Disaboom Alejandro Blog

More Pictures from Beijing

Alejandro — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:08:00 GMT

More News/Pictures from Beijing!

Alejandro — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:05:00 GMT

When Disaboom caught up with Alejandro last week, he was preparing for the time trials in Beijing. He was extremely nervous about the course, especially the beginning and the end. The course starts downhill, and there are rubber mats that are on top of the cement trail. Alejandro wasn't sure about the point of the mats, but wasn't happy about them because if it rained, it would be very easy to hydroplane on the mats and crash! At the end of the course, the cyclists are at a top speed of about 35 mph when they have to make a sharp turn on an incline. With lots of other racers around them, this is also another prime time for a crash. Alejandro said his method is to "crank as fast as I can" on the less dangerous parts of the course so that he has leeway to go a little slower on parts like the beginning and end of the course. It loses him some time, but he sees it as being a much better alternative to crashing!

In terms of Alejandro's race, if you haven't seen from Steve Barber's blog, Alejandro took the bronze medal in the time trials, and the silver medal in the finals. Below are some pictures. Enjoy, and congratulations, Alejandro!

Pictures from Beijing!

Alejandro — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:07:00 GMT

At the Beijing Mall

Alejandro and Steve Barber

Going up the escalator!

Adventures in China

Alejandro — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:40:00 GMT

As previously stated, Alejandro Albor left for Beijing on September 3rd. He arrived safe and sound at the Beijing airport (which he noted was beautiful and full of military police for security purposes) and got on a bus to head to the Olympic Village. Alejandro, who is rooming with his teammate David Lee (from San Diego), said that the Olympic village is amazing. The Athens village was beautiful, but can’t even compare to Beijing’s Olympic Village, which also has all of the facilities needed for wheelchair users.

Being in Beijing and surrounded by a multitude of other elite athletes from around the world has reminded Alejandro of why he loves sports so much. He loves being around people who have the same passion for sports and competition that he does, and enjoys the unity he feels with his fellow athletes as everyone is in the same frame of mind. Also, for him it’s great to have the opportunity to catch up with the athletes he knows from Mexico and Central America.

On September 8th, Alejandro ventured outside of the Olympic Village for the first time and went into the city with some of his teammates. The village is only 35 miles from Beijing, but due to the sheer volume of traffic, it took them an hour and a half to get there. Once in the heart of Beijing, Alejandro and his teammates visited a large market that was 4 or 5 stories tall. The major thing that he noticed was the aggressiveness of the vendors. He himself got suckered into buying a tea set. The worst was when he went to go buy a couple of silk scarves, a vendor grabbed onto the front of his wheelchair and told him she wouldn’t let him go until he bought something else. Then, another vendor grabbed onto the back of his wheelchair to help her out, and Alejandro couldn’t move anywhere! He eventually had to call his teammates and get them to come help him get away from the two vendors. Talk about interesting sales techniques…

Overall, though, Alejandro is having a great time in Beijing. He is proud to be representing the U.S., and thankful to all of the people and organizations that have helped him get there!

Tales from Training Camp

Alejandro — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:34:00 GMT

Good afternoon, Disaboomers! Alejandro Albor has been having problems blogging in Beijing, so yesterday I (a Disaboom employee) had the opportunity to speak with him as he regaled me with tales of training camp in Colorado Springs and his adventures in Beijing so far.

First up is Alejandro’s experience at training camp in Colorado Springs. He arrived at Colorado Springs on August 19th, only to have to immediately fly back home on the 20th to Sacramento to take care of a few pressing issues. He returned to Colorado Springs on the 23rd, though, ready to train! Unfortunately, ever since getting hit by a van in June, Alejandro has had issues with his left shoulder. With the help of the training center medical staff, he was able to manage the injury/pain at a functional level.

All the days the cycling team spent at the training center were fairly monotonous: Get up at 6 am, eat breakfast at 7, be ready for a bike ride at 8 and ride for 2 to 3 hours. The beneficial aspect of training in Colorado Springs is the high altitude, which is toted to increase red blood cell counts in athletes and improve their performance overall. Alejandro said that the athletes always come to Colorado before competitions outside the U.S.

