Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Coaching Full Circle!

December marked the end of my first two seasons of coaching. First, with the boys of University City High School and second, with the youth running group I co-founded, 2nd Recess. Both ventures were very successful and I have come away from these experiences wiser.

It is my belief that everyone can find success through running, no matter their ability. Hard work and commitment allow a person to shine. I pass this message on to my athletes young and old and hope that resonates as strongly with them as it does me.

Coaching has taught me patience and the value of good communication. Developing a team or an athlete is akin to designing and constructing a building. If you want it to last you can't skip steps or use cheap materials. Everything must be done with care and quality. Thankfully I've had these opportunities to share my experiences with others and in turn learn a whole lot more about my life as an athlete.

Although I'm still unable to fully train I have been able to hone the mental and psychological skills I'll need to take my career to the next level. I would have never had the opportunity if injury and chance had never knocked on my door!

In the end I have come to believe that we can all enact lasting change and inspiration on ourselves and others through our actions. Inspiration through action. I ask myself how I can inspire others through my actions - and you should too!

Monday, December 05, 2011

Repost: #USATFAnnualMeeting


The following is a reposting from something I wrote on Grassroots Running Project. I hope that as an athletic community, we can come together to resolve inadequacies and build the reputation of USA Track & Field as an equal and prosperous venture. Read on!  
(the original post can be found here: http://grassrootsrunningproject.wordpress.com/

This past weekend the USATF held its annual meeting in St. Louis where its officers and many members gather to review the past year's athletic exploits and pitfalls and rules and regulations. This year's meeting in particular was exciting because it marked the end of the 2011 season - and ushered in the Olympic year 2012. With the marathon trials only a few short weeks away the spirit of an Olympic year is fast taking over the track and field world. 

However, underneath this jubilation, a dedicated group of athletes and supporters had come to the annual meeting to express their dissatisfaction with the inequities buried deep within the sport. The movement, spurred by Nick Symmonds' Facebook group titled "I'm tired of the USATF and IAAF crippling our sport" has gained great momentum in the weeks since it began. 

The issue at hand pertains to the limitations placed on athletes regarding how they can display sponsors on their person during competitions. However, it can be argued that the matter goes much deeper than that. The USATF's professional and developmental systems, already suspect, is crumbling even further. The major gains at the tip-top of the sport are not a proper barometer for the overall health of the system.  The current grievances voiced are merely a warning that our track and field athletes desperately need more support - outside of their full or part-time "day" jobs. 

The annual meeting did provide one step in the right direction. A new rule was proposed that would allow "allow two logos on an athlete’s uniform, that of the manufacturer and another sponsor, the latter a new feature that is planned to come into effect on Jan. 1, 2012" (1).While this measure appears to be a big coup for the fledgling movement only time will tell if its positive momentum will continue to push forward and send much need shock waves throughout the system.

As a community of athletes we need to be able to support one another when we can. Do you have something to say or want to share ideas about how we can make the system better? Join us at Grassroots Running Project to explore the ways in which we can help our track and field community. 


Monday, November 07, 2011

Injuries & Opportunities: Read on!

     When one door closes another one opens. We are all familiar with this saying, and now I am too. It's been almost 3 months since I've had a training run without any pain or discomfort and in that time I've gone through all the emotional ups and downs one can go through when dealing with an injury.
     However, one road block along the journey means nothing, I just have to find a different way around. While my injury has barred me from doing many things, it has allowed me to focus my energies in other positive ways. Since moving back to San Diego in June (I got injured in August) Natasha and I have started a new running venture: the Grassroots Running Project. We had many reasons that drove us to want to create something but our one main goal was simple: to share our passion for the sport with others. 
     What started out as disparate ideas came together to form one company with a very specific aim. Our dream is that our Grassroots Running Project can make a positive impact on the running world through it's  coaching, community, and career platforms. Ever since I began running I became entranced with the different methods people espoused in order to make runners great. I knew someday that I would also like to try my hand at the art of coaching - use my experiences to take someone to the next level. So, part of the Grassroots Running Project is devoted to personal coaching and I've taken my passion to the people. Natasha, after growing up with running and volunteering with Girls on the Run, had hopes of one day starting a youth health and fitness organization aimed at teaching kids how to have fun while staying fit. Along came our move to San Diego and the drive to make a difference caught on fire. Enter 2nd Recess, the Grassroots Running Project's community youth running/health program. This part of our project has moved so quickly we are in our fourth week with hosting it with the San Diego Track Club! The Grassroots Running Project has a third purpose behind coaching and community services. In the future we hope to be able to support the careers of the aspiring champion distance runners and bring awareness to inequalities present in the current system. It has been exciting to hear the talk online about making changes and we hope to join in when we can! 
     The one thing Natasha and I have always wanted to avoid  was have our dreams be hampered by the prospect of failure. This mindset  has led us this far in our running careers, and throwing caution to the wind, has driven our enthusiasm even more to start something we think can really make a difference. However, we don't just want to do it alone. We want to include everyone's passion, excitement, and thought. So, if you have something to say or wish to get involved in some way, please contact us! 

