Así soy

Wally Inc .Com

2010-10-29T17:16:00.002-05:00

New blog.

A bit more PRO.

Catch up with the times.

WALLYINC.COM

Team McAllen Sunday Ride

2010-08-25T08:32:00.001-05:00

Max numbers for our ride this past Sunday.

Bare Necessities

2010-08-25T08:25:00.002-05:00

In the bag: laptop, journal,camera.
In the phone: everything else.
And so starts another workday

...after a great Tuesday of course.

2010-08-20T20:58:00.006-05:00

Down the middle.

nocutout = PRO

Lucky.Amen.

2010-08-20T09:59:00.004-05:00

Our Golden Boy, Carlo, making our wicked colors on our Castelli kit famous

2010-08-19T08:26:00.000-05:00

Every Morning

Karma Police

2010-08-18T22:47:00.002-05:00

I searched high and low, through my camera and phone to find a picture that could accurately, even slightly, describe what these past months have been to me.

No such luck.

Every day seems to pass by just too quickly. Today's workday lasted 5 minutes. Seriously, it did. The shop is a break in the time space continuum because I can't get the day to seem like it lasts anywhere near the 9 hours that it should. I suppose that's a good thing, I know it is.

I find myself continuously trying to find the balance between good business owner, friend, boyfriend, son, grandson, nephew, cousin, neighbor, brother and teammate. I wish I could say I feel I'm doing a great job at all, while on most days I just feel I'm passing with a D, and not those exempt marks that I'd prefer.

So be it, that's all I can do. Work myself to the point of exhaustion and get to bed concentrating on the next day. Repeat.

My training is coming back into form slowly, but I constantly wonder what happened to this guy, or this one... how about him? The Me that could/would stay out all night and put in a hards day training the next day. Ride, ride, ride. Come sun, rain, snow or hail. Unstoppable. He's in here. Somewhere. He'll be back. Maybe just not as soon as I wish.

There are so many positives rolling out of my life these days, its hard to find cynicism in anything. Patience. Love. Trust. Event to the harshest of conditions and especially people.

Radiohead said it best...

Karma Police
I've given all I can
It's not enough
I've given all I can
But we're still on the payroll

This could be forever

2010-05-04T23:42:00.002-05:00

And as I walked the streets of Paris I thought of my small town and modest beginnings. Where has this past year gone? And more importantly, how did I end up half a world away when it seems like only yesterday I couldn't get anyone to give me or my business a second glance.

My trip to France was more than I could have ever expected. The people, the culture and especially the cycling was a dream come true. The trip now feels like it happened in the blink of an eye and all I'm left with are a few photographs and a kick-ass Cervelo cycling kit.

And I find myself getting back in shape little by little with my big event being CapTexTri. This was my favorite when I lived in Austin. I've been doing it since it was first held at the downtown venue and 20 years of age. The race always falls on my birthday weekend each year, and year after year I find that I have much to celebrate.

And I'm trying desperately to squeeze the training in my schedule to put in a somewhat "decent" performance. Seems I'm alway haunted by the for version of myself, when I was racing in college. Why can't I perform at that level anymore? Why can't I avg faster speeds. Why can't I swim nearly as efficiently? Why even bother asking "why" anymore.

My life is different, and yes, better in so many different ways now. The shop is keeping me extremely busy, launching like a rocket, and I'm doing my best job of hanging on as tight as possible. It takes time, everything takes time, I have plenty of that.

Hood Up

2010-01-12T22:22:00.007-06:00

It used to be about working on cars. Life was quite different before I started racing bicycles. I would stay out in the garage 'till 11 or 12 in the evening wrenching away. I didn't know when to call it quits. Actually... I did. It was when my mom or sister JoAnn would come out and start screaming at me.

But what is it about working on cars? Is it embedded in my DNA? Maybe it's innate. I saw my grandpa and my dad work on cars when I was a little boy. Even when I was a kid and my grandpa was driving around in the '57 Chevy with my Grandma as shotgun and me in the backseat, I could tell that he thought he was "cool" being seen in the car. Thinking back, he really was.

I used to think it was about going fast, but now that I'm older I'm seeing things a little different lately with the Buick. The car was more than horrendous when I got her. Sitting abandoned for who knows how many years. Covered in dust, rust and pity, but I saw so much more.

Today I rode my bike in the rain. It was refreshing. I came home and started on the Buick. The new, fresh coat of paint is perfect, a wicked, deep, oil-slick black and now (il)legal tint on all the windows that is just as dark. But the car has no gauges, or none that work anyway. I spent the afternoon searching and labeling wires all throughout the car.

And as I type the car is sitting hood up in the garage, wires still in shambles. And it's okay. What it comes down to is that I was able to completely lose myself and my worries about the training, the shop, my life in general for more than a few hours today.

2009-12-21T13:48:00.001-06:00

I instigate.
We both feel the ramifications the next morning.
A great weekend indeed.

2009-12-14T09:12:00.000-06:00

11.25 First Dates

2009-12-13T20:50:00.007-06:00

It's been an unforgettable year. Surely 2009 will be one for the books. Today I started thinking about who I started the year out with. She was nothing short of awesome. An all-star runner and a killer personality. We went out often, shared a lot of laughs and things went wrong in the matter of a couple of minutes one evening. Yes, things went very sour very fast. It wasn't something I believe was entirely my fault, but I apologized, forgiveness wasn't granted and I moved on. I finished up the year with another very cool person, this time a triathlete, but things went wrong again.

My year closes.

There has been a lot of ups and downs in between with other women, I went out more first dates (a few second, and an occasional third) but the fact remains that this was an awesome year. I met a lot of cool people. Most importantly, the shop went from being a room covered in dust to a fully operational bicycle shop carrying the best lines in the industry.

Got Cervelo? Got Zipp? Got Felt? Got Oakley? The finest handmade bicycles? Yes, Si, Si, Yes, Yes, thank you very much.

But it doesn't stop. This year I'm going to forget the dating scene and key my focus in on 2 things. The shop and racing. I still consider myself very fortunate to have finished Ironman Florida. It surely was a miracle. I was really prepared for nothing. Being "cabesudo" for once really paid off.

This year it's the Vuelta a Colombia, a multiple day stage race in South America that will be on my mind. A few friends have done the race and I felt honored to have been invited to travel and train with them this upcoming year.

There has been a squat rack sitting on our land for almost the past decade. It sat under a mesquite tree not doing a thing at all but collecting dust & rust, I never paid much attention to it. I've known forever that I have a cardio engine from hell, it's another one of my God-given-gifts. But it's power that I want now. Training with my SRM this past year has shown me what I'm capable of. My numbers have looked great, but I want more.

