Road to Beijing

2008 Olympic Track & Field Trials - Eugene, OR

2008-07-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Track Town, USA!

(My coach, Phillippe, and me)

On your mark...

Finish at last...3rd place, but no "A" standard

My support team - Lailie, Kiki, Phillippe, and Leonora - and the best cheer team out on the course!

The top 6 finishers

Receiving medal at podium ceremony at Hayward Field (via jumbotron!), University of Oregon

Results posted on jumbotron at Hayward Field

Sportin' my BAWSI gear and medal!

3rd at the Olympic Trials, but no ticket to Beijing...

2008-07-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have seen the results in the papers or posted somewhere else. I placed 3rd at the trials, the best place finish I've had at the Olympic Trials, but I did not make the Olympic Team. Unfortunately, I didn't get the "A" time standard needed to make the team; nor did the 2nd place finisher, so only the winner, Joanne Dow, will be representing the U.S. in Beijing. This happened to be the case (or similar) in all racewalking events for the men and the women, so there will only be 3 racewalkers in Beijing: Philip Dunn in the 50km, Kevin Eastler in the men's 20km, and Joanne in the women's 20km.

I was confident going into the race: remembering all of the miles I put into my training, all of the long workout sessions on the track and roads, and keeping in mind all of the positive words and energy from my family and friends. The race course was lined with my racewalking family - all of those who've seen me compete since I began this "habit" back in 1991. It was great to see one of my very first mentors, Dave Snyder, from the Inland Empire Racewalkers in Riverside, on the course as an official. I thought to myself..."there's a reason he's here...he's going to see me make the team after all of these years." Also on the course were my coaches from the Olympic Training Center, Enrique Pena, and my current coach Philippe Gonzalez, who has trained me this year, motivated me day in and day out, and prepared me for this race. On one end of the course were my two housemates and friends, Leo and Lailie, who road-tripped 9 hours to Eugene to watch me race, all decked out with costumes, signs, and cowbells, screaming and making me laugh throughout the race. At the other end was my significant other, Kiki, cheering me on in her own way (with cowbell, of course), reminding me of all of the sacrifice, all of the miles I put in while she rode next to me on the bike, and making me smile. Not present on the course, but with me in my head was my BAWSI family - my team mates - Brandi, Marlene, Laura, Donna, Sharon and Dena - all of the BAWSI Girls and Salud Por Vida women, and the BAWSI community. I was definitely powered up.

It was a chilly and windy morning, despite the warm weather earlier in the week. The #1 and #2 ranked walkers, Teresa Vaill and Joanne, took off from the gun. I held back just a bit, figuring that I would let those two battle it out on the first lap while I held my own pace. They took the lead and continued to push the pace each lap. I charged after them, but unfortunately, could not and did not ever catch them. Joanne, who has not made an Olympic Team after 3 attempts, gave it all out to lead and ultimately win the race. Teresa persevered, but after training in the Florida heat and racing in the colder conditions, she tightened up and could not stay with Joanne. After starting out strong, I began to tighten up myself at about 8km into the race, so I was concerned with holding my pace and maintaining my place as the 4th and 5th place walkers, Sam Cohen and Jolene Moore, fought together to catch me. It took everything I had to finish the race ahead of them. It would have been easy to just give up, seeing my times slip off of what I needed to get the A standard and seeing Joanne and Teresa inch further and further ahead of me, knocking my chances of winning the race. But I charged on, fueled with the cheers of my loved ones and the spectators and the will to just finish what I started.

As you may imagine, the result of the race is bittersweet, having my best place finish in my career, being on the podium at Hayward Field amidst 21,000 raging track and field fans, running the victory lap while giving hi-fives to kids and fans and signing autographs...and then not being able to go with the rest of the team. All I can keep telling myself is that I did my very best effort on Sunday. This is when you have to believe that it's the journey and not the destination that counts; that it's an amazing feat to be the 3rd best in the country; and to have had the courage to train day after day in the first place. Unfortunately, it still hurts and it is still disappointing. One can't help but feel that so many people have been let down. Of course I know that I didn't let my supporters down, but I do know that there have been many sacrifices made by my family, friends, and supporters because of my decision to train for this endeavor, and then to not accomplish my goal... well, it's just hard not to feel disappointed in myself...even though I did my best on the race day.

