alfie

Day 2 of 30..

2012-12-03T01:38:00.002-08:00

Nice and easy 9 miles. Felt good throughout, could have gone for longer...next weekends long run will be a half marry for sure!
<iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/248908658'></iframe>
no pain...

Day one of 30....

2012-12-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

It's been a while, that's for sure, since I've updated this blog. But I'm back and this time I'm going to make it a habit of documenting my sporting endeavors, which by the way aren't much these days. Not that anybody cares or follows this blog at all...but I need an honest way to hold myself accountable. So once it's out I know I got to do it. Plus, I really like being able to look back and read about the experiences without having to say that I write in a diary. Not that there is anything wrong with grown men keeping a diary. It just works for me.
Okay, so I'm going to do the 30 runs in 30 days (consecutive) once again. I had done this before and it really helped to make me a stronger and some what "faster" runner. It dropped my overall aerobic HR while increasing my overall pace. I really hope it works again. The goal is to get me ready for a couple of half marathons early next year and subsequently prepare me for my first ultra marathon in the summer. Cuyamaca 3 Peaks 50k run
It's really fascinating, I know.

Details: Run each day for a minimum of 30 min for 30 consecutive days. that it. Easier said than done.

Today was a mellow 5.5 mi. w/ a bit of elevation. My little trusty sidekick Sweeney came along for haul. Just trying to stay aerobic, had to go by feel cause my HR strap broke.

That's pretty much it...oh, I did some stretching and used my foam roller to loosen out afterwards.
Note: beginning weight 167 lbs.
Going to go for a longer run tomorrow. If by the off chance anyone is reading this and wants to join me for a run, hit me up.

Engine 2 Diet Challenge: 28 days to a better me!

2010-11-01T01:57:00.000-07:00

So, for the last six days I have been following the Engine 2 Diet. It is basically an all plant based diet. And the truth is that I feel fantastic. I was a bit concerned at first because I figured that I wouldn't be able to follow through with it but, to my surprise, I have actually been adapting quite well. The first 3 days were a bit rough and the fact that I was battling a sever cold didn't help much either. I am really glad that I decided to do this because I was starting to feel like shit, probably because I was eating like shit! Everyone who knows me knows that even though I tend to do lots of physical activity I don't really watch what I eat. It has always been an issue for me....a serious one. I have always felt as if I have taken one step forward (with my fitness) and three steps back with my nutrition. So the decision to make some drastic changes with regards to my eating habits couldn't have come at a better time. Something had to change...

Several people have inquired about this diet and what it consist of. It's really quite simple: No meat, dairy products, and processed foods. check out the link if u want to get a better idea of what its all about. I had actually seen the book at work a while back and kind of thumbed through it but totally disregarded it for another useless fad diet. Then a couple of weeks ago I was reading a blog and its author was about to take on the same challenge and I clicked the link to the website and was inspired to do the same. So for the next four weeks I will be eating a plant powered diet!! I will start posting all the things I eat and all the workouts that I'll be doing if your interested in following...I'm gonna need all the support I can get!

-cheers!!

31 Runs in 31 days!!!

2010-07-03T01:59:00.000-07:00

Two down 29 to go. Today was a solo run in the H st trail system...it was kinda warm. I'll get into the details of the challenge in the next post. I can't believe i haven't posted since my birthday back in March. So n=much has gone down since then. I am really going to make an honest effort to start writing down these congruences since that was the original intention of this blog. Time for bed.

What an awesome week...a B-day to remember!!!

2010-03-17T03:28:00.000-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

So this week was a pretty good week.(Thanks to Crystal and My Family) Going into it though, I really wasn't feeling it. But then again, who if any, looks forward to another birthday? I have to say, I am really glad how this year is turning out. I am also very blessed to have completed another year of life, and that alone is good enough for me. My health is good, my spirits are high, and the future is bright. On Tuesday I went out for a run and the day couldn't have been better...the weather was absolutely gorgeous!!
These may make you Dizzy!
It's not so easy to run while recording!

here's the last one...These videos don't do the climbing any justice! But I did get better at recording while running!! Although, I did almost eat shit a couple times...