Isn't such always the case?

The bedroom I grew up in was converted to a weight room shortly after I moved in. I spend the better part of 9 hours last Tuesday sanding and painting the ginormous squat rack under that old tree. My dad welded custom brackets to hang the bar from and painted those red. The room looks totally different now, almost like a gym, the only hint of my old room is a hand-carved wooden airplane hanging from the ceiling that has been there since I was 8.

I started off with the bar, did a few reps. Threw on a plate, did a few more. Threw on a couple more plates and did a few more. Then I stopped. Is that really all I can do? I was shocked. My oh my, if I could do so "decent" this year with this type of strength, 2010 will rock.

Most importantly, this year I will never feel sorry for anyone ever again because I'm the one working and training my ass off.

Everything In It's Right Place

2009-12-08T22:35:00.004-06:00

I didn't choose the painter with the fanciest shop or the air tight paint booth. Far from it. I took my car out to a small house somewhat/almost out in the middle of no where. His paint both was essentially a shack. But I wasn't quick to judge.

I observed the way he observed my car. He ran his hand over the rear quarter panel, almost as if he was touching a soft fabric. He looked over the car the way I often do bicycles when they come into the shop. You could see his thoughts going array.

I dropped off the car the next morning.

This Tuesday was better than last, which was pretty decent. I went to dinner last night. Good food, great drinks, better company. A lot of laughs. I woke up this morning and the first thought through my mind was "I love you, Tuesday". I went for a short ride to try out my new ultra aggressive TT position.

It's fast. I can say that there have been many changes I've done the past decade, be it changing components, wheelsets, or even complete bikes that make me "feel" as if I'm going faster. We're always seeking for some marginal improvement. Do I think Conti tires roll the fastest in the straight line? I sure do. But it's all relative.

But this new position IS faster. I dropped the stem, as far down as it could go, and I used a combination of Zipp and Vision Tech parts to get the pads as close as possible on my Felt Devox aerobars. I rolled the aero extensions in to my fists touch as they lie on the shifters.

I have no desire to ever do more than 50 miles on this bike anymore. Ironman came and went, now it's 40k at most. I've traded Nice&Relaxed to Mean&Aggressive.

The aero position this morning felt razor-like. I couldn't feel any draft of air against my chest. My knees only slightly missing my elbows. I started using muscles in my legs that I never fired on my old set up.

Awesome.

The rest of the day I spent hanging out with Oakley as he watched me wash my car, and paint a squat rack I'm preparing for my weight room.

And so it is! My 1day weekend has come and gone and I'm ready for another week. I'm looking fwd to Christmas, doing more riding on both Annabelle and Lindsey as we get ourselves ready for next season. Stay tuned!

Just Another Tuesday

2009-12-01T23:27:00.001-06:00

A friend took this picture as I crossed the line. I was done, finished, and upset. Everything was supposed to be so much different for this race, better. And just as I was about to completely loose it, someone came up and gave me a huge hug. Everything, 15 hours of pain, erased and gone.

Now I'm back home. Back to the shop. Back to riding by myself on these rural roads. Back to my small little town and this big empty house. Back to my simple life. Things couldn't be better. The shop is almost past its first year, and I still feel very blessed every passing day as I unlock the doors in the morning.

A whole lot slowed down after Ironman, and I'm happy to say that I won't be participating in another long course tri for a long while to come. A roadie I have become, again. I'm waking up every morning and getting on my bike with a rediscovered passion.

No pressure, no expectations, just simply riding.

Another Tuesday has come and gone. I don't know what these days will bring. Sometimes I'm unexpectedly called into the shop to take care of business, but on most days I wish so much to stay in bed and watch movies. If I can squeeze in a short ride, great, if not, it's ok. It's about spending time at home and taking care of me and this place.

Today I really wanted to work on my motorcycle. It didn't happen. I saw a movie, went to grab lunch, and came back to watch another movie and fall right back asleep again. The fact that it's pouring rain outside didn't hurt matters much either. I slip into those pj's that I've had forever-and-a-day and crawl under that brown San Marcos blanket I've had forever and I sleep.

Sleep.

Not Broken

2009-10-09T22:49:00.011-05:00

It was a quiet this past week at work. Not slow, quiet. After realizing and finally admitting to myself that my ankle was broken, things calmed down a whole lot. Everything got quiet.

As the doctor reviewed my xray's with me, she just talked and talked as the whole world went mute. "This can't be, I'm in the best shape of my life." The drive home that evening was the longest I've ever had. You dedicate your life towards a goal, and something comes up. I didn't know what to do, maybe that was the case.

But I've been here before.

I broke the same ankle 2months before Ironman Lake Placid when I was 21. That was more than 7 years ago. I went into a slump. I disappeared. I wanted nothing to do with triathlon or cycling in general. I took me a long while to bounce back. I came back stronger, more disciplined. Then I started working at J&A's...I started learning how to sell bikes.

Things happen for a reason.

I learned a few tricks in Vegas about retail displays. I put them to use this week and they worked out well. My college jerseys that I had framed so long ago and had been sitting in my office, I finally put them up. That signed Andy Hampsten poster that was given to the shop, I put that up as well. I stayed out late when I should have been home early.

Where to from here.

Ironman is still on the agenda. I'm not going to let go. I'm going to keep on going. I won't stop, it's not me. I can't think of how many times when I was trying to get the shop together. Before I had a building, before I had a nickel to my name, before I had decided to move home again. All the decisions I made, tiny and large, the ones that unintentionally hurt me and especially others. I don't regret a single one.

A lot of things are going on.

I'm very blessed. The shop is growing. I'm fixing up the car of my dreams. I have the best swimming hole on earth. I'm spending time with my family. My clients at he shop are awesome. My friends are the best. I'm almost in peak physical condition. I think I may be talking with someone who might be the greatest.

Sleep is key.

I got home today. I picked up my room. I worked out. I finished and folded my laundry. I reread the shop newsletter to make sure I didn't make any mistakes that were too horrible while I was typing it half asleep. I made myself dinner. I packed clothes for my morning ride and for the island tomorrow evening.

We'll see where this whole adventure leads.