You can find us on Facebook (Grassroots Running Project), Twitter (GrssRtsRunProj), and WordPress (http://grassrootsrunningproject.wordpress.com/)!!! Or via email at grassrootsrunningproject@gmail.com











Monday, October 24, 2011

Injury Report/Passion

     Update: Contrary to what I reported in my last blog, it appears I do not have a defunct SI joint but rather a "protruding disk" in my lower back - proof of which was shown in the MRI I finally was able to get a few weeks ago. 
     It is nice to finally have a name for what ails me and it makes moving forward easier because now I can battle my rehab opponent face to face rather that wondering what is causing me so much pain! 
     Progress is slow....very slow, but I've cultivated enough patience now in the last 2 months to tackle anything. Plus, progress is progress and now I've been able to jog easy for a little over a week now - super cool! Keep sending your good vibes - I can feel them coming my way! 


Now to report on what I'm really stoked about: 


 University City Cross Country


     While I have been sidelined with my back injury I have been able to pour most 
of my energies into my high school cross country team which I began coaching in the summer. I have learned so much in this short amount of time - not only lessons about coaching but also lessons that can easily be applied to my own running. I have thrived off of my athletes enthusiasm for the sport and reveled in all of their successes along the way. 
     I started the season out with a tumbled group of energetic teenagers with a lot of promise but in need of a ton of direction. As I spoke they slowly began to listen, and as their new pr's rolled around more and more bought into the new team atmosphere. Now, I can proudly say I have been able to keep all 40 or so of the kids that began the year with us on the team and running injury free. We are rounding the final corner into the homestretch of the season with League, Section, and State Finals just a few weeks away. 
     I'm a proud coach every time I step on campus to run them through their practice - and I'm an even prouder when I watch them succeed and reach their goals!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Hips Don't Lie

I have taken an unexpected hiatus from blog writing, but I'm back! The last several weeks have been interesting but enlightening for me. I suffered an enigmatic back injury that has sidelined me from running for over 7 weeks but it has become an injury that has taught me more about myself than my previous 10 years of training. Countless chiropractic sessions, acupuncture, physical therapy and few doctor's visits have concluded that something is up with my sacroilliac joint, commonly referred to as the SI joint. 

This joint is located on either side of your pelvis and connects the sacrum to the ilium (see photo). The joint plays an important role when you run by absorbing the impact and movement as you move. Over the years my poor postural alignment (hips and lower back) placed undue stress on the joint and created a big ball of inflammation. 

The first few weeks were especially rough. I had never had to take off more than a day or two from running because of some sort of injury. It was maddening. I wanted the pain and discomfort to just disappear with the treatments I was getting for it. It wasn't until several weeks later that I resigned myself to stop running altogether and allow it to heal properly. So, I took up swimming, which I continue to do (I'm proud to say I swam 30 minutes today!). 

This injury has taught me so much about my body and how it works. My previous understanding of our "core" has been blown apart and I'm taking a new stance on approaching the optimization of my strength and mobility. I'm still learning but the results have been noticeable. My pain has subsided and I'm hoping to begin some jogging next week! I've included yoga and pilates with my swimming and rehab routines and they are definitely mainstays as I move forward. 

However, I'm most glad this hurdle came along because my mind and body have been refreshed and I'm ready and raring to go as soon as I'm ready. I never had a healthy sense of patience but now that I've been forced to choke down my daily dosage I won't be without it again. 

Finally, I have to be eternally grateful to my girlfriend, Natasha. She has had to deal with my irritable, depressed self for more days than anyone should. She showed more compassion and concern that I could have asked for and I love her for every bit of it. Thanks Tash :) 




Sunday, September 11, 2011

SLS3 Sponsor Spotlight Winner!

September marks the conclusion of my new SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT promotion for the month of August. I had a great response to the post and will definitely continue this in the future. Thanks again to all those who read and replied - you are not only helping to support me but also my sponsors. 


Let's cut straight to the chase and announce our winner! First though, the answer to the question: What is the amount of compression of the SLS3 recovery tight in mmHg? The answer was.... 20-30mmHg. And now our winner, drumroll please, issssss JASON ABUTIN!!!! Congratulations Jason! Enjoy the newfound comfort in your training with your new pair of SLS3 compression socks! 

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Sponsor Spotlight!: SLS3 Intelligent Race Apparel

In order to show my appreciation for the support my sponsors provide me and to highlight some of the amazing products and services they offer I have decided to put on a monthly SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT. 



