Between Workouts

First off, I got to get better at this whole blog thing.  Haven’t updated since September and life has been full of ups and downs since.  I kicked off the season well with a 2 second Pettit PB at the end of September.  Then the real lessons started. 

My trials were rough, then after a long drive back to Salt Lake City.  I kept plugging away preparing for the last shot at the Olympic team in December.  That….I can say the results were far from what I hoped and sought after, but there are many positive things to take from it.  First off, I admitted to myself that I was over-trained with only solution being REST. 

The great things to point out was that I competed in the Allround competition,  a year ago in December I was completely exhausted after doing 1000m like I had just finished a 100mile ride.  This time around I raced the 500m, 1500m, 5km, and 10km.  It was my first 10km in 2 years!!! Not going to lie, I was worried about simply finishing that race, so that was my goal.  I realized on my last lap though that I still had some more in the day and dropped my lap time by 6 seconds.  I finished 9^th overall at the allround competition.  Something my mom had to point out to me to realize it was something to be proud of. Thanks mom

What left a gaping whole for me was watching the incredible racing by my peers, by those who threw down amazing personal bests and made their first Olympic team.  Then those who raced out of their mind smashing their old times to far just short, but that emotion from it all left me in awe.  Why was I in awe instead of in the mix?  I trained my ass off at a level that I felt would have landed me on the Olympic team, though the process was a constant game of catch up and completely rushed lacking the JOY that I thrive on.

So admitting to myself that I needed to take a little time off was the biggest step.  After trials, I didn’t go near any ice rink for a week.  I didn’t sit on my bum and watch TV the whole time either.  I went on hikes and runs with my dog and took out my cross country skis for the first time in a loooooong time!  The goal was just to keep moving and evaluate, not simply skating, but life.  It has been a life long goal to compete in the Olympics; however, to commit to the life of a full-time athlete needs to be a whole-heart and soul decision.  The constant, HOW, were questions like…How do I need to train…How do I afford to live….How do I want to live…..

These are questions we all ask ourselves from time to time.  I have a great network of support that has some ideas in motion including a series of camps that are going to be available for the young athletes of Alaska this spring, because one thing I feel need to share all that I have learned with all the incredible talent there already is from the lifestyle Alaskans lead.  From all the setbacks and success the bottom line is ‘know thy self.’  No one can tell you fully who you are, but a teacher can present methods of awareness to further one’s journey.  I have a great coach, Matt Kooreman, who has learned the less I need to think, the better I do-my goal has been to work on my ‘dumb focus.’  The XC skiing helps with this by just going ‘scooting’ around for an hour or two. 

The XC skiing has done some incredible things for my feel and flow on the ice.  I am skating my fastest laps in forever and feeling strong in going the distance.  This isn’t suddenly “I now have endurance again.”  Rather, I have joy again and am relaxed, got my swagger back if you will J.  A couple weeks ago after a ski I felt my first “runner’s high”/endorphin rush after a workout, that simply beautiful thing has been missing for far too long and that’s what I thrive on.  Maybe my brain had a little more healing to do couple with overtraining.  If you ask my mother, I use to be and am now once again; completely irritable and grumpy if I didn’t get my exercise….kind of like your dog chewing on your shoe when you haven’t walked him enough.  That deep NEED to move and train has been a cornerstone of myself and is once again. 

So finally, here’s to today and here’s to tomorrow.  I’m looking forward to the Olympics to watch my friends compete, my fellow Alaskans, and eager for those stories that leave you in awe.  I too am competing at North American championships to test the waters and to have some fun while CRANKING IT.  Stay tuned while I immerse myself in the process of life, I hope you do the same.  “I DO WHAT I LOVE, I LOVE WHAT I DO.”

