"The Art of Fighting Without Fighting?"

     "The art of fighting without fighting," not just a line and skill uttered and mastered by the late great Bruce Lee in one of my personal favorite movies Enter the Dragon, but now seems to be a pretty good strategy in the battle between newly and regretfully stripped and banned seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Like Sifu Lee, Lance has long been a hero of mine so the news of him choosing not to fight the United States Anti-Doping Agency anymore didn't make me a very happy person at all.  However after re-examining his decision I had made my peace with it and once again admired his courage in making the choice to not allow anything to distract him from the fight against cancer.  Having lost my younger brother and best friend Andy last year to leukemia, I'm glad that Lance has made this battle his number one priority.
    The decision to not do something however, might prove to be the best strategy in getting the USDA off of his back.  The International Cycling Union apparently has not received the file of evidence showing  why the USADA was prompted to stripping Armstrong of his seven Tour de France victories and banning cycling biggest star from the sport for life.
     International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid said the USADA has not provided the UCI with any kind of timeline as to when to expect the file.
     "UCI assumes that USADA have the file, the full file, as they've already made a decision based on it and therefore it's difficult to understand why it hasn't arrived yet," McQuaid said.
     So with such continued delays, if the USADA is unable to produce the evidence used to ban and strip Lance of his victories, I would not be surprised if all seven tour wins were restored and the ban lifted by the UCI.
      "It's obvious any anti-doping case, whether it's a big case or a small case, is not good for cycling," McQuaid said. "The UCI has nothing to be apologetic about. UCI has always been the international federation that does the most in the fight against doping."
      So by choosing not to fight may prove to be the best form of fighting back. Let's hope that "the art of fighting without fighting" works just as well for Lance as it did for Bruce.

                                                                                   

Enough With the Eye Black

     Eye black is supposed to help athletes minimize the the glare of stadium lights or the sun helping vision on the field right? Well in the past few years it seems it has only become another accessory to an athlete's uniform. From Tim Tebow's bible verses to the most recent homosexual slur used by the Blue Jays' Yunel Escobar, more on that in a bit, athletes are beginning to concern themselves more and more about what they can get away with wearing next then they're performance on the field. Now before I receive any kind of nasty comments, I actually liked the Tebow bible verses on the eye black, I'm a life long Roman Catholic, but I also knew it would open the door to other things such as the situation Escobar has found himself in now.  I'm all for an athlete writing a little something, wearing, or carrying something on the field that's meaningful to them, a subtle detail is nice a flamboyancy is something different. I do it myself when competing or coaching, but writing your area code under your eye seems to be a bit over the top. Why do we need to know your area code? Do we need to know where we should call if you fumble or drop a key pass that would have kept us in the game? All it does is open the door for things to eventually get out of hand.
    So enough of my rant and to the story at hand. Toronto Blue Jays' Yunel Escobar was suspended three games without pay for displaying a homesexual slur on his eye black. See what I mean about getting out of hand.  A photo that was confirmed to ESPN as being authentic showed Escobar wearing the eye black with the slur written in Spanish during a game Saturday versus the Red Sox.
     "I'm sorry for the actions of the other day," Escobar said during a press conference at Yankee Stadium.
     "I don't have anything against homosexuals. I have friends who are gay. In reality I'd like to ask for the apologies of all those who have been offended by this."
     Escobar is going to loose quite a few dollars due to this suspension and not to mention a black spot on his reputation and unfortunately for sports fans and non sports fans alike that have not heard of him before this will not know anything else, but that he's a ball player who did what he did.
     "It's just something that's been said around amongst Latinos. It's not something that's meant to be offensive. For us, it didn't have the significance to the way it's being interpreted right now. It's a word used often within teams. ... I agree with the suspension and don't have any problem with it."
     Being Latino myself I know what he's talking about, I get it, but not everyone knows what how that works. I'm sure Yunel is a good guy and meant no harm and honestly if the eye black messages had been eliminated in Major League Baseball, like in college football and the NFL, this problem would have been avoided as well as plenty of bad publicity. The NFL and college football have the right idea. Eye black should be used for what it was meant to be used for, not send messages or ill advised jokes. I'm all for looking good, but not when it becomes a distraction or a problem. Let's get back to basics people and PLAY BALL!