Can u see the bird in the image? Damn thing was fucking trying to eat me! This was a lot of fun. Running here and climbing the mountain that is off in the distance are two of the things that I love doing in Chula Vista. If anyone who happens to read this ever whats to head out there with me, just drop me a line! (crystal didn't like this picture of her)

Later that evening Crystal and I went out for Sushi. U know, when I first met her she said she didn't like it, now shes addicted to it!! This was an awesome way to cap off an excellent Birthday. I had agreed to have a family dinner celebration on Sunday evening, since a weekday gathering was tough to make for some of my family members. We then finished the evening with a small cheesecake with my folks!! I love this stuff, so I did indulge in a big slice. Yesterday, we got together for the family dinner and it was really great to spend time with the entire family. All 23 of them!! You know, as I get older these types of gatherings take on a greater

meaning. I value them so much more, because they are the important moments that one should cherish. You never know if this will be your last. And finally, Thanks to everyone who sent me well wishes on Tuesday....it really made my day!!!

-Cheers!

Progress....

2010-03-10T01:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I have made some good gains thus far in terms of training. My volume has increased substantially and my body has absorbed and assimilated well. I am sticking to the training plan that I am have created for myself and I'm finding that training load is really working. Today I did the first test of my fitness...and the results are encouraging! The test consist of a 4.8 mile loop with some climbing, ~800+ft elevation gain in the first two miles.11/17/2009 Route
Find more Runs in Chula Vista, California The first time I did this run it took me 1hr 15min, today I completed the same loop in 58min. At the end of the run I wasn't tired or winded...I felt good. Strong. I felt as if I could have gone for a second loop. So...on the training front things are good. Now I am really going to single in on my nutrition. Since I started training, I started on Jan.1, I weighed in at a whopping 179 lbs. I have since lost 9 lbs without really changing my eating/drinking (I LOVE BEER) habits. The high volume of training has help out, but I haven't really put that much of a dent on the extra poundage that I'm hauling around. I hope to shed an extra 12-15 pounds before my first race. OK...that's it for now.

-cheers

Determining my optimal "race weight."

2010-01-28T01:58:00.000-08:00

As I am finding out, determining my optimal race weight is an eye opening experience. I recently picked up Racing Weight: How to Get Lean for Peak Performance by Matt Fitzgerald and I'm slowly sadly realizing what I've always felt, I AM WAY TOO HEAVY!!! But, this book seems to have some really good tips so far... I gotta finish reading it, though. I'll get back to what I'm exactly going to do about 25+ excess pounds that I'm carrying in a later post. I'll also talk about how my training is going thus far. I have some pretty lofty goals set for myself....OK I gotta go to sleep now!

-cheers

What's Next?

2009-11-01T23:37:00.000-08:00

Wow! I haven't posted in a long time...damn u Facebook! But, I will be soon because the new year is upon us and plans are being made. Of which I will soon write about as I try to plan a solid race season.

Don't lose faith in me!!

-cheers!

kinky on NPR

2009-08-14T01:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102637820

disappointing performance from the Mexican futbol squad

2009-07-02T00:28:00.000-07:00

This Past Sunday my brother invited a group of us to watch the Mexican National team square off against Guatemala at Qualcom stadium. WOW...this game sucked!!! It was so sad to see these pro players not give a shit about representing the national team. One would think that they would at least be filled with pride for getting the opportunity to play for their country, but that apparently was not the case. The game ended in a lackluster 0-0 tie, which would a have been okay if the game was the least bit exciting.
I will say one thing though, my bro did get us some bitch'n seats!! (left-right: Pops, Me, Big J.C., and my brother Jose. Oh, and Jesus took the picture. Not that Jesus...hahahaha)
I think I was having more fun watching the drunkards getting into fisticuffs, then the actual game itself!(you gotta love drunk Mexicans) This is one of the biggest reasons why I'd rather watch sporting events in the comfort of my own home, they're way too many knuckleheads out their!! All in all I had a good time shooting the breeze with the guys, and the burgers we ate after the game were amazing! I really hope that Mexico gets their shit together, otherwise they sure as hell won't be going to the World Cup next year. Julio sums it up quite nicely in this short clip!! Hmmm...I wonder what Crystal was doing while I was at the game?