The first Sponsor Spotlight is brought to you by SLS3 Intelligent Race Apparel and this month's inaugural addition is starting us off in a big way! SLS3 has offered to give away a pair of compression socks! That's right, a free pair of SLS3 compression socks! However, I'm going to make you work a bit to have a chance at winning a pair of these bad boys - keep reading for details! 

SLS3 racing apparel is designed to help reduce fatigue in your muscles by reducing muscle vibration during training or competition. Less muscle fatigue results in the ability to go farther, faster, and harder, longer! I use SLS3 compression socks during my weekly training runs and especially for my tempos and long steady runs. I can definitely tell the difference in my lower legs and appreciate the ability to recover quickly after a hard workout. Use your compression socks to train in or afterwards for recovery to increase blood flow and oxygen to your tired muscles. 

SLS3 offers an array of compression apparel for your training and racing. Take your game to a whole new level and try them out! 

Here is how you can win your very own pair of SLS3 compression socks. Visit SLS3's website (any of the linked words will take you there, if they don't work go to slstri.com to view the site) and search for the answer to this question: What is the amount of compression of the SLS3 recovery tight in mmHg? When you think you have the answer email it to me at: bruin.manzures@gmail.com and I will enter your name for the drawing at the end of the month to select our winner!  As an added twist however, if you "LIKE" my fan page on facebook, your name will be added twice! 

Remember, if you win you get a FREE pair of fitted compression socks DELIVERED straight to your door! 

Good luck!!! 

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Coaches Corner: Coach Forest Braden's Golden Rules of Training and Racing!

The newest segment to my blog has just launched! The "Coaches Corner" will feature advice from some of the best, brightest, and most intuitive coaches and athletes in our community. No topic will be left untouched and I actively encourage anyone who would like to participate and share their knowledge to contact me and we can make it happen! 


The first entry comes from Forest Braden, cross country and distance coach at my alma mater UCLA. Coach Braden has a wealth of experience, competing professionally with Team Indiana Elite as well as coaching under the great Pat Tyson at Gonzaga University. Entering his third year at UCLA, Coach Braden shares with us his markers for successful training and racing! 


Coach Fo’s Golden Rules of Training/Racing

1. Run hills!!! Always go the hillier route on a run. If you see a hill coming but it's time to turn around, GO UP THE HILL. Run that 2 extra minutes. It will make you strong and tough and build a discipline that you will use while racing. Don't be a candy-ass up the hill. Run every hill strong and in control. Push the hills and use the flat or downhill to recover if you need it.

2. There's not much traffic on the extra mile. If you are thinking about going either 7 or 8 miles, go 8 and a half. If you are healthy go the maximum plus some. Do those 10 extra push-ups. Do the extra set of sit-ups in the morning. Make it a lifestyle. DO MORE AND DO IT BETTER!

3. Embrace the pain. Think about what this means. When you race YOU WILL HURT. If our sport was easy everyone would do it. When the pain gets really bad, push through the pain and you will reach a new pain threshold. You might have to stay tough and push through it for 1 minute or 2 minutes or 5 minutes but if you hold on and don't give in YOU WILL BREAK THROUGH THE PAIN.
4. Take a chance! You have to try in order to succeed. A gamble won't always work out but when it does, you realize that your potential for success is unlimited.

5. Have confidence in your training. Believe in what you are doing. Step to the line KNOWING you are ready to run. YOU WORK HARDER THAN YOUR COMPETITION!! Believe this and kick some ass!!!!

6. Stay Positive!!!! Don't say or act negatively it only hurts yourself and your team.

7. Get mean. Race like you've got something to prove. Get mad and take it out on the competition.

8. Stay Hungry. Don't ever settle. YOU ARE BETTER THAN THE STATUS QUO!

9. Run for each other. WE ARE A TEAM. Don't let your teammates down by giving less than your best. Missing a long run or a workout hurts EVERYBODY.

10. Set goals. Know what you want and work towards it everyday. Write your goal down. Make yourself accountable. 

11. VISUALIZE!!! Think about how the race is going to play out. Go over it in your mind. Picture yourself accomplishing your goals. IT HELPS, I PROMISE!!!!!
_________________________________________________________________

I still keep these tenets of training on hand whenever I need to reset myself and you can too! 


Sunday, July 24, 2011

Who Can You Inspire?

This latest blog was posted at the adidas-Legacy Run Racing team blogroll. Check it out here.

A Quick Intro:

My name is Marco Anzures and I’m a professional runner based out of San Diego, CA. I competed for UCLA and graduated in 2010. I competed at all distances and notched a personal best of 29:00 for the 10k. My first professional year was one I won’t forget, a team national title, a “world” record, and many lessons learned and friends made along the way. I hope you will continue to follow my new team adidas-Legacy Run Racing and I this upcoming fall season as we chase our dreams. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Inspiration Through Action

A theme of mine over the past several months has been on the impact that we as individuals can have on the community around us. I have noticed first hand the positive influence that athletes can have on younger individuals, first through my work with school children in Cottonwood, AZ, and now as I begin coaching high school athletes in San Diego. Not only have these experiences been rewarding but also grounding. The energy and enthusiasm that kids bring to practice and play is refreshing and reminds me of why I continue to train and compete. 

