PIZZA, KIDS, AND HOMEWORK

The ITA After School Tutoring program has been going so well that the director from the Immigrant Resource Center, Flora Archuleta, called me up to offer a PIZZA party for our kids before the Christmas break. So, this past Wednesday December 15th our big PIZZA party took place at the tutoring center.
This was a great opportunity to take a little break from homework and bond. KIDS were very happy and excited for the surprise. Things got a little bit noisy and crazy when all of the sudden I threw in the discussion question of the evening: "Do you believe in Santa? Why or why not?" After some legit arguments, we had to stop and go back to what brought as to tutoring, HOMEWORK.

PIZZA, NINOS Y TAREA

El programa de In The Arena Tutoria Despues de la Escuela ha hido tan bien que la directora de el Centro de Recursos para el Inmigrante, Flora Archuleta, me llamo para ofrecer un fiesta con PIZZA antes de las vacaciones navidenas para los ninos. Asi que el pasaso Miercoles 15 de Diciembre la gran fiesta tomo lugar en el centro de tutoria. Esta fue una gran oportunidad para tomar un descanso y acercarnos mas. Los NINOS estaban muy contentos y emocionados con la sorpresa. La cosa se puso color de hormiga cuando de repende hize la pregunta de discusion de la noche: "Crees en Santa Claus? Porque y porque no?" Despues de tener un debate muy bueno con argumentos legitimos, tuvimos que parar y regresar a lo que en primer instancia nos trajo a tutoria, LA TAREA.

SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION

Photos by: Blake Wood

Louisville KY: After a long and intense journey, the Adams State men and women cross country teams finished up a successful season with a 3rd and 1st place finish at the 2010 NCAA Div II Cross Country championships this past weekend in Louisville, Kentucky.

It has been a rough journey for the women's team as they had been dealing with injuries, had defeat, and being defeated. At nationals, they were able to finish a close 3rd place to Western State by 3 points. Makes me so proud to see how much they learned from this season. There are so many positive things about this year's season that will help shape their lives. As much as they wanted to come home with the national title, some of the girls had an off day. One could tell they were digging in to pass people, but their bodies would not respond. In the sport of cross country it takes the whole team to win championship. After putting the puzzle together -race day, looking at scores in detail there is no doubt in my mind that they gave their best on that given day. They return home hungry and motivated. I heard a few of them said " Can't wait for Indoor track, so that I can redeem myself" "This was a humbling experience" that is when I had to stop and reflect. "That is the mentality and the attitude of a champion, to embrace the experience and move on". Coach Martin and the rest of the staff is excited for next year. It was quite an experience to see the women's team learn, grow, and embrace the journey.

On the other hand, the men's team dominated the field and were able to capture their third consecutive national tile by 47 point. The story of the day was Brandon Birdsong who after being 6th or 7th runner all year long, led the pack from beggining to end. At the finish line, his teammates aknowledged Birdsong and everyone was chanting his name just like in the movie Rudy, but this time it was "Birdsong! Birdsong!" It felt great to see them dominate and come together as the great big family they are. It feels wonderful to see how much they grew and learned to appreciate each other and the program as the season progressed.

Winning is a great thing, yet for the Adams Cross Country program it is all about the journey and not the destination.

THE RUNNERS OF ADAMS

This Cross Country season at Adams State has been no different. Athletes from different backgrounds and personalities still meet twice a day for a morning and afternoon practice. All of them with same goal in mind, to make the team that will represent the long green line at the national meet (There are only 7 spots on each team). Here at Adams athletes are encouraged to run as a team and for their team. Tradition and legacy is what the Adams State XC program is all about. Here you train to represent the people that ran before you; you train to leave a mark. You run not for you, but for something bigger than yourself.
I was fortunate enough to be part of this program as an athlete in 2001 and 2002. Eight years later and once again, I get to volunteer some of my ITA comunnity hours helping Coach Martin with this years men and women's team. Some of my duties range from pacing, giving out water, lots of driving, timing, encouraging, screaming my heart out at competition and learning from Coach and the Athletes.

It has been extremely inspiring to be around each and every single athlete in the program. Both the men and women teams work very hard day in and day out to reach their ultimate goals. Last weeked, both men and women won their regional championships and will now head to the Dec 4th NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in Louisville, Kentucky to defend their titles. Im excited I get to help out and be there for both teams on race day and beyond. Go Grizzlies!!!

On a different note, the ITA after school tutoring program has been going very well. The program made it into the local newspaper a couple of weeks ago. When I showed the newspaper to the kids they could hardly believe their picture was in there. I could tell they were just as proud as their ITA tutor.