San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon 09

2009-06-04T01:09:00.000-07:00

So this past Sunday was the San Diego Rock'n Roll Marathon and I was supposed to participate...but never got around to actually registering, which was a good thing. I wouldn't have been able run it even if I wanted to. Due to hurting the o'l back. I wonder if I had registered if I woulda been able to get a refund? Probably not...they always find ways to fuck you over with your registration fees. Anyways, I went and I had a complete blast. My primary role on Sunday was as "domestique" to my girlfriend Crystal. I actually ended up riding the entire course, and then some, in my efforts to be Crystal's one-man support crew. I carried everything that she needed: gels,fuel bars, Gatorade, h2o, her extra layers just in case, oh...and my amazing humor that seemed to work great the first few miles but slowly fizzled away as the miles began to pile on!
As the video shows, I was hustling the first few miles from several point to point "pre-determined" rendezvous spots, it wasn't until we hit the 163 that I was able to cruise along w/ crystal the rest of the race. (if your wondering why I'm not wearing a helmet and what I'm actually saying in the video: 1) I forgot it @ home. 2) something along the lines of "cool I'm in downtown on my bike w/ no traffic!!) This was so much fun. Hats off to everyone who completed the race...my respects to all those who finished. Running 26.2 miles is easier said than done!!! I am particularly proud of Crystal because she had to overcome quite a few barriers in preparation for this race. And even though she had injuries that forced her off her feet early on in her training and then having to put aside her training completely to help me out when I needed her. Yet, she was still able to get out there on one months training and grind out the miles for a good cause!! I'm so impressed and proud of her!(I'll post a link to her blog once she writes her race report) I was so motivated by this that I will definitely be back next year to compete...well I wont be competing for first but I'll be out there for sure!! Here is a little foto montage of how my day went down!! Enjoy.

Attack of The Penguins: The Beginning

2009-05-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Attack of The Penguins: The Beginning

(CRYSTAL AND I HAVE WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON OUR HANDS!!!!)

Green means go!!!!

2009-04-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Well, It's official...I can go back to work! Doc has cleared me for a complete unrestricted return. This is good news, cause it means I am getting better and my recovery is working as planned. I must admit that I'm a bit nervous about it, but so glad to resume my daily activities. There are a lot of mixed emotions though, but I now feel like I can "dare to dream" again...which wasn't the case before because of the uncertainty of my predicament. So this blog will once again, I hope, resume it's role as my journal that chronicles my outdoor adventures, as it was intended to.

"Face your Fears, Live your Dreams"

This week so far....

2009-04-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

I have had two consecutive chiropractic sessions this week so far and they were not exactly what I expected. They were cool...but, I don't think they are going to help me much in my recovery...wait, let me restate that...they will help me out, just not at this moment. Because of my limited range of motion many realignment techniques that I would've hoped the chiropractor would perform are just out of the question. So I will continue on with my own recovery plan that I have set up for myself. This plan is intended to "rebuild" my back. I need to develop better habits that promote proper posture while incorporating an exercise regimen that focus on strengthening my core. Thus, reducing the probability of injuring myself again.

Sunday 4/19/2009...Dia de Classicos...Lastima que haya quedado fuera "La Maquina".

2009-04-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

It is Sunday and it has been a little over a week since I injured my back. Lots of progress has been made in recovering, but a full recovery is probably several weeks away...I have begun to rehabilitate and "rebuild" my back with several stretching and and strengthening exercises, mainly yoga and core strengthening exercises. I am so stoked to be able to get on the trainer and spin for ~45Min's at a time with little to no pain and swim as well!! These are going to be my main forms of cardio since running at this moment isn't in the recovery plan, because I need to focus on low impact exercises. I made the decision to stop taking all my prescribed medications as of last Friday, for several reasons...mainly because I just did not like how they were making me feel. They did an excellent job of numbing me up, but they were fucking with my concentration and making me forget shit. Plus, I'm going to make an attempt to return to work...I need to to go back! I already lost this semester which is a complete bummer cause I was really digging my classes.
I'll be fine...I have always thought the answers to everything in ones life lie directly in your own hands. You never really need to look much further...

