Training is going very well. Yesterday, my body felt stronger during the workout.  The intensity of the workout was high but the rest was low which shows that all the training that I have been doing is finally paying off.

The objective during the first couple weeks of my training was to obtain aerobic strength so I worked on my base by doing longer intervals, tempo runs and longer runs.  Now, during the last stretch of my training phase prior to  the races (this week and the next two weeks that follow) , I will be fine tuning the body which means that I will start to incorporate much faster intervals while still working on the endurance aspect.  That way, I will avoid losing the strength and endurance that I have enhanced during the first two weeks.

In order to train well, it is also important to be able to eliminate outside distractions as much as possible in order to be mentally focused.   Therefore, mental focus has a significant impact in our ability to achieve our goals.  Before traveling to San Luis Potosi, I had been very distracted with financial concerns because of my lack of official sponsorship.  I was afraid that, if not careful, it would have a detrimental impact on my training.  Fortunately, my prayers were answered and I received so much encouragement from my supporters who stepped up to help.  Not only did they fund my training in SLP, but it was so much more than that - they gave me a reason to keep going despite the obstacles.  My supporters want me to continue in the sport, and I know I still have what it takes to keep going.  

Needless to say, I love the sport.  I want to put all my efforts to be the best I can be, acquire that sense of accomplishment, and why not, inspire and motivate others to follow their dreams.  

These past few days I have received many messages from parents (more than usual) sending me their well wishes and words of encouragement while thanking me for being a role model to their child(ren).  I don’t always have time to respond to every single message, but I do read them.  I am humbled to know that there are many children and young athletes who aspire to be like me.  Children and young athletes are our future and I hope that my small contributions to the sport help create new and better opportunities for future generations.   For that reason, I have a greater responsibility for ensuring that I hold myself to the highest ethical standards and give it my best.  

I am now getting ready to finish off my work here.  God permitting, I will be returning home next month and making my way to Boston to race the Men’s Mile at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on Saturday, February 8th!  For more info, visit http://www.nbindoorgrandprix.com/