I have gone from asking myself "who have I inspired" to "who CAN I inspire?". This small shift in thought has led me all the way to forming a non-profit group focused on inspiring kids to be active and lead healthy lifestyles. Together with Natasha, my girlfriend and real mastermind behind the idea, I am slowly seeing a dream become reality. Dubbed "2nd Recess", our organization will "inspire through action" and teach the value of staying fit and healthy. Every athlete can inspire in their own way, this is ours. In what way will you inspire?  

Look forward to more of my blogs and others here throughout the year! You can also find me at Marco’s Miles (blogger.com) and on Facebook where you can “Like” my page!  

Friday, July 15, 2011

$350 The Hard Way: Tijuana Travels

Last weekend just might have been the most interesting race experience I have gotten to date. It certainly will be at the top of my list for some time. I hope you are ready for a very interesting story! Drink this story in and if you have had a similar experience I would love to hear about it!


(Too) Early Morning 
Our story starts at 3:30AM when Natasha and I awoke to get ready to head south to the border where we were planning to meet a group that was going to walk across to the race. It was a groggy morning for me, but thankfully my only duties for the day were accompanying Natasha as translator and enjoying the race. We made the quick ride down to the San Ysidro outlets and met with Hector Hernandez (known as "La Flecha" in Tijuana running circles) and our group in the parking lot. At this point we had understood the start time of the race to be 7:30, however Hector informed us that the race had decided to move up the start time to 6:30 just three days prior! I took a quick glance at my watch and noticed it was 5:20, just a little more than an hour to race time and we still weren't across the border! Quickly we shot across the parking lot to the adjacent McDonalds for a quick restroom break before our group of 20 or so people, all clad in racing attire, started hurriedly jogging for the border crossing, Hector at the lead.  


I felt as if we were on a secret mission trying to make a deadline as we ran past the border agents and through the large metal turnstiles. We poured out onto an empty street saved for one passenger bus and a few taxi cabs. Our group filed into the bus and grabbed seats, hoping that we weren't too far from the start of the race, and that we would have enough time to warm up. Our bus still hadn't taken off and everyone had boarded when we began to notice a mob of yellow collared shirts pouring into the street around our bus. I looked around and saw more and more taxis pulling up, guessing there to be at least 30 or more. We could see Hector arguing with the largest fellow of the group, which I took to be the ring leader of this taxi-mob. Hector popped into our bus and announced that the cab drivers weren't going to allow the bus to move with us in it, essentially blockading our vehicle forcing us to use their services. A cunning, if underhanded maneuver. It must have been quite the sight for anyone up early enough to witness 20 or so "gringos" being herded into cabs and rushed away. I directed Natasha and I to the nearest cab and told our driver to take us to the start of the "maraton", hoping his quick reply of yes meant he understood. 


We were at the mercy of our driver as he whizzed by slower traffic, weaving in and out. It was a short trip to race hotel that sat at the start of the race. After our cab arrived, one by one the others in our groups emerged from their rides as the pulled in quickly to the large traffic circle that was serving as our impromptu drop off point. I gave our driver a few bucks (there aren't running fares in Tijuana cabs) and we began jogging behind Hector again to the room he had secured to use as our base camp. We were less than 30 minutes away from the re-scheduled start so Natasha and I consolidated our bags and she began warming up in our hallway and adjacent courtyard - since we had yet to safely determine where the start was. Finally, after everyone had dropped off their things and taken their last bathroom stops I closed up the room (I was also helping out as room key holder). Now, armed with my media pass and shirt I followed Natasha and the others to the start. 


The Race! (The easy part) 
We had been informed that both the marathon and half-marathon (Natasha's race) would be beginning at the same time and follow the same course, with the marathoners completing a second loop. Ok, we thought, pretty confusing but shouldn't be a problem. Ten minutes before 6:30 they made an announcement for all runners to make their way to the start. Natasha made her way over to the front and waited as several men prevented anyone from doing strides as they waited for everything to be ready. For about 20 minutes organizers hurried around finishing up the preparation for the race, putting up banners, tying down the inflatable start line, and completing the main stage. Finally, at 6:50, the announcement was made for the start. I was standing directly in front of the start off to the side and when the starter raised his hand in the air I saw the runners crouch to start. When gun sounded the first line of runners began to fall forward into a slow trot, then several moments later the gun fired and "officially" the race had begun! 