I'm looking forward to finishing this Ironman and a long winter on my road bike. WIll I return to tri's after this? I'm thinking not, but only time will tell.

i see so much more now

2009-09-18T21:01:00.002-05:00

Right about now I can think of a million other things I could be doing rather than blogging. I really need to update the shop blog, update the shop site, plan the shop triathlon, start working on the plans for my trip to IMFL, start packing for Vegas, do my laundry for Vegas, wash a few dishes, start researching parts for the Grand National, make plans to make myself a bed so I can get this mattress of the floor of my room, download music for my mp3 player, upload data from my SRM on details of the AustinTri. Lets start there. The AustinTri. I'm in better shape than I've ever been, or have been in a very long while. My biking is going very well. Too well? Maybe perhaps. I went in to the AustinTri with tons of swimming under my belt. I've been waking up and riding 400m down the road to my lake where I dive in still half asleep. I ride through the neighborhood on a Pink BMX wearing my desoto tri shorts, tennis shoes, and googles. I'm half asleep and I dive in to the lake, head first, always. Swim. Swim. Swim. I come home, wash the lake off of me and cook myself a mean breakfast consisting of 4-8 eggs. I hop in the Honda, and go to work. I love the drive to work. It gives me time to enjoy good music, my wonderful running car, and if necessary catch up on a few business or family calls since my phone has service. At&t service is quite miserable here at my house. I can't say that I mind. I think I like it. As a matter of fact I love it. I live by myself. My dad is my neighbor. My grandma passed away a couple of months ago. So we went from 3 to 2. We keep eachother company, get on eachother's nerves at times. But still, a team. When I left Austin I wondered how I'd manage to do without the hills for cycling. The trails for running. Barton Springs for swimming. But I found something so much better for me. I have a swimming hole 10 times the size of Barton Springs, not to mention 10 times warmer. I have endless amounts of land to run on. Land that has been in my family since before time. I enjoy running out on the farm with the cattle and horses so very much. And my cycling starts right outside my driveway. No stop lights. No traffic. No bullshit. Just riding. My bike is way ahead of schedule. I realized that real quick in the AustinTri, even after I hit that pothole and snapped my elbow rest in two. How?! I'm still not sure, didn't know I was even physically capable of pulling that hard on the aero extensions. The rest of the ride went well, even without aero position. I had a little bit of throw-up come up, but no vomit. That's how I knew I was going hard enough. I don't think you can consider it "vomit" unless it actually leaves your mouth. The run sucked. I'm a Nike guy. Better lessons learned now rather than in Florida. I got personalized plates for my Grand National. The car is finally legally mine. I hate those new texas plates, so I got the Bevo/UT plates. Go Texas. And they read "WAL E". I would like to have my Grand National painted and running in full speed by my bday next year. I'm looking for an engine. Need to pull that 6 out, need more power. Isn't such always the case? I try to work on it here and there when I have free time from the shop. The shop is busy. I love it. Everyday seems to pass by in 15 minutes, no exaggeration. I open up. I work on bikes. I make phone calls. Brandon comes in and works on bikes. My sister(s) bring me lunch. If I'm lucky I get to eat within 2 hours of it's arrival. Go go go. And then it's time to close shop. I usually come straight now now that I'm on strict training for Florida, but now I stop at my sis' house and visit baby Isabella, my future God Daughter, I love her more than life itself, and I'm going to spend the rest of my life showing it to her. She is quite tiny, fits on my forearm. She has a very light complexion, pinkish, and has very dark hair, black. The high point of my day is getting to hold her for a few minutes. I go happy. I get home in the evenings, and I make myself a small dinner. Usually something that's high in protein and I chug down a glass of Strawberry Nestle Quik and another of Strawberry Recoverite. That is my cocktail of choice. I promise it works wonders. I finish my day off watching movies. My TV sits high and mighty on the wall, but my mattress sits on the floor. I'm pretty sure I don't want a bed. I have new floors in my room. I think a mattress all by itself is just fine for now. All throughout college I had only a mattress on the floor, I think it's what I'm most comfortable on. It makes it easier to sleep. Sleep.

My New Front Wheel Design

2009-08-26T15:46:00.001-05:00

...for the AustinTri

"No More Fake Ones"

2009-08-22T17:15:00.002-05:00

I wanted a pair of Oakley's in high school so bad.

I can even describe how bad. But at over 100$ a pair I knew it was way out of my mom's budget. We weren't able to get me school clothes my senior year of HS. But it wasn't too big of a deal, when all your closest friends are just as poor, it's the norm.

There was always El Centro Mall. There used to be a small stand that used to sell imitation Oakley's. My mom and sis bought me a set and I took care of them as if they were gold.

When I was admitted into UT and started doing serious road and triathlon racing, I got myself a real set, M Frames. I told myself then and there I would never race or train with anything less. I still have my original set to this very day that I bought almost 10 years ago.

As the years went on I got myself a second set of M Frames (in burnt orange) and a set of Juliet's for casual wear. Not to mention a ton of "O" clothes. I've always dug the brand. Bringing the line into WB's was not only a huge step for the shop, but also a great personal accomplishment.

I called my mom last night and said, "Mom! I got a new pair of Oakleys!" She told me in a laughing voice, "No more fake ones!, I'm very proud of you!"

I can't even describe how nice it felt to put on my new set of Radars. And then I went to bed feeling like everything's right. A great feeling.

Now that I'm almost positive that no one is reading this...

2009-08-16T22:21:00.003-05:00

I couldn't have imagined that life would have become what it is to me today.

Today my buddy Frank dropped by the shop to pick up a few last minute things before his trip to run the Leadville 100. It was supposed to be my race too. I know he is going to do great, but it was also me who was going to run a 100 miles. I was going to earn myself that belt buckle. But my life was so different a year ago when I signed up for the race.

I was a substitute teacher, almost pennyless and broke. All I had were these big ideas and goals. I wanted to open up my own shop. I had tons of time to train, and then my ideas and goals took off like a rocket. The shop is 10x cooler than I could have ever imagined. It keeps me busy. Very busy. I don't have time for much or anyone outside. But it's ok and I do what I can, when I can.

I have the best group of friends. Although they're all a bit older and married, I learn much from them. They teach me about business, about patience, about training, & a bit about what being married is going to be like... someday.

This evening I went to swim at La Joya lake with my friends George, Cindy and Andy. This is not the usual lake I swim in, it's much larger, much deeper, and I was going to attempt a much longer distance that what I'm used to. I decided to use my wetsuit. I entered the water not knowing what to expect.

I rocketed through the water like a torpedo. What a difference than where I was at just 3 months ago. After we ate dinner and I got dropped off, I felt 10 years younger and more refreshed than I had in a very long time.

