Article
Jesús Isaac Vázquez Martínez is an 18-year-old young man who started participating in athletic races just over a year ago and on Sunday took part in his first half marathon, determined to cover the entire route regardless of his lack of sight.
After suffering retinal detachment in his third year of high school, Isaac never imagined doing sports, let alone running on the streets, but he decided to demonstrate that limits only exist in people's mindset.
Jesús Isaac organized the 'Fathers' Race', where around 70 fathers and their children ran 1 kilometer, it was his initiative and he plans to continue it.
This young man is a fighter, he is studying the fifth semester of high school at Colegio Juan Escutia, he is a member of the 'See With You' association, and he has been running for a year.
He started precisely in the 'See With You' race with a distance of 7 kilometers, he was invited by Omar Guerrero, who accompanied him as a guide, and that's where his love for athletics was born.
First, he walked, then jogged, and gradually picked up the pace until Carlos Rodríguez invited him to a second race. That's where he solidified his passion for running, he won second place in his category, and improved his times, especially in 5 kilometers.
With Carlos Rodríguez, he has run 15 races, he has also run 10 kilometers in Cuencamé, his best time was 1:18:00 and now he does it in 1:08:00, while in 5 kilometers, he has managed to do it in 30 minutes.
He did the 14-kilometer route from Plaza Mayor to Lerdo. He claims that this has not been difficult for him because he affirms that these are challenges that he sets for himself, just like running a half marathon for the first time on Sunday, November 12, a New Year's resolution for which he prepared intensely.
He also participated in a 7-kilometer race organized to support Father Manuelito's shelter.
"My first race was the 'Everything to Help' 7K, it was my first time and I felt very exhausted, but I managed to reach the finish line. I chose to run by invitation, and also to promote sports. I have improved my lifestyle."
"I have a certain percentage of vision, I only see lights, but thanks to technology, I can study. I use my cellphone with an application that allows me to listen to everything I write and what others write to me, also a recorder where I record classes, and a computer with an NBDA reader."
Obstacles have not been a problem for this young man, who has only had to get used to those who collaborate with him as his guide. Running is a way of life that nourishes him.
Being guided has its difficulties, says Isaac, who uses a handkerchief in his left hand, and his guide holds his right hand. "He gives me instructions, tells me when there is an edge or anything that could make me fall."
THE HALF MARATHON
The 21-kilometer distance is Isaac's next challenge. He points out that it requires a lot of concentration, "not giving up, taking care of nutrition, having endurance, and staying well hydrated."
He trains every day, one to two hours. He has tried to improve his endurance. "I rest on Saturdays and on Sundays, I either do a long run or participate in races."
He is confident that he will cover the entire route and continue walking towards his dream, which is to become a recognized athlete, a great musician (he plays the violin), be a successful person, and succeed in life.
"I invite people to dare to set themselves a new challenge, whatever the sport may be. We all have the ability to choose and improve our future. There are no limits; we set them ourselves."
In addition to running, Isaac wants to study a degree in music, for which he has the support of his family, his father Aniceto Vázquez, his mother Guillermina Martínez, as well as his siblings Valeria and Cristian.
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