Racing Perspective

Finding a good place to Start I won't mention the name of the race, nor where it took place; but I was running as a bandit in this particular Marathon. Bandits are runners who train hard year round but for one reason or another are not able to enter the race. The start of the race at mile 1 was off limits because there were too many cops and race officials on guard. Instead, in order for me to get a good starting place, I had to run for 8 miles on a back road until mile marker 3 of the Marathon.

My training partner Zouheir and I spend a lot time together. For years, we have traveled, trained and raced all over the country. For him, racing is not only something he does for himself; it is also a way to be a role model for his two girls Leila  and Zina. In almost every race he crosses the finish line with them. He is a wonderful and caring father. I truley believe that triathlon has given him the energy and inspiration neccessary to give his family a healthy and positive life. Since family is a key focus for him and many triathletes, the Walt Disney Half IRONMAN was a great destination race. Because I was there with him, I offered to take on some parenting duties to help him out. Pre-race was always hectic one way or another; so when Zouheir was busy tending to his bike or equipment, I would take care of the girls. Then, when it came time to eat we would take turns so that the little one always had attention.

Continued from Broken Callar Bone, Part I Race Day It was 4:30 AM. Time to wake up and prepare for the race. It was still dark out, the AC was pumping and my internal alarm clock was sounding. Like any race morning I never need an alarm clock. I laid awake as I began to mentally prepare myself for the day. Racing through my head were loud thoughts of fear, doubt and uncertainty. Because of a previous injury, where I had broken my collar bone, I was worried that I may not be fully healed or strong enough to get through the race. I was trying to quiet my mind and remain calm despite my stressful state. The injury happened just as I began to feel a shift in my strength and stamina during training. Unfortunately this was a huge set back for me. The doctor warned me that I would definitely be taking a risk by doing this race and that I may not be strong enough to control the bike a high speeds. I had an ongoing dialogue in my head for days. Was I crazy for doing this? What...

Escape from Alcatraz Race Report Escape from Alcatraz is one of the most challenging Triathlon of its kind. 1.5 Mile Swim from Alcatraz Island in the icy cold San Francisco Bay said to have sharks. 18 mile bike in hilly San Francisco then a bone crushing 8 mile hilly run. Credit: Photos by David Paul Morris / Special to The Chronicle To have a top finish in this Triathlon is a great accomplishment compared to finding your self in the finals of an Olympic event due to large number of top professionals and talented amateur athletes selected to compete in this race. I was very lucky to have won a lottery spot by successfully completing a race on the East Coast months ago.  I am very grateful to have been apart of this unique and challenging race. Special thanks to my friend and Coach/Mentor Wes Hobson who has won this race a few times. He is great athlete, coach and good friend -- his voice was in my head the entire time I was racing.

It was 3 PM after school and we were on a bus on our way to an indoor track and field meet. I didn't have any music to listen to and was trying to relax. I was going through my rituals, massaging and stretching my legs. I was extremely nervous and hadn't slept much the night before. Along with the nerves, I was excited too. I had my teammates, my brothers in arms, suffering along with me.

Usual training day we were heading out for a very long bike ride from New York into New Jersey to upstate New York. I was feeling good and ready to hammer on the ride. After riding for a number of miles it was time to ride some hills, hard steep hills. As we were descending I looked at my friend Reggie and said I hate going down hills. At that very moment my front tire popped and I want down HARD, I couldn't get up my shoulder felt like jello. Needless to say I was supremely pissed off, after the anger passed which it did quickly the pain took over, pain like I never felt before. I was taken to nearest emergency room, I go to the emergency room like people go to out for fancy dinners. Nothing less than life threatening for me please. No doctor I don't have the bends today I think I have a few broken bones again.