Had a fantastic ride in the wind today — wind that was stronger than any wind that I have ever ridden in. Looking at the weather reports, the wind was sustained at 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. To say I got blown all over the road would be an understatement. I wanted to ride 75 miles, but I had to change my priorities once I got started. My ride turned into a 3 hour battle with the wind that I fortunately won. But it wasn’t without a cost — I averaged 210+ watts over three hours for a whopping total of 40.0 miles. That’s right, I also averaged just over 14.5 mph over a course that I typically will average about 21.0 mph, even with the climbing. It was a tough day, but the ride was eclipsed in comparison to what my brother had to do today. There are things that are more important than running, cycling, and triathlon training tips afoot.
My Brother is Army Strong
Today my brother Jake, the same one whose Army Basic Training graduation I went to about a year ago, was deployed to Kandahar today. In every interview you read, Kandahar is still one of the more dangerous places in Afghanistan and I have to admit, I am really nervous for him and his safety. He will be there for a seven to nine month deployment and I gotta say I going to sweat it every day he is gone.
His wife is pregnant and due in June. He has two children, a boy and a girl who absolutely adore him. He is an amazing man. There are four brothers and a sister in our family, and he is by far the gentlest and kindest of us all. I would argue that he is the best of us all, and his sacrifice for our country is amazing. I pray I do not have to write the entry that I fear above everything else.
Before he left, he and I had a conversation where I told him that anytime he got in the crap and felt someone over his shoulder, know that he had the strength of his family behind him. My small gesture to always remember him was to get a RoadID that summarizes Psalms 91, “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day. It shall not come near you.”
Jake is about 11 years younger than me. Once when he was small, we were swimming at a neighbors pool and I saved him from drowning when he jumped in the water when nobody was watching. I saved his life then and the thing that scares me the most is there is nothing I can do for him there. I got to admit for the first time in my life, I am really scared. I like to have control over situations and in this one, I can’t do anything to help him.
He is an amazing guy and I am sure his training will keep him safe. This is the first person in our family that has been deployed as part of the Global War on Terror. It is extremely selfish of our family to expect other people to fight for our freedoms, and my heart breaks for those families who have lost loved ones in the military. While hearts swell with pride at the sacrifices of our military personnel, we can’t help but think of the sacrifices that are being made by their families here at home.
So for the next seven to nine months, please indulge me — I will be posting appropriate emails and letters that Jake sends me to keep you guys up to date. He has promised to send me letters from the front. I would appreciate all prayers, thoughts, and meditations that you can send his way to to his family.
If you would like to, please leave a comment on this entry. I will print them all up and send them over to him as long as they are positive and uplifting. Tell him your stories of your service and the service of your friends and family. I want him to see how his sacrifice can make a positive impact on the lives of other people and how we all support him and his efforts.
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Triathlon Training Tips
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Triathlon Race Reports
I have been participating in running and triathlons for 10 years and love the feeling that training provides. You may not agree with me, but you know you just can't look away...
Jacob is one of my all time favorite people and I might add that he’s a favorite of the entire Aguirre family! We will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers and await his safe and speedy return. Thank you Jacob!!
Pat it is so great to hear from you. Jake is truly a great guy who has made an impact on a ton of people. Make sure you tell Mike hello for me — he was always one of my favorites.
Mike,
I remember you writing about Jake and how proud you were of him last year. Surely it must be comforting to him to know he has the support of his family! That 7-9 months will be over before you know it!
Jake,
Thank you for keeping us safe and protecting our Republic from those that wish us harm. The sacrifices that you are making are appreciated beyond any words I can write. Please take care of your self and hurry back!
Great comment Jeff — you really put it into perspective that it really isn’t that long of a time when it comes down to it. As always, you are ‘da man.
I will be sending my prayers every day for your brother’s safety. He is making an incredible sacrifice for this country and I am so thankful that he is doing this. He and those like him are the true heroes in this country!
Thanks Christi! He is performing a service that so few are willing to do. I am sure he will feel those prayers every day.
Mike….God bless your brother for protecting my freedom. I hope he has a safe deployment and he returns home safe and sound to a beautiful new baby. How hard this must be for your entire family. I can sense the pride you have for him!
Congratulations also on that windy ride! That’s rough stuff to sustain for so many miles!
Diana we all hope that He will.
He is a great guy and if anyone deserves a little extra protection it is definitely him.
Lot’s of prayers for him and your family.
Thanks Michel. He will need every one he can get.
Jake,
You are a patriot. A defender of liberty. A promoter of democracy. A hero.
We Americans owe an immense debt of grattitude to soldiers like you who are willing to leave their family, travel to the far corners of this world, and stand as a shining symbol of the greatness that we all can be.
You, sir, are an inspiration. Keep a sharp eye, a keen wit, and a strong disposition. Keep your thoughts on your family, your kids, and your fellow soldiers. Keep God in your heart, mind and soul.
God Bless, you Jake. Keep safe.
Thanks Joel. That was awesome.
I’ve just started reading you blog but I’ve already figured you as a quality dude. So I have no doubt that your brother is cut from the same cloth. Best wishes for his safety and quick return…
Thanks Patrick — Jake is definitely the “best of the best” in our family. I have no problem admitting he is a better man than I am in so many ways. It would be like trying to compare your singing to the mighty George Straight.
Come home safe, Jake! I expect to see plenty more funny faced facebook pictures!
Eric that kid has a million of those. Thanks for your great comment!
My mom was his teacher in 4th grade so I’ve known him for quite a while. I hope time passes quickly so he can come home!