USA TRIP...PHILADELPHIA FULL WEEK!

Friends,

I am in Hong Kong airport 00.35 a.m. in my way to Philadelphia (18 hours flight) for a full Finance meeting week to cover very interesting topics...but, I believe, my training will be affected (last 2 days no training at all...today I missed 89 Kms with my Dragons mates in Disney).

My goal, for tomorrow, is at least to recover part of it with a long bike static ride in the hotel fitness room before go to the stadium to attend..Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys, NFL game. Go Eagles Go!

Btw, I might have a chance to participate in Phuket Laguna triathlon (1.8Kms swim, 55Kms bike, 12Kms run) December 6th, which will really help me to prepare my second challenge HIM in Singapore March 2010.

http://www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com/

Talk t oyou next post,

"XTB" Xavi.

LIFE REFLEXION...?

Opening my heart and finding beauty

I was not brought up in an emotional household. My parents were strict and unforgiving. Years later I realized that this was the way they cared. Better to have strict parents than parents that don’t care. The worst thing a parent can do to a child is not care. Children want to know that their parents care for them in some way shape or form. I know my parents cared. Now years later, I am on my own spiritual path. I am on a path to open up my heart and to be totally free. I want to be free of worry, doubt, envy and fear. I want to find beauty in all of life’s simplest of moments. I want to live each and every moment to the fullest. Tonight I was watching the sunset turn the sky into ribbons of a deep salmon color. It was one of those beautiful “ah ha” moments. This is what life is all about. Letting go of all those illogical worries and loving my short time on this earth. I want to embrace each moment and open my heart to all of them. Always.

Opening my heart before my mind reacts.

As I drive across the bridge in the morning, I sometimes click off the Audio book I’m listening to and drive in silence. I then hear the soft thumping of the tires on the bridge struts. As my mind quiets I watch the soft, grey morning clouds float off the top of the skyscrapers. I watch the golden rays of sunshine reflect off a thousand window panes, creating a magical splash of vibrant gold across the city. If a driver cuts me off, I feel my heart contract and begin to close. Before my mind reacts I allow my heart open again and let the moment go. I am too much in love with this morning and this life to allow my heart to close and have my mind react negatively. It is going to be a magnificent day. I only have a short time on the earth. This is my path. I am on it now, there is no going back.

INSTANTS (Poem Jorge Luis Borges)

If I were able to live my life anew,

In the next I would try to commit more errors.

I would not try to be so perfect,

I would relax more.

I would be more foolish than I've been.

In fact, I would take few things seriously.

I would be less hygienic.

I would run more risks, take more vacations, contemplate more sunsets, climb more mountains, swim more rivers.

I would go to more places where I've never been, I would eat more ice cream and fewer beans, I would have more real problems and less imaginary ones.

I was one of those people that lived sensiblyand prolifically each minute of his life; Of course I had moments of happiness.

If I could go back I would tryto have only good moments.Because if you didn't know, of that is life made: only of moments;

Don't lose the now.I was one of those that never went anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, an umbrella, and a parachute;

If I could live again, I would travel lighter.

If I could live again, I would begin to walk barefoot from the beginning of springand I would continue barefoot until autumn ends.

I would take more cart rides, contemplate more dawns, and play with more children, If I had another life ahead of me.

But already you see, I am 85, and I know that I am dying.

and

Peace (U2 song)

See the world in green and blue

See China right in front of you

See the canyons broken by cloud

See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out

See the Bedouin fires at nightSee the oil fields at first light

And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth

After the flood all the colors came out
It was a beautiful day

Don’t let it get away Beautiful day

U2

SPLASH N DASH SERIE 3

Friends,

Just to add a brief note about my Sunday training race...and despite of my pain on right knee, I am very happy because I have ran my 10K with a pace below 5'/Km and in first swim part after 400m I was 4th classified (swimming works well for me!).

I have finished 13th on my category.

