Reasons to Run a Marathon

Based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Raquel Baquero serves as a general manager of Transwest Enterprises, which provides services to telecommunications companies. In her free time, Raquel Baquero enjoys running and has completed the New York City Marathon twice.

There are many runners who enjoy running a few miles a few times a week, but Running Magazine encourages every runner to consider running a marathon at some point during their career. A marathon is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical challenge. Many people get to a point where they think they cannot go any farther, but still have an hour or more left to run. Overcoming this mental challenge of completing such a long distance race can be extremely rewarding.

Completing a marathon is also a major confidence boost and will help shorter runs feel more manageable. While running a marathon may seem daunting and unrealistic for many runners, it is attainable for most people if they invest time and energy into proper training. There are plenty of resources available for free online to help runners prepare for a marathon.

Four Traits of Successful Business

The general manager of Transwest Enterprises in the Dominican Republic, Raquel Baquero is an accomplished entrepreneur. For seven years, she served as the owner and manager of Aqua Sushi Restaurant and Bar. Beyond that, Raquel Baquero led Cabo Verde, a hair product distribution business, as the owner and CEO. Following are several common traits of successful business owners:

Passionate

In order to achieve success as a business owner, you need to possess passion for your work. This passion can help to inspire you to go above and beyond when leading a business.

Goal-Oriented

Businesses, especially new ones, are complex operations. Therefore, business owners need to develop overarching goals that they want to meet. Setting goals can help them to become successful by providing clarity in regards to what their objectives are and how they plan to achieve them.

Confident

Confidence is a key trait that can increase success in the business world. This is why confidence as a business owner is such a key characteristic. It shows you’re in control, helps people trust you more, and lets you honestly evaluate your personal strengths and weaknesses.

Self-Reliant

While being collaborative in business is essential, you also need a large dose of self-reliance. Possessing this trait demonstrates that you would be capable of running your business alone, if necessary.

Consider when Developing a Restaurant Concept

A entrepreneur in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Raquel Baquero owns half of Transwest Enterprises. Prior to this, Raquel Baquero owned several other companies, including Cabo Verde and Aqua Sushi Restaurant and Bar, the latter of which achieved ranking among the country’s five best restaurants. Here are three important considerations when choosing a restaurant concept.

1. Study the competition.

In any given market, there are competing restaurants in the same price range and with the same target audience. For this reason, new restaurant owners must consider their competition and examine how their restaurant will stand apart. This might be in the form of offering different food or a memorable, unique customer experience.

2. Think of what is inspirational.

Whether it is based on their upbringing, heritage, or something else, almost every chef and restaurant owner have something that inspires them. Building a restaurant concept around this source of inspiration is often a good starting point. Finding this source of inspiration, of course, takes a hefty dose of introspection.

3. Consider the location.

The ideal location for a restaurant depends on its target audience and overall look. For instance, a food truck concept is not the best idea if the target audience consists of people from upscale communities. Location and concept must fit together and cater to one another. This increases the chances of the restaurant being successful.

Tips for Executing a Strong Tennis Serve

Raquel Baquero is a Dominican Republic-based entrepreneur who is part owner of Transwest Enterprises, a company that serves the telecoms industry. While earning her bachelor’s degree in economics at Florida International University, Raquel Baquero was active with its Division I tennis team and continues to enjoy playing tennis in her free time.

One of the critical elements of a successful tennis game is the serve, which starts with a toss of the ball. Before the toss, players should start with their weight forward, and then rock back on their back heel. At the moment they rock forward, they should give a “loop toss” of the ball to ensure forward placement of the ball relative to the racquet.

If the racquet held straight upward represents 12:00, the toss should be at 1:00, with the ball positioned in front and reaching an apex at the peak of the racquet’s reach. This positioning ensures that the server is leaning in when connecting with the ball. At the same time, the ball should not be tossed so high that the player needs to wait for it to come down, which would break up the natural momentum generated by rocking back and then forward.

Maintaining a Stable, Centered Position During a Horse’s Gallop

gallop

A longtime Dominican Republic entrepreneur, Raquel Baquero has led businesses spanning both the technology and hospitality spheres. An enthusiast, Raquel Baquero enjoys scuba diving and equestrian activities in her free time.

When it comes to horseback riding, one of the fundamental skills is bringing the steed to a gallop. The fastest of a horse’s four gaits, it brings all four hooves into the air at the same time at the apex of each gallop.

Because the gallop is an extremely fast pace for the horse, it is essential for the rider to maintain a steady, centered position throughout. The basic position to aim for is the two-point, or half seat, which involves the body folding forward from the hips, at approximately a 45 degree angle. At the same time, weight is allowed to fully sink down to the heels, with the feet held directly below the hips.

The rider’s seat is slightly raised out of the saddle as the feet press hard into the stirrup irons. The chest is lifted as the shoulders relax downward, with the chin lifted and pointing forward. The reins are shortened to a point where there is a steady connection to the bit in the horse’s mouth. Keep in mind that the reins should not be used to maintain balance. If balance is a major issue, the horse’s mane can be held to minimize chances of falling.

It may seem overly complex to keep all these positioning aspects in mind during an unexpected gallop. In that case, simply focus on sending the heels down into the stirrups, while lifting through the chest.