DON'T BE SHY...THANKS FOR READING!

NEXT TARGET...

NEXT ONE IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS... MIKEL AND PAU LET´S GO!!

Feb 28, 2010

HALF MARATHON HONG KONG...ITBS

Friends,
Today, I have run my third half marathon...with still some pain on my right knee to test, if I could run HM in 21 days on my Ironman 70.3 Singapore...

Quick race report...until Km-6, again very nice running sensations, but just after that one, my knee started heating and hurting a lot for next 15kms...yes, I did finish the half marathon, I believe in 1h56' or something similar, as I reduced more than 1'30'' my pace...I will update with official results as soon as they publish those.


"Where is the limit?"  Today, I found it at least for my right knee, I will need to rest without running for at least 2 to 3 weeks and keep going with my stretching, ice, physiotherapist visits and, I still can swim and train my core strength.

Finally, I have decided and communicated to Singapore Ironman 70.3 organization that I withdraw from this race...I have different feelings and thinking, very unhappy and unsatisfied for not reaching my second goal and  being forced to delay it, but, I really believe, if I will someday during this year to participate in a 70.3 Ironman race, where, I will be 100% ready for it and without serious injury!

Btw, I have decided to change my blog quote...and I will use at least for March's month..."Timely withdrawal is a victory." Napoleon Bonaparte.



Talk to you very soon! and will update about my ITBS right knee injury recovery process...I hope not too long one!

"XTB" Xavi.

Feb 24, 2010

NO HAY MAL QUE POR BIEN NO VENGA...

Friends,

In English, that Spanish quote means: "There is no misfortune that it doesn't come because of good"...let me quick explain.


Due to my ITBS injury, I could not run on Tai Tam Long Distance Aquathlon, 2 K swim and 14 K run...I tried until last night at home to test my running i the treadmill...without good result after 2 K my ITBS was heating too much...but, then, I decided to do at least Ocean Swim 2K which my time of 32'37'' in open water and with my new Orca wetsuit gave me first position in my Age Group!! totally unexpected...and I finished overall 17th out of 159 triathletes on the swim split...after finishing it and looking at the other guys how they were wearing their running shoes and starting to run...I just wanted to run...but could not!
I attach results:

TAI TAM LONG DISTANCE AQUATHON
Results
Name                       Race/Category   Bib   No.Overall
Xavier Garcia Male  Swim 30-39       138         4 
                                                                                           
Place Category Time Swim   Swim Rank
          1                00:32:37         1



Anyway, this Sunday I will try my third Half Marathon ever...and try first to finish it and if possible under 1h 55'...due to my ITBS.

Talk to you very soon,

"XTB" Xavi.

Feb 18, 2010

OLDEST IN MY AGE GROUP AND STILL ITBS INJURED...HIM SINGAPORE?!?!?

Friends,

Today is my birthday...I will really try to enjoy my last 30's year and follow "Carpe Diem" leit-motiv!!!

My first and last running training after 17 days rest of running, that is what happened....very good sensations for my second serie x 12' running...but getting into 9th minute....my knee said: "Stop now!! Please!!" and I behaved...until that moment average pace of 4'10''/km and very good sensations!
Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Aberdeen Field track 12' x 3 serie 2...injury killed me after 9' running!

Btw, I have measured my rest heart beat rate...and the result is 40...wow!! I was under shock for several minutes...and my wife, too!! haha

Now, I have my clear training zones defined...using data from last weeks:
http://www.calculatenow.biz/sciences/heart.php?rhr=40&mhr=184&submit=Calculate+Zo#zones

Finally, I attach two pictures from my last and first ever Half Marathon Moutnain: KOTH Hong Kong Island, where last 5Kms, I started limping due to my ITBS...

Starting:

after 20Kms mountain running...finish line:


Talk to you very soon!

"XTB" Xavi.

Feb 14, 2010

ST.BALDRICKS:CANCER CHILDHOOD HKIS EVENT APRIL 22ND!

Friends,

As you know, I am trying to support and help, CANCER CHILDHOOD foundations and events, using my sport challenges...and this time, I found a nice rainsing funds event for St. Baldricks Foundation, in Hong Kong, on April 22nd in my daughter's school HKIS.



I have created my team to raise funds by this date and you can just click any of both links below to donate any $ you wish to support that great cause!


Event link:
http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/66167
or
Participant page:
http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/participantid/375310

What better that for "St. Valentine's" day to show love to anonymous children suffering cancer and donate a gift to them...I did it!

To all of my followers, friends and anonymous readers, please, have a reading at St. Baldricks website and learn a little bit more all efforts that are pursued to find a cure to cancer childhood!