POWERBAR SPLASH 'N DASH AQUATHON SERIES
RACE 3, REPULSE BAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2009
Racer Description BibNumber OverallPlacing CategoryPlacing FinishTime
Xavier Garcia Male Challenge 35-39 144 56 13 01:02:59

I attach my running and laps data from my Garmin 310XT:

Talk to you next post,

"XTB" Xavi.

# 610 REGISTRATION NUMBER HIM SINGAPORE 2010

Friends,

Just to let you know and share with all of you...I have registered to HALF IRONMAN SINGAPORE 2010 (March 21st), have a look!

Talk to you next post,

"XTB" Xavi.

PAREJAS/COUPLES...COMENTARIOS/COMMENTS?

(Spanish)

Un ejercicio que no deben dejar de practicar:
Hace algunos años, cuando todavía era soltero, joven, y bello, tuve una clase muy especial. Fui a ella con una chica llamada Norma, que en ese entonces era mi novia, y puedo asegurar que la lección que aprendimos ese día impacto muchísimo mi vida.
No recuerdo mucho del tema de la clase, pero lo que si recuerdo con mucha frecuencia es la dinámica que se realizo en ella. Para empezar,nos sentamos todos en círculo, y entre bromas, nos pidieron a Norma y a mí que nos sentáramos juntos.
La persona que daba la clase dijo entonces 'Supongamos que Juan Pablo y Norma se acaban de casar'. Ambos nos miramos con los ojos muy abiertos y tragamos saliva.La instructora continúa sin prestar mucha atención a nuestro desconcierto: 'Ellos han construido su hogar, establecido sus normas,y comienzan a ser muy felices.
Con el tiempo viene el primer hijo'. Llamaron a uno de los jóvenes y le pidieron que se sentara entre nosotros. 'Norma y Juan Pablo le dan la bienvenida a su hogar y le tratan con mucha ternura y cariño. Pero, como suelen ser las cosas, tienen entonces a otro hijo'.Pidieron a otro de los jóvenes que se sentara al lado de su 'hermano', entre nosotros.
La familia va creciendo, y tienen buenas normas. Los chicos se tratan con mucho cariño y los papás vigilan que no haya riñas entre ellos. Son muy buenos padres y literalmente dedican su vida a ellos'.
Norma y yo nos vimos en esa ocasión muy productivos,porque tuvimos unos tres o cuatro hijos más. En cada ocasión pidieron a alguno de los jóvenes o jovencitas que se sentaran en medio de nosotros para darles la bienvenida.
'El tiempo pasa', continúa la instructora, ' y llega el día en que los hijos hacen su propia vida. Primero, Julio se casa y forma su propio hogar. 'Dejara el hombre a su padre y a su madre'. Vamos, déjalos,Julio, ahí deja tu silla'. Julio, nuestro primer 'hijo', se levanta y ocupa su nuevo lugar.
'También Martita y Linda encuentran buenos partidos y se casan'. Las chicas se levantaron y dejaron su lugar. Así cada uno de nuestros hijos se fue 'casando' y dejando sus sillas vacías.
Cuando todos hubieron terminado de irse, la instructora hizo una pausa y luego dijo: 'Ahora miren la distancia que existe entre ellos'. Y callé nuevamente. Efectivamente, había entre nosotros una distancia enorme de sillas vacías. A mi me pareció kilométrica.
Me hice muchas preguntas entonces. ¿Que pudo haber causado ese hueco enorme? Como sileyera mi mente, la instructora respondió entonces algunas de las preguntas que me hacía. 'Juan Pablo y Norma han cometido un gran error, porque han permitido que sus hijos se interpongan entre ellos; y ahora que están de nuevo solos, si acaso, tendrán que empezar desde el principio'.
¿Que habíamos hecho mal?¿Acaso no nos habíamos dedicado con fervor a nuestros hijos?¿O era ese el centro mismo de la construcción de una familia?La instructora nos explicó el error de darlo todo por nuestros hijos.
Explicó Que la base del fundamento del hogar no son los hijos, sino la pareja y que esta debe permanecer unida contra viento y marea. De hecho, el mejor regalo que se puede dar a nuestros hijos es el hecho de saber que sus padres se aman y que permanecen unidos y ellos aprenden a amar en función de cómo aprenden que se aman sus padres.
Si los padres no salen juntos, no se siguen cortejando con frecuencia,no se hablan con 'tiernos acentos' y no se comunican entre ellos de manera frecuente y especial, es escasa la probabilidad de tener hijos espiritual y emocionalmente estables y, cuando ellos partan de casa, nos encontraremos incomunicados y encontraremos a nuestra pareja a una enorme distancia, sin saber del todo como recuperar lo que nuestro propio descuido ha dejado que se pierda con los años.
Y no es egoísmo; por el contrario, es un seguro de vida para ellos y para nosotros mismos; para garantizar la vida eterna. Primero la pareja. Son los hijos los que deberán acomodarse. La vida familiar tendrá que girar no en torno a ellos, sino en torno de los padres.
Los padres deben recordar que una relación de verdadero amor con su pareja es el mejor regalo que puede darles, y su principal prioridad, y su mayor herencia, y la forma de enseñarles a sus hijos a amar y de garantizar así su verdadera felicidad, temporal y eterna.
Ellos se escogieron primero, ellos dan la bienvenida como invitados a los hijos. Estoy aplicando esto con mi novia actual. Mi única novia, gloriosa, infinita y eterna. Mis hijos saben que tendrán una plática conmigo si faltan el respeto a su madre. Y mi esposa, mi novia, les recuerda que necesitamos espacios para platicar y estar juntos en ocasiones.
Encuentro que es mas fácil darlo todo por los hijos de esta forma, si uno sabe que el amor por la pareja está creciendo. Es la fuente de donde uno puede extraer todas las fuerzas.
LOS FRUTOS NO SE ALIMENTAN, SE ALIMENTA EL ARBOL. UN ARBOL FUERTE YSANO DA FRUTOS BUENOS.