Forging Elite Fitness

    CrossFit. What's all the fuss?  It turns out CrossFit really is an exceptional way to achieve elite fitness.  Think of Tony Horton's P90X, on steroids and more fun.  Unlike most programs that can be very repetitive, Crossfit is new everyday, familiar moves, but still new. I have only had the pleasure of working out at CrossFit's version of a gym, known as a "box" once.  I have, however, been doing WOD's or "Work Out of the Day" for a week on my own now and have rather enjoyed it.  Given the fact that my WOD's are somewhat watered down from an actual box workout, I'm still seem to find myself lying on the ground trying to catch my breath after each workout, which tells me that this is the real deal.
    WOD's consist of anaerobic moves which push the body to it's limits each day. A combination of running and strength training keep the body guessing and brings a whole new meaning to Horton's P90X "muscle confusion" theory.   The program delivers a broad and general type of fitness, specializing in no specialty.  All though very intense, Crossfit IS for everyone, from the weekend warrior, to combat specialists, to Olympic and pro athletes, all can and do benefit from this very exceptional program.
    Now that summer is over everyone will be looking to get into shape by next Spring time and if that's your goal I highly recommend this program. Boxes can be found all across the country, Ranger Crossfit in McAllen is where I was introduced to Crossfit in the Rio Grande Valley, pioneers in fitness in the area, if your looking for a Box in your area follow this link http://www.crossfit.com/cf-affiliates/
    Do yourself a favor and give it a try and if your in the Valley, head over to Ranger Crossfit at 1008 E. Pecan Blvd. Ste D in McAllen.  I'm glad I did.

USA Ready for Mexico in Final?

     After an exciting semi-final round in Houston, the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup is right where everyone was hoping it would be.  The USA will be taking on Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for Gold Cup supremacy. Not to mention bragging rights in this always fun rivalry.

     Bob Bradley hasn't always been a favorite choice of fans and I myself have been questioning some decisions that he has made during the tournament, I mean how long has it been since anyone has seen Freddy Adu get some real international action and really contributed? I sure as heck can't remember.  Having to watch Landon Donovan sit on the bench for a total of two halves in two games was a bit unsettling.  A decision that now seems to be genius considering Landon will be well rested for tomorrow night's match, was almost a mistake considering it took the US to the 76th minute to score, if the US would have lost resting Donovan may have been seen as not such a great decision.

     Panama came out hard and played good defense.  The best chance in the first came came off of a cross from Cherundolo and headed down the ground and of the post.  The winning goal however came off of a beautifully placed long pass from Adu from his own half into the feet of Donovan who then delivered a perfect low driving cross by the goalie and two defenders finding a sliding Clint Dempsey for a left footed goal, giving the US a 1-0 lead and eventually the win and pinning them up against rival Mexico for the third straight year.

     It took goals from Aldo de Nigris and Javier "El Chicharito" Hernandez in the first half of extra time to give Mexico the win against a very tough Honduras team.  Both teams came out hard and played in front of a extremely pro Mexico crowd, as close to a World Cup atmosphere we are going to see here in the states for a while, at least until tomorrow's final that is.  After being kept in their own half during most of the first half, Honduras put up a very good fight coming up short on several attempts at goal, including a corner in the 90th minute.

     Mexico had their own chances as well.  Most notably, a strike from Pablo Barrera that was deflected by Honduras goalie Noel Valladares sending the ball straight up, seemingly onto an awaiting Chicharito, but hitting the crossbar and bouncing out of play instead.  With the match in the 89th minute Hernandez intercepted a pass and played the ball through to Giovani los Santos for a one-on-one with Valladares, but sent the ball wide of the far post.

     It didn't take long for El Tri to pull ahead, doing so three minutes in from a header of De Nigris.  Six minutes later De Nigris rose again off a corner sending the ball into the foot of Chicharito scoring again, which did look as if the ball went off of Hernandez's forearm but the goal was counted none the less. An event-less second half of overtime confirmed a trip to the final against the Untied States in Pasadena, capping off a very exciting double header.

        The United States now find themselves in a good situation going into Saturday's match, with a tired and banged up Mexico team who not only just played an 120 minute match, but will also be down a man in Andres Gallardo who sustained an injury during the Honduras match.  Despite being down a man themselves, Jozy Altidore will be on the sidelines with a hamstring injury sustained in the first half against the Jamaicans, this bodes well for the Americans who will have a fresh Landon Donovan and will be out to redeem a 5-0 loss in last years cup.  This promises to be a very exciting match and I myself cannot wait to see it.

The Face of Terror is Dead!