One week down. Bring on the next one!!!!

2009-04-15T02:34:00.000-07:00

It has been a week since my medical ordeal and some major progress has been made. Progress that few thought possible...myself included. And fortunately every thing is pointing towards a full recovery. I know I need to do this as quickly and as safely as possible, patience has never been a virtue of mine, but I have had to learn to cope and learn quickly. I am now able to walk unassisted, which is fricken awesome!!! I'm not going very far but its much better than before when even the slightest steps were excruciating. Hey, we gotta crawl before we can run right? Not that I'll be doing any running soon...or will I? (note. That's not my X ray, just used it to illustrate the lumbar region where my injury was sustained)
Um...this isn't my x ray either...or is it? lol

redeeming virtuous circles from vicious cycles...

2009-04-13T01:45:00.000-07:00

Last week something happened. Something that was unfortunate and so unexpected. It is a bit to early to write about it because my mind is still hazy and my thoughts are equally blurred. So I'll put some images of how I feel and will attempt to write about it in the days to come. I am fine and I know I will make a full recovery. I am blessed to have such an extraordinary family and a equally phenomenal woman who has helped me in ways I never thought possible. Gracias Crystal, Te AMO!!!

TCSD March Club Race Recap...

2009-03-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

So how did it go at the Race on Saturday? Well...I Finished. I was looking for an image that would suit this post, all I could think of was an image of a turtle! Don't get me wrong, Saturday's Race was so much fun and I had an absolute blast out there. It was very well organized and they had an amazing spread at the end...so much so that I went back for seconds!!! Did I mention it was all FREE!!! TCSD ROCKS!!! I'm so glad I finally joined.(Thanks Crystal 4 the X-mas gift) Anyways, as far as the race goes here is how it went down: I ended up going to bed really late, I just couldn't sleep I must have finally gotten to bed at around 12:45 only to wake up at 5:15. I got to fiesta island at about 6:10, checked in, set up my transition area. I really had to use the restroom so jogged to a port-a-poti that was up the road(what a relief). So then they gave the pre-race briefing, but a lot of folks were already down at the swim start, and they probably did not hear that we would be doing 5 loops on the bike as opposed to the 4 that was indicated on the website.
Then we were off, the swim went smoothly. I got into a comfortably slow pace and ended up getting out towards the back, I really didn't care though, I know I'd catch and pass folks on the bike. When I exited the water I was really dizzy, as I jogged to T1 I had to stop and make sure I didn't vomit. I waited a bit, slipped off the wetsuit, dried off, grabbed my bike and I was off. I got into a smooth pace ~20-22mph and I started to gain some ground passed a few folks, even lapped a couple! But, for some reason when I went out for the last lap #5, not too many folks were on the bike course(they only did 4 laps). So T2 went a bit better, once on the run I got into a comfortable groove, managed to find a fellow racer who was running at my pace, so we strolled along together, until she had to use the restroom. I continued on and after my first lap, then BAM I really had to go myself!! I must have been in there for a good 8 minutes. When I got out I could see my running partner about half a mile up the road, so I upped the pace and passed her she ended up finishing 2min back form me. I crossed the line with a time of 1:48. I felt good!! Glad to have gone out there!!

Let the Games Begin!!!!

2009-03-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

So this weekend will be my first "race" of the season. Have I been training...well not exactly. I had hoped that I would be doing more XTERRA racing, but that isn't going to happen for various reasons. But I'm very happy that I can still do plenty of racing locally. So I will try my luck at on-road triathlons this year. I will do most if not all of the TCSD club races along with some others. I am not going out there to push it on Saturday(shit, I wont even venture to predict how I'll do) To be totally honest I don't know what 2 expect, I'm not even sure what the run and bike distances are for the race(all i know is there will be an 800m swim). I'm just happy that I'm healthy and can get out there to mix it up!!! I just need a good indication of where I'm at, so I can begin to train with a little more focus and hopefully as the season progresses I can start to improve on my times!! The goal is to break one hour at the IB triathlon which will be on August 23.(last year's time 1:18)Which Is totally doable!!! I'll try to get some images for the race report...i wont take a month to write about it this time!