I cant help it, but Im in LOVE and very THANKFUL with and for my ITA community work.

Happy Thanksgiving!

TUTORING PROGRAM TAKING ON A HIGH ALTITUDE CHALLENGE

Kids from after school tutoring program were very excited to participate in High Altitude Challenge 1 mile XC race recently in Alamosa, Colorado. This race was the last of a 3 race series sponsored by the Alamosa recreational center and the first race ever for many of the kids.
Alan and Brayan's parents offered to help me out by driving a few of the kids to the race and supervising. This was a great way to bond. Kids were eager and ready to leave by 4:00p.m. The highlight of the day was when I told them I had ITA t-shirts for all of them. I told them we were a team and that we were going to run, jog or walk for our Team (Team ITA). They loved the idea.

The majority of group came with me on my 1998 green wind star van. At the race, Brayan took the role of a captain by taking the group on a warm up. Jose and Laiza were scared to race, but at the end they did it. Aida and Diana stayed with Angel and paced him all the way. Oscar had a great race and said he really liked it. Alan and Jesus partnered up at half way and ran the rest of the race together. David and Miguel ran their own races and competed very well.

It was wonderful to see them compete, have fun, and learn at the same time. After the race, we gathered at the tutoring center for homework and some pizza.

More details (results) in the video, Enjoy!

ITA AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING PROGRAM

After weeks of discussion and preparation, the "ITA After School Tutoring Program" in Alamosa has successfully started. On October 12th,2010, tutors and students gathered for the first time at the Tierra Nueva Apartment main office.
The last two weeks have been a great success. We (parents, students and tutors) are delighted for this opportunity. I have never seen so many kids show up with a smile on their face to do homework. The fact that they decide to stay for the whole hour and thirty minutes we open the center makes us,tutors, proud.
Its wonderful to see older kids take leadership and help out the younger ones. Yes, Im excited and very proud of this new project. It will not only impact our youth, but parents, teachers,a whole community and an ITA athlete that believes in them.

Thanks to In The Arena, San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center, Tierra Nueva Apartments, and volunteers for trusting and helping me make this project a reality.

Meet the new group of children and adults I will be working with for the rest of the school year.

NEW PR IN CHICAGO/ MARCA NUEVA EN CHICAGO

Chicago Marathon

10-10-10

Photo by Victah Sailer

Ante todo quiero agradecer el apoyo de todos aquellos ( Mi entrenador Damon Martin, Power Bar In The Arena, Strands.com/Mizuno, Atletas de Adams State, Mi familia, y a German Silva) que de una u otra manera contibuyeron a que hoy pudiese conseguir una nueva marca personal en en el Maraton de Chicago.

First and foremost, I would like to THANK to all the people (My coach Damon Martin, In The Arena, Strands.com/Mizuno,Power Bar, Adams State Athletes, My Family, and German Silva) whom in one way or another backed me up. Your contribution allowed me to be able to achieve a new personal mark at todays Chicago Marathon.

Con el Gran German Silva- With the Great German Silva

Increible haber tenido a oportunidad de correr y aprender de uno de los grandes, German Silva.. Gracias a Dios hacer posible esta gran coinsidencia.. Por siempre llevare conmigo cada consejo y cada tip. Sin german,  hoy no hubiera podido decir lo mismo de esta gran experiencia en Chicago.. 

Close to the finish/ Mas cerca a la meta

Photo by Ben Rigby

Incredible to have had the opportunity to run and learn alongside  one of the gretest in the sport, German Silva. I thank God for making this coincidence happen. Each advise and tip will remain with me forever. Without German today I would not be able to say the same of this great experience in Chicago. 

All photos (c) 2010, Paul Merca.

So proud of my temporary tattoo on my left arm :) In The Arena the organizaation that has supported me the most. To all the kids and youth I have crossed paths so far. Thank you for giving me a reason to run for and a motive to make the best of opportunities like this. Chicago 2010 will be one to remember for decades to come.. Orgullosisima de mi tatu temporal en mi brazo izquierdo. In the Arena la organizacion que mas me ha apoyado. A todos los ninos y juventud  con la cual he cruzado camino  hasta ahora, Gracias por darme una razon y motivo para correr y aprovechar este tipo de oportunidades. Chicago 2010 sera sin duda un evento que recordade por decadas... 

Im so happy to head back home with a new PR of 2:32:51.
Feliz de regresar a casa con un nuevo record personal ...