    In the wake of the historic news of the special operation that resulted in the death of the world's terrorist leader and America's most wanted, I couldn't help but blog about the events that happened this weekend.  President Obama said it best at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, "what a week!"
   What a week indeed, President Obama's long form birth certificate was released, putting The Donald in his place, a tragic string of tornadoes that left hundreds dead, my most heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families and everyone effected by those terrible storms. Then a royal wedding that allowed the world to rejoice and escape into a fairy tale for a few hours. Yes myself included, Kate Middleton looked beautiful by the way.  The White House Correspondents' Dinner that turned into the The Roast of Donald Trump the sequel.  The President may have a future in stand up, very funny Mr. President, bravo. Especially important to me was the beatification of Pope John Paul II, who to me and millions of Catholic faithful around the world was a saint before he ever left us.
    Both the royal wedding, despite not being an American event, and the comedic styling of our witty president were fine distractions from our troubling times in this beautiful country of ours. Let's face it, with the economy the way it's been and the natural disasters in the southeast, we haven't had anything to feel to good about lately. UNTIL NOW. The mastermind behind one of the worst tragedies in history has been found and killed after a long, frustrating decade.  Osama bin Laden, the face of terror is dead.  I have to admit when the flashing alert at the bottom of my screen last night read,"President Obama to speak in moments regarding an important national security matter...stay tuned." I got a little edgy.
   Especially when nobody would comment on what the president was going to say. As soon as reports began to roll in that it was expected that bin Laden was dead, I was not only relieved but overjoyed.  We got him! Finally! This is the reason after all, that we began this war, to bring those responsible for the vicious attacks on innocent civilians on that fateful day of September 11, 2001 to justice.  I often wondered, "what about bin Laden? Our troops are dying and we haven't even heard about the man we went to get in the first place."
   Well mission accomplished! I have never and would never wish death upon any man, but I cannot help but feeling joy and relief at this news.  I have to admit I was a bit disappointed that bin Laden was not taken alive, but I got over it. There isn't a court room on this Earth that could sentence this man to what he so deserves, only God can judge him now and that's the way it should be.
   Watching the president make his announcement and watching scenes of fellow Americans singing our national anthem and waving the stars and stripes both at the White House and Times Square gave me chills and overwhelming pride to be an American. I only wished that I was not in the D.C. or New York City area to join in on the excitement and history being made.
    I salute all of the troops at home and abroad fighting to defend our freedom, especially to Team 6 of the US Navy SEALs that stormed the bin Laden compound and completed their mission. You are all our thoughts and prayers and I know I can say with certainty that all of America and the entire peace loving world would like to thank you for ridding the world of one of the closest things to Satan on Earth. The world is now a better and safer place without this man, justice has been served and the friends and families of victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center can now feel a little bit of peace in their hearts. God bless you and congratulations on your accomplishment.
    I leave you with the words of fellow American, author Mark Twain, "I've never wished a man dead, but I've read some obituaries with great pleasure."
   God bless America!

Ancient Chinese Secret: Cupping Therapy

   The effectiveness of the art of ancient Chinese healing has long been debated in western culture.  Acupuncture and "cupping" are often thought of by doctors to have more of a placebo effect then actual healing.  I myself have always been fascinated by the idea of Chinese healing, if for no other reason than the fact that I have been a fanatic of the kung fu movie genre ever since I saw Bruce Lee's "Enter the Dragon" for the first time as a child.

   Due to a long bout with shoulder pain, that was diagnosed as bursitis or possible tendinitis of the left shoulder, I experienced Eastern medical treatment for the first time.  After months of shoulder pain and sleepless nights that went along with it, I visited my family doctor who preceded with x-rays and prescription pain and inflammation medication.  I was told that if the medication did not help the next step was to be an MRI of my shoulder to verify the problem, further doctors visits and treatments was eventually going to cost a pretty penny.  Being a man of the internet generation and somewhat of a hypochondriac skilled in the art of researching every disease that I think I have, I took to Google to research my ailment and the art of Chinese healing, having just seen the new "Karate Kid" with Jayden Smith and Jackie Chan, I was intrigued at the thought of healing my aching shoulder with fire and sweet looking tricks.  Through many articles and of course Wikipedia, I found that acupuncture was commonly used to treat bursitis and tendinitis, my search engine then led me to a McAllen Acupuncture and Message Clinic.  Despite my fading fear of needles, I convinced my lovely fiance to take a trip with me to visit the Clinic.