After Natasha and the first wave of runners ran by me I began walking to the only other point in the race I would be able to see the runners pass by other than the finish. I posted up at the 7k mark just a few blocks from the start and as I waited for the runners to come by I noticed that aside from one police officer on the side of the road there was still a lot of traffic on the street designated "race course". As the leaders came by a police escort and media vehicle (which was a pickup truck) was all that came between early morning traffic and the racers. That didn't stop traffic from driving beside the runners however, as cars just drove around runners in the left hand lane. 


Natasha ran by and I snapped a few photos and cheered her on. She was in sixth place no man's land following a pack of Mexico-based Africans in a pack 1-5 ahead of her. After sticking around for a few more minutes I walked back towards the start and finish where I would wait until the runners started coming back around. After a short while the leaders of the half marathon were nearing and I casually glanced at my watch to see what type of time the were going to run and saw it remain in the 58 minute range as the first three runners crossed. No way had I just seen three runners look so casual running almost World Record pace! Turns out that a wrong turn somewhere at four or five miles by the lead vehicle caused the entire field to shave off part of the course. The race officials decided to rectify this by surreptitiously adding one minute to every finishers time - very official. 


Natasha finished in 6th place overall, in a pretty good time, even given the gracious addition by race coordinators. I found her over in the athlete corral with the other top finishers and a long row of massage table where two people used crude massage oil to rapidly rub you down. I believe the throng of people working on the athletes were no more masseuses than I could claim to be, but they were free and worked  quickly. How could we complain, expect for the sticky residue their oil left. After cooling down, we made our way back to the hotel to gather our things and regroup. Hector was competing in the marathon so we had to wait a bit longer before figuring out when results and awards were to be held. Another hour or so later, about 10:30 in the morning at this point, we were told that we shouldn't expect results anytime soon and that awards were going to be held at one, when the mayor of Tijuana would be available to speak. What I had hoped to be a quick race and back across the border was turning out to be a sit and wait affair. 


The Awards - How bad could it be? 
We grabbed breakfast with a group of friends and new acquaintances and then sat in front of the award stage while we waited for 1PM to roll around. Many of the people who had come to run the race had left with the heat of the day arriving except for the few dozen or so people who were anticipating their award and money (this race gave out a ton of money!). Awards finally started, and with about 25 race coordinators crammed on stage they began calling out the overall and age group winners. We finally learned that Natasha had won her age group because the results still hadn't been handed out. She stood on the podium, waved, and hopped back down, happy to finally be done with it after waiting for so long.  We both thought we could just grab a cab back to the border when I asked her where her check for winning was. They hadn't given it to her and now we were directed to a bright red building across the street, primely located by the row of portapotties. 


A heard of people had begun to gather at the door, apparently waiting for something. It turned out that inside the building was the race headquarters and that was where they were writing the checks to be given out to the winners. In twos and threes people were called in and thirty minutes later they came out. The first hour went by like this with only six or seven people being called. The crowd outside the door had now swelled to over forty or fifty people who were now becoming more and more agitated as the heat intensified and the smell of the bathrooms grew worse with every passing breeze. Unfortunately, the officials inside hadn't notified the throng outside that standing in line or shoving their way to the front of the door wouldn't expedite the process because they were randomly calling age group winners. At this point both Natasha and I were tired, she had just ran a race and was now asked to stand out in the heat for several hours. The woman who was calling names finally came came back to the door and I used the chaos that her presence created to lead a small group into the building. We found ourselves in a large air-conditioned room filled with 15 officials and a large table stacked with papers. In the back of the room were what I assumed were the results, posted onto two large flat planks of wood. The woman in charge did not want us in there and after we argued that it was taking them too long to have us out in the heat they relented. We bought ourselves a few minutes to cool off before they insisted we wait outside for our names. Knowing that nothing else could be done if we wanted our money we reluctantly made our way outside, past the all the people now shouting into the building. 


We waited for another forty minutes or so before we saw the other age group winners in Natasha's group push their way into the building. I quickly told Natasha she had to get into the building at all costs if she wanted her money now. She climbed over several people and disappeared through the door. I crossed my fingers that she didn't get spit out again. Another half hour went by and she finally emerged, check in hand (400 dollars worth of pesos and signed by two different people). Exhausted we walked back to the hotel and grabbed a waiting cab to take us to the border. 


The Border- We Can Go Home Right? 
We were so happy to be done with it all, it was 3:30 in the afternoon and we could go home and relax, we had survived Mexico. The cab dropped us off and we jumped out, happy to be going home. Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones trying to walk back across the border, and we had wait in line with the hundred other or so souls doing the same. Finally, an hour later, we had conquered the day. We dragged our tired and sweaty bodies the two or so miles to our car and drove home. Luckily we were able to laugh about our southern adventure - but I don't imagine any time soon we will be doing it again. If you are ever bored of the typical race day routine I suggest you book a ticket to Tijuana, they will not disappoint. If you have made it this far in my story I hope you enjoyed it. Cheers! 

