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!!!