THE TIME IS NOW!

“Wow!” is all I can say to best describe this month as it has by far been such a nice and eventful one.  

Aside from other significant improvements, my brother graduated from High School and my life has certainly changed for the better.  

But first, let me begin by congratulating my boy Alejandro Ruiz who recently naturalized and is now a U.S. Citizen.  He has been with Team Cook for about four months, after being at Oklahoma State University.   Alex was born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. when he was 3.  He was raised in a small town, Elgin, TX, located right outside of Austin; never in his life did he think he would one day become a collegiate runner and now a professional Athlete.  Alex is a wonderful friend, and I am very proud of all his accomplishments.   Seeing him go through the naturalization process, realizing how dedicated and excited he was to have the honor to pledge to serve to this country makes me proud.  It reminded me of when I myself went through the same process back in December 2004.    This man is great person, carries himself with great integrity, honesty, and has an incredible work ethic.  I wish him the best and hope to see his progress within the next few months and even leading into the Olympics in the next couple years.  Alex is a wonderful friend, and now that Lady Gaga has released her new now-so-famous and catchy “Ale, Ale, Alejandro…” song, the team has now found a new way to give him a hard time…

On another note, my little brother Jesus Manzano graduated from High School.  He is the youngest and now on his way to college.   It’s really amazing how time flies, but it is indeed a fact of life that we must all grow up.  I guess in some aspects we must all enter a ca-coon stage in life and come out like butterflies. This guy is definitely ready to fly. I also wish him the best. And I know he will make me proud.

But as I now sit on my couch typing and feeling a bit nostalgic, I look back to my 6^th grade year when I first started running competitively.   Then, it all goes even further into my early years in Mexico.  I clearly recall living in a rural village as a toddler .  I would often hang out with my grandfather and race him.  We would compete and I would always try to beat him, though the only time this happened when he broke his leg.   Haha.  These were my early years, the beginning.   Saturday I will compete against the world.   I’m not frightened at all, I am excited and I feel ready, ready for what lies ahead. 

The competition will be held in New York, and though I will never promise anything, I do hope you join me and follow my races, and enjoy a great performance.  As always, I am forever thankful for your prayers and support.  

Until Next Time,

Leo