JUMP ROPE FOR THE HEART

There are so many things that are great for the HEART.

Last week, I had the opportunity to Jump Rope For Heart


~Jump Rope For Heart are national programs jointly sponsored by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and the American Heart Association (AHA)~with 2nd graders.

PE teachers from Alamosa Elementary did an amazing job. I enjoyed every singe aspect of the program. From trying different ways to jump to singing and jumping. It was so touching to see all the kids get excited when there was time to check their heart rate.

You can tell, kids love to be active and exercise. I really want to congratulate Alamosa Elementary School for a successful 2012 Jump Rope For Heart program.

To Miss Cervantez class, Thank You for letting me jump the rope with all of you.

I had a blast!

After jumping inside they all went outside. Love this picture!

SURPRISES

Thank You and Congrats to my brother, Johnny, and my mom for making it happen!

This month/year has been full of surprises. Some have been good another ones not so good, yet the outcome will always the same "an adventure". An adventure that we are the ones that decide which path is going to take.

After I surprised them we went to get something to eat.

The night I arrived home from the trials, there was a situation in the family that was even more powerful than my personal disappointment from the trials. My mother was in a local hotel downtown El Paso Texas waiting for the day she was going to meet with a consul in Ciudad Juarez for her residence card. The following morning as soon as I woke up my first question was: What am I doing here? So, I grabbed a few outfits, got in the car and drove to El Paso to be with my mom and brother.

Next morning on our way to the American Consulate in Ciudad Juarez

If you are not familiar with the immigration process to get become a resident of the USA, let me tell you a few things.

1) Is a long process: Mom's case had been in process for two years already and still with the possibility of being rejected.

2) Its expensive: So far without a lawyer we had spend over 6 thousand dollars, not counting the trip to El Paso Texas for final interview in Ciudad Juarez. Just the medical exams two days before the interview at the US consulate in Ciudad Juarez were $450 dollars.



If approved this will be the first step in case my mom decides to become a US Citizen one day. If her residence is granted then she has to wait 5 years before she applies for citizenship.
Then, I wonder, how come our politicians or news reporters don't tell us that to become a US Citizen one needs to have the time and plenty of money to cover the cost of the process?



Being there allowed me to see success and failure from a different perspective. It was so surreal to see hundreds of people standing outside the US Consulate in Ciudad Juarez waiting for their relatives to come out of the building they were being interviewed, others walking from one building to another nicely dressed with thick folders on their hands. Once again, we were not alone.





In the nearby hotels, you will see people calling home to ask for a missing signature, a sponsor, money, a missing document, you name it. Two hours later I see my mom and my brother coming. Mom with an unusual smile on her face. That's when I knew, they had granted her the residence.


In order to process her residence, they took her passport and visa away. Mon has to wait 3 to 4 weeks before she receives her residence card (Green card). So, after we visited and had lunch we took mom to the bus station for her to to go back to Charcas (12 hour express bus ride). Mom suggested that instead of taking a taxi downtown it would be better for us to take the public bus to save some money (18 dollars). We did and yes! There were more lessons and surprises during the bus ride.




Two days later after the trials, there I was walking with my brother through downtown Ciudad Juarez letting my heart grow in a way I have never imagined. I realized that the most valuable lessons in life will always have a very special price. Surprise, surprise!

THE HEART IS GROWING!

The start of the 2012 Olympic Trials

Im back home and find myself physically and emotionally exhausted. I have a feeling the next two weeks will be weeks of growth and understanding. If you have been at some of my speaking engagements and have heard me talk about my philosophy on how is it that our hearts grow, then you will understand what I am talking about.

The biggest surprise of the weekend
was to see my sister Alicia show up
the day before the race to the hotel
with the rest of the family.

