Everyone has been asking about the GPS tracking while I was running. I want to give a big thanks to the MyAthlete GPS tracking company for allowing me to use their product for this run. Check out their website for more info: http://www.myathletegps.com/index.html
The device was tiny and was used on a race belt. It was very light. In fact, it felt like I was wearing my Ipod, so I didn't notice it at all. It was attached to the race belt that I also attached my race bib to, so it was not an excess accessory. Since many people who had supported the campaign, and donors, wanted to follow the race, but could not attend the actual race, MyAthlete GPS was very useful. People were able to follow me as I ran and keep track of my pace and progress throughout the race. For those who went to see me at Napa, they were able to use the tracking to see my location and they could drive from intersection to intersection to cheer me on throughout the race. This was extremely helpful, because a marathon is very long and towards the end, to see some familiar faces encouraging you was very refreshing and motivating. When people noticed that something happened and I slowed down, they drove to the nearest intersection to check up on me and to pump up my spirits.
On a personal note, looking back at the race, I was able to download the information from the GPS to see my pace and speed and analyze my run.
Overall, this device was helpful for everyone to keep track of me during the run. Definitely made this a more interactive experience.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Marathon Report
Dear supporters of Upward Bounce,
I just wanted to give an update and report on the marathon. This was a bittersweet day. First of all, the weather was perfect and it ended up being a beautiful day in Napa. I have never received so much support and enjoyed a race like this one.
Well, I was feeling awesome and was moving very fast. I was on pace to shatter the record and finish in under 3:20. My shoulders were never tired or sore during the entire time, which was surprising. I was moving very well for 14 miles. In fact, we were a bit curious, so we counted in one mile, I dribbled around 500 times (so do the math and you can estimate how many times I dribbled that 9 lb. ball today). At mile 14, I was still feeling very strong and everyone on the course was inspiring and pushing me. At the aid station at mile 14, I slipped on the wet floor and when I caught myself, I heard a loud pop come from my left knee and intense pain. I tried to run it out, but went ten feet and realized I could not go. I started walking. I kept dribbling with hopes that maybe I could still recover soon. The pain didn't subside, and I ended up walking from miles 14-17. I was determined to at least finish, even hobbling in at a slow walk. At mile 17, my knee was numb enough that I could start a slow jog for a few miles. Even with the injury and the walking for many miles, I looked at my watch and realized that I was at mile 20 at 3 hours, and I could still possibly break the record, and I decided I had nothing to lose and went for it. I was moving fast and feeling great (besides the knee) until the mile 21 marker, when I heard another pop and stinging pain and was forced to walk again. It was at this point I saw Chris (my trainer), and he walked with me and gave me some nice words of inspiration and we walked together for a mile (I still have not stopped dribbling). It was at this point I knew I would not be able to beat the record. At mile 22, we began a slow jog together and then another friend, Dave, joined us for another mile, and then I finished the race at a faster pace. I still finished the race at 4 hours, 11 minutes, dribbling the entire time.
It was a little bittersweet. I was a little disappointed because I had the record beat easily until a freak injury at mile 14. But, the main goal of this endeavour was to raise money for the students of Stanford College Prep and to inspire people to get out and help out their communities. I had reached the main goal just by stepping on the course, record or not. This is why I kept going and hobbled the walked/hobbled the last 12 miles (and I am sure the Orthopedist will yell at me tomorrow, but oh well). Also, when we started this, the initial goal was the record that stood at 4 hours and 30 minutes (which was broken mid-way into our campaign and set at 3:48:23), so I still beat the initial goal.
It was an overwhelming feeling to see so many supporters there with signs and specially made t-shirts. It was truly special. In a way, I feel like there was no better ending to this race. The injury is painful (and knee is very swollen) and kept me from beating the record, however, it follows the message that we are trying to send, and makes it that much more special. Thanks to everyone for your support and love during the past few months. In case anyone wants to see more about the race and campaign, I am putting the links at the end of the email. Thank you for everything.