The good news is that I know these feelings will pass...the heartbreak will mend, and I will get back on the roads and continue the journey as usual. I am truly grateful for having the opportunity to train and make it this far and I am blessed to be surrounded by such amazing and inspiring people that are the wind at my back. I appreciate all of the support I've had from everyone who have known me along this never-ending road to make the elusive Olympic Team. Regardless of whether or not I get to my destination, I vow to cherish and appreciate the road I have chosen to take, all while continuing to inspire and empower those who come along my way.

New 5km PR!

2008-07-02T15:38:00.001-07:00

I haven't raced since the 20km in Russia, so I've been itching to go fast. My coach and I decided that a 5km would be perfect for me to race 2 weeks before the Olympic Trials. I decided to compete in the USA Track & Field Pacific Association Masters Championships at Los Gatos High School (I can't believe I'm a masters athlete!!! Masters are men aged 35+ and women 30+...yikes!) I didn't really know what to expect since a) I haven't raced a 5km since 2002, b) I haven't raced fast since I was a junior with a previous personal best of 23:15, and c) I was pretty sure the field of racewalkers was going to be sparse. Sure enough, I show up and I bump into one other walker, Kelly Wong, who would be racing as well. By the race start, there were 3 men and 3 women.

Earlier that morning, I decided I wanted to break 23 minutes, which meant that I had to walk roughly 4:36 per kilometer (translates to a 7:24 mile). With this pack, though, I didn't think I was going to be pushed, so it was up to me to stay on pace each lap. On the first lap, however, Kelly took the initiative mid lap to pass me and push the pace. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to hold that pace and fell back by the 2nd lap. Again, it was just me vs. the watch, and my coach was at the finish line taking each split. I was pretty consistent during the first 3 km, but then I started to falter just a bit the last 2 km. By the last 200 meters, I was on pace to finish right at 23:00, but I didn't want to take any chances. I picked up the last 200 meters to get me in at 22:57, breaking 23 minutes and establishing my new personal record since 1992! It was a great feeling and I definitely needed that to reinforce my confidence leading up to the Olympic Trials!

Red Carpet Gala - 50 Most Influential Latinos in Silicon Valley

2008-07-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

From sweats and ponytails to updo's and evening gowns...this was an event to remember! It takes a lot to get me in a dress, but this evening was worth it! (Proof of me all made up and in a dress coming soon :)! )

Well, I didn't win my category (athletics) of the "Top 50 Most Influential Latinos in Silicon Valley," but it was still a huge honor to be nominated and recognized for my influence on the girls and women in BAWSI's programs. Some football player named Joe Capp won, but I suppose he's pretty worthy of it, too :) He was very surprised to win and joked that the committee must have been comprised of a bunch of old people!It was truly amazing to be in the presence of the other nominees and winners. They also inducted those who have made a mark in history in the community through their fundraising efforts, political influence and advocacy, and service to the community into the Hall of Fame...from the late Cesar Chavez to Blanca Alvarez. It was empowering to witness so many committed to advancing the lives of Latinos in the Silicon Valley, only to inspire the rest of us to continue our work and service.

The rest of the evening was enchanting, with lots of fancy appetizers and cocktails (I did not partake in the consumption of the cocktails, by the way) and the dinner spread was delicious! My partner in crime who accompanied me to the event, Kiki DeMarquez, especially liked the bread pudding dessert. It warmed our tummies on the that particularly cold and breezy evening!

The evening ended with socializing and dancing, dancing, dancing! There was a live performance of Latin music by the group Kaweh, and then dancing to the beats of DJs Richard Torrez and Jaime Gonzalez. In all, it was a celebration of our roots, our commitment to our culture, and a time to have fun with family, friends, and colleagues who support one another in our efforts give Latinos a voice in our communities.

Racing

2008-07-02T13:17:00.001-07:00

Susan in the lead!

Still going!

Great pack to walk with

Post Race Fun!

2008-07-02T12:57:00.001-07:00

US Team Photo

The ladies of the team

Check out that spread!