A deeply sincere thank you to everyone that has supported me and made it possible to come this far…

It has been a long time since I have written on this blog and this entry has absolutely nothing to do with skating……

I am sitting here on the eve of the anniversary of my traumatic brain injury.  These past couple days leading up to this, I have truly felt a bit of stress having nothing to do with the actuality of things.  Just the immediate reminder of when my eyes were closed briefly only to be opened wide for the first time.  Right now things feel very vivid as if I am still laying in the ICU or yelling at my mother driving me in the car because she managed to hit the smallest crack in the road which you wouldn’t even notice on a bike but it felt like a shockwave through my body……

And where am I now?  Here.  Here working each and everyday in pursuit of my goals and dreams.  Here right now with a precious gift called life and the blessing of good health.  Besides my since of smell, but think of it this way….the smelt it, dealt it clause no longer applies J. 

A little quote which suits my outlook on life:

“I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.”

                           -Van Gogh

Recently I had the opportunity to be a guest at a RAISIN HOPE event in Golden, Colorado where the bike race raised money for CRAIG’S HOSPITAL AND REHAB CENTER.   Here I had the opportunity to make some great new friends and the privilege to see the plight and triumph of so many others who have experience a TBI.  Then the impact on the family….which is just as intense or beautiful depending on your outlook.  The perspective came from people who had been through it and then the Raisin’s, Duggan’s, and myself got see it first hand.  I sound far too curious in that statement than sympathetic, but let me explain.  For two weeks…nearly three, I was in a fog.  My memories from that time have no timeline to them only snapshots of memory as if looking at a collage.  The families see the exact same thing as their loved one but with the presence of mind to understand what is going on and then able to imagine the possible outcomes.  I had a single track mind…WHEN AM I BACK ON THE ICE?  Oct. 20 was the date and that was when I was on the ice. 

For those with a medical background here’s a short recap:

You had a fracture of the skull in the temporal area and severe bruising of the skin and muscle of the scalp (cephalohematoma).  More concerning - you had bruises in the frontal lobes (hemorrhagic contusions) and a small amount of bleeding around the brain (subdural hematoma).

Your lack of memory of that time is normal (concussion) and many people loose far more time than you did.  Overall you made a very rapid recovery compared to what might be expected.  (likely due to your age and health - younger and healthier is definitely better for these injuries).

-compliments of my fantastic Doctor

And for those that don’t:

I hit my head really hard.

I realize while writing this that I can go on and on with my slew of thoughts, but I’ll keep it simple.

My Goals:

In seven weeks race at Fall World Cup trials in Milwaukee (a competition I missed last season) with the outcome of earning a spot on the world cup team.

December: Finally secure a spot on the Olympic team.

February 2010:  Race at the Olympic games and have a life’s dream realized

Spring 2010:  Get back to Alaska to work with the youth in the schools and camps and have my foundation up and running:

            In the warmer part of spring in Alaska J, organize with the Raisin Hope Foundation to get an event raising funds for the resources for TBI treatments and care for the patients and their families.

And my goal for tomorrow………have a great practice on the ice and then some fun on the bike climbing up a mountain for some important reason which escapes me J.

Then finally and most importantly a very happy birthday to my Uncle Dan!  He flew out to Salt Lake City on the day of my injury to help watch over me.  I’ll never forget his love on that day and never forget his birthday J.  Or the love of everyone that was there in person or in spirit, thank you and that hardly expresses the emotion I feel in this moment.

Just wanted to get the word out that there will be a few new blogs coming out shortly about the flying finish of my season, adeventures home in Alaska and abroad, and about the training/progress of NOW.  You can follow my day to day updates at www.twitter.com/liamortega. 

All the best,

Liam

1^ST COMPETITION BACK

This is a late response to how US championships went, my FIRST competition BACK.  I competed in the sprint program for the first time and it was interesting.  And an emotional rollercoaster.  Part of me was thrilled to simply be there, then there was the part of me that lies deep within always striving for more, for excellence.  My 500m was my strongest race of the 4 (2×500m, 2×1000m) races, 38.9 which was within 6/10’s of my personal best before the injury.