Talk to you soon...and Happy Valentine's day!

"XTB" Xavi.

Feb 10, 2010

ITBS, VO2MAX, CANCER CHILDHOOD...AND 100 POSTS!

Friends,

Let me go topic by topic:

1. ITBS, yesterday, I went to check my injury and received my first ultrasound massage but physiotherapist did not tell me estimated time to be recovered....but, will try my best to get recovered asap and be ready fro HIM Singapore 2010! He suggested me to train lots of swimming and core strength while my injury is not yet recovered...to keep fit for my second challenge!

Btw, out of top 5 running injuries, I got already two of them (ITBS and Shin splints...may be my weight is still not helping too much!!)....let's cross fingers to stop that trend asap!



Check-out this article out:http://www.time-to-run.com/injuries/thebig5/index.htm


Btw, today I have bought my first swimming wetsuit, Orca Sonar...commnents about it from some follower or triathletes will be more than welcome!...I am counting the hours to get into Hong Kong frozen water tonight!



2. VO2 Max and Body fat scan...I attach summary of both tests for your review, but, still 24% of my body weight is fat...I don´t want to imagine when I was 115Kgs 8 months ago (13Kgs more than today...)

VO2 Max SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Ambient Data:
Height (m)
1.92
Weight (kg)
103.1
BIA Scales (body fat %)
17.9%
Temperature (°C)
21
Pressure (mmHg)
763
Humidity (%)
61%
Test Results:
Aerobic Threshold (beats/min)
156
Lactate Threshold (beats/min)
164
Maximum Heart Rate (beats/min)
184
Blood Lactate at Maximum (mmol/L)
8.8
Speed at Maximum (km/h +gradient)
18 km/h @ 1%
VO2 max (L/min)
4.94
VO2 max (ml/kg/min)
47.9
Maximum Ventilation (L/min)
156.5


Body DXA Results Summary:
Region BMC Fat Lean Lean+BMC Total Mass % Fat
(g) (g) (g) (g) (g)
L Arm 298.29 1173.5 4254.4 4552.7 5726.2 20.5
R Arm 301.52 1189.7 4257.6 4559.1 5748.8 20.7
Trunk 1006.79 12929.1 35887.0 36893.8 49822.9 26.0
L Leg 718.91 3976.6 12757.7 13476.6 17453.2 22.8
R Leg 695.08 3973.7 12018.6 12713.7 16687.3 23.8
Subtotal 3020.59 23242.7 69175.2 72195.8 95438.5 24.4
Head 726.01 1087.1 3710.1 4436.1 5523.2 19.7
Total 3746.60 24329.8 72885.3 76631.9 100961.7 24.1
Sub-
Region
BMC Fat Lean Lean+BMC Total Mass % Fat
(g) (g) (g) (g) (g)
R1 63.64 1795.4 5001.9 5065.5 6860.9 26.2
Net 63.64 1795.4 5001.9 5065.5 6860.9 26.2
TBAR1209

Still a long way to improve!!


3. Cancer Childhood Organizations...just 250Euros raised year to date, (after 2,500 Euros raised on my first challenge), looks a poor result...but, I know we are in full "economic downturn"...that is why, from now until March 21st, any amount above 5 Euros can be donated to Fundación Caico (Spain) and Children´s Cancer Foundation (Hong Kong) and will go to Km-0, of course, if you want to buy 1Km for 50 Euros, the kids will appreciate very much your kindness!! Look at the right side of my blogsite: ¨HOW TO DONATE 1 KM?¨and just click to one of both organizations...you can donate any amount using VISA card secure process or bank transfer.



Btw, there is another event for St. Baldricks in Hong Kong and in other places in the World...and yes I am going to shave my head, too!

Have a look!

http://www.stbaldricks.org/event at HKIS middle school on April 22nd and in toher places of the World to raise funds for this NGO Cancer Childhood.

4, Finally, I have just realized that I have achieved 100 posts...not bad for just 9 months triathlon adventures but of course more to come to keep at least entertaining my 55 followers by now!
Now, is time to rest my right knee due to ITBS...



...to avoid a DNF in HIM Singapore 2010!!

Talk to you in my next post and enjoy the training!

¨XTB¨ Xavi.

Feb 8, 2010

HIM SINGAPORE PARTICIPATION...ON RISK!

Friends,

Very bad news...it looks like my knee injury is ITB (Ilitiobial Band Syndrome) and tomorrow after my first physiotherapist visit I will have more info about my chances to be ready by March 21st for my second challenge HIM Singapore 2010.