Post race reception

What next?

2008-06-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile since returning from Russia. You may be wondering what I'm up to now and what my plans are leading up to the Olympic Trials. Well, some of my racewalking peers decided to stay in Europe to race 1 or 2 more races in hopes of reaching time standards. I (with the guidance of my coach) decided to focus on quality training between now and trials. The mileage isn't as high, but the intensity and the quality is high. I'm now training on more recovered legs, which allows me to go faster with less effort. I'll be racing in a 5km in mid June, just to test my speed, but after that, it will be full focus on the trials!

World Cup Results - 20km women

2008-05-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't get the time that I had hoped for. I walked 1 hr, 40 minutes and 22 seconds, but I needed to walk 1 hr 36 minutes or better. I felt strong through 10km and was on pace, but faltered the last 10km. I fought with other walkers for place, so that kept me motivated. It just wasn't my day today. But, in sport, you have to overcome the downfalls, learn from them, and then move on.

On the upside, I was the first American finisher and placed 56th overall out of 98 participants. I beat some women that I hadn't beaten before, which is nice too!

The event organizers are hosting a dinner and reception, so I'll be able to "shake it off," literally, by dancing the night away!

By the way - more pics are on the way...

World Racewalking Cup results...men's 20km, junior 10km men and women...

2008-05-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

You can check out results at www.iaaf.org

My race is at 1:00 pm Russian time (11 hours ahead of west coast), so results won't be posted until about 4:00 pm.

Last stop...Cheboksary!

2008-05-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

Well, the trip to Cheboksary from Moscow was quite amusing. So all the athletes met in the lobby of the hotel in Moscow and each country was assigned to a bus. It was hard to imagine shuttling all of us to the hotel (mind you, the hotel was about 400 meters from the airport and we could've walked there) in an efficient manner. Nevertheless, we all made it to the airport and waited in line to get into the terminal. Yes, waited to get in, as the first security point is right at the entrance door. After waiting there, we rec'd our tickets from our coaches and had to wait in another line to go through security into the terminal. After that, we had to wait in yet another line to check in our baggage. Whew! By the time the last athletes had checked their bags and waited for the gate, there was only about 20 minutes to spare before we had to board the charter plane.

So we go through the gate at the boarding time and have to get on a bus to the plane. Once the bus gets to the plane and the doors open, all the athletes swarm over to the steps to board the plane! Seat assignments didn't matter...it was a free for all! I was one of the first out of the bus, but one of the last on the plane. I managed to find a seat next Philip in what would normally be the first class area, but this was definitely not first class...the plane was a little sketchy. We were to depart at 7:50 pm. One hour later, we are all still sitting there, starving (we were given a bag "dinner" at the hotel of a cheese sandwich, an apple, and water). Finally an announcement is made and we are beginning to take off. Just then, a stewardess hands out air motion sickness bags to everyone (aka "barf bags!) That was a bit disconcerting, but we got a good laugh out of it. One of the USA junior team members sitting behind me was just commenting on how her last flight was the first where she HADN'T gotten sick, so I was glad she had a bag in hand.

Take off was smooth and finally we were given our snacks for the flight. I had already eaten my PowerBars alloted for day so I was famished. We got water or juice, then hot tea or coffee with a chocolate wafer bar. I scarfed it down in seconds!

Just over an hour later, we were to begin our landing. I had heard horror stories about this flight so I was a bit nervous. Surprisingly, the entire flight was quite smooth! We landed without event in Cheboksary and got off the plane and then rushed to the bus that took us to the terminal. At the terminal, we were corraled into this room before we were allowed to pick up our baggage. Many made their way to the water closet (the bathroom) while the rest of us were waiting for instructions. Finally, an interpreter said that anyone who didn't check baggage was allowed to go through. That meant no one, since all athletes and coaches had checked baggage! After waiting about 25 minutes in that area, we were allowed to go the baggage claim. So imagine 20+ countries, with 3-5 athletes per team, plus staff and coaches, with each team having practically the same team luggage...quite a nightmare. Needless to say, it was pretty chaotic, but it appeared that everyone received their luggage. After going through baggage claim, we were met by volunteers, each with a sign of a country. I was glad to see our USA sign held by Sasha, who is an English instructor at the university. We waited for the rest of the teams to arrive and were off to another bus to our hotels.