The greatest thing I learned from those around me- was to be thankful for being there and competing, being alive and skating-doing what I love.  There is just over 3wks till the last competition of the season.  My goals are simple and large-two personal bests.  My approach, “become the change you wish to see,” that’s me, everyday, to make my goals a reality.  That perfect race or perfect moment doesn’t come by accident, it is through hard work with intention, intention on perfection, intention on excellence.

CALGARY NORTH AMERICANS COMPETITION (Feb 6-8)

Looking back on the words above, the change is happening.  In Calgary, I raced 6 races (2×500, 2×1000, 1500,  5000m), my first 5km since last march.  The fatigue of a 6 race program set in deep, but gave a great indicator of my fitness as I continued to get faster each day.  I was just over a second from my personal best in the 1500m which proved to be my strongest race in comparison to the other and their gap to my old form. 

My 5km was a mental battle with myself before the gun went off.  A 5km is a unique race because it is a combination of speed, but with deeper and deeper relaxation as the pain becomes more intense.  I was nervous largely because I hadn’t skated that far in such a long time and your first 5km of the season is always a “feel things out” kind of race.  Above all, I was happy with this race and see room for large improvements before the season is out, 7:02 (34,1 lap 11, 32.4 last lap-there is some more gas in the tank just need to have faith when the pedal is put to the metal).

 I am back in Salt Lake City training to improve my technique to a new level and when my strength is back to 100% = FUN.  There is the World Cup Finale here March 6-7 and I am excited from what I can learn and the racing to watch, most of all……throw a giant redwood on my fire with enough fuel to bring me thru the toughest days and be racing at the World CUP finale next year.  MORE NEWS SOON and pictures soon.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28-THE OVAL IS HELPING ME SHOW A GIANT THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT WAS INVOLVED IN MY TREATMENT AND RECOVERY!  I REALLY CAN’T EXPRESS HOW THANKFUL I AM, BUT SOME FUN ON THE ICE AND SOME GREAT HOT CHOCOLATE IS A START!!!!!!!  I skated 2 new season bests in the 500m and 3km-within in arm’s length of surpassing my old self.

CHECK OUT DAILY UPDATES at www.twitter.com/liamortega

Dear Adriana, Jenna, Rannan, G Money, Alicia, Holly, Andrew, Savannah, Jake, Clara, Tanner, Isabella, Caitlin, Stephanie, Sean, Jack, Evan, Kaylee, Sarah, Tana, and the whole of Mrs. Stredny’s class (for those of you who didn’t sign your name, but still wrote very uplifting letters),

            To all of you 5^th graders, WOW! Thank you so much.  I received your letters on Thursday and wanted to wait till after my first races to write back.  I know it’s not as artistic as yours, but now the world has an opportunity to know how big your hearts are.      

            For those of you that don’t know, Mrs. Stredny’s 5^th grade class at Denali Elementary up in FAIRBANKS, ALASKA wrote letters to me and sent a care package filled with a t-shirt, hat, water bottle, and tons of motivation.  When I am home in Alaska I can’t wait to get back to visit all the kids in Fairbanks, but particularly that class to thank them in person and have great stories to share about the season that lays ahead full of SPEEDskating.

            Back to the class, I meant what I said, that the cards possessed TONS of motivation.  AND it couldn’t have been better timing, a mere two days before my first time trials of the season and post accident.  As many of you told me, “no expectations,” and I truly had none.  For my goals for each of the races were to not fall and a couple technical goals.  Clearing my mind however, that was difficult, I had all of you on my mind and I did it on purpose (CHECK IT OUT, had to represent you guys on the ice):

Hi All,

            This past weekend I competed in my first time trials of the season.  I know, I know, late start, but I can’t remember if I’ve ever been that nervous for any race or competition.  It’s not that I was questioning my form, but it was the swirling thought that I am racing and its been barely 2 MONTHS since my accident that not only almost ended my career, but……

            October 20, was the first day that I was cleared to return to the ice and I was on the ice that day, short track.  Don’t worry; I didn’t do anything too crazy my first day just said a long overdue “hello” to the ice.  Since that day I’ve steadily progressed with the support of my teammates and coaches regaining my form.  When people come up to me and ask, “Are you in or out of shape?”  I give a rather perplexing answer, “I’m not sure.”  The ice FEELS different, but in a good way.  My skating feels smoother and more fluid.  The part that is still coming around is the POWER.  During my 6 day stay in the hospital, I lost 12 pounds and part of that was muscle.  My gluteus maximus became minimus to put it short.