(English)

An exercise that should not stop practice:

A few years ago when I was still single, young and beautiful, I had a very special class. I went there with a girl named Norma, who was then my girlfriend, and I can assure that the lesson learned that day impacted my life greatly. I do not remember much about the class, but what my memory is often as dynamic that comes back on there. To begin, we all sat in a circle, and jokingly asked us to Norma and me to sit down together. The person explaining the class said 'Suppose that John Paul and Norma have just gotten married. " Both looked at each other with eyes wide open and swallow saliva.The instructor continues without paying much attention to our bewilderment: 'They have built their home, set their standards and begin to be very happy. With time comes the first child '. They called one of the youths and asked her to sit between us. "Norma and John Paul welcome you home and treat him with great tenderness and affection. But, like most things, then have another child. "They asked another young to sit next to his 'brother' among us. The family is growing, and have good standards. The children are treated with love and dads watching that no quarrels among them. They are very good parents and literally devote their lives to them. " Norma and I were very productive at that time because we had three or four more children. Each time they asked some of the young or young women who sit among us to welcome them. 'Time passes', continues the instructor,' and the day comes that the children make their own life. First, Julio is married and formed their own home. 'Man leaves his father and his mother. Let, let, Julio, then leave your chair '. July, our first 'child', gets up and takes his new place. 'Martita and Linda are also good matches and get married'. The girls got up and left instead. Thus each of our children was 'married' and leaving their seats empty. When everyone had finished their leave, the instructor paused and then said: 'Now look at the gap between them. " And I was silent again. Indeed, there was an enormous distance between us empty seats. I thought it kilometric. I did a lot of questions then. What could have caused this huge gap? As if she was reading my mind, the instructor answered some questions then I did. 'John Paul and Norma have made a big mistake, because they have allowed their children to come between them, and now they are alone again, if ever, have to start from scratch'. What had I done wrong? Are not we had fervently dedicated to our children? Or was that the core of building a family? "The instructor explained the mistake to give all for our children. He explained that the foundation of the home base are not the children, but the couple and that it must stand united against all odds. In fact, the best gift you can give our children is the knowledge that their parents love and remain united and learn to love them according to how they learn to love their parents. If parents do not go together, there are still courting often do not speak for 'soft tone' and do not communicate with them frequently and special, there is little chance of having children spiritually and emotionally stable, and when they depart home, we will cut off our spouse and find a huge distance, not knowing quite how to recover what our own carelessness has left to be lost over the years. And it's not selfishness, by contrast, is a life insurance for them and ourselves to ensure eternal life. First the couple. They are the children who must be accommodated. Family life does not have to turn around them, but parents around. Parents should remember that a relationship of true love with your partner is the best gift you can give them, and their top priority, and his greatest legacy, and how to teach their children to love and to ensure their true happiness, temporal and eternal. They were chosen first, they are welcomed as guests to their children. I am using this with my current girlfriend. My one girlfriend, glorious, infinite and eternal. My kids know they will have a talk with me if you are disrespectful to her mother. And my wife, my girlfriend reminds them that we need space to talk and be together at times. I find it easier to give everything for the children in this way, if you know the love of the couple is growing. It is the source from which one can draw all forces. Fruits don't need to be feed , feed the tree. A strong and healthytree grows good fruit.