1st Annual New Year's Day "Start-the-year-right-Hike" (2009 edition)

2009-01-12T00:53:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or did this year start off on the right foot. This year seems special, we have a new President(who is Black; in case you didn't notice), planes crash and nobody dies, superhuman athletes seem all too Human(i.e. Phelps) and my weight seems to be taking "off" in the right direction. We were all lucky to have started this year off on the right foot with this hike. All kidding aside, I wanted to complete this post while the memory was fresh...but, those of you who know me, know that was not going to happen, well, because I'm a procrastinator and I like to take my time.lol I have finally gotten around to finishing it. And in retrospect, I don't believe this day could have been anymore perfect then it was. I want to start by thanking everyone who was able to make it out there for our "inaugural" event. To be totally honest, when Crystal suggested we invite folks to join us, I really didn't think anyone would be interested. I did not expect for us to have such a great turn out. This was an awesome way to start the year, especially with friends and family. We want this tradition to grab hold and continue, maybe next year we can grow it even further, we can tackle a different trail, have a pot-luck type picnic/barbecue at the end of the hike. Or we can repeat our visit to the Viejas buffet...because lets be honest...that was pretty damn good. (Jen can wait in the car) lol jk!!! (you have to have been sitting at our table to get the joke) Anyways, I hope that this post does the day justice, because it was a terrific day. These are all the images and videos that I captured, enjoy!!!
The hike couldn't have gotten started without lil'evan's pep rally! In the next clip we have some folks warming up, although the group started to spread out according to pace we all eventually made the summit!! Almost everyone who made it is in this take except for a few people who were a little late!!
Here we go!!!!!
One of the many snowball fights that broke out along the way! It is a lot of fun to play in the snow...one more, of the many, reasons why I love living in San Diego. We truly are blessed to live in such a great part of the world.
Once the summit was reached everyone had a snack, enjoyed the views, and prepared to head back down. It was definitely as much fun heading down as it was going up. We hope that you can all join us next year so this will become a deep rooted tradition, because I feel that this is exactly the way people should kick off the new year. So tell others what you did, maybe they'll be interested in joining us next year!!! Finally, here is a slide show of the entire day.

Lake Tahoe 2008

2009-01-05T01:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some more photos from our trip to Lake Tahoe. They include some of my training ride on the flume, our hike down to Emerald Bay, and our gondola ride in Heavenly!! Enjoy!

How the story Begins...getting to Lake Tahoe

2008-12-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am finally going to post something about my trip to Lake Tahoe. We ended up leaving on a Monday morning...at about 5am, wait...we woke up at five but we hadn't loaded the car. After loading and eating breakfast we were probably on the road at about 8am...ugh!!! But we weren't in any hurry. We were aware of the long trip ahead of us...and boy was it long!!!! After about 2 and half hours of driving Crystal had had enough of driving and I was tried of trying to keep her awake, so we made a pit stop and we swapped spots. After I took the wheel everyone feel asleep. My niece and nephew (Giselle & Danny)came along for the trip...we left a few days early...the rest of the family was meeting us up there on Wednesday. The weather was fine at first, then the skies darkened and it was pouring!! But there weren't too many people on the road. The 395 is pretty scenic and there are so many places I want to stop and dedicate more time to (IE. Yosemite,Mammoth lakes,etc.)but that will have to wait. When we finally arrived, 10 hours later, we were exhausted and everyone was a bit cranky...OK, I was the only one who was cranky...but I was just sick and tired of driving!!!! We checked into our hotel and had some huge burritos from Sanchos and crashed out. We awoke to some awesome conditions...clear skies and warm. We had breakfast at the lake which was across the street from our hotel and we tested the waters (frick'n cold!)After that we headed to Carson city to get me some running shoes, since I had forgotten mine at home. The rest of the day we spent sightseeing and we did a training run. I was there for the Xterra Nevada triathlon, Crystal did the 10k and Giselle & Danny completed the 5k. At the end of the first day we headed back to the beach in front of the hotel and the winds had kicked up! Lake Tahoe can get quite rough! I hope the the picture slideshow adds some substance to these words, but I'll get to the rest of the story later. Stay tuned!!!

