Feliz año nuevo

Hola mis estimados amigos blogueros

Este es mi último post del año, cerramos el 2013 con muchas experiencias, altibajos,  que definitivamente han marcado mi vida. En particular, este año fue sin duda un año de aprendizaje y estoy muy agradecida con todos aquellos que me han acompañado en el transcurso de estas experiencias. Mil gracias a Dios, mi familia, amigos acá en ESA y fuera de mi país, universidad (UNICAES), consejeros, a mis amigos Federación Salvadoreña de Triatlón ESA y a mis estimados amigos de la oficina de asuntos públicos/culturales de la Embajada Americana en San Salvador, con quienes tuve la oportunidad de convivir así como pude ser participe en muchas actividades que contribuyen al desarrollo de nuestro país. En serio, no existen palabras para devolverles mi agradecimiento; sin embargo, tengan la plena certeza que estoy muy ansiosa y emocionada por lo que viene en 2014. Como siempre, estaré con la mayor disponibilidad de enfrentar los diferentes desafíos y cumplir con mis metas..

Solamente me queda desearles lo mejor para este próximo año y a tomar los retos con optimismo y positivismo.

¡Feliz año nuevo y Abrazos desde El Salvador!

Chau :)

Happy Holidays

Enjoy the holidays and happy new year!!

Besos

2003-2013 and on....

I go back in 2003 and see myself racing an ironkids tri for the first time in this pool, I see myself now swiming in this very same pool; nothing has changed! 

=)

btw, today we were having a great time post training and loving the weather jajaja!!

December 2013

It shocks me the fact that 2013 is about to farewell us!! Indeed, between projects, educational fairs, doctor visits,   presentations, events, training and holidays the time has FLOWN by! 
December kicked off with the celebration of the second anniversary of "Partnership for Growth/Asocio para el Crecimiento", which is a long term goal project between ESA and US governments. This agreement was signed in 2011 and It intends to fight some of the main issues El Salvador faces nowadays. For example, State security, lack of production and education! It is indeed an honour to be part of this brilliant project since it gives me a sense of hope and possitivism in regards to our country´s future. I am aware that El Salvador is far from becoming as prosperous as other developed States yet everything takes a process; It will not be an easy rode but I am optimistic that our present and upcoming generations will hold accountability for the sake of our nation.
Overall, I believe this is an amazing initiative; two years have passed and I am already witnessing possitive outcomes regarding education and productivity. If you wish to know more about this wonderful project, i highly recommend to visit the US Embassy in San Salvador website
 http://sansalvador.usembassy.gov/news/2013/12/06.html

When it comes to sport, I am really happy with my latest results. Last Sunday, I competed in the open water swimming nationals and I won the first slot in the female division. I am really happy since i did not exepct it!
On December the 8th, I also raced on the Triathlon Relay Championships where my team earned 2nd slot :)

I feel really blessed with everything I have experienced throughout this year, regardless the negatives and possitives, I am just excited and curious for 2014.

Campeonato Nacional Triatlón Relevos

proud of my team!

my sister´s graduation!

Random catch

open water swiming

Open water swimming 

We all had a good day :)

PFW fair

The Team, Education USA

post training 

Thanksgiving week

Hey everyone !! It is nice to be back posting. I have been quite busy; in fact, I have been having a blast with everything i have been doing :)
One of the most special US holidays will be celebrated tomorrow, Thanksgiving!! I am very lucky I have experienced Thanksgiving here in El Salvador and whilst being an exchange student in the United States. It was really special and i will never forget being surrounded by stunning views (the Rocky Mountains, waterfalls made of glacier water, wild animals´ wandering around the wilderness, beautiful lakes, steep snowy summits, awesome pine trees, "be bear aware" signs, muddy roads, etc), delicious food and delightful company. Last week, I had the honour to celebrate it with my embassy friends, whom i also consider my second family here in El Salvador; i had so much fun and our US Ambassador was the special guest!! Tomorrow, I will also have the fortune to celebrate thanksgiving with my university family and the English Access kids, whom i have so much appreciation for. They are truly committed and I enjoy working with them.
As for Triathlon life, everything is going well! I keep up training as much as i can though i wont be able to run throughout this year i guess :( I injured my left knee and the dr commanded me not to run. I was quite dissapointed but i know it is for my own sake, so i dont have to complain about things i have no control of!
Therefore, I have been doing lots of swimming and i am looking forward to starting my season by making a bike trip to Esquipulas, Guatemala, this coming January! Hopefully my knee will heal pretty soon :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone !!