Friday, July 08, 2011

Inspire and US Road 10k Wrap Up

10k Wrap Up 
     The US road 10k championships was going to be the final race of my long season. I had moved back home, switched coaches, gotten in some solid training, and had high hopes of hitting a good one after a lackluster year of performances. Atlanta, per the pre-race report promised to be hot and humid, and it didn't disappoint. Stepping out into the afternoon Atlanta heat, the air was heavy and stuck to you as tightly as your sweaty clothes.
     The Peachtree (the race hosting the championships this year) volunteers had met me at the airport to give me a ride to our hotel and greeted me with a bag of homegrown Atlanta peaches! A savior for my grumbling stomach after a long day of travel! I arrived at the hotel a little after 8PM and immediately sought out a restaurant to grab a quick meal before turning in for the night.
     The next morning came quickly and soon enough I was warming up (didn't take long to start sweating!) and doing my final strides on the starting line. The elite field favorites were announced, with a nice contingent of foreign athletes competing for the generous purse of $15,000, and the gun fired. I settled in to a comfortable pace early, the large group of leaders pulling away out front. As I settled in during the primarily downhill portion of the first three miles I positioned myself nicely in the top 40. I thought, if all went well I can compete here to end. However, the deceiving slopes of the second half of the race zapped me more than I would have liked and after mistaking a media overhang for the finish (and kicking prematurely ) I crawled up the last slope and puttered across the finish drenched in sweat.
Just a few of the 60,000+ that showed up! 
My Philosophy
     While I may not have achieved the success I had set out for myself this season in competition I have learned many new things about running and especially about the professional ranks. The life of a professional runner is peculiar. The majority of us scrap together an existence to continue on and feed mainly of of our passion for the sport. Which, I believe, may make our breed the most noble of athlete.
     As for myself, I have discovered how rewarding it is to give back to the community and share what I have learned with others. It is amazing the impact you can have on another person by just showing a little interest, especially when you are looked up to. Just as I was inspired when I was younger by older individuals and athletes I'm now taking on that important role. In Arizona I worked with the youth of Cottonwood, helping introduce healthy habits and exercise to them. Before that, when I attended UCLA, I found a lot of satisfaction when working with kids at track camps and teaching them about the sport. And now, I find myself coaching high school runners, sharing all that I know with them and building a small community of runners that will go on to do the same. All the while I still train at the highest level, striving for my goals and bringing my unique message to the people I come across.
     I have said this before, and I'll say it again because I think it is important. When you are in a position to make and impact (and we all are) ask yourself who you can inspire. Have you inspired someone today?
High school newbies, the future stars of distance running! 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Local Road Race Spirit

This weekend Natasha and I jumped into a local road race for some low-key action. I had previously competed at this meet a few years back and remembered it to be a great community event and I wasn't disappointed. We got up at the crack of dawn (4:30AM!) and ate our typical pre-race meals- some toasted bread, banana and UCAN for me, and dried bananas and soy-nut butter for Natasha. After showering to wake up and packing up our things we made the quick twenty min drive down to Bonita, CA. The race was being held at beautiful Rohr Park, the site of many of my high school cross country invites (nostalgia always sets in when I revisit places like these). 

We were one of the first to arrive when we pulled into the almost empty parking lot. A few tents had been set up and volunteers (the majority of which were local high schoolers) milled about in oversize race t-shirts trying to keep warm in the soft chill of the morning. Natasha and I wandered over to the sign in table and picked up our bib numbers before starting our warm-up. As more and more people showed up I started to recognize familiar faces. I was excited to be back into the San Diego running scene! 

As the 7:30AM race time neared, I pulled out my jersey and slipped it on. Jogging over to the start line I rehearsed my plan for the day: just go out hard and push - nothing fancy. Now, towards the end of my racing season I'm focusing on staying fresh and sharp, and in two weeks time I want to be prepared for a quick 10k at the US Championships. 
The start
At the line the small crowd of racers settled in- and at the starters command, took off! I popped into the lead right away and led a small group of five through the first mile in 4:40. Hoping to drop off a few of my chasers I threw in some surges that next mile. A little after the second mile it was down to three, two competitors right at my heels. One final surge to break them going into the final long stretch didn't work and I made the rookie mistake of letting up just a bit. As they passed I felt the air in my lungs escape me and, recovering too late, found myself gapped. In a blink of an eye I had finished. Third place, under the old course record, and $75 dollars richer, not to mention a road personal best (14:39). Natasha cruised in for first place and a nice payday as well, running 16:48. 
Leading the group past a mile and a half
What I appreciate most about races such as these is that you can enjoy in pleasures of racing and competing with the community of runners that assembles. Whether you are an elite, a weekend warrior, age-grouper, or just out for a run and cool shirt, you can share in the experiences of others. For instance, while others may be impressed by how fast I can run, I am equally if not more impressed by the old-timers (I'm talking 70-90 year olds here) that come out on a regular basis to run these 5ks, 10ks, halfs, and marathons(!). Big props to Richard Gauntner, Richard Williams, and Martha Walker for throwing down paces of 6:55, 8:28, and 9:50 per mile for this 5k! Incredible. 