And the shop is doing great for itself. I continue to learn more each passing day and improve on myself. I couldn't have asked for better lines. Felt. SRM. Serotta, Cervelo, and now Oakley.Yes! OAKLEY!!! Not only does Wally's Bicycles have the ultimate lines in bikes but sunglasses as well.

I'll make the announcement public later this week.

Very excited. Very very thankful.

2009-06-29T20:37:00.002-05:00

After each loop I'll remove a stripe. When all 16 are gone, I'll have 200 miles under by belt.

Faster than a HED3

2009-06-28T21:25:00.006-05:00

I've been trying to give my room that modernistic look. It's a project that's developing slowly when I can squeeze the time in-between running the shop and training. The walls are fully painted, floors almost done, and the next small task was to install a ceiling fan.

The room still had the original fan that my parents had chosen over 20 years ago when the house was built. It was mostly white with gold trim... not quite my style.

I scavenged the internet for a "modern" looking fan. Everything, WAY too expensive. I went to Home Depot and Lowes, still nothing. Then I ran across this site. The Emerson had a polished steel body with matching blades that gave it the ultra clean lines I was looking for. Most importantly the price was right.

The shop has 6 industrial fans laid out throughout, and they push massive amounts of air in comparison to a regular fan and imo, just look much cooler! I had to ask for help from my Dad on this project, we had to use bits and pieces of old ceiling fans to get it to adapt, but with the aid of a drill press, hack saw, and vise, all worked out in the end.

I really dig the 3 blade design, kinda reminds me of a HED3.

Lets Run, Bike, Swim and be Merry

2009-06-27T20:42:00.007-05:00

It was about 7am when I realized I was went a little overboard hitting my snooze button. The race started in 1/2 an hour. My Ultra-distance Running friend Francisco was putting on a 5k in north McAllen which my mom had been training for with her guide dog Stanley. Proceeds from the event would benefit a local nonprofit blind organization.

I threw everything (which was prepacked last night) in my car and zipped off to McAllen. Knowing that the highway is usually free of cops on Saturday mornings from heavy patrols on Friday evening, 90 seemed like a decent speed.

I arrived quickly popping open my trunk and throwing on those old New Balance running flats trying to remember when the last time I did a serious running workout. It had been at least 4 months. The last time I went anaerobic on a run? Maybe 4 years ago.

Dropping a 20 on the registration table and scribbling my name I ran to the start line and we were on our way. The race was hard, painful, but I added only 2 mins to my previous 5k time of just a few tics below 17 minutes. I walked with my mom and her guide dog for the last and final lap. I was proud of myself, but 100x more proud of her. I was happy to walk across the finish line with her and Stanley-the-guide-dog.

Saturdays are mad chaos at the shop. I love it. New people, new mechanical problems, new (near) crashes, new stories. Go time. I was excited about finally being able to finish my build on my old Ti-Bike which had been going on the past 5 days whenever I had a few mins of down time.

I knew I would one day get serious about Ultra's again, and last weeks 153 mile ride was more than inspirational. I rode on a high for the rest of the week after that ride. Why did I ever quit doing long distance on my bike? Ijustdon'tknow.

I'm a cyclist, not a runner, not a swimmer. Maybe better put, I'm happiest on a bike. I'll squeeze in the occasional tri, 5k, or even Ironman, but it's about me and my ride. I purchased this bike as a 20 year old not knowing where it was going to take me. I had no idea to the endless road races, tri's, crashes, and stories we would create and endure together.

Raam. Raam. Raam.

Maybe not one day soon, but it'll happen. It's never too early to start training, and I promise it'll be just me and my Ti-Bike.

2009-06-26T21:35:00.001-05:00

tomorrow my blog will begin again for the last time

Now that's what you call a swimming pool!

2009-06-08T07:54:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Wheelin' & Dealin'

2009-05-26T20:43:00.003-05:00

Not a bad snap-shot, wish I would have had a performace to match. I have my work cutout for me this summer in prep for the Austin-Tri & Ironman Florida.

Fit done! Hanging out @ my old stompin' grounds, J&A's!

2009-05-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Oh Austin!

2009-05-24T00:16:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Fang & Annabel

2009-05-23T09:07:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

2009-05-18T21:21:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture of the shop's tent setup for Karie's Ride. Every event I try to up my game a little bit as far as putting up a nice display and being able to offer something to the riders. I use two 25lbs barbells to hold the tent down and keep it from flying away. I have a fold-out table which now holds my iPod radio and Park Tool Backpack as well. And of course I had to bring a custom Serotta and my awesome DA, Annabel, all dressed up with her new disk out to showcase as well.

All this stuff fit into my Civic as well... I REALLY need my shop truck to get out of the paint shop. Like yesterday.

I eat to train...

2009-05-18T08:42:00.000-05:00

...and train to eat
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Recoverite+BK

2009-05-17T09:58:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

2009-05-14T22:23:00.000-05:00

... sometimes I still have to pinch myself

The Gumps

2009-05-12T21:50:00.002-05:00

Having so many problems with my feet lately, I tried out almost two dozen shoes today at Foot Locker. These were by far the most cofortable. That Jenny was really on to something! and I was even able to but a pair in all black because they were so inexpensive.

Just Going

2009-05-12T21:24:00.002-05:00

I stopped in at my favorite home town eatery to sit down and eat a BBQ plate after my ride today. I like eating here. I can come in sunburned, caked in sweat, powdered with salt and enjoy a good home style cooked meal outside with a bunch of blue-collar workers.

But I always "seem" to run into someone I know. Most of the time it's people who I haven't given a thought to in over a decade, they usually end up looking completely different, just showing the smallest hints of what they use to be. I have no idea whether I look the same as I did 10 years ago, but I don't give it much thought when they usually turn their face away first.

Today though, I heard someone say, "That can't be Wally!" It was one of my good friends from Jr. High/High School/College who I would hang out with constantly. We talked and joked as if we had just seen each other yesterday. I gave him crap about his pink tie, and he had his fare share of insults too. We used to be inseparable, but we took very different paths. We're both doing well for ourselves him with a very decent job, wife & two kids.

And I think how easily that could have been me. It's crazy how life has it's little quirks and changes that really do work out best for us in the end.

Todays ride was great, I wouldn't quite say wonderful, but I am satisfied. Okay... I'm kinda lying, the numbers were great, best I've seen all year, I just have bigger expectations for myself.

Patience Grasshopper.

Patience.

