tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22227016798424414622024-03-13T06:24:19.915-07:00SUP with DiabetesStand Up Paddle Board Racer & Surfer Deals with Type 1 Diabetes - Fitness, Nutrition, Training, and Adventures!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-60580239753060297142012-04-12T12:51:00.000-07:002012-04-12T12:51:05.834-07:00IF LIFE AS YOU KNOW IT CHANGED, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPMQDMb8Oy4/T4ciy9crokI/AAAAAAAAAf0/dBzYgr132zk/s1600/52-change-the-secret-law-of-attraction-plus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPMQDMb8Oy4/T4ciy9crokI/AAAAAAAAAf0/dBzYgr132zk/s320/52-change-the-secret-law-of-attraction-plus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some times change can come along in your life when you least expect it. Change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity, or to make different in some way: to alter, to make radically different: to transform.</div>
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Seven years ago I experienced a change that suddenly did all of those things, it altered my life and made it radically different, I felt as if I would never be the same, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Suddenly all that I knew and was accustomed to had become extremely different, initially it was a challenge and something that was very scary in many ways, and I was definitely paddling in uncharted waters. But I eventually realized that this change was something that I could not will myself through, and that there was no cure for. I was forced to learn about diabetes; and began to look at my life and how I did things with a new perspective. I began to adapt and incorporate the fact that I now had a chronic disease with my very active and high energy lifestyle, and slowly began to except the change in my life.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--n40JSZOZIw/T4clAULPKUI/AAAAAAAAAgE/DYaCfBsfqpM/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--n40JSZOZIw/T4clAULPKUI/AAAAAAAAAgE/DYaCfBsfqpM/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, after a short 4 mile paddle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adaptation and Incorporation!</td></tr>
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Change is never far away from any of us, whether it is the loss of someone or something that was very dear to you, or you are suddenly diagnosed with a chronic disease, maybe things did not turn out the way you thought they might or perhaps picking up your life moving to somewhere new.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USdRS8AiQEo/T4clm9Tu_rI/AAAAAAAAAgM/xVH3ThRzU_A/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USdRS8AiQEo/T4clm9Tu_rI/AAAAAAAAAgM/xVH3ThRzU_A/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I just recently sold most of everything I owned and moved back to the Islands....just a little bit of a change!</td></tr>
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No matter what we do changes in our lives are going to happen, and so maybe if we learn to accept these changes and adapt it might not always be that bad.</div>
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I still swim, paddle and train just as before I was diagnosed.....but now I just need to check my blood sugars before I do these things.</div>
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So if we can agree that change will occur in our lives, the next step is realizing that most of the time the only thing that we can really control is ourselves and what we choose to do with change. Taking control of your own destiny in regards to the change will help you to accept and manage the changes that may occur in your life. It’s basically similar to when I am out on the water training for or racing in an event, if during the paddle the water conditions change I need to adapt to the changing conditions, being sure not to necessarily deviate from my plan, but to go with the surrounding conditions to lessen their impacts. This allows for me to continue with my training, or racing but with a few minor adjustments.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPEjAxZVNIE/T4crWEU17hI/AAAAAAAAAhE/gT07Ft-gttk/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPEjAxZVNIE/T4crWEU17hI/AAAAAAAAAhE/gT07Ft-gttk/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011 Tahoe Nalu Distance race, the wind had picked up and this guy on a 14' Bark had been drafting on the back of my 12'6 Hobie for at least the last 3 or 4 miles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl98tgzgJVg/T4crn3AwH3I/AAAAAAAAAhM/HAayglOp4ts/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl98tgzgJVg/T4crn3AwH3I/AAAAAAAAAhM/HAayglOp4ts/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So I choked up on my paddle and increased my cadence, caught a couple of small bumps heading into the beach and dropped the guy like a bad habit!</td></tr>
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Even though changes will occur in your life you don’t need to be totally knocked off course, they might force you to change direction a little, but with some adjustments you can eventually continue on your way. We need to be open to change and to be flexible to the possibilities that may come from the change, this will allow for you to adapt and stay focused on your dreams and aspirations. This will assist you in staying on course, having direction and purpose.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eCnAj38JDo/T4cqlBfNSnI/AAAAAAAAAg8/9lRb5vKuzrg/s1600/305093_10150826959435203_795540202_20708719_1388128982_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eCnAj38JDo/T4cqlBfNSnI/AAAAAAAAAg8/9lRb5vKuzrg/s320/305093_10150826959435203_795540202_20708719_1388128982_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish at the 2011 Hennessey's World Championships. Caught a wave into the beach was totally gassed, got launched, stayed focused and still managed to run up the beach to a descent finish!</td></tr>