Split	time of day	time	diff	min/mile	miles/h
05K	07:48:13AM	00:17:48	17:48	05:44	10.48
10K	08:06:00AM	00:35:35	17:47	05:44	10.48
15K	08:24:02AM	00:53:37	18:02	05:49	10.34
20K	08:42:15AM	01:11:50	18:13	05:52	10.24
HALF	08:46:14AM	01:15:49	03:59	05:52	10.25
25K	09:00:16AM	01:29:51	14:02	05:48	10.37
30K	09:18:15AM	01:47:50	17:59	05:48	10.37
35K	09:36:42AM	02:06:17	18:27	05:57	10.1
40K	09:55:12AM	02:24:47	18:30	05:58	10.08
Finish	10:03:16AM	02:32:51	08:04	05:56	10.14

FUN TIMES AT BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Great memories and fun times at the SLV Boys and Girls Club over the summer in Alamosa. Hope you enjoy this slide show video. If you want a copy of any of these pictures please send me an e-mail to zoila@in-the-arena.org

Muy lindas memorias y ratos muy agradables en el Club de Ninos y Ninas de Alamosa este verano. Espero que disfruten de esta presentacion en video. Si deceas obtener una copia de alguna de estas forografias porfavor enviame un correo electronico a zoila@in-the-arena.org

IN LEADVILLE WITH ADAMS STATE XC TEAMS

This morning when I was in the middle of a 15 mile Sunday run, I could not believe my luck. There I was running in one of the most scenic places near and next to Turquoise Lake in Leadville, Colorado.

In a matter of 1 hour and 45 minutes, I got to enjoy the views, celebrate that I could still move after completing my highest milage for a week ever (140 miles), and was very grateful for being part of the toughest XC teams in the nation. The Adams State Men and Women's XC Teams.

Meet the young man and women I get to train with while I prepare for the 2010 Chicago Marathon on October 10th, 2010.

Esta manana cuando estaba en medio de lo que seria un entrenamiento de 15 millas no podia creer mi suerte. Me encontraba en uno de los lugares mas escenicos cerca y al lado del lago Turquoise en Leadville, Colorado. En solo una hora y cuarenta y cinco minutos pude disfrutar de los paisajes, celebrar que aun podia moverme despues de haber completado la semana mas alta de millaje (140 millas) y muy agradecida de poder formar parte de los equipos mas fuertes de campo traviesa de todo el pais- El equipo de mujeres y hombres de campo traviesa de Adams State.

Conoce a los jovenes con los cuales puedo entrenar mientras me preparo para el maraton de Chicago el 10 de Octubre del 2010.

The 2010 Adams State Women's Cross Country Team

El equipo de mujeres de campo traviesa de Adams State

The 2010 Adams State Men's Cross Country Team

El equipo de hombres de campo traviesa de Adams State

The Man who believes in us- Coach Damon Martin

EL hombre que CREE en nosotros- El entrenador Damon Martin

PD: You can always follow my training at/Puedes seguir mis entrenamientos aqui: www.strands.com/zoilagomez

21st Annual High Altitude and Cross Country Distance Camp

This is my 9th year working at the Adams State High Altitude and Cross Country Camp.
My 5th year speaking and sharing my running experiences. Many hours of volunteer work, 200+ athletes from all over the country, lots of hard training, classes, and a lot of fun.. Here are some videos from this years' camp..

Looking for some motivation?
Coach Damon Martin's Speech at Cole Park



What are Campers Saying?


Meghan Montoya from Los Alamos High School, New Mexico.


Victoria Trujillo from Los Alamos High School, New Mexico.

XC Camp Has Talent


The Champions "Beat The Crap Out Of Crap"

Adams State a Big Awesome Family

REPORTING FROM BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Hard to believe that I already have a 120 hours of community service at the Boys and Girls club here in Alamosa. I'm so amazed of how much I care for the kids in such a short period of time. My hours dedicated there have been and will continue to be a blast. Each day brings new stories, games, projects, questions, hugs, and a bit of drama here and there.

Increible creer que ya llevo 120 horas de servicio comunitario en el Club Boys and Girls aqui en Alamosa. Estoy impresionada de lo mucho que me he encarinado con estos ninos en tan corto tiempo. Mis horas dedicadas en el club han sido y continuaran siendo todo un reventon. Cada dia trae nuevas historias, juegos, projectos, preguntas, abrazos, y un poquito de drama aqui y alla.

Today, we would like to introduce you to a few of the kids and adults I interact with at the Boys and Girls Club. The following video is a collaborative project and it would not be possible with out the help and support of all people involved. Thank you so much to every one for your participation.