FIRST TRAINING POST DISNEY TRIATHLON!

Friends,

After one tough week in Japan with many tasks to cover...I just did today my first training today, 62K in Disney circuit together with Richards from Dragons, including, some sprints in our way to Hong Kong airport...I was feeling quite well.

I have started my training program for my next challenge HIM Singapore 2010 thru this website, where, you will be ale to check how my training is moving on...I have selected HIM Beginner Training Program, similar to the one used, for Disney Olympic Triathlon from the same website:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/index-weekly.asp?memberid=164932&year=&month=&day=

I will also try to upload my Garmin 310 XT training log on a daily basis...


Talk to you next post,

"XTB" Xavi.

MIGRAINE...NOT BEING ABLE TO RUN SALOMON 2 LANTAU PEAKS (20K)!

Friends,

Yesterday night a bad migraine attack me ...and destroyed for this morning to be able to run my first 20K trail mountain half marathon...and will need to wait for next one!!

http://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_headache/article.htm

I am very disappointed...and is when I am so sure about which must be our first priority HEALTH!!

Those migraines just happen to me once in a very while, last one, over 1.5 year...that is why I never have correct pills with me or are already expired...anyway, today I am feeling a little bit better and will try to bike tomorrow with Richard and other Dragon's mates in Disney area!

Talk to you next post,

"XTB" Xavi.

FINISHER (2H34´47´´) & DONATION (2,480 EUROS)

(Spanish version), you will find English version below.
http://www.hongkongitu.com/Olympic_Individual_Result.pdf

Amigos!

En primer lugar, daros las gracias a TODOS VOSOTROS, ya que, sin vuestro apoyo, ayuda y solidaridad nada de esto hubiese sido posible de alcanzar.

Me gustaría narraros brevemente mi primera experiencia en un Triatlón Olímpico…como auténtico principiante en la modalidad.

Sábado por la mañana, fui a reconocer el circuito y transiciones y de paso ver cómo los profesionales (competían 1 día antes) realizaban las mismas…me quedé impresionado a la velocidad que se bajan de las bicicletas…si intento copiarlo, me recogen en el suelo con unas cuantas rascadas!


