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!