At the doctor again

2009-05-12T14:28:00.001-05:00

Doc: What happened to your knees?
Me: The scars?
Doc: Yes
Me: I used to crash a lot on my bike
Doc: Ouch, sounds painful
Me: You have no idea...but I can tell you how/where each one came from!.. They're all from races and all have really good stories!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Alright baby, let's go for a "little" trip

2009-05-12T09:26:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Taking a late night cruise to the ranch to finish off my evening/ begin my weekend

2009-05-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

2009-05-10T21:04:00.003-05:00

Zero Gravity's sporting a "full deck" on the inside of my full steel Serotta. Now if that's not style I don't know what is. After waiting almost 5years to get a set of Zero-G's, I'm more than content.

2009-05-10T08:05:00.003-05:00

I was supposed to wake up earlier this morning. It just didn't happen.
I was supposed to close shop on time last night. I stayed late.
I was supposed to stay in Austin for another 10 years. I decided to move home.
I was supposed to become an engineer at UT. I learned to race bikes instead.
I was supposed to do my first Ironman at 2o. It happend at 22.
I was supposed to become a professional cyclist. I learned the business side instead.
I was supposed to stay happy forever... I'm still on track.

"One of these days when I get fast enough I'll sell a couple of cows and buy a Felt DA" -my buddy German visiting from Mexico

2009-05-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

BOOM BOOM POW!

2009-05-06T23:17:00.004-05:00

As nice as that new Dura-Ace 10spd crank looked, it's about function, not fashion.

Annabel & I are going to start rocking that SRM in the morn.

Annabel Dolores

2009-05-05T21:26:00.003-05:00

I remember the first day I laid eyes on her. It was a few years ago at a J&A New Years party that I first saw the DA. I was with my girlfriend at the time and I couldn't wait to show her the bike of my dreams. The very first DA in the country and it was sitting in front of me.

"I want it!" I told her.
"Well then you should get it"
"It costs about 7 grand"
...she stayed quiet for a second then said, "You should still get it."

It just became a realization this past month that Leadville might not be in my future with my feet acting so unhappy these days, a major disappointment that I can't even put into words. But I still had/have Ironman Florida.

A race that I was planning to "wing" all of a sudden became such a serious matter. I still have at least a dozen 26+ mile runs that I've accumulated since last October, but my cycling since has been seriously recreational.

No more.

Like a couple who meets briefly to later meet in life, we were meant to be together. Her name is Annabel Dolores and we are going to kill the field at Ironman Florida together.

"I try to run but see I'm not that fast. I think I'm first but surely finish last" -Kid Cudi

2009-05-05T11:16:00.001-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

just go...

2009-05-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

what it's about

2009-05-04T21:35:00.003-05:00

Pedal to Padre: Hanging with Rick & Joey

Decking out the Serotta fit cycle with a set of Record carbon cranks!

2009-04-17T09:59:00.000-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

2009-04-15T22:50:00.001-05:00

Testing this mobile blogger thing...

By far the coolest gift I've ever gotten

2009-04-15T22:46:00.002-05:00

2009-04-06T23:54:00.003-05:00

soverywickedfast,youhavenoidea

A Day in the Life of Me

2009-04-06T20:23:00.001-05:00

Just another Monday night at the shop.

Shopping

2009-04-02T22:42:00.004-05:00

I remember in high school when I used to have to go through the school year with only 2 pairs of jeans. Times were tough, we didn't have much money, but my mom was always great about helping us see the good in every situation we were ever in.

Now I walk into Joe Brand, one of the best upscale clothing stores in the nation and often walk out with Rock & Republic, Burberry, and Lacoste. No... no... I'll never forget those days of old beat-up Levi's, but it sure is great to have those skulls on my ass.

Run, Q, Run!

2009-04-01T23:08:00.001-05:00

Here's a picture of my nephew during his first running race this past weekend! Future Ironman Champion? Hell yeah!!!

2009-04-01T22:15:00.002-05:00

Serotta has been a line of bicycels that I have have admired for a some time now. Their racing heritage and choice to stay "Made in the USA" made them the top choice for the shop's custom line of bicycles.

I feel privileged to have studied fit under my past mentors; it's a part of the cycling industry that I've always had a strong interest in. So, when the opportunity presented itself to travel to upstate New York and study at the Serotta International Cycling Institute, I jumped at the chance. It would be another tool in my arson to help my clients get the most out of their cycling.

The town of Saratoga Springs presented me with a nice welcome. The air was cold and crisp and, being my first time on the East Coast, I went out to hang out with the locals. I just had to go out and experience all the life that the town had to offer.

The people were friendly and the streets were filled with smiles. I called it a night somewhat early knowing I had to get up for class early the next morning and meet all my wonderful classmates.

Class was from sun-up until sun-down for the next three days. It was intense yet very fun and energetic. Everyone in the class seemed to be soaking up everything the instructors had to share. There was plenty to learn and plenty of "hands-on" lessons as well. With so many people enrolled in the class it was easy to get a good feel for the different situations that clients may present us with when asking for a fit or if they're interested in purchasing a new custom or stock geometry bike.

One of the most interesting parts of the voyage out to Saratoga was the opportunity to visit the Serotta Factory where all their bikes are custom built "in house" from start to finish. It was amazing to walk through the factory and see everyone hard at work creating the bikes that end up on our showroom floors. It gave me a new sense of pride in the words "Made in the USA." I was also amazed by the number of 20+ year old frames that were sent there to get refurbished by their original owners! With owners keeping their bikes for that long, it's easy to see how Ben Serotta has distinguished himself as the premier frame-builder in the United States.

Over the years I have told customers an infinite number of times that "fit is dynamic" it is ever-changing as your needs are indefinitely variable as you continue to grow as a cyclist. My last evening at the Serotta International Fit Institute was spent working with one of my instructors, Paraic McGlynn, in finding my optimal position for my first custom bike. The physiological change I underwent in the next 4 hours as we found my optimal position on the fit cycle was by far one of my best experiences that I've ever had.

By the end of the fit I felt more relaxed and, most importantly, more powerful than I had ever felt on a bicycle in my short life. My very own custom Serotta will soon be on it's way!

Enough For Now

2009-03-14T21:35:00.002-05:00

WHEW! Where have I been? Seems like everywhere. This past month has by far been one of the best & most interesting in the history of me. I've never experienced such wonderful highs, lows, and found inspiration in the most wonderful places... and people. Pushing myself through needed sleep, exercise, and so much else that has unexpectedly come my way. With the shop opening, it's as if I'm replaying my life 5years ago with the opening of Jack & Adam's, but this time 'round it's me in the drivers seat. Keep in touch with this blog, I'll be updating regularly from this point on forward. Promise!