   My first treatment went fairly well, the needles didn't hurt at all but some did feel a bit uncomfortable.  The treatment lasted thirty minutes and immediate after the needles were removed I felt a bit of relief.  I have to admit I was hoping to experience a miraculous recovery, I was a bit disappointed, but I was determined to see the treatment through and find out if it worked for myself.  Two to three more treatments were needed before I would start to feel a real difference so four days later I was back in the chair ready for my second treatment.
   This time I was offered "cupping" to be added to my acupuncture treatment, I accepted.  After the needles were inserted, a box of some eighteen to twenty glass cups were brought out.  The good doctor lit a flame on what looked like a cotton ball held together by chopsticks and began inserting the flam in each cup and sticking them to my skin.  The cups surprisingly were not hot and were left on for fifteen minutes and other than a slight discomfort there was no real pain.  Once the cups were removed my back and shoulder looked as if I was in a wrestling match with an octopus.  Fortunately my very willing younger brother was happy to accompany me and be my personal photographer of my treatment.  The theory behind cupping is that the suction is used to draw blood flow to the affected area to flush capillary beds, also mobilizing and stretching soft tissue, loosening restricting areas.  Well when my treatment was over and the needles pulled out I actually felt that my shoulder was much better.  Due to unfortunate family circumstances I wasn't able to to continue more treatment, but my shoulder is doing much better now, although not at 100% it is very close and finally feeling able to begin strength training again.
    Despite the skepticism surrounding this type of treatment I highly recommend it.  There is no harm in trying something new and forgive the cliche, but you never know until you try.

Mission Complete!!

     Hardest thing I've ever done to date, but I did it. I completed a marathon a rather slow with a 6:02:40 which I think I could have done better, but I still met my goal of just completing a marathon.
     The night before the run pre-race jitters hit me pretty hard, I didn't get much sleep, 5 hours at most. In the morning I was pretty surprised that I wasn't all that sleepy.  Arriving at the start line was an experience within it self.  I've never ran in a race of this magnitude, come to think of it I've never ran in a race period.  I've ridden in organized events including the LIVESTRONG Challenge, but never run in an organized event.  Anyway lining up at the start with 19,999 other people was a pretty awesome thing to see and be a part of.  Plus finding out that my hero Lance Armstrong, the man himself, was lined up somewhere in front of me ready to shred the half-marathon was even more awesome.
    The race started well enough.  I tried to not let my adrenaline get the better of me and maintained a nice steady pace, but a port-a-potty break at the end of the mile 1 had a pretty long line and added at least 10 minutes to my time. Once I got going though I got into a pretty good rhythm pretty quickly and enjoyed the running through the streets of downtown Austin.  Once out of the city the course never really got ugly, at least not to the eyes, Austin really brought it with it's hills.  Every hill has a down side though.  Fatigue didn't really start to set in until mile 11 where the course separated for the half-marathoners and the full. Two miles seemed much better than another 15.  Kept on keepin on though.
    Walking was essential and after 13 miles I began to walk at least every 2 miles.  The weather was perfect.  Cool and cloudy with the sun peaking out every now and again, felt like it never got over the mid 70s.  So weather was not a factor at all. I loved it.  Leg pain was though and when it was hurting the most my fans showed up.  A buddy and my awesome fiance showed up at several mile markers during the race, riding bikes to be able to cheer me on.  I have to give it to them, that was awesome, I every time I saw them and heard they're cheers, even having Roxy run along side me for a minute helped me step up my walk to a jog and in the case of the last 400 meters a full on run.
   I had long decided that once I get into the last 2 miles of the race I was not going to walk at all.  Mile 24 marker came up and I started my jog, at this point my legs are killing me, every stride is pretty painful, every muscle in my legs are as tight as can be.  Mile 25 comes up and I see my fans again. Just what I needed on the longest mile I have ever run in my life.  Mile 25, although painful was pretty awesome being it was through the UT campus and right along side Darrell K. Royal Stadium.  Being a pretty big longhorn fan, that was pretty cool.  As soon as I see my fans and they start riding along side me I pick up my pace and low and behold the 800 meter marker is in view and so is a nice size hill that at this point seems like Everest.  I hear, "just 800 more meters", "your almost there", "just do it!" I get to the top of Everest and haul ass down hill.  At this point I can't feel any more pain, I get to the bottom of the hill and make the final turn to the finish.  There it was in view.  I could no longer hear much, the only thing I could see was the finish and the other runners that I was running by.  100 meters from the finish line now I start to feel like I want to slow down, that only made me run harder.  I finally crossed the finish line hands in the air and am able to finally say that I completed a marathon. I did it! I survived.  How awesome is that.  I received my finishers medal and shirt, happy it was over.  Hardest thing I've ever done, but I did it, plus I raised $600 dollars for the LIVESTRONG Foundation in support of my best friend and little bro Andy who is in remission from his battle. Thank God! This one was for you bro, all the pain I went through was nothing compared to what you have gone through. Love you bro.