Hoy quiero presentarles a algunos de los ninos y adultos con los cuales comparto en el club. El siguiente video es un projecto de colaboracion y no hubiese sido posible sin la ayuda y apoyo de las personas envueltas. Muchas gracias a todos por su participacion.

For a wider screen go directly to/Para verlo en pantalla mas amplia ve directo a: http://www.youtube.com/user/rungomezrun

LIFE IS ABOUT DREAMS!

The following is a video I have been wanting to share with all of you for the longest time. Happy 4th of July and Thank You for contributing to make my dreams come true!
Lo siguiente es un video que he querido compartir con todos ustedes desde hace ya un buen tiempo. Feliz Dia de la Independencia y Gracias por contribuir a que mis suenos se hagan realidad.

"My name is Zoila Gomez and I Love to RUN!"
Mi Nombre es Zoila Gomez y me encanta CORRER!"

ORTEGA MIDDLE SCHOOL, ALAMOSA

After a few speaking engagements to 8th graders from Ortega Middle School at Adams State College. Ortega's Middle School counselor, Luis Murillo, contacted me to invite me speak with the rest of the students. Luis was able to set up a couple of presentations a day for a whole week.

Many time people ask me "Why do you run?" Motivating and being able to share my experiences with our youth is one big reason why I run. Running has taken me to places once I dreamed of visiting. Running has allowed me to stand in front of audiences and speak from my heart. Speaking in front of audiences was once a dream, being a reality is a true gift.

Thank you so much to Ortega Middle School students, faculty and staff for welcoming me and ITA. Many thanks to School Counselor Luis Murillo for such wonderful invitation. Congrats to all 2010 Ortega Middle School graduates. Don't ever forget that "DREAMS do come TRUE!"

Dual Immersion Academy (DIA) Grand Junction, CO

My visit with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at the only and first bilingual school in Grand Junction, Colorado. Dual Immersion Academy (DIA)

My vista con los alumnos de 3er, 4to y 5to grado de la unica y primera escuela bilingue en Grand Junction, Colorado. Dual Immersion Academy (DIA)

"Dear Zoila: Gracias por venir a DIA (Dual Immersion Academy)- Bienvenida a nuestra escuela para siempre. Seras muy especial para DIA. Gracias por todo el animo con el que iniciaste cada presentacion.Te deceamos lo mejor. Felicidades. Un abrazo muy fuerte de parte de todos en DIA. You are awesome Keep up the GREAT work! Train hard! You WILL make IT to the OLYMPICS this TIME!" Bernadette Yanez

" Hi Zoila, Thank you for coming to our school and sharing your stories. They were great. Thank you for sharing the magazine with us. Thank you for inspiring us to reach our goals and dreams. Thank you for taking a picture with us in front of the banner. Would you please come back to our school again? Thank You! Mr. Hass and the DIA Third Grade Class.

"Hi Zoila, Thank you for coming to our school.You are awesome. Your stories motivated us to dream BIG. You are the first person that comes to ou school that was in the cover of a magazine. Would you please come back to run the mie fun run with us? We love you and you are the best visitor we have had" Mr. Hass and the DIA Fourth Grade Class.

" Dear Zoila, Thank you for visiting our school. It was an onor to meet you. Thank you for saring your wonderful stories with us. Thank you for inspiring us to follow our dreams. We hope you make the USA Olympic Team for the marathon in 2012. We hope to see you again soon. Thank you for signing autographs and taking pictures with us" Mr. Hass and the Fifth Grade Class.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Welcome to the Boys and Girls Club in Alamosa. This is the place where I will be doing a lot of my community service. I will be coming in Monday through Friday from 3:00p.m to 6:00p.m. I will be spending most of my time tutoring and helping in other areas when necessary. Last week was my first official week and It was a blast. If you don't believe me, just take a look at some of the pictures.

TUTORING CENTER

"Done with my Math homework"

" Math homework can be fun and entertaining!"

" I love drawing"

" So that's what it meant.. I get it!

On Friday, we made personal cards for our Moms..
"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY"

THE ART ROOM

Thank You paint cards we made on Monday..

Learning how to Knit



"Im making a blanket"

"My dream house"

" I want to be a singer when I grow up..

In the drawing I see myself singing in front of thousands of fans"

GAME AREA

"Zoila Gomez, Im going to win this time"


"That was GREAT!

THE GYM

" Pull Harder!"

" Team Work"

"Love Jumping"