On one of the last days of training, the cycling team went on a ride at Black Forest (named for the multitude of pines in the forest). At one point during the ride, the team was going downhill at 35 mph. The cyclist who was leading the pack made a sharp left 90 degree turn, and Alejandro wasn’t able to maneuver the same turn. He flipped his bike and landed on his right (his good!) shoulder and hit his head (luckily, he was wearing a helmet). After immediately visiting the training center’s medical team, Alejandro was relieved to find out that while he was in pain, his injury only amounted to a bone bruise.

The next few days involved short training rides and packing, and on September 3rd the team was Beijing-bound!

The unheard voice and the unseen form...

Alejandro — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:12:00 GMT

Since the Olympics began, I have been asked many times, "Are you competing in the Special Olympics?" I highly respect this organization and have always welcomed the opportunities to attend their events. I have been invited to attend Special Olympic events as a guest in hopes of motivating & encouraging the young athletes and their families. I see this frequently asked question as a byproduct of our country's media and their unwillingness to fully embrace the physically challenged community on either front - Special Olympics or the Paralympics. We are a large community filled with individuals who all offer their own story, their own courage as we face the challenges of living with handicaps. While countries like Canada and those in Europe widely televise the Paralympic Games, this nation's television stations have been unwilling to put the Paralympic Games on the air. During the 2004 Paralympic Games, there was no television media willing to televise the Games. Four years later, we are still struggling to get any media coverage. We have managed to get "Paralympic Sport TV" on YouTube and it is our hope that this will open the minds of the media moguls of ABC, CBS, and NBC as well as the minds of today's youth who frequent YouTube. Why is this the case? Just as our counterparts - the Olympic able-bodied athletes - we, the physically challenged, train just as long and as hard. When we are at the Olympic Training Centers, we eat in the same cafeteria, sometimes even sharing tables and conversations. We sleep in the same buildings and train in the same facilities. We sacrifice and strive while managing to overcome physical limitations. We represent a community of individuals that are not given a voice in our vast nation. We also represent the US in these Games. It is time that we be seen and heard! Are our physical forms so distasteful to the American public that we should not be seen? Is this the reason behind the media's unwillingness to give us at least some air time in the homes of Americans each night during the Games? Do we not bring the media enough revenue? No we do not; we rarely receive sponsorship of any kind, unlike our able-bodied peers who receive thousands of dollars in sponsorships and gifts in return for their ability to bring money to the corporations that sponsor them. In 2004, if my recollection serves me right, my able-bodied counterparts received $25,000 for each gold medal. Disabled athletes? How about $5000! This disproportionate amount is inexcusable given that we must abide by the same rules, train equally as hard, and are governed by the same Olympic organizations. After the Games, when able-bodies go to the White House to meet the President, we are there too! Why do these inequalities exist? Why are we not valued by the society in which we work and contribute? These are questions that I often ask myself. It is my greatest hope that during my lifetime, I live to see our disabled community share the lime-light with its able-bodied peers. I hope in some small way that I can help move our country toward inclusion and away from exclusion ... Stay Strong and Persevere! Alejandro Albor

45 days & counting...

Alejandro — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:16:00 GMT

Do I have what it takes to place in the top three on Friday, September 12th in the Time Trial in Beijing? Will I bring home a medal for the US? What about the Road Race the following day? Will four years of training be enough to see me through? As many of you have read, I was struck by a vehicle on May 24th. My injuries are healing and I am back to training at 100%. I continue to work on my sprints and time trials. I am focused. I will be at my peak in about two weeks. This means that my physical conditioning will reach its highest point. On August 17th, I leave home for five weeks. I'll fly to the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs prior to my Beijing departure on September 3rd. Even though I'd like to have my family with me in China, they are remaining at home. But, I carry them with me: my daughter Maya, who's 11 years old, wraps a green chili in a paper napkin on which she writes "Kick some butt, Dad!" and sticks it in my suitcase every time. My 15 year-old son Miguel, who loves to wrestle with me (yes, wrestle!), always sends me off with a hug and a kiss and "Good luck, Dad!" as he slaps me on the back. (I think he secretly likes it when I leave because he becomes the man of the house!) My oldest, Selina, who lives in San Diego and is enlisted with the Navy, calls to check in and says "Dad, aren't you too old to be doing this?" Then there is my wife, Kimberly, whom I credit with putting up with all my travels all these years, taking care of the kids while I'm away, and keeping a light in the window for me. Everyone of them has a special place in my heart and I regret they will not be there with me. Stay strong, Alejandro Albor