So next time you want to have a great start to your weekend, pick out a local road race and join in on the spirit of community and running! You never know who you could inspire! 


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Planes (Trains and Automobiles) and Coaching

US 8k Championships:

The internet, ipods, robots, and hot pockets....even though we live in the 21st century it seems like travel is lagging behind our other futuristic inventions. Shouldn't we be able to beam ourselves to any location through our mobile phones GetMeThereNow app? In any case I spent the better part of a weekend traveling to and from the charming town of Carmel, IN. If it wasn't delays that lasted for 4 hours due to inclement weather, it was oddly arranged layovers and connections that brought me farther from my destination before ushering me home. In spite of this, I did enjoy a well-planned championship event and great competition. 


Pensive before the start.
The race itself was filled with very capable runners and the early pace demonstrated that. After a slow first half mile the pack quickly hastened forward covering the first mile in under 4:30. It had been a while since I had gone out so quickly and I felt the effects later. I was slowly spit out the back of the lead pack and relegated to chasing the competition. A rough last two miles had me finishing in 19th place, but optimistic for my upcoming competitions (Race Replay on Runnerspace: US 8k Championships
Finish Video here. My body is still adjusting and training has been solid. Patience, patience, is the key. Up next are a local 5k in Bonita this weekend, and then the US 10k Championships the following week in Atlanta!  


In other news:

Since moving back I have been searching for coaching opportunities around San Diego and recently was contacted by Coach McCarthy of University City High School, a school in my old league. He offered me a position and I have recently accepted his offer. I am really looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the future champions of our sport. This group of high schoolers is very dedicated and summer training has begun in earnest! Got to love the enthusiasm! 


check them out here!
Connecting with old friends has also been a theme since returning and it has reminded me of how important a role my friends in the running community have played in supporting me. It has been their enthusiasm that refuels my own passion for the sport and makes me yearn for more. One group in particular, the San Diego Track Club, is an exceptional example of how running fosters community well-being. If you are an SD local and have an interest in running or are already an avid runner I highly recommend checking out this fun group (the schedule can be found on their site, see link above). An integral leader of the group, and mentor of mine, Paul Greer, continues to inspire me every day with his passion for the sport and genuine interest in helping others succeed. Paul inspires me in the same way I hope to inspire others through my words and actions. Always remember to ask yourself, who have you inspired? 







Monday, June 06, 2011

A Jam Packed Weekend: Moving, Marathon, and More!

It was a very very busy week and weekend for me! Making the final move to San Diego, a couple job interviews, the SD Marathon Expo, and of course training! I left Flagstaff for San Diego around midday Wednesday after a frenzied couple days getting my car road-trip worthy. Eight hours later I was back home, my car packed full of my most prized possessions and lots and lots of shoes. 


While it may have been the busiest I've been in a while it was also my most productive set of days ever. Since deciding to move back to home to continue my career I have been reaching out to any and everyone I know that might be able to offer me guidance and help. In the process I have reconnected with the community that helped me become that individual I am today. I am proud to say I have the finest support group around and that it is what makes me such a strong individual, without them I wouldn't be quite the same. 


Before I begin I must say that if you have never been to a marathon expo and you are a running junkie, you must plan to soon. I had never been before but it was very cool to see all the newest gizmos and gadgets that are available to athletes. How do people come up with this stuff? Over the two day expo I helped Movin Shoes (a popular shoe store in town) with a booth of theirs and also spent some time at my new (and first!) sponsor's booth SLSTRI. Sylvie and Sebastian are very passionate about the product they produce and the compression socks, sleeves, and suits they make reflect their commitment to excellence. Keep up the good work (my calves thank you!). 


It is always great to meet a fellow Bruin when you cross paths, so it was doubly great to run into Meb and his brother Hawi at the expo as they came to support Generation UCAN (also another great company). Being from San Diego and an alum of UCLA it is inspiring to follow Meb's career and look up to the things he has accomplished. He continues to be an amazing role model for future running stars. 


As I wrap this entry up I'm forced to reflect on how fortunate I have been. I continue to pursue the things I love and along the way I meet fantastic individuals. This weekend I will continue my racing season in Carmel, Indiana, at the US 8k Championships. All these months at altitude are paying off and I feel the life in my legs awakening. I'm excited to pound the pavement again and look to report back with some positive news next week! Thanks again for following blog! 