Yesterday, an hour before the trials and thirty minutes or so after the race was over, my heart could not wait and started the process. Yes, I found myself crying in front of my coach. I was crying, because It was my way to express how grateful and thankful I was to make it to another Olympic Trials. I was grateful to have another chance and I was determined to make the best of what the day had to offer. Then, three hours and a half later tears came out soon after I saw my sister. For once I understood the meaning of the sport and why I was there. Yesterday, I was able to appreciate what I have accomplished all this years.

With my fans (nephews) after the race!

Thirty nine hours later, I can tell you I gave my best, even if my best was not my personal best or my favorite place, that was my best yesterday and I am absolutely proud of it. I am proud of my journey here. I am proud of making it this far. I am motivated to get my body 100% and see what I can do when I take my engine to the mechanic for an adjustment and oil change.

Priceless!!!!

For know, I will allow this heart of mine do its growing and then I will take it from there. Thanks to everyone who in one way or another gave me a hand to get to this point. To my porra (cheering fans and family) big, big thanks!

All in all, I am proud to be an IN THE ARENA athlete. I am proud of my 33rd place and my 2:38:37 finishing time, because its allowing me to go to a wonderful process: Feel my heart grow!

HAPPY 2012

Cant believe 2012 is already here. The Olympic trials are just two weeks away. I've been in Houston for a month now and the adventures and experiences are going to be ones to remember for years to come. I am excited to be part of the 2012 Olympic trials field. Im very happy to look back and once again confirm that is not about the destination, but the journey. A journey that I am very fortunate to have taken.

2011 was a year that allowed me to explore and try new things. I left Alamosa for several training camps at sea level at my own expense. The price paid was well worth it. My time in California did not only allowed me to grow as an athlete, but to learn more about myself, and in top of that I was able to share my passion and love for this sport with one of my oldest brothers (Jhonny) whom at the end was even able to pace some of my workouts. This decisions and changes were not easy, but for sure they made me appreciate all the people and network of support I have in Alamosa. In 2011 I clearly experience that saying: "You don't know what you have until is taken away".





Furthermore, 2011 allowed me to witness many positive transformations with all the kids and people I work with in the after school tutoring program. The highlights of the year were seeing our kids grades go up and seeing parents get involved in their children's activities during and after school.





How to forget when all the kids receive a bunch of goodies from PUMA and the endless phone calls from a girl from Grand Junction inviting me to come and run the Girls Run 5km on the run with her. What about when the day I get and email confirming I made the USA World Championship team and two weeks later I get an apology call saying "Sorry, you are not" Then, after having the worst race and finishing last at the USA Track and Field 10,000m race, I confirm I'm back on what would be my 3rd World Championship team. Yeah, like I said back then~Bittersweet experience.

Being part of the World Championship USA Team and represent the USA for the 3rd time was just a gift from God. A great, great experience!



Wow, so many sweet and not so sweet memories, but all of them had to happen for a reason and many months later I am grateful for them as I can clearly see the reasoning behind every single event or circumstance.

For 2012, Im excited to continue to grow and put into practice all I've learned from 2011. Quite honest, Im looking forward to a successful year.

Happy~ Happy and very successful 2012!!!

UPDATE ON TRAINING

What: USA Men and Women Olympic Trials
Where: Downtown, Houston Texas
When: January 14th, 2012 8:00a.m.
Distance: 26.2 miles
Top 3 men and women will qualify to represent the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London in the Marathon.


I am currently in the city where the Olympic Trials will take place. Yes, I am in Houston, Texas. Winters in Alamosa, Colorado can be quite chilly (Just this week the highest calls for 25 and lows -23) Two months ago, me and my Coach agreed that it would be best for me to head to Houston 6 weeks before the marathon trials to avoid the low temperatures.

This decision was an easy one as I had the most amazing people to support me. At home my older sister Norma and Immigrant Resource Center agreed on taking care of the tutoring program and in Houston the Coach and members of the Rice University Cross Country and Track Team whom I met back in 2008 at the Houston Half offered a place for me to stay.