El Mar estaba totalmente plano (y pensé que bién, ojala, se repita mañana!) y la transición de swim a bike no era de 1.5Km como el año anterior…este año de apenas 400 metros.
Así pues, estudiada la zona regresé a casa para empezar a centrarme en todo lo que me habían aconsejado sobretodo cuatro personas que se merecen como mínimo la mitad de mi resultado: Richard,Manuel, Fergus y Bikeman. Este último, por sus consejos y orientaciones a la hora de comprar la bicicleta…realmente funciona muy bién, aunque, no puedo comparar con otras ya que es la primera bicicleta de carretera que tengo en mi vida.Además, me acuerdo que me comentó el tema de iniciar mi hidratación el día anterior, así que, ni corto ni perezoso me tomé unas 5 o 6 botellas de agua con sales minerales….anyway, que me hidraté más que un elefante! Por otro lado Manuel, me explicó la teoría de las 3 C´s….(en castellano, claro) y que a la postre fueron perfectas en mi ¨estrategia de iniciante¨: nada con CALMA bicicleta con CABEZA y corre con C… (sorry, por los menores que puedan leerlo, pero, literalmente, fue su consejo y lo apliqué al 100%). Richard ha sido mi compañero de entrenamiento de bicicleta, mentor y consejero durante la progresión de mis entrenamientos, así como, introductor a varios Dragon members del Grupo. Fergus, amigo de Hong Kong, consiguió recaudar donaciones de sus amigos y conocidos en Hong Kong más de 20Kms y me acompañó en todo el proceso de entrenamiento, así como, en carreras, VTP y Above Challenge.
Así pues, la noche anterior al día D, tranquilo paseando con mis hijos, luego, descanso en casa, preparación de todo el equipamiento, así como, botellas rellenas de líquido mágico, geles y unas 3 bananas. No puedo dejar de comentar el perfecto masaje en la parte inferior lesionada de las piernas (Periostitis) de mi fisioterapeuta particular …Elaine y a dormir tempranito (por suerte me había despertado ¨otra vez¨a las 6.00 am) con lo cual a las 10.00pm ya estaba durmiendo hasta las 4.30 a.m. que me desperté totalmente descansado.

Al llegar a la zona de transiciones, nada especial, marcaje de número en mi brazo izquierdo, calcetines (2XU) compresivos para ayudar con mi lesión y muy concentrado, saludo a varios Dragon members, Fergus y, finalmente, Richard, que de golpe me pregunta: ¨Te pasa algo?¨ y al acto respondo: ¨No, porqué?¨ , porque, estás muy serio!!! jaja, entonces, le respondo…eso es buen signo: ¨Estoy concentrado al 100%!!!¨ y me viene un flash de mi época de regatista en la clase Optimist, ya que, era lo que todos me decían antes de ir al agua a navegar…y hasta un par de horas después no me desconcentraba!

Así, pues después de comerme 2 bananas, un gel de chocolate y menta (mmm) y no parar de beber bebida isotónica, me dirijo a la salida de natación…wow, vaya tela con las olitas y marejadilla!! Bueno, seré breve, pensé en la palabra de Manuel, CALMA, las olas iban un poco lateral pero a favor nuestro hasta dónde girábamos para el primer Km pero luego venían totalmente de cara…así que, reserve fuerzas para el final…resultado: 7º lugar de mi grupo en 27´47´´ para el 1.5Km.
Al salir, oigo tímidamente, como Elaine me grita ¨Vamos Xavi, muy bién!!¨ y el segundo grito, un poco más atrevido: ¨Venga vamos!!!!¨…me puso las pilas al 200%!! Hasta pasé a un par en la transición pero creo que eran del grupo anterior (40-44)…

Primera transición, coloco casco, gafas de sol, bike shoes y me hidrato con la botella de reserva…y empiezo a correr hasta dónde te dejan cabalgar a la bicicleta!