On the trip to our hotels, I was chatting with another volunteer and she was telling me about how beautiful her city of Cheboksary was. She said foreigners love "this city by the bay." She was very proud as she pointed out different landmarks and even the building where she lived. Much to my surprise there were huge billboards of racewalkers promoting the World Cup event!! Seriously, these billboards were all over town! You'd never see that in America! It was then that I knew we were going to be treated well here in Cheboksary, Russia.

Next stop...Moscow!

2008-05-09T05:03:00.000-07:00

It was disappointing to have to leave Sweden, but hey, I have some work to take care of in Russia! We met up as a team in Moscow and stayed in a hotel right next to the airport. It was a nice hotel, but like everything else in Europe, it was expensive! Our meals cost about $30 just for buffet-style pasta! The only other bad thing was that many people smoke, so the entire hotel smelled of cigarette smoke. Additionally, we had to workout in the parking lot of the hotel, because we were right next to an expressway, so it wasn't safe to venture out. We did have to deal with exhaust, though, but we figured it would be good practice for Beijing :).

The next day, some athletes decided to go into downtown Moscow, but I chose not to go, especially after the long haul to Copenhagen. I just wanted to relax and make sure I was completely rested. It was going to be chaotic in the Red Square in Moscow due to a parade in honor of the new Russian president. Plus, I knew the trip to Cheboksary might be overwhelming, too.

Most of the other international teams arrived that next day as well. It was awesome to hear all the different languages and see the variety of colorful uniforms. I got to see some friends from previous races and chatted with a Polish coach, Bohdan Bolakowski, who used to train us at the Olympic Training Center. This is one of the best things I love about racewalking, just meeting new people from around the world, catching up with old friends, and being in a place that actually supports racewalking!

Next up...the trip to Cheboksary!

Training...

2008-05-07T23:13:00.001-07:00

So Jolene Moore, another US World Cup team member, came to Gothenburg and joined Philip and me. Jolene is also chasing the A or B time standard, the time we need to achieve in order to be eligible to make the Olympic team. The “A” Standard (1 hr, 33 minutes and 30 seconds for 20km) would pretty much automatically qualify us to make the Olympic Team, as long as we finish the race at Olympic Trials, of course, there are other specifics that I won’t bore you with. No American women have the A standard as of yet. Our best shot is at the World Cup race. The B standard is 1 hr. 36 mins. If no one gets the A standard, then the winner of the Olympic Trials will be the only one allowed to go to Beijing, as long as she has the B standard. Complicated, I know. We should at least reach this time in Cheboksary. Jolene will be my roomie in Russia as well…

Training w/Jolene (another WC team member)

wow...we were going so fast...are we really chicks?

With Philip (50km team member) after the workout...

In Gothenburg, Sweden

2008-05-07T23:02:00.000-07:00

Walk in the park where we'd train...

The park where I trained was beautiful, as you can see...so lush and green! On Sunday, it was buzzing with people picnicking, walking, and playing outdoor games. Everyone seemed to be out enjoying the sun and spending time with loved ones. It was awesome to see, because it just seemed like a way of life here, being active and taking full advantage of the park. It would be great if our parks were utilized in the same way. Unless it is a holiday, you just don’t see as many people using our parks.

bikes, bikes, everywhere! Everyone rode their bikes, walked, or used the trolly system.

Gothenburg is VERY bike and pedestrian-friendly. There are bike and pedestrian paths all over the city and as you can see, the streets are lined with parked bikes. Many residents use their bikes as a means of transportation. The public trolly system is also very popular…very accessible and affordable. Gothenburg is definitely doing its part in being an eco-friendly city!

The founder of the city, pointing to where the city should be built. I think it should've been over there! Finally...a little sightseeing!

Adreas' cousins featured in the Hard Rock Cafe in Gothenburg. They were a band, "The Herreys" that were comparable to The Osmonds in America!!

Our last supper with Andreas and Molly on "the boulevard" before heading out to Russia

more pics coming soon!

