51' INDOOR BIKE & 25' SWIM!!

Friends,

Easy and complete training...during last week of my 3rd month training. First 51' bike, 29K @ pace of 1'45''/km...good indoor in my fitness bike training! My wife train also hard, elliptical, running belt and some aerobic exercises...funny to see! After, my bike, 25' swim ,62 laps, 1,240m! I have felt very well during my training...I am starting to believe that I will finally get quite fit after all that training, but, meanwhile I am enjoying it a lot!

Talk to you in my next post!

"XTB" Xavi.

P.S.: Today is my nephiew Jorge birthday 9 years old, almost 10!

70' REPULSE BAY-DEEP WATERBAY WATERFRONT RUN!

Friends,

Today, I have felt quite well running 12.5K @ pace of 5'36''/km...only issue again...I have drank more than 2 litres...I believe next time, I will carry a camel bag! Last 3K without water to drink...

Btw, I have been thinking about my goal to finish triathlon under 3 hours...but, after almost 3 months training, I have made my mind...if I become a finisher...THAT WILL BE JUST GREAT! is too hot and humid here in Hong Kong to achieve a good time!

"XTB" Xavi.

FIRST OUTDOOR BIKE TRAINING!!

Friends,

What a fantastic day!!! Yesterday, I got my bike in Flying Ball Bike shop in Mongkok area and I arrived a little bit late ...then Bikeman did not have too much time to explaine me all bike tricks. No worries, I got the bike on the car rack and got home by 8.30 p.m.

Today, I woke up at 5.10 a.m. to get by the car park meeting point, on time by 6.30 a.m. to start my first outdoor (no more fitness bike), but, as it was my first time I missed first turn on the left, arriving late 6.35 a.m. Richard was waiting for me with 3 more guys to bike together...but, I have thought, that, I will catch them on the road to Disney, then, I hurried up and have joined a group of triathletes leaving the parking, after 3K, I have asked them, if they were from Dragons Club ...with negative answer, but, no worries to join their group to cycle together...suddenly, FLAT TIRE :-( !!! at 7K after my training started and no clue how to change it and my spare tire in my car...big mistake! Then, I have thought, end of today's first experience training...what a disaster!! I have removed my bike shoes and start walking barefoot to the car park...totally frustated, but, then the miracle has arrived!!! I have met after 5 minutes walk, Richard and his Dragons mates...and asked me where I was...they were waiting for me to join his group at the end of the parking area!! Ray, Richard's mate changed literally my flat tire in less than 3 minutes and I have restarted my first bike traning together with them...Thank you very much to all 4 Dragons mates!! Then, a new day started...it was great, we have bike to Disney then to the airport and then come back to the parking area....53K in 2 hours, including stops in parking area, flat tire timing, 7Eleven stop...etc., but, it has been a very extreme happiness, once safely arrived to the car park!...just after biking, 20 minutes running 3.5K with over 34 degrees C and high humidity and no wind at all!!

Btw, I attach the link to HK Dragons Triathon Club, where they have written about my first challenge and support to NGO "Caico Foundation" to support and help Cancer Childhood.

From HK Dragons Triathlon Club newsletter September 2009:

"Another member, who is a new member, Xavier Garcia writes that he is using the Olympic Triathlon ITU Disney event on October 18th as a fund raiser for Cancer Childhood victims.

Xavier has a blog site at http:trixavi.blogspot.com where he would welcome a visit from you, should you so wish, he has details about how you can sponsor NGO Caico Foundation in his first ITU event and support this worthy cause."

THANKS TO ALL DRAGON MEMBERS I HAVE MET TODAY!!

SPECIAL THANKS TO RICHARD FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND TIPS!!

"XTB" Xavi.

P.S.: Today is my nephiew Bruno first year birthday!! Congratulations and happy birthday!

SHANGHAI TO HONG KONG FLIGHT BACK...NO TRAINING!

Friends,

Today I have skipped my swim 70' training...I will do it tomorrow night!
I invite all of you to take the following quizz/test: "HOW ACTIVE ARE YOU?" and, please, comment your results below and corresponding action plan...have fun guys!

Quizz website link>
http:www.alive.com/quiz6.php

Talk to you in my next post!

"XTB" Xavi.

THANKS MANUEL!!

Friends,

I would like to use this blog to thank Manuel Clavel his support and coaching to move forward on my first challenge....he is also going on his huge challenge which is IRONMAN...I will never arrive to that level...that is just for a minority!

If you want to follow, his oddissey, go to : http://www.ironamncaico.com/ and have a look at his last post:

http:www.ironmancaico.com/entrenamientos/40-de-vuelta-en-barcelonacon-energias-renovadas.html


Thanks a lot for your support!!

"XTB" Xavi.

SHANGHAI...2ND TECHNICAL TRAINING!