Its been already two weeks since I arrived in Houston and quite honest I could not ask for a better setting. Becky Wade, who send me an open invitation to come and stay at her place in Houston has been amazingly supportive. She made sure I was well situated before she left for vacation. She showed me around and let me borrowed her bike. Also, she introduced me to the most wonderful hosts, Lennie Waite and Allyson Pye. They offered for me to stay in their place as they had an extra guest room I could use.

Im so amazed of how accommodating all of them have been. The location is amazing, I can get to the Olympic trials course either by running (3 miles) or by bus. It only takes 10 minutes to get there by bus and the bus stop is just around the corner. Also, I can run from home to run around the loop at rice university and Hermann park.

Thanks to Rice Cross Country Coach, Jim Beven, I am allow to use to the Rice University's training room facilities.

Most days I have to train on my own. Sunday has been my lucky day as Ive been having company for the past 3 Sundays.

Im excited and confident about the upcoming trials. As long as I follow the training schedule, take care of the little things, and believe my best marathon is yet to come I know the trials are going to be amazing.

Today, after the 22 miler, I can tell my training is coming around and my body is feeling stronger as the days go by.

I am so greatful and thankful for all the love and support given. By far, the best Christmas present one could ever ask for.

Happy Happy Holidays!!!

BE PART OF SOMETHING GREAT

Great news! 12 kids from Club Penguin made it to the 2011 USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics. The race will take place on December 10, 2011 in Myrtle Beach, SC at the Whispering Pines Golf Course. So if you live there or know someone from the area please invite them to come and cheer for our youth. I can not express how happy and excited I am for this group of kids. I have seen them train hard for the past two months. I have heard heartbreaking and successful stories along the way. Stories that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

For many of them, this will be their first trip to a national meet. Perhaps, the first time they get to leave. the valley, the state of Colorado, get on a plane, or be in a beach town. As many of us know, it takes time, money, dedication, effort and a group of people to make wonderful things happen. This would not be possible if it was not for the penguins club coaches, (Peter DeLaCerda and his wife Ronda DeLa Cerda), parents and volunteers. They all have work hard to keep this group of kids motivated and in shape to get to where they are now. A a wonderful example of team effort.

If you want to be part of this kids journey and contribute to this program, you can do so by making a donation to the club. All the kids are currently raising money to pay for their expenses to this meet. So, if you are interested please send me an e-mail and I can provide you with the necessary information of how you can send the club your contribution.

Anything you can donate will help. My e-mail address is zoila@in-the-arena.org


Let's help this kids have the experience of their lives and be part of something GREAT!

The very best to all the kids that will be representing us in Myrtle Beach, SC.


INDIVIDUALLY

Joseph Borup
Derek VanBerkum
Olivia Hayden
Luke Haefeli
John Haefeli
Karlee Smith
Olivia Hayden


AS A TEAM

Brayan Flores Gomez
Christopher Blinzinger
Dallas Hackett
Elijah DeLaCerda
Kason Smith
Kolten Hillis

BE INSPIRED

Please meet Brayan Flores and Oscar Martinez.They are two young men full of energy, dreams, and aspirations. Both fun and wonderful to be around. They were members of the Ortega Middle School Cross Country team. Both are active members of the after school ITA tutoring program and now members of local running club "The Penguins". Brayan and Oscar are currently getting ready for the Regional Cross Country Junior Olympics that will be held in Denver next Saturday, November 19th. Oscar is looking to qualify as an individual for the national meet on December 10th in South Carolina. On the other hand, Brayan is excited to secure an individual spot and help his new team,"The Penguins" qualify to national Junior Olympics.



Brayan and Oscar have made a significant impact in the sport of cross country and the lives of those around them. This is the very first time both of them join a cross country and a running club. In a short period of time,their love and dedication to the sport has taken them a long ways. They have learned and shared experiences with other runners all over the state.
Both made it to the first ever State Middle School Championship in Denver. Two days after both of them thought the season was over, they got invited to join "The Penguin Club" so that they could participate in the Colorado USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics. On November 5th,both them finished 18th in their respective races at the Colorado USATF State Junior Olympics. Top 25 qualified for regionals. Brayan not only secure his spot as individual, but his team finish first and also advanced.



