A New Beggining
It has been a while since my last update, and many exciting and new things have happened which I would like to share with you.
The Marble Falls USA Junior Cross Country meet was a great success thanks to all those who came out and participated. I am very appreciative of all those who have contributed and given back to the Marble Falls community. I would like to give thanks to two very special contributors who have done so much, Mr. Weil and Mr. Steve McCannon. Mr. Weil has been there for me since the very first day. He was the first person to remind me that if I did what I loved and performed to the best of my abilities, I could one day make it to the Olympics. He was certainly right. He has continued to motivate other kids, helping them achieve their childhood dreams and is without doubt, a role model in my community. Likewise, Mr. Steve McCannon has also dedicated a tremendous amount of time to many kids. He has been a coach, a role model, and has even played the role of a parent to many kids in the Marble Falls community.
On another note, I visited Mexico during the Christmas break and connected back to my roots. Last spring, Team Cook and I took a trip to my hometown of Mojoneras, Mexico. Mojoneras is a small, but friendly rural community located approximately 30 minutes outside of the city of Dolores Hidalgo in the state of Guanajuato. During our visit, we had lots of fun, went horse riding, and even had a small Fiesta with the traditional pinata. During the Christmas break, I visited this wondeful place once again and connected back to my roots. It is always really nice to go back, especially because it reminds me of where I come from and who I am. Sometimes, I feel like we can easily get caught up with many things that really don't matter, but then we come to find out that it is the simple things that really matter. I get a sense of identity when I visit this place and am able to recall my childhood memories. It also helps me realize that what matters the most to me is my family and friends.
On another note, I visited Mexico during the Christmas break and connected back to my roots. Last spring, Team Cook and I took a trip to my hometown of Mojoneras, Mexico. Mojoneras is a small, but friendly rural community located approximately 30 minutes outside of the city of Dolores Hidalgo in the state of Guanajuato. During our visit, we had lots of fun, went horse riding, and even had a small Fiesta with the traditional pinata. During the Christmas break, I visited this wondeful place once again and connected back to my roots. It is always really nice to go back, especially because it reminds me of where I come from and who I am. Sometimes, I feel like we can easily get caught up with many things that really don't matter, but then we come to find out that it is the simple things that really matter. I get a sense of identity when I visit this place and am able to recall my childhood memories. It also helps me realize that what matters the most to me is my family and friends.
I was fortunate to be able to spend quality time not only with my parents and siblings, but also with the entire extended family. I trained almost every day during my stay there. I would get up every morning and have a family member follow me in a car through the terrain. The view was amazing, especially during the early mornings when the sun was peeking out of the hills with the Sierra Madre in the background. I would run through dirt roads that extend for miles, many without cars in sight. The great view was definitely one of the things that I mostly enjoyed, not to mention the coolness of the fresh air pumping through my lungs. Though I had never before realized this, after looking at a topographical map of Mojoneras, I discovered that I was at an altitude of about 2,000 meters (approximately 6,000 ft.) which is known to be perfect for altitude trainig. It was a great trip and I cannot wait to return to the area in March.
For those of you who have been wondering what I have been doing these past few weeks after the holidays, I am pleased to inform you that I have been enjoying my stay in Austin, TX. I have started training very hard wiht my new teammate Jacob Hernandez.
Jacob has come a long way; since he joined the program he has been making some phenomenal improvements, for which I am extremely proud of. From a torn hamstring to putting some hurt in the workouts. It is actually very nice to have such a great teammate, and I am thankful for that. Last year, I was being coached by Ryan Ponsonby and while he coached, I was the only one running. Now, having Jacob it is nice to feel that support of someone who is performing the same line of work. It is not only easier to relate to each other, not only because we are part of the same team, but also because Jacob and I have gone to battle in many ways for each other; We have worked together very closely while in college, and have shared many experiences which have allowed us to trust and help each other out as we go through our journey. I am very excited that he has joined the group and can only expect the best for the near future.
As expected, the load and strain of training is still here, yet I am confident that it will be a great year. I have learned so much this past year and I am hoping to apply all my knowledge and experience to the upcoming season. We have recently started our track workouts and will be preparing for two or three indoor meets to be held in Boston, Arkansas, and Albuquerque. I am anxious to see what this year has in store for me, yet very optimistic.
I wish you guys the very best for the upcoming year and will make an extra effort to update the blog regularly.
Best Regards,
Leo