Una vez subido a la misma…noto como me siento con mucha energía y fuerza, así que decido no bajar de una media de 34 a 35Km/h…y así lo hago, al llegar al área descubierta en Tung Chung, me doy cuenta que hace mucho viento…pero nada tiro para adelante, sin hacer drafting, hasta que, finalmente me coloco detrás de dos que van rapidísimos pero mi alegría dura como mucho 5 minutos….hasta que me engancho a otro más rápido que yo también, en este caso mi alegría dura menos, quizás 2 minutos y, mira que, se permití hacer drafting…pero nada el resto me dediqué a concentrarme en mi ritmo, tomarme un gel a mitad del recorrido y pensar en el consejo de Manuel, CABEZA…resultado: 20º de mi grupo en 1h08´18´´…para 40Kms…mi record personal!

Llegada a la segunda transición y descabalgar de la bicicleta me costó un poquito, aunque, por ser la primera vez, salió todo bastante bién y rápido!

Finalmente, mi ¨talón de Aquiles¨, pero de nuevo me acordé en la palabrita de Manuel, C…, sin embargo, sabía que tenía que mantener mi ritmo a pesar de ver como me pasaban volando por mis lados otros competidores…y mi ritmo debía ser no más de 5´/Km para no quemarme y no menos de 6´/Km para no arrastrarme…Por suerte, tenía el apoyo de la Familia Cardinaal, Erik y su hija Emma, animándome y enviándome energía positiva en cada vuelta, así pues, …resultado: de los más lentos del grupo..en 53´26´´, pero, mejor de lo esperado!









La llegada a meta fue una explosión de emociones por varios motivos que os resumo un par de líneas más abajo, Elaine, Mar, Lucas, Erik y Emma, me estaban esperando en la misma línea de llegada para darme el último empujón!! Muchas gracias, me hizo muy feliz teneros junto a mi para compartir ese momento de extrema felicidad!!

Esta felicidad tiene que ver con la pregunta que nos hacen y nos hacemos los triatletas.

Porqué?



En primer lugar, los que me conocéis soy una persona de alcanzar y superar desafíos: ambos conseguidos, el solidario y el deportivo!

En segundo lugar, luchar y colaborar por un buenísima causa de poder ayudar en la lucha contra el cáncer infantil y, los que me conocéis, sabéis que desde siempre los peques son mi punto débil. Gracias Luisa, por darme la oportunidad de aportar nuestro ¨granito de arena¨ por un valor solidario de 2,480 Euros.


En tercer lugar, por lograr parte de mi objetivo de salud física y poder bajar de 100Kgs, ahora mismo estoy en 104Kgs, 11Kgs menos que hace tres meses.


En cuarto lugar, por el gran apoyo de mis amigos, compañeros de trabajo y familiares durantes los meses de entrenamiento, pero, en especial a mis hijos Mar y Lucas, por el tiempo robado y, por encima de todo, a Elaine, por creer en mis posibilidades, darme apoyo moral y también aguantar mis días raros y de silencio…de lo cansado que me encontraba por las preocupaciones laborales a las que les añadía el entrenamiento, aunque, este tiempo me servía como tiempo precioso para reflexionar y pensar en la toma de decisiones del día siguiente en los proyectos de mi día a día laboral.

En quinto y último lugar, pero, para mi el más importante, este resultado, este esfuerzo y esta entrega, los he llevado a cabo, para recordar a los que me dieron la vida: mis padres, en especial a mi amada madre, que nos dejó de forma trágica y súbita hace ya 2 años, 3 meses y 13 días, mientras estaba de vacaciones en Florencia con mi padre… y estoy convencido que esa fuerza increíble notada durante toda la carrera del Domingo era ella que me la enviaba y me hizo ¨volar como los ángeles¨! Papá, tanto, Elaine, Mar, Lucas y yo mismo te amamos y siempre te cuidaremos…así pues, estamos encantados con la noticia de que vas a pasar las Navidades con nosotros en Hong Kong!!

No quiero finalizar este ¨breve¨relato sin antes anunciaros mi próximo reto el cual voy a empezar a entrenar desde el Lunes próximo…Half Ironman Singapore 21 de Marzo de 2010!