Best,
Pablo
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Upward-Bounce/365120415569?ref=ts
Friday, March 5, 2010
KPIX Channel 5 News Story
KPIX CBS Channel 5 in San Francisco ran a story on Upward Bounce on today's 6pm newscast. Check out the link below to watch it:
http://cbs5.com/video/?id=62738@kpix.dayport.com
http://cbs5.com/video/?id=62738@kpix.dayport.com
Marathon Details and how to follow
Dear Supporters of Upward Bounce,
As the big day approaches (this Sunday 3/7/2010) for me to dribble 26.2 miles, I wanted to share some updates, news, and ways to follow me live on Sunday. First of all, for those in the San Francisco Bay Area, KPIX CBS news (Channel 5) is going to run a mini segment on Upward Bounce today (Friday, 3/5) during their 6pm newscast. Tune in to watch the special.
For those who want to go see me run the race, look at the map on the Napa Valley Marathon website. This map shows the start and finish of the race, along with the route, and important side streets. The route will be closed off (to let runners take the road), but people can drive from side street to side street and catch me in intersections. The map has those side streets. Note that parking is limited, so careful where you park, and be ready to walk a little ways. (info on tracking me below will make it easier to see me). Make it a weekend or day, go watch, then go wine tasting (and bring me a bottle...kidding...maybe). Here is the official race website for more info: http://www.napavalleymarathon.org/
Finally, thanks to a gracious donation, I will be wearing a MyAthlete Shadow GPS device that will allow everyone to track me during the run. Here are the instructions:
Put the following link in your web browser and Iphone:
http://www.trackmyathlete.com/vemap.aspx?name=052469
Put the following link for handheld PDA/Blackberry/Palm:
www.trackmyathlete.com/pda.aspx?name=052469
The device will be on all morning. The race starts at 7 am promptly (and to break the record, I should finish before 10:48), so from there on, you will be able to track me. You will be able to see my progress, for some, might need to refresh the browser.
Check out a video that was made for the Haas Center:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ7vNBFONFA
Here is a link to the article that came out in the Daily News and San Jose Mercury:
http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ci_14370930?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com&nclick_check=1
If you would like to donate still, go to our website (links to the article, blog, and video can be found here as well):
http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/haas/upwardbounce
I appreciate all the support over the past couple of months. We have raised lots of money for the students of SCP and making their college dreams a reality. It's been quite the journey, but well worth it. This is just the beginning, the cause and effort must go on in order to give everyone equal opportunities for higher education.
All the best,
Pablo
As the big day approaches (this Sunday 3/7/2010) for me to dribble 26.2 miles, I wanted to share some updates, news, and ways to follow me live on Sunday. First of all, for those in the San Francisco Bay Area, KPIX CBS news (Channel 5) is going to run a mini segment on Upward Bounce today (Friday, 3/5) during their 6pm newscast. Tune in to watch the special.
For those who want to go see me run the race, look at the map on the Napa Valley Marathon website. This map shows the start and finish of the race, along with the route, and important side streets. The route will be closed off (to let runners take the road), but people can drive from side street to side street and catch me in intersections. The map has those side streets. Note that parking is limited, so careful where you park, and be ready to walk a little ways. (info on tracking me below will make it easier to see me). Make it a weekend or day, go watch, then go wine tasting (and bring me a bottle...kidding...maybe). Here is the official race website for more info: http://www.napavalleymarathon.org/
Finally, thanks to a gracious donation, I will be wearing a MyAthlete Shadow GPS device that will allow everyone to track me during the run. Here are the instructions:
Put the following link in your web browser and Iphone:
http://www.trackmyathlete.com/vemap.aspx?name=052469
Put the following link for handheld PDA/Blackberry/Palm:
www.trackmyathlete.com/pda.aspx?name=052469
The device will be on all morning. The race starts at 7 am promptly (and to break the record, I should finish before 10:48), so from there on, you will be able to track me. You will be able to see my progress, for some, might need to refresh the browser.
Check out a video that was made for the Haas Center:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ7vNBFONFA
Here is a link to the article that came out in the Daily News and San Jose Mercury:
http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ci_14370930?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com&nclick_check=1
If you would like to donate still, go to our website (links to the article, blog, and video can be found here as well):
http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/haas/upwardbounce
I appreciate all the support over the past couple of months. We have raised lots of money for the students of SCP and making their college dreams a reality. It's been quite the journey, but well worth it. This is just the beginning, the cause and effort must go on in order to give everyone equal opportunities for higher education.
All the best,
Pablo
Monday, March 1, 2010
The rest of the Upward Bounce team...