What makes me feel good

Alejandro — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:51:00 GMT

Being at peace and content with myself has become a top priority in my life. I have come to realize that in order for me to be happy with other people, I need to be at peace with myself first. So, what creates peace within me? Exercising is my main therapy. I have found that if I don't exercise for a day or two, my sense of well-being diminishes. So, I exercise & push myself nearly every day. There are times when my body doesn't want to go any more, but my brain insists and wins out. Competing, regardless of the sport, gives me a high. I also spend hours in my "shop" (aka garage) building handcycles and experimenting with new seating positions that will help individuals with various disabilities. I derive a lot of pleasure from designing and building. It keeps my mind in a positive state. Learning is like that. The other day while training, I met this couple from the Ukraine. They were quite concerned with me being in a wheelchair and watched me open my truck door. They kept asking me if I needed help. I reassured them that I was fine, that I do this all the time. Finally, they felt comfortable approaching me. We had a wonderful, forty-five minute conversation in which I was able to explain about my background, my training & racing. They shared about their lives, as well. We all left enlightened and up-lifted from our exchange of cultures. This is an example of what makes me feel good, why I feel compelled to speak to others, to educate the public - either one on one or to large audiences - about disabilities. My family is another area that makes me feel good. I am very lucky to have three wonderful kids, two daughters and a son. My wife leaves me speechless (in more ways than one!) We have been married for 16 years. Those of you that are married get my point. I am very fortunate to have all that I have. And I look forward to the new experiences that lie just around the next corner or country. Stay positive and stay strong, Alejandro Albor

Riding in Baja

Alejandro — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:22:00 GMT

I am grateful to each of you for your words of encouragement and positive feedback. I have been away for the past week and a half. This time it wasn't due to a crash or car accident or hospitalization. This time it was to TRAIN! I did a 250 mile ride in Baja, Mexico. I rode with some Mexican wheelchair athletes for five days. It was interesting to ride on Mexico's narrow roads as large trucks zoomed past us every few minutes. We had two sag wagons protecting us, providing us with warm drinks (since little ice was available), and medical attention for those that needed it. Yes, as you may have guessed, I was one of them once again. My shoulder continues to heal but they were very concerned as my clavicle has healed at an odd angle with the outside edge sticking up an inch above its previous position. I am creating my own version of an old story: "The Hunch Shoulder of Mexican Descent." There were some tough hills and climbs. Some of the climbs were over a 13% grade. With the brakes fully engaged, my bike continued to slip backwards down the hill. I finally managed to stop it and began again by moving sideways up one direction and then sideways up in the other direction. By the time I finished this climb, you could see the threads of my front tire as it had kept spinning in place without gaining any forward momentum, but I was determined to make it to the top. When I looked back, I was the only one on the hill. The other bikers had taken to the sag wagons. You wouldn't believe how many times I thought of the same thing; the thought of the reward of the downhill speed kept me going. This is the fastest speed I have ever reached on my handcycle - 65 miles an hour and I had to use the brakes several times. Talk about a rush! I kept thinking, "If you fall, your Olympic dream is over!" Fortunately, everything worked out fine despite the other athletes thinking I was absolutely crazy! I am back to training on my own on the bike trails and hills around the Sacramento area. From now until the Games, my training routine is very specific; three nine-mile time trials a week, intervals, and uphill sprints. I'll keep you posted! Stay strong, Alejandro Albor

China here I come!!