It has been an honor to be able to be there for Brayan and Oscar. I am happy to know they are making the best of the opportunity. I publicly, want to thank their parents, coaches, and network of support for helping these kids get where they are now. From experience, I can tell you that whether they pursue running or not, the experience they are living now will shape their lives forever.

Oscar and Brayan, I am very proud of you and wish you accomplish your goal of making it to Nationals. Thank you so much for making your family, friends, school, club, and all around you proud. Most of all, thank you for giving yourself a chance to overcome new challenges.

I had the opportunity to chat with Oscar and Brayan and this is what they had to say about their experience.

Brayan Flores running for Ortega Middle School (September 2011)

Name: Brayan Emanuel Flores Gomez
Favorite Movie: Fast and Furious 5
Hobbie: Playing Black Ops with friends
Favorite Food: Pasta Alfredo
Age: 12

Hi Brayan, how did you get involved in Cross Country?

I got a message from the Coach at Ortega Middle School, Mr. Lavier,
asking me if I wanted to join the Cross Country team.

Why did you join?

To get better at running.






How was your season, tell us about your experience?

My season went good. I got to know more people. I got to experience running on a team. This is the first time I get to travel with a team on my own. It was so much fun. Practice sometimes was hard, but it helped me get better. There were days I did not wanted to go, but knowing that my teammates were going to be there motivated me. It was fun hanging out with my teammates at practice. It felt like I knew all of them from a long time. We all got really close.



What are your goals?

My goal is to help my new team "Penguin Club" to make it to USATF National Junior Olympics.

Anything that you want to add?

Yes, that I love my family and I thank them for supporting me and helping me be where I am. So far, I got to run for Ortega Middle School, make it to State and try for USATF National Junior Olympics. Also, thank you to my coaches and teammates.

Happy!!! Celebrating with their mentor, Alicia Zapata, that they made it to Regional

Oscar Martnez running for Ortega Middle School (September 2011)

Name: Oscar Isay Martinez Verela
Favorite Movie: Resident Evil.
Hobbie: Playing Black Ops
Favorite Food: Rice with Milk Aka Arroz con Leche
Age: 13

Hi Oscar, how did you get involved in Cross Country?

I got a good place in a mile fun run when I was in 2nd grade and I actually liked it. After that I always wanted to run or join a club, but never happened. It was not until the beginning of the year a Ortega middle School that my history teacher, Mr. DelaCerda, asked me if I wanted to join cross country. I gave all the excuses I could find not to join, but he insisted. Then, I finally said: "Yes, I will join"




Why did you join?

I wanted to do something productive after school instead of going home and just play Black Ops.



How was your season? Tell us about the experience.

Individually , I did okay. I learned in order for us to enjoy the competition, running has to be fun. I enjoyed being nervous before a race. Practice is easy except for hard days when we do intervals. I liked playing and messing around with my teammates. It was so much fun playing the nervous game with Emily on the bus. I really enjoyed running for a team at Ortega Middle School. Now, for Junior Olympics I don't have a team and I am having to run individually. Its nice to be part of Club Penguin.

What are your goals?

My goal for Junior Olympics is to make it to nationals. My goal in life is to become a better runner and one day beat Usain Bolts time in the 100m.



Anything that you want to say?

I feel everyone is a good runner in their own way. Everybody can achieve their dreams. Thanks to my mommy for letting me join the sport and my dad for coming to my races. Thank you to Alicia Zapata (such a good person) for driving us to Denver for our races and Norma Gomez for feeding us. To my coaches and friends Thank You. To Zoila Gomez for making sure to be there for us in some of the workouts and for our sure2endure, the cool gear, and motivation.