Early Morning Starts

A week of pushing limits, from water polo grit and dawn runs to upcoming family connections.

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Moments (Dec 2-15)

Water Polo Warrior: Jero leveled up by joining the TriValley Water Polo Club Team. Practices are no joke—weight belts, 5-gallon water jugs, and a no-rules match that makes his high school practices seem like a warm-up. Not related, Jero jumped and touched the rim. He's proud.

Band Spotlight: Feris rocked a duet at her Winter Concert and snagged a Student of the Month nomination for her gratitude.

Mountain View Marathon: I’ve started commuting to Mountain View. Mornings are audiobook bliss if I hit the road by 6 a.m., but evenings are a traffic grind. Current strategy: stay at the office until 7 p.m. Long days, but not every day. Welcome back.

Family Focus: Staying local this season—no trips beyond two hours from the Bay Area. We’re hosting cousin-only hangouts for both the Montanos and Balagots. Our new Christmas Tree is the cornerstone for setting the mood.

Letters on Repeat: Last week, it was conferences. This week, it’s letters of recommendation for students applying to high schools—local and boarding. These are just some of the many responsibilities that fall on Maricar’s plate beyond teaching.

Lea’s Locks: With her bangs somewhat grown out, she’s already scouting her next haircut. “Dad, check out this haircutting kit—two scissors and clips. Can I get it?” Classic Lea.

Movie Magic: My parents treated us to Wicked, and while my dad napped, Maricar and I were completely captivated. I cried through almost every one of Elphaba’s songs—they hit so hard with all the emotional build-up.

Game Night Vibes: Last weekend, it was How Well Do You Know Your Family? This week, Ticket to Ride. Both were a blast, especially for Feris. Maricar, as always, couldn’t resist getting competitive and laser-focused on winning.

Neighborhood Reunions: We’re back, and it feels good. The annual block holiday party was a chance to reconnect with many of the “Originals” from the neighborhood. With the kids growing up, the focus has shifted to finding excuses for adult-only get-togethers—kids optional.

On the Move

Run With Me on Strava -

51.86 mi (Last), 57.42 (This) (Year: 2908 miles, 240,971 feet)

92 Miles to Go: On track to hit 3,000 miles for the year! No set mileage goal, but this milestone reflects consistency, staying injury-free, and plenty of adventure time. The math? Over 60 miles a week, averaging 8+ miles daily.

5 a.m. Hustle: With a commute that starts just past 6 a.m., pre-dawn runs are my new normal. The focus is simple—get out the door and find my rhythm.

Running Highlights:

Woodside Ramble Recce (w Geoff): Nestled between Skyline and 280, this trail system feels like stepping into another world. Towering redwoods, soft trails, and serene solitude make it a hidden gem. Similar to Oakland’s Redwood Regional Park but with a denser, more immersive forest.

Stormy Long Run: Saturday’s long run turned into a battle with “rain needles” and gusty winds. It was on-and-off chaos with fallen trees and T8-like conditions (as Maricar called it). I dressed appropriately.

Looking Ahead:

Woodside Ramble 50K: Race day is this Saturday. After recovering from the Quad Dipsea, the goal is simple—finish strong, keep the legs intact, and nail nutrition.

Mountains 2 Beach in April: Maricar and I are pacing and planning a full week in SoCal before the event. Already looking forward to it!