekend. While sniffing and coughing, I perused online at the latest CX results from Europe. One thing that has been on my mind is the market push from manufacturers for disc brakes and how that has actually translated into # of guys riding discs. I just don't see that many. Or hardly ANY at all at the top level across the pond, in conditions (like below) where I would assume they would be preferred, specially when grabbing a pit bike with clean cantis could cost the race.

I'm sure the argument is like onions with thick layers. I certainly would like to hear about performance, longevity, etc. from anyone who successfully uses them in cross.

little black CX cloud...

when will you blow over....? Man, I just feel like almost every race this season, there is always something bad happening. I am either sick, or break some piece of gear, or get injured, or get taken out by someone, or something....

Photo by Woodinvillebicycle.com

But that's why we keep going out, right? It's part of racing, part of the fun. This weekend brought another bent derailleur hanger, complete with chain in the spokes. Time to put the bike back on the work stand, see what the damage is....

From Donovan's perspective..

Haven't had a chance to update here, as these last few weeks have been full activities... Everything from running, to futbol, and cyclocross. First off I participated in my school's jogathon- I think I ran 15 times around my school to raise money.

High 5, Papa!

Next, I played soccer, like every other Saturday, I think we beat the Skeeters (we always win!). Following futbol, me and Papa went to race some cyclocross that day.  Starcrossed took place while the weather was still warm and sunny, here is me coming in fast to start lap # 2 of my race:

Yep, that's me in the red, tearing it up....
(Photo courtesy of Woodinvillebicycle.com)

Both Papa and I had crashes at that race, but we both got up quickly and kept racing. That's part of racing...

Now that the weather is cooling down, it is time to dress accordingly, so here I am warming up prior to this weekend's cyclocrosss race with long sleeves and arm... er.... LEG warmers....

See the game face? All concentration...
(Photo courtesy of Woodinvillebicycle.com).

As in all other cross races, we get one last call in the final moments of anticipation, as the starter says:

"Riders Ready....................? GO!"

Not for the faint of heart.... pedal, pedal, PEDAL!!!!!!

Making up places after a slow start... Gotta work on my starts! Me and Papa, both...

Coming in to the finish, battling to the end! This is a photo finish for sure.....
(Photo courtesy of Woodinvillebicycle.com)

Papa raced a bit earlier. He really wanted to win here again, but today wasn't his day.

You'll get 'em next time, Papa....
(Photo courtesy of Woodinvillebicycle.com)

After the race, we went and carved pumpkins, as we get ready for Halloween, but not b4 saving the day by crawling into the van and retrieving the key that someone had locked inside....

All in all, it was another great weekend. Until next time!

Winner, chicken, dinner

First cyclocross WIN of the 2012 season, this past Sunday at Arlington. Fast and furious course, just like I apparently like them. Being the WINNER netted me enough points to get an upgrade so I can go race with the rest of my buddies from last year. Which is awesome.   

Running the CHICKEN legs thru the sand... Representing for CXR.com

Pretty excited (a bit apprehensive too) to try out tubulars for the first time. Gotta figure out the art of gluing. Any hints/tips, feel free to share them.

As far as the DINNER, my (lovely) wife and I went out to celebrate our tenth (!) anniversary (yay, us!) at this place. Very cool, and great food. Check em 'out for a special occasion, or whenever.

Winner, chicken, dinner. On to the next one.

   

Cyclocross 2012

The fun and pain have started again.
The "I don't know what the #$@& I'm doing, I'm going to die..." feeling is back.
It's tunnel-vision time...

Long live cyclocross!

Ironman Canada 30th Anniversary. 13th MPro

There really isn't a whole lot I'd like to remember about this race, as it was the worst in my 'career.' I had high, but realistic expectations, perfect racing weather conditions, and it all tanked. A few 'lessons learned' and hard blow to get over.

I am happy my family and I then got to spend a week-long vacation at beautiful Lake Chelan before Donovan started 1st grade. And just like that, the summer is gone.

Donovan and Theresa floating along the lake....

I plan on spending the Fall trying to fully recover from this little injury which derailed my 2012 race season. I also hope to be able to get in some good cyclocross action. I'll be putting together a new (to me), better cross bike, so I won't have that excuse anymore.

I'd like to thank my friends and family for your emails and texts full of speedy vibes for IMC. There will be better races...

IMC 2012 minus 16hrs

Dear Penticton, we are here once again to enjoy your beauty and try to figure out your race. As always, the time we spend here means so much more to us than the actual race.

Scootin' by Lake Okanagan while Papa goes for a swim.

The way I see it, this injury has made me prepare differently than ever before. Better or worse, it is what it is, and there is only one way to tell. I wouldn't have dragged us all the way out here if I didn't think I could do well. As Donovan reminded me when he woke me up this morning, "Hi Papa-Tomorrow is your big day."

