Cross Country and The San Luis Valley

Long time In The Arena member Brayan Flores at the 2014  Pueblo Central Invitational
Photo by: Eric Flores 

Living in the San Luis Valley for 13 years now its been great. It's a place I can proudly call: Home. The benefits of living in a small valley and town like Alamosa are many. One that has been of a great impact the past two weeks is the fact that I've been able to go watch our High School and Middle School Cross Country athletes perform. 

Our after school tutoring program and Run with ITA kids
at the starting line of last years event . 

It makes me so proud to see many familiar faces in different teams. Some of these athletes either attended a speaking engagement at their local schools or have been part of our after school tutoring program. Being a runner and knowing the mental, emotional and physical benefits of the sport I can't help but smile when I see this young athletes on the starting line.  I love cheering and encouraging them as their races unfold.  

Lilli Lavier from Ortega Middle School 

The next month will be filled with excitement and competition for our younger kids from the tutoring program. The high altitude challenge XC series will start this coming Tuesday. If you are from the valley and have kids that did not join Cross Country this event is for them. I highly encourage the parents to step it up and help your kid get moving. If you are not from the valley, I'm sure there are local organizations in your area that offer activities like this one. Please inform yourself and take action today. 

Info about the 2014 High Altitude Challenge

NOTE:  There will be three races. Free T-Shirts to those that complete the series (all three races) 

September 23,September 30, October 7

4:30 11-13 Age Group 

4:50 10 and Under

For more information and results click HERE 

Looking forward to cheer you on. See you all at the Alamosa Recreational Center. 

Light at the end of the tunnel

 Have you heard this phrase before? " There is light at the end of the tunnel"  As I type this I find myself in Newport Beach on my last day of  Sea Level training and reconnection with Family, Close friends, and racing. 

Yesterday, Saturday September 6th I joined a local race in Los Angeles to test my fitness. I was very pleased with the results as the conditions were by far the ideal ones. Heat and and Humidity don't along with racing, therefore I was very pleased with my 3rd overall finished in 37:22 A good step towards the right direction. On Saturday, I realized how much I missed training and competing. I truly enjoyed the experience and I'm excited for the future. My goal is to be part of the 2016 Olympic Trials which will be held in LosAngeles. It wont be easy, but It will be so sweet to run in front of my family (3brothers and 2 sisters) and have my nephews and nieces actually seeing me in action and cheer. 

I'm very inspired and motivated for this new opportunity. I have many reasons to follow my heart not my mind. As every single one of my nephews inspire me to become better. 

I'm extremely bless to have the love and support of many specially, Coach Fier who until this day continues to support me in any way he can. 

Last week, I did a time trial along the Santa Ana River late at night. Coach Fier came to the rescue and save both the workout and the day. He came  along in his bike to push me.  Right before we were about to head back to the car we passed through a long, dark tunnel and at the end the was a bright moon lighting the way. I'm bless and grateful for family, mentors and friends! 

Exited to share this journey with all of you!

Be, Dream, Believe!