To know more about this injury, I attach a good article:
http://www.time-to-run.com/injuries/thebig5/itb.htm

I am very frustated...but will keep my fingers crossed until tomorrow, and will update you about any new!
Talk to you next post!

"XTB" Xavi.

Feb 7, 2010

KOTH & WINTER WARRIORS DRAGONS HONG KONG

Friends,

Last Sunday January 31st, KOTH, King of the Hills, for me best race and interesting running Half Mountain race ever in my life, of course, is my first one,haha...but the view of Hong Kong from the top of the mountains, specially, Mt. Butler...wow, amazing!



Start...with my Barca running T-shirt!!



Well placed first meters...but no stress!! haha



From Mt. Butler...

View from Mt. Butler, the trail started on the beach at the top left of the frame


Upper Tai Tam reservoir...
Upper Tai Tam Reservoir
Tropical stream...Hong Kong South Island Mountain...
Tropical Stream
Hong Kong country side...
Hong Kong Countryside
Lower Tai Tam reservoir...
Lower Tai Tam Reservoir
but...Hong Kong with a small pollution issue!
Hong Kong has a small pollution problem

But also my worst running experience during this race, as my right knee said "no more" after 13kms...and could not get downhill...I just walked those last 6Kms and limped all the way down till Repulse Bay beach...with a lot of pain.


Result was quite good and satisfactory until Km 13th...but due to bike overtraining the day before (100Kms bike on Saturday, where my righ knee started to bother me last 5Kms...) and running for a guy like me not used to long distances has forced me to take last full week to rest.
http://www.seyonasia.com/previous/hk0910splits.htm

Anyway, "Show must go on!"

Yesterday morning, I tried to participate despite of my still injured right knee in the first Winter Warrior Sprint Triathlon training session...and after swimming 750mts not too fast and quite cold weather (my sailing short wetsuit did not help me too much)...and finishing my first bike loop 4Kms on 5th position out of 22, I was forced to stop due to "killing pain" on my right knee again.

During this week, I will visit a sport physiotherapist, suggested by Mike, who treats that kind of injuries for many local triathletes. Let's see, if I can restart again my training, as I just have 42 days until my first HIM!!

Talk to you soon in my next post...and I apologize for so long time without any post but I have been very busy lately.

"XTB" Xavi.

Jan 22, 2010

MY FIRST HALF MARATHON...1H53'46''

Friends,

Let me give you a little bit of background about my first half marathon last Sunday January 17th:

Before the race:
1. Landed on Saturday morning from Philadelphia...18hours flight.
2. No sleep due to jet lag, I saw 2.00 am, 3.00 am, 4.00 am and 5.30 am I "woke up" to go to my first half marathon
3. Week before quite busy during my week stay in Philadelphia...and just 2 days training!
4. Toe nail right foot very injured...today is totally black!!

During the race:
5. First 2 Kms 5 to 10% uphill,
6. Late start...then zigzag during 1.5 Kms to get some space to run free
7. Too fast first 10K: 47', destroyed after Km-13 and survived next Kms...walk-run a lot!

After the race:
8. Exhausted, but, "quite happy overall" but unsure about my heart average beat ...very high!! I don't really know, if my max. is correct, 182 ...next week, I will do a VO2 max and acid lactate test.

Learnt lesson:
9. Focus on %Max run for next one,
10. Rest better and keep training hard...specially my running for my second challenge in 57 days: HIM Singapore 2010!

I attach my garmin connect for you to follow my race:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/22526019

and the results...overall 351, 72 HM35...
http://www.avohk.org/media/fck/File/ccm2010/ccm2010-avohk-half%20marathon-fullset-results.pdf

Btw, have a look at this video about that interesting challenge about new and old bike technologies:
http://www.daniel-markwalder.ch/webneu/anoceanofsky/index.html


Talk to you next post (which will be just about my next event/race, as I am very busy training, work, family and following 5 rules on my old post)!

"XTB" Xavi.

Jan 13, 2010

TIME FLIES...& SOCIAL FREEDOM!

Friends,

Sorry, for so few update on my blog lately...as during this week, I have been working in Philadelphia, btw, I attach picture taken just after landing and taking the cab (-9 Celsius degrees).
Time flies...yes, just 64 days pending for my second challenge...my first HIM...and 2 or 3 weeks work travel planned before that date, which will make my training quite more tough...but, will keep trying my best to finally achieve a good result
During my flight from Hong Kong to New York, I have seen "Into the wild" (as per Manuel, comments on his website it looked an interesting story (http://www.ironmancaico.com/) this is a book to read, I just did on the other sense....first the movie, then, will do the book!)!!


