Softball and Running don't mix

Had two softball games last night and my knee is killing me this morning. I should have learned my lesson a few weeks ago when my knees took a beating as I ran the bases thinking I was an older version of A-Rod in game 7 of the World Series. I plan on running the John May 4 mile run tommorow morning but don't know if I should just take it easy and rest. My team is called the underdawgs and believe me we play like ones. We got beat pretty food the first game and then had a little better outing the second game but still came up short. I went something like 2 for 4 but didn't have a solid outing. Sort of like the El Paso Diablos who got spanked for 21 runs or something by Shreveport last night. My son's baseball team got beat for the third time by the Red Sox in the Frank Manning little league. I'm really happy with the league and the kids on his team. They have won 12 games and lost four. El paso has great sports programs for kids (much better than the leagues in Corpus Christi, my former hometown). The Riverside baseball team is playing in the 4A area playoffs against Canyon randall. Will be keeping an eye on them through Saturday. Had a great interview earlier this week with jan Wolfe of El Paso magazine about our theatre program at Riverside. Pretty busy and hectic week but can't complain. Still breathing and chugging along. Will start to incorporate more track (speed) workouts in my training. Think I will run the New Mexico State 5k run on the 18th and then finish up the month with the Families in Crisis 5k on the 31st. Life is good. Remember that.

Braden Aboud 5k

Ran the Braden Aboud 5k this past weekend and ran a terrible 30:02. Race was a flat course and seemed to be pretty quick but just didn't have anything in the tank at the end. I am having trouble staying motivated with my training routine. The school year is about to come to a close and I guess teacher-itis is setting in. The race was pretty packed and well organized. T-shirts were white white with a pink logo but I wore it out of respect for the teenager who the race is named after. The young man died a few years ago in a skiing accident. I have a 4 mile race coming up this Saturday called May the Music Live On in honor of a former teacher, musician, and runner. Think I'm going to change up my training routine a little and do more speed work on the track. Was dissapointed at the Spurs and their pitiful performance last night against the Hornets. Chris Paul makes Tony Parker look like he's playing in quicksand. Hope the Spurs have waht it takes to win out starting on Thursday.

That's what I get for not training.

Ran my first 8k this past Saturday and really thought I was going to die about halfway through it. I wasn't dying from the course but rather from the embarrassment of being beaten by a 70 year old woman named Phyliss. I recently joined a softball team and hurt myself running the bases on Thursday night thus leading to my miserable performance on Saturday. With teaching and coaching responsibilities, not to mention my duties as a father and husband, really cut into my training. The fact that I have been lazy doesn't really help either. Have a 5k race this Saturday and another on Sunday. Think I'll take it easy on the bases this week. Rehearsals for Grease are going pretty good right now. The kids are excited about puting the show on at the end of May. Life is good here in the sun city.

El Paso Parks

One of the great things I love about living in El paso is their parks. Corpus Christi has nothing on this place. Just read an article in the Corpus paper where their premiere park was shut down for a few days because it was being overrun by rats. We have plenty of nice parks here that are clean and safe. Playground equipment is top notch and grafitti is almost non-existent. People have negative sterotypes about El Paso but the quality of life is actually very good. This is a great place to raise kids. Sports programs, cultural events. festivals, etc. are abundant. There is always something to do. Kids are having a blast. Think we made a good choice in moving here. I do miss my family and only wish they were here to experience what I get to see everyday.

Little League Opening Day

Stevo and his team had their opening day ceremonies this past Saturday. His team is pretty talented and they should do well this season. His basketball team also won this past weekend. They remain udefeated with only three games left to go. Love being a father.

Conquered the Mountain!!!

This morning I ran the Transmountain 20k and survived! Feel great about battling the mountain and coming out on top. This was one of the hardest things I hae ever had to do in my life. The elevation and the incline was tough to dael with. Finished the reace at 2:18. Really felt strong about an hour into the race. Will take a week off then will push for a personal PR in the Sembra Salud 5k at Ascarate Park. Addicted to running. Great way to get my mind off things that are stressful.

Stevo's Baseball Team

Stevo started his baseball season yesterday with a big win. He batted three times and scored one run. Plays for the Rangers in the Frank Manning Little League.