Yourself or someone like you.

2009-02-04T19:04:00.002-06:00

One of the best part of the day is when I lock the doors at 7pm and I catch a second wind. I get to turn the stereo up in the shop as loud as I want and I start on all the work that happens behind closed doors. The shop is taking off, rolling quite fast now actually, but I'm keeping up well. I will continue to blog from time to time as much as possible, but with the shop so busy, and training for Leadville (with a new kickass running partner) time is limited!

Not like it was, different, but better.

2009-02-02T23:26:00.004-06:00

I had a friend & his wife come over to hang out at the shop tonight. They kept me company while I wrenched away on bikes. We talked about everything, mostly bikes though. I started thinking back to when I was in college and riding for 4-5 hours almost on a daily basis. I think about what kind of shape I was in back then, they things I could do on a bike, my climbing, my accelerations, all so wicked.

It took me a long time to graduate from college because I did so much riding, but it's something I'll never regret, and I'll always see it as a very special time in my life. It was all about the bike, and even though it still is, it's so much different. It's about helping others find what I found on a bicycle, it's about the shop, running, my family, it's about... RAAM.

The shop had a really great opening weekend. I was somehow able to pull off an opening on Saturday through 4 consecutive days of staying here until 3or4 in the morning. And Saturday was a great day, I was more energized than I had been in a long time. It made everything, not just the week, but the years and the endless miles, races, and crashes that I've had since I started racing in college worthwhile.

The fun is just beginning.

2009-01-28T23:08:00.003-06:00

onelastshot

Precision

2009-01-28T09:05:00.004-06:00

Since moving back to The Valley, I've learned to perfect my wheel building skills. I just added a dial indicator to my Park truing stand with homemade welded aluminum base. Wheel building is seriously addictive.

"I'll Stay Forever!"

2009-01-28T08:31:00.005-06:00

Top 5 MP3's of the week.

1. Paramore - Crushcrushcrush
2. Pendulum - Propane Nightmares
3. 3Oh!3- Don't Trust me
4. Chairlift - Bruises
5. The Asteroids Galaxy - Around the Bend

Definitely... definitely good stuff.

2009-01-27T13:27:00.001-06:00

They do always compliment a headtube very well.

PR Phone Convo

2009-01-27T12:55:00.007-06:00

It's always the first phone coversation that can sometimes be awkward. But we talked for an hour and a half. We're having Sushi on Saturday evening.

Me? Sushi?! ... yeah

It's almost tomorrow,

2009-01-24T23:59:00.003-06:00

But I finally got the mechanic area all finished up! Howard Roark would be proud.

SRM Data

2009-01-24T12:32:00.006-06:00

I've retransformed myself to that number obsessed geek cyclist that I was at 21. This time much smarter about my game though.

How are these numbers helping (or hurting) my running. It's all about the run until the end of August.

Notes on the F1

2009-01-23T16:21:00.007-06:00

*Had a blast building her up!
*Super Record, minus the brakes which I should see in a month or so.
*Definitely had to throw a small BEVO on the top tube.
*The Oval seatpost with so much adjustment (setback) rocks!
*I was pretty stoked that I finally got to use those rainbow spacers that James B. gave me a couple years back.
*Same Zipp's & Fizik I've been riding for forever-and-a-day.
*Wire bottle cage has since been replaces with two Speedplay Nano cages.
*She rides like a dream, takes all the abuse you can dish out on her, and then asks for more!

My new ride!

2009-01-23T15:53:00.022-06:00

Tonight

2009-01-20T21:21:00.001-06:00

It's about that time, don't you think?

2009-01-19T19:54:00.001-06:00

iknowhowyoufeelbuddy

Get your Slipstream on

2009-01-19T19:34:00.004-06:00

My Dad & I just installed an FSA carbon fiber crank arm on my Slipstream/Argyle dressing room.

Things are looking great!

Styling Cues

2009-01-17T13:26:00.003-06:00

... compliments of Mr. Marc Jacobs

The 1st Felt

2009-01-17T11:17:00.005-06:00

You would think that the first Felt to leave the shop would have been mine. Not quite.

The petite sized FW2 belongs to Savana Overly who along with her brother is showing great potential in the world of multisport. I had the pleasure of meeting the Overly's a few months ago through a mutual friend and every time we get together the talk is all tri, all the time, it's great.

Savana's older brother Hunter is a nationally ranked junior triathlete who has Olympic ambitions and the talent to back it up. I'm looking forward to working with the Overly kids through their development in triathlon. Keep a look-out for Hunter and Savana at The Rookie Triathlon this year.

Not quite yet.

2009-01-16T16:51:00.006-06:00

It's been a very long time since I've just had a night out on the town, I'm really craving the social interaction, but I'm going to wait until the shop is OPEN to celebrate. I still have lots of work ahead of me, but the end of the beginning is surly in sight.

I'm so ready to let loose though...

CapTexTri: Part II

2009-01-14T20:01:00.006-06:00

Second year at CapTexTri. I had no idea I was racing with a broken ankle. My life was about to take a major turn.

I walked the whole run that afternoon with my friend, Julia. One of my most memorable races, ever.

2009-01-14T18:02:00.001-06:00

It's Tuesday

2009-01-13T14:15:00.003-06:00

And I'm off for the day. Shop is showing great improvments, looking great!

Finished!

2009-01-13T00:30:00.001-06:00

timetogohome

Beaux

2009-01-11T20:44:00.002-06:00

Easlily one of the coolest guys I met while being in Austin.

Whenever he dropped by J&A's the talk was endless. Triathlon, cars, bikes, or simply what we were up to that weekend. One of the last times I saw him I was out on a date (I'm still trying to remember with who) and we met up with Beaux at a bar on 6th Street a few blocks down from my apartment.

I remeber walking in the place with my nice button down shirt, designer denim, and Italian shoes, my date also dreased to kill with a nice short cut dress and matching high heeled shoes. As we entered I saw people dressed in mostly black, and if they had anytype of skin showing, it was sure to be covered in tattoos. YEAH!...not my type of joint, but Beaux got me and my date a table and a couple of drinks. He didn't care that we stuck out like sore thumbs, he sat with us the whole night and made us feel very welcome. We closed the bar down at 2:15 that evening/morning and both of us vowed not to miss my shop ride the next morning.

Sure enough, we were both there bright and early the following day, his smile 10 times bigger than mine.