Thank you all for the encouraging emails and texts.

Let's see what we got.

Ups and Downs

Guess that's how I think of this year so far. I consider myself blessed and lucky for what I have: My wonderful family, my work which puts food on our table, shoes on our feet, and for the chance to pursue sport. I will also admit being injured, and unable to race, has tested my ability to remain optimistic about sport, and to rethink what I'm trying to accomplish, the reasons behind the commitment. It's been months of physical 'pain management' while working out, and literally taking it day by day, and week by week.

I've been able to train enough to take on Ironman Canada in 11 short days. I will say my preparation has  been unlike years past. Whether that is a good thing or not, remains to be seen on August 26. I've seen glimpses of really good form and fitness during some workouts, and I've also seen some warning signs in others. It is what it is- another race, and I'm as prepared as my life has allowed me. Sure, it means a lot, it has significance, and I will do my very best. It is also another opportunity to see good friends, and have a great trip with my family to a beautiful place, one with fond memories for us. I think it's that balance that brings happiness, through the ups and downs along the journey.

See you in Canada. Let's see what we got...

Mexico 2 - Brazil 1

México gana la medalla de oro en fútbol. Para los Aztecas, es el logro máximo hasta la fecha en el deporte que significa tanto en nuestra cultura. Mucho orgullo de ser mexicano. 

¡Viva México!

From Donovan's Perspective

Awesome! Summer vacation! Wahoooo!

Along with the all the fun I'm having away from school, I've been taking swim lessons, and it has been great. I am getting better at my swimming, which made me feel ready to do my 2nd triathlon. I did this race back in 2011 for the first time and I was ready to beat my time from last year.

Riding to the race, entourage in tow

Game face ON. Let's do this!
(Once again, matching colors of goggles and cap is key) 

This time we remembered to get a balloon to help me find my bike, because last year we learned T1 can be pretty confusing. All I had to do was run out of the water after the swim, look for the balloon, and got to my bike super quick! I dried myself, got my shirt, shoes and helmet on, and went off on my bike.

Where's my balloon? 

It was a quick ride and then it was time for the run. Yeah! I ran my bike in, put the kickstand down (Papa needs one of those on his bike), took off my helmet and was off. I was a little hot, so I grabbed a cup of water just out of T2.  Now I was ready to get my run on. I ran hard, gave Papa a High 5 at the end, and crossed the finish line with a big smile.

Just like the pros- grab cup, take sip of water, dump rest on head, throw cup down....

Another medal, another good race. 

At the end of this one, you get to grab bagels, oranges, bananas, bars, etc.  I got to say hello to this nice lady, who remembered me by name from last year.

"Nice race! Good to see you again, Donovan!"

I think I may have inspired Papa, as he has been rumoring he's getting back to good health and there may be some racing for him before the summer end.

Until next time, thank you for reading.

D

10 in 65

No blogging has taken place here in the last few months... I'm betting the 1000's of readers are wondering what is going on.... Well... let me provide an update. While not all my blogging revolves around sport, it is a big BIG part of who I am. It's been a period of frustration due to the initial injury not getting better, and actually developing other aches and pains along the way.  Hence, there has been very little motivation to type my thoughts out into the eenternet.

I have been suffering high-hamstring tendonosis since mid February. A real pain in the butt, quite literally. After couple months of PT, I was given the green light to resume training, knowing that, while the tendon healed, I would find myself modifying my bike cadence (slower) and run gait (shorter) to manage the pain. That was fine, as I was back to 'training', and that is all that mattered. Or so I thought- the modified mechanics led to Achilles' tendonitis, at the insertion point with the foot of the affected leg. Every pedal stroke hurt, never mind running, since I could barely walk. Sigh.... I got past that after a few more weeks, and b/c the hamstring tendon issue wasn't really progressing,  I recently had an MRI to check for actual damage to the tendon. It showed more inflammation at the insertion point in my hip than big substantial tears, so that is good news. I discussed a few options with my Sports Med guy going forward, and we concluded injections would probably not be the way to go, to stick with active rehab exercises. So.. I'm back to biking and running, sort of. I need to keep an eye on intensity, as the pain management becomes tricky at a high effort. I wouldn't say I'm back to training, as I don't really know what I'm training for until I am able to get past this. I was planning on doing Boise 70.3, followed by Rev3 in Portland and Lake Stevens 70.3, then put all the chips into Ironman Canada. I may need to accept that getting into shape to race triathlons this year may be over. Not there just yet.... 