Meet the rest of the Upward Bounce team:
Kevin Holbrook – Kevin and I met in high school and have been close friends since. Actually, I lied. Kevin is family. Kevin is a proud alumnus of Stanford College Prep/Stanford Upward Bound. In fact, part of the reason why I wanted to partner with SCP was because I saw the success that it had with mentoring Kevin (and a couple of other close friends) during high school. When I approached Kevin with my idea and asked him if he wanted to help, he was ecstatic and instantly started networking and developing action plans.
Kevin was vital in spreading the word of Upward Bounce and also helping develop press releases. With his effort, we were able to get some press for the campaign. He was able to help us get an article written (which would eventually end up on the front page of the Daily News), and he also helped negotiate an advertisement sponsorship with Equinox Fitness, Performance Gaines, and the Daily News, which has helped raise awareness for the cause and led to many contributions for Upward Bounce. Kevin’s efforts have helped make Upward Bounce a campaign that has raised awareness and funds all across the Bay Area.
Kyle Obot – Kevin introduced me to his good friend from college, Kyle. He brought Kyle on board, and his contributions have been immense. Kyle’s ideas and knowledge on how to navigate the social networking world (Facebook, twitter, etc.) has been a huge help. Furthermore, Kyle helped spread the word and bring large crowds to our fundraiser at Mr. Smith’s. He was also integral in getting donations from businesses for our raffle at the fundraiser. Kyle’s efforts and contributions have been vital to the success of Upward Bounce.
Gen Ovalle- I have known Gen since our undergrad days at Stanford. Her enthusiasm for helping others and excitement for Upward Bounce was exhibited immediately in our meetings. She brought great ideas and was our “Facebook Guru.” She helped spread the word around the mid-Peninsula region. She would also make me delicious Chocolate Chip cookies to keep me motivated.
Yesenia Aguilera – Last but not least, my sister Yesenia. She has been a very important contributor to Upward Bounce. She has greatly helped with the fundraising, spreading the word, and helping organize the fundraisers. With her efforts, we were able to get some radio shout-outs from various DJ’s on Bay Area radio stations. She was also very important in helping send out press releases and organizing raffles and fundraisers. Her support and words of encouragement have also been a major help throughout the campaign and training.
These are only some of the Upward Bounce team members that have helped make this campaign successful. On top of their support with the campaign, they were also always constantly sending me messages, texts, calls, and emails motivating me during my training and keeping me focused. Without them, we would not have been this successful. There have been so many people that have helped in many ways, from spreading the word, bringing people to fundraisers, giving donations, giving services, and much more. This has been a great experience and journey because of the unimaginable success that we have garnered. Thank you to everyone who has helped—it touches me deeply that there are so many people out there that want to give back to others and support a cause, such as Upward Bounce. I leave you with another quote that I live by and the Upward Bounce team believes in, in hopes that your desire to serve the community continues:
“Some people see things as they are and say, why? I dream things that never were, and say, why not?”-- RFK
Kevin Holbrook – Kevin and I met in high school and have been close friends since. Actually, I lied. Kevin is family. Kevin is a proud alumnus of Stanford College Prep/Stanford Upward Bound. In fact, part of the reason why I wanted to partner with SCP was because I saw the success that it had with mentoring Kevin (and a couple of other close friends) during high school. When I approached Kevin with my idea and asked him if he wanted to help, he was ecstatic and instantly started networking and developing action plans.
Kevin was vital in spreading the word of Upward Bounce and also helping develop press releases. With his effort, we were able to get some press for the campaign. He was able to help us get an article written (which would eventually end up on the front page of the Daily News), and he also helped negotiate an advertisement sponsorship with Equinox Fitness, Performance Gaines, and the Daily News, which has helped raise awareness for the cause and led to many contributions for Upward Bounce. Kevin’s efforts have helped make Upward Bounce a campaign that has raised awareness and funds all across the Bay Area.
Kyle Obot – Kevin introduced me to his good friend from college, Kyle. He brought Kyle on board, and his contributions have been immense. Kyle’s ideas and knowledge on how to navigate the social networking world (Facebook, twitter, etc.) has been a huge help. Furthermore, Kyle helped spread the word and bring large crowds to our fundraiser at Mr. Smith’s. He was also integral in getting donations from businesses for our raffle at the fundraiser. Kyle’s efforts and contributions have been vital to the success of Upward Bounce.