Friends,

Today, I have had a short run 42' in fitness running belt machine (I don't like but Shanghai air is quite polluted and traffic not good!)...after ever longest training from yesterday! I use today's training to improve my run 10K pace...I started walking jogging for first 5' warm-up, then, 30' running,with 6 series of 200m @ pace of 14.5km/h, 2 of 400m @ pace of 13.5km/h and 1 serie of 1 minute sprinting for last minute and, finally, 7' walking slowing down!!
I start to really like lot that kind of training but is quite dangerous to speed it up in a running belt machine!! After,my training, I have had a customer quick dinner in Shanghai...but, in my way to the restaurant, I could not stop sweating like hell!!! haha
Anyway, I have managed to reach the restaurant/bar on time to have the dinner together with Ken (China GM) and the customer...but, on my way, I have just seen one person killed on the road ...bike accident, really wild and weird, the body was still not covered and a lot of people just looking at him...he was very young!! What Ken, explained me was if the guy did not have money or family neither, they will leave him there for some hours...I did not see neither any ambulance. It was a shocking for me and the driver...that driver was not wearing helmet.

Talk to you next post....tomorrow flight back to Hong Kong!! and keep training @ home, sweet home!!

"XTB" Xavi.

SHANGHAI...LONGEST TRAINING EVER, 137 MINUTES!!

Friends,

I have done my longest training ever 2 hours and 17 minutes...I have started swimming 42' minutes 2.4Km, biking 85' 33km using hotel fitness bike and with 8 out of 25 strenght scale and, finally, following Richard's tip, 10' running 2km (pace @ 5'/km).
After my exercise, I was totally exhausted and very hungry, minor breakfast in Hong Kong airport, minor lunch in Shanghai office and ...sorry guys, I know I should not do that and I need to take care of my diet...HUGE DINNER in Shanghai hotel...Calzone, Balsamic Glazed Duck Breast (weird name, but, I believe looks more fancy....marketing stuff!!) and two desserts: Dark Chocolate Paté and Cold Pear and Mango Crumble!!! and really, I have enjoyed it a lot!! after that some rest...tomorrow, hard working day in Shanghai office.

Talk to you next post!

¨XTB¨Xavi.

P.S: Btw, is incredible how I miss my family after being several weeks together during vacation!!

BIKE 127' ... 70 K & RUN 11'...2K!

Friends,

Today, I have some news for you...

First, my training this afternoon, 127' 70kms in static fitness bike...(I still don't have my Cannondale Tribike, hopefully,by next weekend, I will get it from the store!)...it looks boring, but, I have been able to watch the movie "Defiance", quite interesting and good (I recommend it)! After, my 2 hours biking @ 125 heart beats per minute, I have followed Richard Thornton (Dragons Triathlon training tip , to run at least from 10 to 15' to train transition from bike to run and I have done it...11' 2kms (@pace 5'30''/km) and my heart beating below 160 beats/min.

Second, yesterday, I bought my new XXL Dragons Triathlon short and shirt...it looks good...soon, you will have my first pictures wearing it. Still pending to get the Trispeed...hopefully very soon, but, not available, yet. Richard, thanks for your yesterday's tips and to provide me with the clothes!

Third, I will participate on my first triathlon type race on September 27th, (Swim 500m, Bike 27 Km, Run 5 Km) "Above Challenge" in Shatin (website> http://above-challenge.hk/en/events_triathlon.html ), a charity race to raise funds for Hong Kong Red Cross Special Education and Rehabilitation Service. I believe this race will help me to understand and train transition processes and why not ... to measure my training status and strenght for my first challenge 4 weeks before it will happen!!

And last but not least important new, I did buy in Barcelona before leaving to Hong Kong, my new running shoes in RunnersWorld Barcelona store....and, as it happened during my first time there, they took care and record on video my steps to choose the best shoes according to my running style...result: Saucony Triumph 6.

Talk to all of you in my next post!

"XTB" Xavi.

2009 HONG KONG ITU PREMIUM ASIAN CUP REGISTRATION!

Friends,

Few minutes ago, I have registered myself on-line to participate on my first challenge...and I am one of the "early birds"!! Less than 60 days...to start @ 7.30am Age Group 35-39 years old.

"XTB" Xavi.

BACK HOME, WELCOME HUMIDITY!!

Friends,
Tonight, I have been running together with my wife first 3Kms, then, I have tried to recover slow pace during next kms, but, finally, 8km in 49' (6.0/km)...with very high humidity!
I am very happy that Elaine have ran also close to 5kms walking and running!!...she could try to run 10K first race quite soon...let's see!

Talk to you next post,

"XTB" Xavi.

160 LAPS...SWIMMING!

Friends,

First training after coming back from vacation to Hong Kong...64' 160 laps of 20 meters...not bad...and I am getting fit step by step, 108 Kgs and still 8.5 weeks for my first challenge!!

Talk to you next post,

"XTB" Xavi.

BACK HOME...HONG KONG!

Friends,

Finally, we have arrived today to Hong Kong and during last days no training at all, but, some lunchs, dinners with Spanish friends and family...I will need to catch-up next days to keep following my "beginner triathlete 16 weeks training plan"!


Talk to you next post,


"XTB" Xavi.