Por último, haber ganado un Mundial de la clase Optimist cuando tenía 15 años me hizo muchísima ilusión, pero, la felicidad y alegría obtenida al finalizar con este resultado mi primera triatlón realmente es incomparable!

Muchas gracias por vuestro apoyo y no me cansaré de repetirlo sin vosotros nada de esto hubiera sido posible!

Gracias!

¨XTB¨ Xavi.

(English version)



Friends!

First, to thank you all, because without your support, help and solidarity none of this was possible to achieve. I would like to briefly recount my first experience in an Olympic Triathlon ... as real beginner in this modality.

Saturday morning, I went to recognize the circuit and step transitions and see how the professionals (competing 1 day before) were doing it ... I was impressed at the speed that they get off the bike ... if I try to copy it, I found in the soil with a few scratches. The sea was completely flat (and I thought, well, hopefully, will repeat tomorrow!) and the transition from swim to bike 1.5Km was not like last year ... this year just 400 meters.


Therefore after analyzed the area I returned home to begin to focus on everything that I had been advised by four friend and they deserve at least half of my result: Richard, Manuel , Fergus and Bikeman. The latter, for his advice and guidance when buying a bicycle ... it really works very well, although I can not compare with others, because, this is my first road bike, I ever had in my life.Also, I remember that he explained me that I should begin full hydration the day before, so neither short nor lazy, I took about 5 or 6 bottles of isotonic water.... anyway, I hydrated myself more than an elephant!

Manuel explained the theory of the 3 C's .... (in Spanish, of course) and that in the end were perfect in my beginner strategy ¨ ¨: swim CALM, bike FOCUS (CABEZA in Spanish) and run with C... (sorry for children who can read it, but literally was his advice and applied it to 100%, I can not translated to English but you might understand). Richard has been my bicycle training partner, mentor and advisor during the progression of my training, as well as introducer of several Dragon members of the group. Fergus has accomplished to collect donations for more than 20 Kms last days with his friends and has been following my preparation and running with me in some races, as VTP and Above Challenge.

So the night before D-day, quiet walk with my children, then rest at home, preparing all the equipment, as well as magic bottles filled with isotonic liquid, gel and 3 bananas. I can not forget to comment about perfect massage received to the injured lower leg (periostitis) from my particular physical therapist ... Elaine and sleep very early (luckily, I was awake again at 6:00a.m.) and by 10.00pm I was sleeping until 4:30, when, I woke up totally refreshed.
Upon reaching the area of transitions, nothing special, marking number on my left arm, socks (2XU) compression to help with my injury and I was highly focus, greeting several Dragon members, Fergus and finally, Richard, who ask me the following question: ¨ Is something wrong?¨ I respond : ¨ No, why? ¨, because you're too serious! haha, then, I answered ... that's a good sign: ¨ I'm 200% focus!!!¨ and suddenly came a flash of my past time on races in Optimist class, and that was the question that everyone told me before going to water for sailing ... and even a couple of hours after, I was recovering my happy smile!
So after eating 2 bananas, a chocolate and mint gel (mmm) and not stopping drinking isotonic drinks, I head for the exit of swimming ... wow, very bad waves!
Well, I will be brief and stayed CALM, the waves were a little lateral but helping us for the first km but then came face entirely ... so, I thought, let´s reserve forces for the final 500 meters ... the result: 7th in my class in 27 ' 47''for 1.5Km.