In the meantime, I have spent the weekends helping out with the backyard work (it's starting to look nice!) and doing other things I've put aside for a long time. The trip we had to my homeland, in the middle of all the multiple injuries, was really REALLY good. We had a lot of fun. I should put some pictures up...

Oh yeah, the title of the post- last week I ran 10miles in 65minutes. It was fine, felt just a little harder than it should have been, but not terribly hard. I have not run that long in I don't know how long. It gives me some hope, as it shows a semblance of the fitness that is still somewhere in there.   

Happy Mother's Day

Best 2 Mothers in the world.

A happy day to all Moms.

From Donovan's Perspective

Ok- enough is enough! The weeks keep going by, and my Papa is not getting healthy, in fact, he seems to be getting more injured, and there is no racing happening, and somebody is got to do the racing around here! I did this race last year with my Papa running by my side, because I was a little nervous, but this year I was ready to run it all by myself. The really cool thing is you get a doughnut at the end! And a ribbon!!

With my race number pinned to my shirt, I got my game face ON and lined up at the front with all the big kids, even though the Race Director didn't like it. He sounded the loud horn and "Punch it, Chewie!!", I turned on the jets. I ran hard, with a big smile on my face. About half way, I saw my Papa cheering me on loudly, and I gave him a HIGH 5, and poured on all the gas, racing hard to the finish, where my Mama was jumping up and down and screaming. I crossed the finish line, caught my breath while paparazzi snapped pictures and video left and right, signed a few autographs and then, of course, went to get my DOUGHNUT!

After the race I got to hang out with my friends, Neala and Kyla, who also raced (this was their first race, ever!), and we got to check out a fire engine. I got to wear the firemen's headphone/microphone communication thingie. We then invited them, and their mom and dad, and we all went home, and had a delicious brunch made by Mama, and we we played with legos, nerf guns, watched Pink Panther cartoons, and played some futbol and baseball in the backyard

All in all, it was a very good weekend. Thank you for reading my story. Until the next race.

much a do.......

What have I been up to? Well, let's see, Donovan turned 6 and had a great weekend of birthday activities. He invited a whole bunch of his friends to our house, and we entertained kids and adults during a lego-themed party. Everyone seemed to have fun

Spring seems to finally have arrived here in Seattle, and, man, is it ever welcome after months of cold and rain and cold and rain. Just this past Saturday, we were out riding in 36F temperatures in the morning. Sunday, it hit 69F and I finally got a chance to wear my uber cool First Endurance cycling kit. Speaking of First Endurance, they have just released the much-awaited Kona-Mocha EFS liquid shot, and I'll be handing out flasks for you to try out this awesome new flavor.

Pretty sharp looking kit, no?

I'm trying my hardest to remain positive and take comfort in knowing injuries are like dark moments in races, in that they do pass. This particular one has haunted me for months, and I've been advised to take a careful look at my schedule and reconsider some of the June-July events I wanted to do (ie., Boise 703., Rev3 Portland, Lake Stevens 70.3). Argh. Ask any person who pursues multisport/endurance seriously, and they'll more likely than not confess being injured is the worst, with being sick very close behind.

Nothing like burgers, fries and shakes after a day of hard work....

On the bright side of things, my family and I get to travel down to my homeland in the very near future. It has been years since we have visited and I'm excited to be back and have Donovan spend time with his Abuelo. We are all looking forward to having lots of fun, eating great food, reliving and creating memories, soaking it all in.

that's about it. thanks for reading. peace!

The long road to recovery...

Sigh... about 5weeks ago and well into a good run-focus block, I pushed a little too hard, and got hurt the upper tendon in my left hamstring. I've been sidelined from running since then, doing PT exercises to try to get better, biking carefully in the interim. I was finally given the green light to alternate 'running'/walking the lengths of a track. The slow road to recovery starts at 9min/mi pace.... Donovan went with me to the track for the first run in ~35days. We had a lot of fun. Being a father is awesome

Life lessons

"If I have a little situation, I can always jump off my bike and run up anything..."
Donovan, 5yrs old, on cyclocrossing at the park.

I have not felt like writing anything in the last few months, so if you are 1 of the 2 people out there in cyberspace who read this (besides my wife), I apologize. Following a nasty 2-week+ cold right on the heels of cross season and right before Christmas, my dear sis (in-law), Christina, was diagnosed with a giant aneurysm, and underwent neurosurgery. Complications post-surgery took her away from this Earth a few days after Christmas. This past 'holiday' season and beyond has been unlike any other we've experienced before... zero desire to blog, very little motivation to do much of anything.

Not sure just yet what 2012 will bring. A wise man told me recently 'one has to balance racing with life and as life changes, so does that balance.' As I stare at the 2012 season, I think I'll take Donovan's advice, jump off and start running...

More soon. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the kind words and support over the last few months.


jc