WHAT NOT TO DO...!! LA TALLADA DE L´EMPORDÀ!

Friends,

This morning training was a totally disaster and things to not to do to run. I was supposed to run 46´ and I finally did 42´ 7kms (6´/km pace...DISASTER!).

5 Mistakes to avoid next time:
1. Less than 5 hours sleep,
2. Running in an explained wood road...with at least 7 options...I got lost at first one,
3. Not enough water to drink,
4. Running at 10.00am with 32 C degrees and no wind at all,
5. Not wearing a cap!
Result running first 3 kms...at 5´/km pace, then, I have started walking and running totally exhausted.
Tomorrow, training rest...more than deserved but not really happy about my last exercice!

Talk to you next post!


¨XTB¨Xavi.

FIRST TECHINCAL RUN TRAINING...QUITE INTERESTING!

Friends,

Today's training, technical training, I was supposed to run 8, 4 & 2 sprint series of 200,400 & 800 metres...but, I have just done, after 35'/7kms (5'/km pace) and 6, 3 & 1....almost dead last 800 meters...almost walking....but totally staisifed to finish it and very interesting to discover how to handle that kind of training to improve my pace for next running kms!


Talk to you next post!

"XTB" Xavi.

SWIM 100 LAPS

Friends,

Training was supposed to be 35' swim & 70' bike....but no bike in "La Masia" then, just 35' swim...and 100 laps of 18m...quite relaxed training!


Talk to you next post!

"XTB" Xavi.

COUNTRY HOME ¨MAS GARCIA MURET¨ MASOS DE LLIMIANA (TREMP)

Friend,

Finally, we have arrived to ¨La Masia¨...to relax and enjoy last vacation days with family, prior our return to Hong Kong...after my weekly rest on Sundays, today, I have run 7km/35´(5´/km) ...is, awsome how weather, specially, temperature (25 C) and humidity (Lower than )60%), affects running and any sport performance!!

Talk to all of you next post!

¨XTB¨ Xavi.

BARCELONA TRAINING

Friends,

After, a long flight coming back from Goiania and 2.5 hours waiting inside our plane to London....total 15 hours and connection lost to Barcelona, we finally have arrived late afternoon to Sant Vicenc de Montalt (Barcelona). Then, swim 35 mins...good and relaxed training to recover from awful economy plane seat and no sleep at all!!

Talk to you next post!

¨XTB¨Xavi.

NO WATER...NO ENERGY!

Friends,

Tonight, last training done in Brazil...6Km, (32'00' very slow!!) but without driniking any water...no more energy after Km 3...that is life! Dehidrated body does not work correctly...I am convinced, I will buy a camel bag once I arrive to Barcelona!

Tomorrow, flight back to Barcelona (Spain), via London.

Talk to you next post!

"XTB" Xavi.

REAL DREAMS FOUNDATION & BLOG MEMBERS!

Friends,

I am a little bit sad... Why? You will find main reasons, below:

After several weeks, just 5 blog members have signed to my blog (including my wife Elaine, i signed for her (hahaha)): Thanks to Geert, Manuel, Leon, Clóvis and Selina!! I hope more of my friends will join the blog!

About kms bought for my first challenge, I have some friends interested but due to the difficulty to do a transfer bank, I have created a website into ¨Real Dreams Foundation¨ where payments can be done on-line using VISA credit card. Hopefully, I will be able to announce in this blog more people to be added to the actual list. Just, Selina bought the first one buying Km 33.

Friends, please, use this link to buy 1 Km of my first challenge donating 40 Euros to Caico Foundation cause, to fight against Cancer Childhood and support affected families:

http://frealdreams.org/mihucha/XAVIGARCÍA%201

Thanks a lot in advance to all friends, readers and blog members.I will keep training hard to achieve my first challenge!!
"XTB" Xavi.

12KM RUN!

Friends,

Tonight's training, 12Km run 66'06''...in Goiânia city! and again since Km 9 without water to drink...I need to solve that issue for my next training sessions, may be, I might carry a camel bag!

Talk to all of you in my next post!

"XTB" Xavi.

...OTHER ANIMALS FROM CARIRI COUNTRY HOME!

Friends,

I introduce you, first my new ox, NINO, the horse PERIQUITO (ride by Natal, Olivar´s neighbour) and a camaleon found 20 meters from our country home!

Today, relaxed day and coming back from Cariri do Tocantins to Goiânia!...very sad, we will say goodbye to Olivar and leave him alone...until next visit? When? No clue, 18 months to 24 months...estimated time, as of today ... :-(

"XTB" Xavi.

KITA...AND 6 KM SHORT FAST RUN!

Friends,

Another training in Paradise!...6Kms 24'37'' below 5'/km, not bad, but still a lot to improve (next target for 6kms 22'00'').

Today, I have bought a new dog, Rotweiller called (Kita, from Pa-Kita "Brazilian Xuxa back-stage dancers", as Olivar explained to me). She is 3 months old and very kind...at least, until now! Kita will stay together with Olivar and take care of cows and oxes!

"XTB" Xavi.