Very good movie...and of course, great story about another guy looking for Nature and Social Freedom: Chris Mc Candless. Have a look at the story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_the_Wild

That fact made me immediately think about another fiction character: Lisbeth Salander an asocial punk who has been victimized by authorities throughout her life who looks for social freedom on her own way...(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Girl_with_the_Dragon_Tattoo) and I suggest the reading fo all three books called Millenium the Trilogy!

And finally, don't ask me why, but, I thought about Forrest Gump story! Great movie about love-life story...btw, Do you know why Forrest started running? and why he stopped? (please, answer using comments tool below! ...I am interested to check your answers.Thanks!)
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forrest_Gump)


Friends....one suggestion, let's enjoy life without limits: "Where is the limit?" and "Carpe Diem!"

"XTB" Xavi.


Jan 6, 2010

TRI TRAINING : 5 RULES TO AVOID DIVORCE...

Friends,

I got that interesting article from one Spanish Ironman-blogger called TalĆ­n (with more than 41 Ironman already finished!!)...just amazing!

Spanish version:
http://talinbrezmes.blogspot.com/2010/01/cinco-reglas-anti-divorcio.html

English version:

Everyone has heard horrifying stories of triathletes who have a triathlon-training program that includes swimming, cycling, running and gym visits during the week with a full-time demanding job and rigorous routine of everyday life.

Everyone has heard of these same triathletes who will one day wake up and find that the same triathlon training program have been left them without family, with very few friends and a disaster job, but with a lot of muscles and well good looking.


Are you afraid that this could happen to you?

Whether you are an Ironman triathlete or a total beginner, you may find yourself absorbed in a vicious vortex of triathlon training program, which result in very serious implications towards social and family.

But NO FEAR - you can trust and follow these 5 rules of “Rock Star Triathlete Academy“ to conduct a successful triathlon training program without actually having to divorce. ¨

Rule No. 1: The biomechanical superiority and efficiency is more important than family. If you go jogging with your spouse meaning that you are going slower, so overforce in every stride running technique and increase your vertical distance from the ground. You will experience a greater cardiovascular stimulation, you will have a greater mechanical efficiency - allowing you to work hard during the slower execution. Yes, you're running more slowly - but you're running with your spouse. The same goes for baby strollers, if you're pushing it or you take it in tow behind the bike. There is no rule stating that all training sessions must be perfect or distractions.

Rule No. 2: You can get fit in the living room while you are supervising the children . Even if you can not do in the pool, the training program may include a warming up in the form of playing with children: the hideandseek, the runs that got caught, some abs in between, fighting / dancing squatting ... all this can give some of that impact cardio and strength.


Rule # 3: There is no magical difference between 50 minutes and 60 minutes. That is this: if you get home from running 10 minutes earlier than preview, and therefore it allows you to be showered and sitting at the dinner table, you will not destroy the training program you put that you should run 1 hour. Aerobic adaptations begin to set after just 20 minutes, and really not going to get significant physical adaptations by putting 10 'over race. You just have to mentally overcome your fear by not having run a "perfect time". Calm is good. After a few repetitions, the new range of time would feel normal.


Rule No. 4: Communicating with your partner before going for longer training sessions. Especially when you make a long journey. If your training weekend includes a long run of 2 hours walk or bike 5 hours or half a morning swim followed by meetings of weights, warn your partner in advance. And NOT when you tour of bed and get up in the morning. Give them five to six days in advance, so they know they will have part time weekend long training dedicated to. Trust me - your spouse will thank you for your honesty and sincerity in alert, but may then you owe a quiet night of cuddles on the couch or a dinner by candlelight.


Rule No. 5: Do not think like a professional triathlete, unless you are. If sport is your profession, then your training program is the one who will bring home the bread and chickpeas, and you can justify a training week, 25-35 hours. But do not kid yourself. If you are in the world of triathlon by passion, to keep fit, or to prove to yourself that you can complete the challenge, then everything is triathlon ... a hobby. And no matter how good or successful you are in your hobby, in the final scheme of things, when you're on your deathbed, or even when you're seventy years old with knees to dust, are you really going to matter be an Ironman in 11 hours or 11 hours and forty-five minutes?

Especially if your best friends and lover are on your side, holding you hand? Close your eyes and see if you can imagine that.

Need help? If you have a husband or wife, and you're trying to maintain a triathlon training program, the five rules above ensure that you succeed in your sport and your life a little easier to achieve.


That's all folks for now - stop reading now and go give a big wet kiss to that special person!


¨XTB¨Xavi.