He was at "Wally's Sunday Ride" religiously and that's where I got to know him best. Always smiling, always laughing, and always had a funny story to tell. I always loved asking him about his tats. What was next and what was the "meaning" behind it. He took over my ride when I left Austin. A couple of weeks ago he had bad accident on it and I've been keeping up with Terra's Blog ever since. Seems he's getting a little better every passing day.

Well wishes buddy, I'm praying for you.

Remember this place?

2009-01-11T19:22:00.006-06:00

For about 4 1/2 years it was the coolest place on earth.

2009-01-09T12:23:00.003-06:00

This is almost bigger than me getting my own Sam's card. Mike down at Print Depot got me setup with these. UV coated black on black just like that old Metallica album.

Check out the aerodrink!

2009-01-08T15:00:00.006-06:00

20 year old Me (posing in front of the ultra-glam-porta-potties) ready for blood at the CapTexTri, I believe the first time it was ever held in downtown Austin. Jimmy looks a bit...scared(?)

Just ran into a slew of old pics while reinstalling XP on my laptop (again).

2009-01-08T08:57:00.000-06:00

Trash Talk

I Tweet

2009-01-07T14:57:00.003-06:00

Just in case you hadn't noticed so far....

I especially liked the fact that I can post pics from my Blackberry and it'll update my status on Facebook as well.

Hats I Wear

2009-01-07T09:26:00.002-06:00

I peeked over to the backseat of my car and thought of this in response to Marsha's post. I'm always sporting either the Rock & Republic truckers cap (backwards) or the fitted limited edition UNDFTD Le Tour cap. A true cyclist would recognize the imitated Eddie Merckx logo on the bill and Cinelli logo on the right.

2009-01-06T00:10:00.000-06:00

goodnight

2009-01-05T12:16:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I got invited by a few close friends to hang out at their ranch. Land. Deer. Guns. Food. Laughs. Perfect.

Why I'm Happy

2009-01-03T15:19:00.017-06:00

I live out in the middle of no where in a house that looks old as time. My income has been inconsistent at best the past year with work unsteady as the pay. I haven't been in a real, meaningful, relationship in a very long time.

But the way I see things...

I may live in an house that's very old, but it is my house, and I love it. It may not have the ultra modern decor that I've grown accustomed to like over the years, but it is unique in it's own way. I sneak out the upstairs bedroom window onto the roof at night and get the greatest view of the sky & stars , there's plenty of space to grow into, and it's q-u-i-e-t.

I remember being on a bike ride with my buddy Arjen (who is from the Netherlands) and as we rode through my hometown, I explained to him where I was from, and he said "So that is where you're going to die?" I looked at him rather confused, thought about it for a second and said, "Yes." He then explained to me that he hadn't decided where he's like to die yet, maybe perhaps Spain.

There isn't "a lot to do" around La Joya, but knowing that I am taking care of the same very land that has was being taken care of by my ancestors since the late 1700's is very meaningful. Trouble & fun is only a 20-25 minute drive away in McAllen, and I now have the shop to satisfy all my Howard Roark designing curiosities.

Money was and issue more than usual this past year. More than often when going out I would limit my meals (or for that case, drinks) to what my wallet agreed with and not my stomach. I left my comfortable life and well paying job in Austin for the uncertainty that I knew I was going to have to make it through in order to get my own business up an running.

But I've never felt so blessed. I've been in the best running shape of my life, I've met and gotten to know a community of people that share the same goals, passions, and interests as me. And most importantly, I have my family everywhere.

Like a kite that can't quite grab the wind and take flight, there are the relationships that have almost taken off. Something doesn't click and that spark dies down rather than igniting into a fire. But I've never been the type to leave well enough alone, I'll shoot for the stars every-single-time. And sometimes I miss, I make mistakes. I see the relationships like those races that I've DNF'ed.

I learn.
I pick up the pieces.
I move on.
I try again.

I won't ever date anyone again who has so much negativity to drop about my cycling or running. Period.

I spent New Years here at the shop which is still lacking electricity. A desk piled across with stack heights of papers and books, it was my goal to have a clean desk by the end of the evening. I started at 4 and finished close to 11. I thought about how just a year earlier I was spending New Years at a party at The Cimarron feeling like the new kid in school with no friends. I felt alone despite the people everywhere. A year later I was completely alone, but feeling quite the opposite.

I'm still patiently sitting here in the darkened shop, waiting anxiously but happily, for everyone & everything.

2009-01-02T19:37:00.002-06:00

almost there

2008-12-29T20:40:00.000-06:00

1 Year Later

2008-12-28T19:36:00.010-06:00

It's almost a year to the day that I moved back.

Small town boy returning from the big city with big ideas and dreams to open up his own bike shop. Every single day since has been spent getting me to where I wanted to be, here.

So many set backs with work, injuries, relationships. There were a few, but they don't even come close to all the positives I've experienced while being back, and especially the people I've met and the communities I've become a part of.

I sometimes think back to all those late nights in Austin returning back to my place on 6th. The traffic lights, whether I was returning from downtown, or the U-Turn on West Lynn if I was coming in from Mopac. The sound of my apartment door opening will forever “stick” in my head, it sounded as if a ginourmous piece of velcro was being ripped off.

And I think about my drive home now, it's nice and quite. I always take that turn into my driveway waaaay too fast and always smile at the fact that I didn't hit a fence post... this time. I walk into my quiet home and always expect someone to be there. I walked into that same door all throughout elementary, jr.high, and high school with either my mom or sisters inside. And now it's just me, I still haven't gotten use to the fact.

I'm eager to get this place going, now realizing that it may not be on the 1st, maybe a few days later. I spent most of the afternoon today on a lift that suspended me 20 feet in the air while I used a drill with self-tapping screws to reinforce my speaker mounts. Music, a very important aspect of my life, thus shop. There'll 16+ Bose speakers throughout the place.

Patience.

Go Time

2008-12-26T19:13:00.017-06:00

Will I be able to get this place suited up and ready to go by the 1st.... we'll see.

This past month has been busy. My first official day in here was on the 1st of December and I've spent almost all day everyday in here. I'm through the front door by 7:30-8 and don't leave until 1-2 in the morning. Sleep is a past time as this place is addictive.

I see such huge strides being made everysingle day. I wake up like a kid Christmas morning, eager, sleep deprived, excited and anxious. What is today going to bring? Headaches? Yeah, that's a given, but the result at the end of the night when I close and lock up the doors is more than worth all the advils I carry around in my pocket and take everyday.

Last week my first shipments of bicycles came in, as did my custom made bike racks for the floor displays, and my first order of parts and accessories. I also finally loaded my last gooseneck-flatbed-trailer full of fixtures and brought it over as well. & I got my new frame and fork in, wicked.