Friday, May 27, 2011

Exercise Your Mind and A Training Tip

Earlier this morning Natasha and I winded our way down the hill to Sedona for a little track work. On tap for the day were some quarters ranging from 66-68 seconds, nothing too fancy but a great way to speed up my legs just enough before my next race to make me feel light and smooth. As all athletes can attest to, not every day is going to be your best (in face many aren't), and it's what you make of the days when your legs feel like concrete or your muscles have turned to goo, that measure the true gains you have made. 
Before


Today was definitely not one of my best days but after struggling in the past with having a great workout while not feeling my tip-top I was determined to turn this one around. It was apparent on the warmup that I was off, I just felt too loosey-goosey and my body was heavy. I thought maybe it was just a warm-up funk and I would snap out of it after a few reps, but early on it was clear I was going to have to battle. It was fairly warm down in Sedona and as a result my stride felt fluid, so I just had to relax my mind and think one quarter at a time - don't force anything to happen. 
During

 (video complements of
tashyrunner)



Even though I didn't feel great at any point my confidence grew as I completed each rep. Mentally I challenged myself to stay on point and today turned out to be a win, but not in the way I had thought it might be. Instead of coming away with a stellar workout I did some heavy mental lifting - time to flex those muscles! 


After
Marco's Miles Training Tip: Post-Workout Recovery 


A big part of a runner's improvement comes after the hard work has been done, and most importantly right after a run or workout. What I have been doing lately to maximize some of this recovery potential is bringing along a banana, a bottle of vitamin water, plenty of water, and a recovery shake (Slim-Fast does the trick). There aren't too many things my stomach likes after a hard run but usually keeping my drinks and food cool helps digestion when my body is heated up. Bring along a small cooler with an ice pack to keep your foods the perfect temp after a run in the sun! 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Edits and New Ideas!

To begin... an Editors Note: 


Since starting a blog I have tried not to spend so much time absorbed in editing and designing my blog, but I can't help but poke around all the functions and try out new things. On top of that whenever I see someone else's blog I get new ideas for mine - I just want it all! So, after a few hours of playing around (and even trying my hand at html) I've settled on this new design. Still the same me on the other end just a little more flair I think (well, I hope). 


On to the good stuff though:


Since finishing up with Fit Kids two weeks back I have found an odd little hole missing from my life. Once a week I would travel down to Cottonwood, AZ, full of enthusiasm for the day ahead. I really didn't understand the impact that an athlete can have on kids until I started to coach a few at the local YMCA and through Fit Kids. 


I say this a lot, but I think it bears repeating because we all can be forgetful. Whenever we as individuals get locked in to a daily routine we can sometimes miss the extraordinary impact we have on other people. This is especially true for professional athletes, whose training consumes large parts of their day, week, and year. I had absentmindedly missed the important place I had in the community until I started interacting with parents and their children. I knew I had a small role to play in their lives whenever a parent came up to me to say how she is so pleased her kids want to go outside to play rather than sit inside, or when I see the intent and undivided attention in the eyes of a ten year old when they ask me a question and wait for my answer. 


I believe it is these moments that make what I do - running towards my dreams - all worth it. Even if I never reach my loftiest of goals I can know that somewhere along the way I may have pushed another person to pursue their personal dreams - and maybe, just maybe, I'll have inspired a future NCAA Champion, Olympian, or record holder! So it never hurts to ask yourself, who can you inspire today? 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

A "World Record" and Good Times

While it may be snowing and slushy outside in Flagstaff (what is going on, it's the middle of May!) I'm staying warm and relaxed after a nice massage and easy run. This past weekend I made my way out west to the Bay Area to compete in the 100th running of the Bay to Breakers competition. Historically known as  a fun-filled way for people to semi-officially party through the streets of San Francisco, this year saw the race start a little earlier and alcohol banned on the course. However, that didn't deter loyal patrons and competitors from dressing up and taking to the streets!


Unlike one of my usual road races this one would prove most decidedly different. LinkedIn, the professional networking site, had assembled a team of runners ready to compete in the Human Centipede Division. What makes this event so unique is that all 12 runners that make up the team are attached, in a line, by a two foot bungee cord. This is no small feat, and considering most of our team had never run like this before (who has really?) it's even more amazing what we were able to accomplish. We not only set a course and "world record" by 40 seconds but we also managed to break into the top 10 had we been an individual - impressive I think.


I can't begin to thank enough the generosity of LinkedIn (transform your career!) and my teammates, who made this race fun and engaging. I will definitely hold this race in high regard and look to return in the future. Now, it's back to sharpening up in Flagstaff for the US 8k and 10k Champioinships in June and July! I can't help but feel I'm turning a corner and big things are in store!


P.S. If you want to check out results or just see what this awesome race is about, hit it up here!