Gen Ovalle- I have known Gen since our undergrad days at Stanford. Her enthusiasm for helping others and excitement for Upward Bounce was exhibited immediately in our meetings. She brought great ideas and was our “Facebook Guru.” She helped spread the word around the mid-Peninsula region. She would also make me delicious Chocolate Chip cookies to keep me motivated.
Yesenia Aguilera – Last but not least, my sister Yesenia. She has been a very important contributor to Upward Bounce. She has greatly helped with the fundraising, spreading the word, and helping organize the fundraisers. With her efforts, we were able to get some radio shout-outs from various DJ’s on Bay Area radio stations. She was also very important in helping send out press releases and organizing raffles and fundraisers. Her support and words of encouragement have also been a major help throughout the campaign and training.
These are only some of the Upward Bounce team members that have helped make this campaign successful. On top of their support with the campaign, they were also always constantly sending me messages, texts, calls, and emails motivating me during my training and keeping me focused. Without them, we would not have been this successful. There have been so many people that have helped in many ways, from spreading the word, bringing people to fundraisers, giving donations, giving services, and much more. This has been a great experience and journey because of the unimaginable success that we have garnered. Thank you to everyone who has helped—it touches me deeply that there are so many people out there that want to give back to others and support a cause, such as Upward Bounce. I leave you with another quote that I live by and the Upward Bounce team believes in, in hopes that your desire to serve the community continues:
“Some people see things as they are and say, why? I dream things that never were, and say, why not?”-- RFK
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Meet Upward Bounce team member: Christine Solari...
Another vital member of the Upward Bounce team is Christine Solari, Director of Stanford College Prep.
I met Christine a few years ago while I was a Tutor Coordinator for EPASA (East Palo Alto Stanford Academy), the middle school enrichment program whose graduates usually join Stanford College Prep when they reach high school. EPASA worked in close proximity and sometimes, collaboratively, with Stanford College Prep. In my time working in the Haas Center, I was able to get to know Christine and her commitment to Stanford College Prep and the students that she supports.
When I approached Christine with my idea, she was completely supportive…after she did a double-take on my email and needed assurance that I was serious. From the start, she devoted much time of her busy schedule as the Director of SCP to help out with the campaign. Christine helped give the team the space to hold our meetings and the freedom to develop various methods of fundraising. With her experience, she was able to also refine ideas and help spread the word about the campaign to the masses. Whether it was handling the raffle at the fundraiser, spreading the word, letter writing, or joining us in interviews, Christine devoted much effort and support for Upward Bounce.
On a personal level, Christine has been the most calming and peaceful presence for the campaign. Her calm manner has calmed everyone and kept us all inspired and focused throughout the campaign. Her optimistic outlook on everything has made it a more fulfilling experience. When the team would meet after a long and stressful day of work, after difficult workouts, and we were all exhausted and stressed, we were always met with a smile and a warm welcome from Christine. This campaign’s success would not have been successful without the great support of Christine and her passion for helping the students of Stanford College Prep. Thank you Christine!
I met Christine a few years ago while I was a Tutor Coordinator for EPASA (East Palo Alto Stanford Academy), the middle school enrichment program whose graduates usually join Stanford College Prep when they reach high school. EPASA worked in close proximity and sometimes, collaboratively, with Stanford College Prep. In my time working in the Haas Center, I was able to get to know Christine and her commitment to Stanford College Prep and the students that she supports.
When I approached Christine with my idea, she was completely supportive…after she did a double-take on my email and needed assurance that I was serious. From the start, she devoted much time of her busy schedule as the Director of SCP to help out with the campaign. Christine helped give the team the space to hold our meetings and the freedom to develop various methods of fundraising. With her experience, she was able to also refine ideas and help spread the word about the campaign to the masses. Whether it was handling the raffle at the fundraiser, spreading the word, letter writing, or joining us in interviews, Christine devoted much effort and support for Upward Bounce.