Thing's to come...so stay posted!

2008-11-20T01:06:00.000-08:00

It has definitely been a long time since I've posted anything...and there are several reasons, some valid and others...well things happen! lol Anyways, for those of you who have visited, I apologize for my inconsistency. I will be posting the Lake Tahoe Xterra race report, soon, along with pictures and videos from the trip...it was amazing! I think I'll let the images speak for themselves. I am also looking forward to next years race schedule; Figuring out my training plan and assessing what I want to accomplish in terms of my fitness goals.

Imperial Beach Triathlon 2008

2008-09-09T01:10:00.000-07:00

About 2 weeks ago I did the IB sprint distance triathlon, and had an absolute blast doing so! I had expected to complete it in about an Hour and Forty-Five...but I was able to finish in 1:18. The race went well: Crystal and I got to the transition areas @ about 6am...which is very early for both of us! I didn't have any major issues setting up, other than a busted presta valve that came lose, I didn't have any spare tubes so fortunately I was able to fix it!!! Lesson Learned #1: Have some spare tubes, air pump, mini-tool, tire levers, and plenty of Patience!!!

Some guy next to me came prepared and I was able to use his floor pump that didn't damage the valve any further. Thanks Dude!! Ah...I hate not being prepared. Other than this brief act of generosity, the vibe that I took from this event was a bit weird. Everybody was so serious and some what stand-offish. Lesson Learned# Dos: This is so much different from the Xterra scene that I have been lucky to experience. Everybody seems so much more relaxed and easy going. Then The swim begun and in all honesty I feel that I could have done better...I held back for some reason, I should have gone all out! I think my swim was about 13min or so...I think I'll cut it down to 9-10 min next time! Lesson Learned# 3: Get used to swimming in the morning!!! My stomach felt some what queasy. Gotta get out there earlier to get used to being in the water, because most if not all races have their swims at dawn.

Okay...then came the bike leg, here I didn't run into too much trouble. But, before I go into that I should talk about my T1 (transition one; from swim to bike) lol. i did quite well, around 1 and 1/2 minutes. Considering that at my first Xterra I took about 10 min. This was a flash!!! On the bike I went pretty hard...after I over came my nauseousness. Again, I gotta get used to training early!!! And I have to make sure I don't drop my gloves, I had to stop and go back to pick up a glove that I dropped when i was trying to put it on. No major lesson's learned here. Finally, the run Leg: T2(bike to run) time not so good, just got to focus a bit more and get my shoes on a bit faster. The no sock option helped out. Thanks to Conrad Stoltz for that pearl of wisdom!!! As for the run itself, I did the 3 miles in 27 min, which is really slow...at least I think it is. I know for certain i can run it faster, because believe it or not at some point in my existence i was able to run three miles in under 19 min. But, be it as it may , I had a lot fun and I will definitely be there next year and I'm gonna go sub hour...maybe 58min!!! Which leads me to Lesson learned #(what number am I on...oh yeah #4): I gotta lean out!!!! I am way to heavy ( aka FAT) even though I have dropped a few pounds I gotta loss more. The Day of the race i was probably pushing 169lbs and I felt good, but I know I have to get to maybe 145...150 at the most. No excuses! So stay posted, for the next adventure which will be the The Xterra Nevada! At The Finish Line!!!!

Crystal's 25th Birthday!!!

2008-08-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well, today crystal turned 25 and we celebrated by going to dinner...Cheesecake Factory... and we had a blast!! Good food, good conversation, and good times!!! The funny thing is that the whole b-day thing is new to her (long story, I'll just say she grew up a Jehovah's witness) and sometimes I'm not really sure what shes expecting. I guess it has to do with my personal view of these yearly celebrations...I always found them depressing...I guess i still do.
Here She is holding sum flowers I got her and I sincerely think she was surprised to have received them form me. I'm not the most romantic bloke in the world!!!
My parents were also very kind to have purchased her a cake...which was quite delicious. I hope to someday throw her a bash she won't forget. Because she deserves it...she is truly amazing to me and I am so lucky she walked into the Library that faithful day...Happy Birthday Babycakes!!!! I love you.