2008-05-06T14:31:00.002-07:00

Sorry about not posting lately...lots o'stuff going on and technical issues with the pics. will try to post in the morning (Wed. morning Sweden time). Sweden is 9 hours away from the west coast, but Philip, Jolene (another USA World Cup team member), and I will be heading out to Moscow in the morning. There, we will meet up with the rest of the US team members and staff. We all stay the night in Moscow and then take a charter flight (yikes!) to Cheboksary, which is 11 hours from the west coast. A HUUUUGE thanks to Andreas and Molly for their wonderful hospitality in their home in Gothenburg. Can't wait to meet up with them again in Cheboksary! Stay tuned...

50 Most Influential Latinos in Silicon Valley!

2008-05-04T05:28:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention....

I was recently nominated as one of the 50 Top Most Influential Latinos in the Silicon Valley in the athletics category. The Latina Coalition nominated me for my work with BAWSI's Salud por Vida program and Zumba por Vida! It's a huge honor! There will be a formal awards ceremony in June and the winner in each catagory will be named and all nominees will be honored. Decsions for the top nominee in each category will be based on 90% of the selection committee and 10% of public voting. Sooooo, if you'd like to vote for your favorite Latina who happens to be a racewalker and enjoys working with BAWI girls and Salud por Vida women, cast your vote on http://www.redcarpetgala.com/nominate_athletics.htm. For more information on the event and MASCA, the organization hosting the event, go to www.macsa.org. They are a great organization and a huge partner of BAWSI!

By the way....

2008-05-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

...comment! comment! comment! I would love to hear from you! You can comment about anything (family-friendly, of course! :) ) You can ask or comment about racewalking or BAWSI or pizza and chocolate (my other loves!)...the infinite question - Clinton or Obama??...or whatever!

Copenhagen trip...

2008-05-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

What a day! I just spent a total of about 8 hours on a bus with 40+ kids to attend a racewalking race just outside of Copenhagen. Fun, but exhausting at the same time. I happened to compete in the women’s 10km race, but just did it as a workout. There were only 4 other women in my race. My friend, Philip Dunn, who is also on the World Cup Team and staying with Andreas, raced in the 20km race. He placed 2^nd to Andreas after walking together for 12km. In my race, Monica (the 50km world record-holder) needed to walk a fast time in order to be considered for the World Cup Team for Sweden. She walked 46:41, compared to my 55:10. She'll most likely be in Russia with the rest of us!

So these kids are part of Andreas' club which was organized by his father, who is also a racewalker (past Olympian!) They come from the underserved areas in Gothenburg. The club provides uniforms, food for the races, transportation, water bottles....everything, so that the parents have no excuse not to let them participate. The kids had so much energy and were so excited about racewalking! Being with them reminded me of being our BAWSI girls. They were so inquisitive about Philip and me and being from the USA thrilled them! And when I was racing, they would cheer me on and cheer "U-S-A! U-S-A!" So cute! But even cuter was seeing them race :)!! By the end of the day, we were giving each other hugs and high-5's. It was awesome!

Welcome to my Blog!!

2008-05-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hello! Wow, I can't believe it has been 3 days since arriving here in Sweden! I thought I'd have plenty of time to recover from my travel and post messages, especially since I'm not busy doing my BAWSI duties at our programs, but I've been on the go since getting here! As you may know, I'm getting ready to race in Cheboksary, Russia next Sunday, May 11, and in doing so, I getting a head start on my travels. Traveling internationally can take its toll on a person, especially athletes who need to perform at optimum level. I am staying with my friend and old training partner from the Olympic Training Center, Andreas Gustavson, who is also competing in the World Cup and trying to make the Olympic Team in the 50km racewalk. He and his wife have a beautiful 2nd level flat in downtown Gothenburg and they've also opened their home to other Swedish athletes that are members of Andreas' racewalking club. They happen to be hosting a conference this week. So I'm rooming with Monica, who happens to be the world-record holder in the women's 50km. I am the American record-holder at that distance, but she happened to walk 4:10:55, just about 30 minutes faster than my 4:39:39!!! Amazing!

Anyway, so much to talk about, but I have to get ready to head out with the Swedes to a race in Copenhagen. Will post more later today...