Friends & family drop by to visit, say hello and it gets me eager and excited. Say What?! I'm now finally going to be able to help everyone with the proper facilites and infinite resources (as opposed to working out of the trunk of my car or old bedroom in my house) That in itself if priceless.

And I've sat at this desk all month making plans, making calls, making friends, making decisions, just making things happen. I'm on the phone with vendors while electric saws and air hammers are going off in the background, not exactly creating a stress-free environment, but the people on the other end of the line are more than understanding.

"What do you mean I have to go to Hope Depot again!?"

"The paint looks horrible in that corner!"

"The guy for the glass is coming when?"

"What's the cost of a new door?"

"Where am I going to put all these packages?"

"Well when does _____ come back from vacation?"

"He wants how much for a sign? He's nuts!"

"That shade of red isn't quite red enough."

"No, I'm working late tonight, going out isn't a possibility... again."

"Guess who fell through the ceiling in the restroom?"

"This stereo system is killer and I'm sure it sounds wicked, but I think we need someone in here from NASA to wire it."

"Have you seen my Advil anywhere?"

But the most important question I ask myself everyday, " Is this what you always thought your shop would look like?"

....not even close, it's WAY cooler!

It's about time...

2008-12-23T09:56:00.008-06:00

...for an upgrade!

i can walk through walls

2008-12-14T15:40:00.000-06:00

...at least for another day or so

oh snap!

2008-12-11T10:32:00.001-06:00

http://www.zerogravitybike.com/

say goodnight

2008-12-08T18:03:00.003-06:00

Hello, my name is Wally

2008-12-07T19:24:00.006-06:00

"Hello, my name is Wally and I'm opening up a bike shop." I introduce myself to the unknown cyclist/triathlete with a smile and shake of hands as I hand them one of these cards. I did this an infinite amount of times this morning.

Roma non fu fatta in un giorno.

2008-12-06T10:14:00.001-06:00

sometimes i think if my hair was long enough for me to pull out it would be all gone

Bold

2008-12-05T22:25:00.001-06:00

Blackberry killed the Treo.
Eat you heart out (Marsha).

Design

2008-12-05T21:50:00.007-06:00

I found out really quickly at Interbike in Las Vegas this year that not a lot of people will give you the time of day when you're "going to open up a shop" rather than "already have a shop".

I had my heart set on a particular manufacturer for my custom clothing, but arriving at their booth, they were reluctant to talk to me or give me the time of day. They had large (actually huge) minimum orders and long waits on turn around. But after much walking around I found in a not-so-huge booth the wideband option on a set of bib shorts being worn by a mannequin. It caught my attention.

My Rock Racing kit is the most comfortable kit I own, and it also has the wideband option that I hadn't seen too many other clothing lines offer. I was hanging out with Zane (El Rey) and we stopped to talk to Juan at the Velocé booth who was more than happy to show and talk me through the different products in his line.

He followed up after Interbike with a few calls to see how my business was coming along and we discussed clothing options for the shop. He was very helpful at sending me templates as well as a fit-kit and never got annoyed with questions by email or phone.

The quality of the clothing was what really struck my eye at Interbike, the lycra, the chamois, and the stitching. That, combined with good customer service made them the frontrunner for my shop-kit that I was putting so much time into designing.

I kept it simple, black and white with red flatlock stitching throughout the top and bottom. I fell in love with a set of bib shorts made a few years ago by Pearl Izumi that had a similar color scheme... but couldn't nearly afford at the time, so never bought.

So here it is, from an idea into my head, to the final product that should arrive very soon.

Overload, A-List, Verdict & Morrissey

2008-12-05T08:56:00.003-06:00

The shop's interior colors couldn't describe me better.

Now

2008-12-01T22:25:00.005-06:00

As any typical Sunday, we spent the whole day outside working on the land. At dusk we called it a day and as I was sitting on the pickup's tailgate, I thought, "From now on my life is going to be totally different. My weekends of working outside until I can't lift a finger are numbered." I got the keys to my building, Wally's Bicycles is now official!

Just Run

2008-11-24T09:32:00.004-06:00

One goal for yesterday's run. Suffer for 30 miles. I wanted this to positively, absolutely, hands down the hardest run in the history of me.

Now I could have set off running towards Mission or McAllen, but that wouldn't be nearly quite hard enough. No,no, pain was the name of the game yesterday. I set off from Home around 9 in the AM, and off to the farm where the terrain is much more rough. I made my usual run to the river, got a glimpse of Mexico, and then back up towards Mom's House. I ran up to the expressway and made my way up to the High School, and this is where things got interesting.

Between the HS an the cousin's place is nothing but fields of soft dirt. I decided to cut across diagonally instead of taking the regular road which would have been rather boring. Running in the dirt was tough, my foot sinking 4-6inches with each step. (very much like Rocky in part 4 when he's training in Russia to fight Ivan Drago and runs through the snow) At the end of the soft dirt fields was a field of sunflowers which completely tore up my legs.

What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger.

I stopped over to see Cousin Joe and steal some ibuprofen. We made chit-chat for a bit and I was off again towards The Canal and then Home to finish my first loop. I got Home, ran into my kitchen and grabbed a bit of hummus to stuff down with some pita bread. I checked my Garmin GPS, filled my Nathan Hydration pack with a full 2 liters of liquid (even though I knew I only needed one), and I was off

The second lap got tough.

I ran back towards the farm and towards the river. The hopping gates and crawling through barbed-wire fences was starting to take its toll on me. My legs were achy. I ran up to Mom's House again and sat outside with my Grandma on her porch to have a quick 3min conversation. But as I jet out their driveway and got to the church, I started to walk...

The rest of the run was physically hard on my legs. The jumping fences, the running through fields, the cows I had chased earlier, the coyote I ran (away) from and especially the 2 liters of liquid were really starting to weigh me down. The sun was hot also, starting to bake me.

Stop the wining, bickering and complaining.

I could surely make it to The Cousins' place again, then I could get a ride home from there. I made it up to the High School and without a second though I started to take the same route I had taken earlier through the soft dirt field. My legs were beat, the sun was hot, and I started running, hard, harder.... hardest. I was running through the field and I didn't quite make it to the end before the lactic acid built up in my legs from going anaerobic and had to stop. I started screaming, in pain, anger, frustration. It was the best part of the whole run.

I walked the rest of the way through the field of sunflowers up to The Cousins'. I wasn't going to hit 30 miles today...only 25.04. Next time though... next time.