Alejandro — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:18:00 GMT

First of all, I would like to thank all the people out there who sent emails, wrote to me or called me. That meant a lot & gave me the strength that I needed to compete. Friday morning when I saw my coaches, I was was told by Coach Craig that I didn't have to race the Time Trial, that I already had my spot, and to save myself from any further injury. BUT, there were some comments being made by one of my teammates that I was going to be defeated this time around. I wasn't about to give up my title as US Champion without a fight. Yes, it was painful. But pain is good in that it reminds you that you're alive and that you have a chance at defeating the odds. As my time trial started, my chain came off. I lost some valuable seconds. I put the chain back on the chain ring, put my head down, and as I did this, I could feel the adrenalin hitting my blood stream. My heart was pumping 190 beats per minute. My mouth and lips were dry. I knew my opponents, Oscar Sanchez, who has won all the time trials this year as I have not been able to compete due to shoulder injuries, and Scott McNiece, former World & US Champion, were having the same issues. There was only one thing to do - crank as hard as I could and force myself to push through the pain. I tried not to look back to see how far behind they wee; they left at 30 second intervals. I imagined I could feel their breath on my neck. About the fifth mile, I thought I saw Oscar out of the corner of my eye. I wasn't shocked since I was racing at only about 80% of my best. On the other hand, I knew I was going fast based on my experience. I took another glance - longer this time - and it had just been my imagination. He wasn't there. At this point, I was about 20 seconds ahead of him. The course is very challenging for a body-steer handcycle like mine as I cannot take sharp turns without putting on the brakes. I had to brake nine times, causing me to loose most of the seconds I was ahead. As I entered the last hill, which was about a 10% incline and about 400 yards long, I couldn't feel my injured shoulder and arm any longer. As I continued my climb, my coach was yelling, "Take it easy! You have it! It's all yours!" Big mistake... I did listen to the coach and decreased my power output on the climb, afraid of further injury. Once on top of the hill, I looked and Oscar was just beginning to climb. There were two more sharp turns and a very bumpy downhill with a 90 degree left turn up ahead. I knew I still had a few seconds to spare based on where he was. I didn't want to take the 90 degree turn at my current speed of 34 mph. I took a a chance and put on the brake so I wouldn't crash and loose the race. Instead, I lost precious seconds. Once I knew I was safe on the turn, I put my head down and cranked as hard as I could. It was a 200 yard sprint to the finish. Immediately after crossing the finish line, I put on my brake. I began counting the seconds as Oscar hit the downhill like a freight train without brakes. I started counting the seconds; one... two... three... it had been 25 seconds and he was so close to the finish line. I kept counting. I had counted 30 seconds under my breath. As he came across the finish line, he was coughing and choking just like I had. I knew he had given his all. The race was way too close to call. I approached the time keeper. I asked, "Who won?" "We don't know yet. We are reviewing it," was his comeback. A few minutes later, I was told, "You beat Oscar by almost two seconds!" I felt relief. I knew that I had proven myself to my teammates, and my coaches. Despite a dislocated clavicle and torn ligaments, compounded by a head cold, I beat the odds. I didn't need a free pass to compete against the world's top athletes in Beijing. We have a very strong Handcycling Team headed to China. I am very proud of my teammates. In the B Division Matt Updike and David Lee will represent the US. In the C DIvision, Oscar and I will do our best to do the same. According to my coaches & doctors, I need to give my shoulder a couple of weeks to heal. Then I'll be back to training full time. Again, thanks for your support. Stay strong and accident-free! Alejandro Albor

Getting hit by a van is the pits!