On a personal level, Christine has been the most calming and peaceful presence for the campaign. Her calm manner has calmed everyone and kept us all inspired and focused throughout the campaign. Her optimistic outlook on everything has made it a more fulfilling experience. When the team would meet after a long and stressful day of work, after difficult workouts, and we were all exhausted and stressed, we were always met with a smile and a warm welcome from Christine. This campaign’s success would not have been successful without the great support of Christine and her passion for helping the students of Stanford College Prep. Thank you Christine!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Upward Bounce team: Chris Gaines
Upward Bounce has been successful beyond imagination. As race day nears (only 8 days left), I want to take the time to thank everyone who has helped make this possible. For the next week, I will introduce vital members of the Upward Bounce team, all of whom have played an integral part behind the scenes to make this campaign successful. First off is Christopher Gaines:
Chris Gaines and I have known each other for many years. We met when we both served as camp counselors for Camp Kesem as undergrads at Stanford. At this camp, we both connected with our desires for bettering the people and communities around us and using our talents and passions to make a change. We formed a strong friendship at the camp and have continued that friendship since. Chris is a Personal Training Manager at Equinox Fitness in Palo Alto, CA. He is also the Strength and Conditioning Coach for Stanford Rugby. Check out his website: http://www.performancegaines.com/ for more information on him and his services.
Chris helped with training me for this marathon. After I approached him with my idea, he was all-in and devoted much of his time and effort to help with the training, but also the fundraising campaign. He helped develop a training plan that would best prepare me for running 26.2 miles while dribbling a bask
etball. I have never felt better prepared for an event like I am for this one. I owe a lot of credit to the tutelage of Chris for this one. His concentration was to get me ready but to also prevent injuries along the way. Chris has volunteered much of his time and energy to work with me in developing and adjusting my workout regiments, and conducting one or two workout sessions with me a week. His flexibility in preparing workouts that meet my changing needs has been a blessing. Whether it was a freak shoulder injury, a 10 day trip that kept me confined to training in hotels, or constant rainy weather, Chris has kept me prepared for the goal.
On top of the physical training, Chris has provided tons of encouragement and moral support. Imagine a trainer who prepares you physically, but as the day of the big event comes, he prepares you mentally for it and keeps you focused…that’s Chris. As the training went on, he constantly supported me through encouraging words. Everyday for the past week (and he plans on doing this until the day of the race), he sends me a quote and a message to keep me inspired and focused on the goal. These words of encouragement have been just as big a help for me as the physical training. I leave you with one of the quotes that he shared with me, which we both hold dear to our ideals and our focus for the past couple of months, and we hope it will guide you as well:
"Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment."
Chris Gaines and I have known each other for many years. We met when we both served as camp counselors for Camp Kesem as undergrads at Stanford. At this camp, we both connected with our desires for bettering the people and communities around us and using our talents and passions to make a change. We formed a strong friendship at the camp and have continued that friendship since. Chris is a Personal Training Manager at Equinox Fitness in Palo Alto, CA. He is also the Strength and Conditioning Coach for Stanford Rugby. Check out his website: http://www.performancegaines.com/ for more information on him and his services.
Chris helped with training me for this marathon. After I approached him with my idea, he was all-in and devoted much of his time and effort to help with the training, but also the fundraising campaign. He helped develop a training plan that would best prepare me for running 26.2 miles while dribbling a bask
etball. I have never felt better prepared for an event like I am for this one. I owe a lot of credit to the tutelage of Chris for this one. His concentration was to get me ready but to also prevent injuries along the way. Chris has volunteered much of his time and energy to work with me in developing and adjusting my workout regiments, and conducting one or two workout sessions with me a week. His flexibility in preparing workouts that meet my changing needs has been a blessing. Whether it was a freak shoulder injury, a 10 day trip that kept me confined to training in hotels, or constant rainy weather, Chris has kept me prepared for the goal.On top of the physical training, Chris has provided tons of encouragement and moral support. Imagine a trainer who prepares you physically, but as the day of the big event comes, he prepares you mentally for it and keeps you focused…that’s Chris. As the training went on, he constantly supported me through encouraging words. Everyday for the past week (and he plans on doing this until the day of the race), he sends me a quote and a message to keep me inspired and focused on the goal. These words of encouragement have been just as big a help for me as the physical training. I leave you with one of the quotes that he shared with me, which we both hold dear to our ideals and our focus for the past couple of months, and we hope it will guide you as well:
"Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment."
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