            I’m extremely hungry to be a world-class skater (and beyond) and truly become my very best.  Though I realize I must remain patient and listen to my body.  Doctor’s and those who are “in the know” about brain injuries have reminded me perpetually to have patience, for those of you that know me, that is the opposite of my temperament.  However, I realize that if I am to reach my goals and bounce back from this, patience is the one lesson I must learn (of many, Haha). 

            In the past couple days, I made contact with a man named Saul Raisin (a reporter from the Deseret newspaper gave me his contact info).  He was a professional cyclist who experienced a traumatic brain injury at the same age as me, 23 back in 2006.  His road of recovery was far different from mine (as is probably everyone else who experienced a similar injury), but his response was a very uplifting foundation called the Raisin Hope (http://raisinhope.ning.com/).  I recommend that if you get an opportunity, to take a look at it, his story touches the heart, but it is his actions that are truly moving.  I spoke to him on the phone for a few moments and I could feel his positive energy in the sound of his voice, his compassion for others and genuine interest in the story of others was astounding.

            Back to the racing, my first race back qualified me for US championships Dec. 27-30 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I WILL BE THERE.  There is much work over the next month, but above all I will prepare my body, mind, and heart to give my BEST. 

Life is a Gift

September 2^nd-October 1, 2008

            October first is today and I’m writing to you with an amazing clarity and drive that I have never felt before to see the opportunities before me and create new ones (hopefully for others, too).  As of right now I am not yet cleared to train, hopefully in the next week or two.  So what happened on September 2 and what have I done since?

            I was on the ice September 2^nd and had just finished a 12 lap set.  My teammates and I were resting in the outer lane.  A skater from a visiting national team was doing a tempo lap (race pace lap, these are very important to make fine changes to your technique to race faster) and in the turn he hit a rut and lost his footing.  He slid towards the group of us and took my legs out from under me, my head broke my fall, and the ice broke my head.  Just to clarify, all that I remember is skating a 12 lapper, then waking up in the hospital Wednesday at noon the next day, saw my mother, then asked, “What are you doing here?”

            My skull was fractured and had severe bruising on the front and back of my brain.  What that means is that I had a traumatic brain injury.  No worries, I had no idea how severe my injury was until the second week when I looked up brain injuries on Google. I just had some awfully bad headaches.  My mother and friends started to share with me the initial details that I have no memory of, as they became more comfortable that I was going to be okay in the following weeks.  Oh by the way, this is where it gets interesting- I will make a full recovery in 6-8 weeks!

Here’s a picture since the accident:

            Returning to the ice is a very exciting thing to look forward to, but even more, is the fact that I am given this great gift of a complete recovery and clarity of mind.  I was airlifted to the neurosurgery center at the University of Utah, then spent 4 days in the ICU (6 days total in the hospital) and frankly was too out of it to process that this was life threatening.  What I have felt is an incredible energy that I cannot describe and know that it will be a catalyst in my actions and goals from here on out.  There will never be a day I am not thankful for, nor a race that will have less than my best despite the situation.

            Since the injury I’ve felt nothing but positive.  Last weekend I had a chance to listen to Erik Weihenmayer speak. He is the first blind climber to summit Mt. Everest, afterward I had a chance to speak with him briefly.  You could feel this man’s positive energy a 100 feet away and he told me about his friend who had a similar injury and also lost his sense of smell (yes I lost that so far) and spent a month in a wheel chair.  On the fourth day in the hospital I unplugged myself and went to the bathroom on my own, the nurse was not amused.  Then when I had my therapy evaluation two weeks after the accident, I passed all the tests first time. 