Alejandro — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:01:00 GMT

Well, do you remember me telling you how pumped up I was for the US Nationals this Friday, June 6th in Denver? Everything was going perfectly; my diet, my training, my frame of mind was set, my bike was running great. I was stretching the tension of the spokes on my new racing wheels, when all of a sudden, it hit me! Or should I say "the van" hit me! BAM! A license plate went flying, carbon wheels shattered, spokes lay on the ground, the rear axle was 45 degrees off from its regular position. My left shoulder had scraped across the blacktop and the van's tire was atop my right rear wheel. After the initial shock of being struck, I saw I was in a vulnerable position, but pain hadn't set in. Seconds passed and I became fully conscious of what had just happened. Then the pain hit! My right thumb was numb so I checked to see if it was broken. I checked my forearm as well - no breaks. My right lung hurt so badly and it was hard to breathe. My head seemed to be okay, I didn't see much blood, and as I continued to move, to check my body, I felt severe pain in my left shoulder. I put my right hand on my shoulder and could feel my clavicle sticking up about half an inch. In that instant, my dreams of competing in China, crashed hard, like the van that had just ended them. The van had dragged me a few feet. Fortunately, the driver stopped and called 911. At the hospital, I learned that I had dislocated my clavicle and torn the ligaments connecting the clavicle to the shoulder joint. The pain was unbearable. They injected me with morphine. As it hit my system, I wasn't sure which was worse the accident or my body's reaction to the drug... So where do I stand in relationship to China? In the days that passed, after medical tests & consultations, I spoke to my coaches and delivered the news. They agreed to try to secure my spot on the team pending a medical release stating I would be able to train 100% in five to six weeks. I have trained for the past four years awaiting Beijing. There's no way I will let it slip away. I will be at Denver this weekend. I will compete in the time trial only. I'll give it my best shot. Stay tuned for the results!

Butterflies in my stomach

Alejandro — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:20:00 GMT

Well, the US National Championships are getting closer, as a matter of fact, they are the 6-8 of June in Denver, CO. First, we will have the Time Trial with is about 10 miles. This will determine who makes the team for China. The team will be composed of 11 cyclists which includes uprights and handcyclists. Why so few? Well, The US team overall did poorly in the World Championships that were held in Bordeaux, France last year. I had secured my spot after having won two medals, but four weeks ago, the rules changed. Now I must compete for my spot. That's okay. I am up for the challenge. My shoulders feel good and my spirit is emotionally charged. I can feel the adrenaline kicking each time I see myself cranking and feel the pressure on the cranks as I chant "Don't give up, one more revolution. It is only bodily discomfort"... although it feels like you are going to die when you are pushing that hard. I think about it and my stomach starts turning. These feelings are what I experience when I know I am getting ready, when the time is approaching, when I will leave it all on the road and don't take anything home. This year, the competition is tough. I have Oscar Sanchez, Scott McNiece, Seth Arseno, Matt Updike, Greg Hockensmith, David Lee, and others I haven't even met yet. These are world-class opponents who are all competing for spots on the US Paralympic team heading to Beijing. There aren't many spots for handcyclists & I hope I will be one of them. One thing is for certain - I will try my best to make the US Team and when I do, I will be at my personal best when representing the USA. Currently, I am at about 80% in my training. During these next three weeks, I will reach my peak. The only negative, I am contending with is that I live about 50 feet above sea level. The race will be held in Denver which is about a mile above sea level. This discrepancy causes my red blood cell count to be less than those training in Denver two weeks prior to the race. I will be arriving only two days prior to the race due to a lack of funds. But, that's okay. This is when my fighting heart kicks in and my mental attitude compensates for the lack of oxygen in my lungs. I will keep you posted on how my training is coming along. In the meantime, stay strong! Alejandro Albor

Thanks DISABOOM!

Alejandro — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:30:00 GMT

If you go to the USHF web site, you will not find my name listed on any of the past races for this year. I have been asked why it doesn't appear in any of the the results? As you know, this is an Olympic year and I am trying to save for the equipment that I need in order to compete against the best handcyclists of the world in Beijing this September. You see, even though I have been the USA Champion four times (and currently hold the title), World Champion, and a silver medalist in Athens, it has been very difficult to compete with no sponsors backing me. I was scheduled to race in Europe and in Canada, but the US Olympic Committee chose not to send us. That is another reason you haven't seen my name. Thanks to Disaboom's financial support this year, I have been able to attend three marathons: New York, Miami, & Los Angeles. I could not have participated without their help. For that, I am so grateful! They came into my life when I needed them the most! Stay strong, Alejandro