Chauu

Thoughts, findings, memories

"Eventually, all things merge into one... and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood... and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words... and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters."   Normal Maclean

I just cant help reading this book over and over. The ending touched my soul and it makes me refect about life and it even brings tears to my eyes.  Overall, I believe both the book and movie have a huge significance, a deep insight, and it also reminds me the beauty of  my second home, Montana!!

Video Oficial IRONMAN 70.3 El Salvador

Hi! I want to share this video where you will see the highlights of El Salvador ironman 70.3 2013.
Enjoy!!

I am grateful!!

I just wish to express my gratefulness to everyone who has been there for me regadless the situation. I remember myself at this time one year ago, I was in the hospital batteling against Dengue Hemorragic Fever, I remember being so vulnerable, weak and near the worst. I remember my parents being so sad and worried and there was no way in the world I could think about the word IRONMAN.
Now, I see myself happy and healthy, I am so grateful to God for every experience I have got during these months. Broadly speaking, I have accomplished so much (as a person, student, professional and  athlete) and I wish to keep moving forward towards my goals and dreams.  Regardless my ups and downs throughout this year, I believe there is always something possitive to get out of every moment !!  :)


Cheers

Fotos of life during the last months (= see yaaaa x

YAY IRONMAN 70.3!!!

Last Saturday I had the big challenge of this year, maybe one of the biggest challenges ive ever accomplished. Ironman done and mission accomplished :)
Here are the highlights:
The race took place in one of the most beautiful Salvadoran beaches, Costa del Sol. My mum, brother, cousin and aunt wanted to be there and cheer me up so we headed to the beach a day before the race. I remember being so nervous and skeptical towards the race since i knew this whole thing was going to be a total different story, different from a sprint triathlon.

We went to the briefing on Friday night and we were told what the race was going to be like on Saturday morning. I got super scared when the speaker said that T1 was going to open at 330am because of the stuary stream, so I realised i had to hit the bed ASAP.
On Saturday Morning I got up at 3 am!! I know it sounds crazy but I didnt want to have any issues with my bike nor forget my tri stuff.. I placed my bike on a good spot and my friends and me were ready to warm up. A bus took us to the start pontoon and we were off!!
I placed myself in a good position and swam in the first pack, I think I exited the water on the 6th position overall and the 1st female, which I feel so proud about. However, i knew the bike was going to be a whole different story. I jumped on my bike and set a slow pace since I knew I had not done any proper bike training at all, maybe just one bike ride a week before the ironman!!!..Besides, i started to suffer back pain from the second lap (of six to complete 90k) due to the bike size, It was obviously bigger and I was forced to ride just with one hand so i could rest my back. Needless to say, I managed to finish the whole cycling course no matter what.
When I arrived to T2, I was super relieved i got out of that bike, hence i realised i still had a half marathon ahead. At that point, i was holding the 3rd spot but  I managed to catch one of my race mates and crossed the line on the second slot... yaaaaaaaaayy. On the run it was a matter of hanging in there and not forgetting dumping myself as much water as I could , I really loved those soaky sponges !!!jejejejeje
Crossing the finish line was a unique feeling though i was in pain for the following 3 days! I was urged to visit the medical tent and get some liquids right after finishing the race, i felt recovered after that, though :).
Some people have asked me why the organisers gave me the 3rd place during the award ceremony when I legally was 2nd ; the fact is, one of the foreign girls from behind did not complete her bike course and unfortunately, nobody was aware counting each of the athletes`laps. I appealed but it was denied; I believe there was a lack of organisation/ logistics and everyone knows this was very unfair for me, yet, at the end of the day, those are the things i have no control of.
 Huge thanks to God, my family & friends who supported me during this crazy long journey!!

 Cheers!! :)

What i have been up to lately

I am just 2 weeks away from one of the most important days of my life. It will be a tough challenge, i know, yet i am willing to face it!! Even though i am nervous, i wont be worrying about things that are out of my control such as the ocean streams, bike crashes, punctures or how experienced are some of the people i will be racing with; i believe in myself and i shall focus on the things i have control of.

Fotos of what ive been up to these weeks, cheers...