Upon leaving, I hear timidly, as Elaine yells ¨ Well Xavi, really well! ¨ and the second scream, a little more daring: ¨ Go Xavi, Go!!!!!¨ ... Their support charged my batteries to 200%!
So I advance a couple during the transition, but I think they were from the previous age group (40-44) ...
First transition, I wear the helmet, sunglasses, bike shoes and I hydrated from my reseerved bottle ... and start to run far to let you ride your bike! Once uploaded to the same ... I was feeling with lots of energy and strength, so I decide not to drop below an average of 34 to 35Km / h ... and I did until I reach the open area in Tung Chung, I realize that it was very windy ... but nothing shot forward, doing drafting, until finally I put myself behind two that are extremely fast but my happiness was at most for 5 minutes .... until I hooked another faster than me, too, in this one my joy lasts less, perhaps 2 minutes and, behold, drafting is allowed to do anything ... but the rest I spent my time concentrating on my pace, take a gel halfway through and consider the advice of Manuel, FOCUS ... result: 20 th in my group in 1h08'18''for 40kms ... ... my personal record!
Arrival at the second transition and dismount the bike cost me a little, although, being the first time, everything went pretty well and fast! Finally, my ¨Achilles heel ¨ stage, but again I remembered the little word de Manuel, C ..., however, I knew I had to keep my pace despite seeing as other competitors were flying by my side ... and my path should be no more than 5 '/ km for no burn and no less than 6' / Km for not crawling ... Luckily, I had Family Cardinaal, Erik and his daughter Emma, encouraging me and sending positive energy with every lap, so, ... result: of the slowest in the group .. 53'26''better than expected!

The Finish line was coming to an explosion of emotions for various reasons which I summarize a couple of lines down, Elaine Mar, Lucas, Erik and Emma, were waiting in the same finish line to give me the final push! Thank you very much, I was very happy to have near me to share that moment of extreme happiness!

This happiness has to do with the question we are asked and we also ask to ourselves, too. Why?

First, those who know me I am a person to achieve and overcome challenges: both achieved, the solidarity and the sportive!

Second, fight and work for a very good cause of helping in the fight against childhood cancer and those who know me know that the kids are always my weak point. Thanks Luisa, for giving me the opportunity to contribute ¨our grain of sand ¨ solidarity worth of 2,480 Euros.

Third, to achieve my goal of losing weight and be under 100Kgs, now I'm in 104Kgs, 11kgs less than three months.

Fourth, for the great support from my friends, colleagues and family during the months of training, but especially my children Mar and Lucas, for the time stolen and, above all, Elaine, for believing in my ability to give me moral support and also endure my days of silence ... rare and how tired I was by the concerns of work to which I added to the training, although this time served as precious time to reflect and think about the decision the following day in the many projects of my daily work.

Fifth and last, but for me the most important, this result, this effort and this installment, I have done, to remember those who gave me life: my parents, especially my beloved mother, who left us tragically and suddenly 2 years ago, 3 months and 13 days, while vacationing in Florence with my father ... and I am convinced that noticed incredible strength throughout the race on Sunday was sent by her and ¨I did fly like angels ¨ !

Dad, all Elaine Mar, Lucas, we love you and always will take care of you ... so we are delighted with the news that you're going to spend Christmas with us in Hong Kong!

I must not conclude this ¨brief ¨ narrative without prior announcing my next challenge which, I will start training from next Monday ... Half Ironman Singapore March 21st, 2010!

Last point, is that when I was 15 years old I won the Optimist World Championship and I was very happy, but, I can tell that my happiness after finishing my first triathlon with that result is not comparable at all!

Thank you very much for your support and I will never feel tired of repeating it without you none of this had been possible!

Thank you!

¨XTB¨ Xavi.

SECOND GOAL ACHIEVED: UNDER 3 HOURS!!

Friends,

We did it!!!!!!!!!!! I am extremely happy...I have finished under 3 hours, but, I still don't have final result, hopefully, tomorrow I will write a full blog!

Again, thanks to all of you for your extremely support, specially my lovely family (they have woke up at 6.00 am to check how his daddy was doing!!) and Erik and Emma, supporting on my tough run!!

Talk to you next post,

"XTB" Xavi.

INFINITY KILOMETER!!

Friends,

I am extremely pleased about solidarity showed by all of you...I don't have more Kms to donate to Caico Foundation, that is the reason, I have created "Infinity Km" and will post all names from more donators to that good cause!

Talk to you next post,

"XTB" Xavi.

P.S: I am starting to feel quite nervous!!