I went back to school today after an AWESOME 3 week break. How did you spend your vacation? I got BUSY.
I heard that a picture is worth a thousand words.
This picture was from an 800m race in May 2011 during the final 100 meter stretch to the finish. That’s me and my good friend, Willie. We became friends after racing against each other practically every single week during track season. He is an incredible competitor and amazing runner. I love his spirit and HEART.
I think this picture is so cool. I remember that moment very clearly.
And in the photo below, we are just being buddies 🙂 This was taken in New Orleans at the AAU Junior Olympics in August.
I was the only person from my team there and I also didn’t have my coach. It can be a little scary being all by yourself.
The cool thing was, Willie and his teammates and even his coach helped me feel less “alone” out there. It makes such a big difference when you are surrounded by thousands of competitors from all over the country.
Any familiar faces feel like home no matter whose team they’re on.
Here are a few photos from throughout the year of friends old and new who have inspired me in so many ways (that a thousand words could not even describe!):
It’s been a really fun year. I feel so lucky to have met and made so many amazing friends this year. They taught me how to win and lose gracefully, how to break through personal goals, and how to never give up. What champions! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 🙂
I wish you all a joyful and blessed new year!
I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain for the second time in a month on New Year’s Eve. I met two of my best friends, John and Tyler there. We are so close, we call ourselves “blood brothers.”
They had never been to Six Flags before so they were very excited. I couldn’t wait to ride the rides with them. We had a special flash pass that day that gave us very special privileges. We didn’t have to wait in any lines AND we got to ride the rides twice in a row!
Over winter break I did a research project on the science of rollercoasters. What I learned was so fascinating that it made going back to the park and riding the rides that much more fun. I will be presenting my research to my class soon and will post some of it here soon 🙂
My favorite ride at Six Flags is TATSU. Oh my gosh, it is the BEST!! You feel like you are flying.
I also love Goliath and Scream. There are so many great rides at the park. I am so glad we have season passes and can go back often!
Check this out!
Today, at Flag Salute, the Marines came to collect all of the food we gathered for the Camp Pendleton food drive. It always feels good to know that the families at our school can help others when we work together.
I received my weekly running award and later, was surprised with a special invitation by Naval officer, Michael Enriquez. Watch below 🙂
I WILL DEFINITELY DO IT!!!!!!!
That’s the motto of the Oceanside Turkey Trot and also for my family. First thing in the morning, my mom and dad went for a 5-mile run together before taking my sister and me to the races. This year was my 2nd time racing in the kids’ 1-mile race. I love the 1 mile races because they are short and sweet.
This race was also exciting because my little sister, Mia, decided she wanted to participate, too. She ran in a 1/4-mile race.
It was a beautiful day. I always get a few butterflies in my stomach right before a race when I’m at the starting line. But as soon as the gun or horn sounds and I’m running, they all disappear.
My race was first and it was pretty quick. There was a motorcycle leading the way, followed by a high school pacer. This is someone who leads the group and also shows which way to go. Right after the horn sounded, I got a good start. I ended up running alongside the pacer.
She was talking to me saying things like, “good job, buddy!” Eventually, I passed her and was on my own.
I won the race with a time of 5:46. It was my personal goal to try to break the 6-minute mark and I was shocked as I was approaching the finish line and saw the big timer read 5:something. I couldn’t believe it! It was such an amazing feeling.
I heard my mom screaming, “Go, Max!!!” It was great.
After all the runners went through, Mia’s race started. I had so much fun waiting for her at the finish line and cheering her on. She seemed to enjoy it. She took 5th place and said she met a friend along the way. I guess they were smiling at each other the entire race.
What a fun Thanksgiving morning. My parents were happy and they gave us a fun surprise. Right after the races, we drove straight to Six Flags Magic Mountain! We met some friends in Valencia and had a really nice dinner at the Hyatt. Then we stayed through the weekend and rode the most crazy roller coasters ever!
I’m grateful for my family. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving 🙂
W
e had a great Halloween. This year I was a band member from KISS, and my sister was Tinkerbell. This picture was taken at my friend’s house. They decorated their front door very scary!
I went to a very very haunted house on Friday with my friends. Then I spent the night at one of my friend’s houses Friday night.
On Saturday I had a soccer game (we won- yeah!)
Then on Sunday, we went to Sea World for the day. We raced home to 
make it back in time for trick-or-treating. We ran around 2 different neighborhoods and scored tons of treats 🙂 I hope yours was safe and yummy, too.
Happy Halloween!