My trip to Mexico

Alejandro — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:48:00 GMT

My trip to Mexico was successful. I spoke to the Mexican Paralympic Community as well as a group of athletes from a private gym. It felt good to speak to athletes from my native country. In the three years since I first introduced the sport of handcycling to the Mexican community, the sport has grown so much that the Mexican Paralympic committee is sending on athlete to Beijing! It makes me happy & proud that Mexico is stepping up and supporting this sport. After my speech to the Mexican Olympic Committee, I was asked if I was interested in, or would consider, racing for Mexico. I was overwhelmed by such an offer, but I had to decline since this year I am representing my country, the USA, in Beijing, but I will consider it in the near future. I did some training at an altitude of about 9000 ft. MY heart was working at 185 to 195 BPM, my lungs were burning, my throat was dry, and my triceps were screaming for mercy. I had trained at high altitude before, but never at this height. In the future, I will try to come once again to this part of Mexico and train for three solid weeks prior to competition. I have visited Mexico several times since the time I was face with depression. I enjoy speaking with children about overcoming physical challenges and the importance of an education and respect for their elders. I do not have to attend a school to peak to children; my wheelchair and handcycle attract them. I can be sitting for a couple minutes and in no time I will have several children asking me, "What happened to you? How come you are in a wheelchair? Can you walk? How can you drive? How many countries have you visited? Someday I will compete like you!" It is important to me that they can see ME after a few minutes and not my chair. I would like to think that they will stay in school and be successful.

Questions I am asked most often about handcycling

Alejandro — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:33:00 GMT

As a handcyclist I am asked: How fast can you go? On a flat road I can average about 25 mph, on a 5% incline, about 13 mph, and on a 5% long down hill, I can reach about 45 to 50 mph. Have ever crashed? Yes, several times. One time I was going down hill at about 35 mph when I lost control of my handcycle after hitting a pothole. The handcycle tumbled and I landed on my back. You can imagine all the skin I left on the road! What do you think about when you are racing? I think of many things. If I am tired, I wonder if my competition as tired as I am. I hope they are! I think about my favorite music (Pink Floyd, The Dark Side of the Moon). But the most important thing that I think about is the course and the next turn, climb, down hill, pot holes, etc. As I ride, I try to concentrate on my strokes and breathing. I found out that when I concentrate on my breathing, I increase my power out-put by about 10 to 15 watts. You see, I am the only handcyclist that competes using oppositional cranking - just like on a regular bike. Why do you crank this way? Is there an advantage or it is easier? There is no advantage. I started cranking this way and my muscles and joints have become accustomed to it. It is not easier because you have to put the same power out in order to go the same distance. The advantage that you have on your competition is the amount of training you put in the months before the competition. What type of workout clothes and shoes do you use? I have been very fortunate over the years. I have accumulated many jerseys, T-shirts, and some other types of clothing. My favorite brand is ASICS. I find ASICS T-shirts to be very comfortable, especially when you are working out and sweating profusely. In shoes, I also use and recommend ASICS athletic shoes because they are light, compact, and look very sporty. How many hours and miles do you train a day? I used to train three hours per day on my handcycle and about one hour at the gym lifting weights. Then I found out that is the quality and not the quantity of exercise that makes you faster and stronger - plus a well balance diet, of course. Nowadays, I spend two hours at a time on my handcycle which equals about 40 miles and one hour at the gym. I also include two days of rest per week. I do concentrate on specific exercises and workouts at the gym. What is your diet like? Do you eat a lot of carb's or do you eat mostly meats for protein? The key here balance. I consume complex carbohydrates such as multigrain breads, white corn tortillas, fruits, loads of jalapenos and habaneros chillies, black bean frijoles, and rice. For protein I consume lean meats. I like carne asada the best. I also eat chicken and fish. I rarely eat pork. I hope you found this information helpful. Stay strong, Alejandro