            How it might have gone flashes through my mind occasionally, but I feel extremely fortunate with this recovery, and thank everyone for their kind words and support.  There is much I wish to accomplish for others and possibly my own dreams.  Here we go!

These are a couple links about the injury:

http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/sep/20/terrifying-accident-cant-hurt-ortegas-spirit/

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700261612,00.html

Ellis Camp in Milwaukee

June 30-July 9, 2008

Howdy Doody,

            This was my first trip to Milwaukee in a long while and much over due.  On top of that it was my first Ellis Edge camp in over a year and WAY over due.  Sue Ellis is among the small group of people who inspired me to pursue a career in speedskating when she made a trip to Alaska and has been a great friend since.

           These camps are truly amazing because they teach all those who participate to analyze their own technique.  Even the “complex language” of technique is starting to be understood by kids at the age of 9.  Sure it might sound goofy, but in skating strength only goes so far, technique is the fastest and surest way to improve in this sport.

            Also a little secret, I learn as much from these camps as the kids do.  Simply by observing what they are working on I learn.  Then on top of it, I’m sometimes the demonstrator and if I don’t do it near perfection, I know, ha ha. Which is great, I have also been told by a 10 year old where I need to improve and how.  That alone is pretty sweet and you never know who can be a teacher.

            The other epic part of this trip was catching up with my college friends and coach, Dave Tamburrino.  We all had a chance to go to Summerfest (got to see Matisyahu and 311, Earth, Wind, and Fire was too packed).  For those of you that don’t know, Summerfest is the largest music fest in the world and probably in one of the most festive cities-Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  I also had a chance to go see a Brewers game, yes they won that day.  Dave invited me out for a day with his dad and Dave’s daughter Kate (way cute).  Overall Great trip, my next update is what’s been happening this past month.

F.L.A.M.E 2008

June 4-7, 2008

Hello All,

            The first two blogs are an update on how the summer has gone.  The third one is of little insight on what has been happening the past month.

            This was a great trip and my first trip to the OTC in Colorado Springs.  First off, what is F.L.A.M.E. and why did the USOC fly us out there?  Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere is a program that was set up about 15 years ago to give university students insight into the inner workings of an Olympic governing body and the field of sports management. 

            Ok, just a little side note, my degree from Marquette University was in psychology and I speed skate.  Applying for the F.L.A.M.E. program was a large step into unfamiliar territory.  Most every one else in the program was either a sports management major or a business major with an interest in working in professional/collegiate athletics.  This was quite the setting to learn a lot in a little amount of time.  I have to thank each and every one of you for making it an enjoyable a sweet trip and teaching me just by being around you.

            There were about 30 of us in the group and each with unique personalities which made for a great time, particularly a late arrival from New York, ha ha.  We were introduced into the world of the United States Olympic Movement.  As a speedskater working towards the Olympics in the near future I thought I already had a good idea of it all, how little did I know.  First off, not only does US speedskating share the company of other national governing bodies in the constant battle to find money to support its goals and aspirations.  But also US speedskating does quite well when compared to the plight of other ones.

            In the future, I hope to hear about the members of our 2008 class pursuing careers in sports management and possibly careers with the USOC.  Best of luck to you all.

Hello All,

            Since my visit home, I’ve been back in the full swing of things here in Salt Lake City, Utah.  My training is being performed with a new sense of purpose and vigor making a strong effort to execute each workout to its intended purpose and making steps forward with each and every session.  I know more difficult days are sure to arise, but I can just think back to the night of the fundraiser and keep on trucking. 

            The aftermath of the fundraiser is being felt even more now.  The stress I felt this past year has been erased and I am able to see a lot more opportunities than worries.  Since college, I find myself still more of a student than ever-a student of life.  With my eyes wide open, I realize that you need to constantly re-evaluate what you’re doing and figure out how to make it better.  Not to stretch yourself thin on every whim of possibility, but to constantly evolve.

         Here’s a fun pic with Maren, Chris, Heather, and Tony when we took a lil trip up to Sundance in Provo Canyon.