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Easy to say, hard to do….we should always try and look for the silver lining, the positive, in the changes that occur in our lives. From the very first day I was diagnosed I began to think of ways that I might be able to someday use this change to help others. It was more than likely at the time just a way to cope with the change, but hey, whatever works. Once the initial shock, denial and anger began to subside and I began to accept that I was going to spend the rest of my life as a type 1 diabetic, I began to look for opportunities that may exist. Eventually Stand up Paddle (SUP) came into my life exposing a whole bunch of different opportunities.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6_JumSlUM4/T4csKrVgu1I/AAAAAAAAAhU/LpWYFwaoe6Q/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6_JumSlUM4/T4csKrVgu1I/AAAAAAAAAhU/LpWYFwaoe6Q/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What an incredible opportunity to be blessed with a 2nd place finish at the 2011 Tahoe Nalu distance race and perhaps provide others with the motivation or inspiration to go out and tackle their own personal obstacle!</td></tr>
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I did not have a choice in being diagnosed with type1 diabetes, a chronic disease that has no cure, but I do have a choice in how I deal with this change that has altered my life. I have chosen to continue to live my life just as I had prior to being diagnosed, but with just a few adjustments thrown in. I basically adapted and made the decision to manage my diabetes and not let the diabetes manage me!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-69151767494282094482012-04-01T10:10:00.000-07:002012-04-03T11:42:03.748-07:00Be Courageous and Standup for Your Cause!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago I was competing at an event in Dana Point, California, the 3rd Annual 2012 Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup and met Judie Vivian, the organizer of the “Standup for the Cure” event. We talked about the upcoming event <a href="http://www.standup-for-the-cure.org/">http://www.standup-for-the-cure.org/</a> in Newport Beach, California May 5, 2012, and in general the work that the Susan G. Komen organization does regarding finding a cure for breast cancer <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/">http://ww5.komen.org/</a> <br />
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As promised Judie included in the news letter a note regarding diabetics and their struggles and accomplishments related to their experiences with a disease that is in epidemic proportions throughout the United States and the world. Take a look at an article that was just published in the Miami Herald <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/26/2715537/time-to-get-serious-about-diabetes.html">http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/26/2715537/time-to-get-serious-about-diabetes.html</a><br />
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The Standup-for-a-cure newsletter included a photo of Ryan Maloney and a short message about his courage, his battles with type 1diabetes and how he is determined to not let it hold him back from doing all kinds of things, like Standup paddling. I was also stoked to see they included a link to <a href="http://www.supwithdiabetes.com/">http://www.supwithdiabetes.com/</a><br />
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I have been diagnosed with type1 diabetes now for about 7 years and competing as an Elite Standup Paddle racer and SUP surfer for the last 2 years. I met Ryan after his father Bill Maloney saw me paddling and racing in the many SUP races in California that are held almost every weekend http://www.supracer.com/calendar/, and contacted me through Facebook. Ryan and I have since become good friends and while I was living in San Diego, California we would meet up at the beach and get in a SUP surf session or a paddle. We would share stories of our experiences with diabetes and we talk about SUP surfing and SUP racing. <br />
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Ryan is fairly new to the sport of SUP and is a young and up and coming endurance athlete that is trying to make a difference in letting the world know that diabetes can be controlled and people that are faced with having to deal with disease such as cancer and diabetes can overcome these obstacles, with a little hard work and dedication. Ryan is an ambassador for the sport of SUP and can be seen paddling one of the may awesome SUP boards that Boardworks provides him with from time to time! <a href="http://boardworkssup.com/">http://boardworkssup.com/</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvnOjhK7c8Q/T3iIp0i7XJI/AAAAAAAAAfU/AS6tG2-cJJc/s1600/2012-03-31_13-02-27_285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvnOjhK7c8Q/T3iIp0i7XJI/AAAAAAAAAfU/AS6tG2-cJJc/s320/2012-03-31_13-02-27_285.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have since moved from California back to the beautiful state of Hawaii and will continue to train, race, surf and paddle my way towards educating, motivating and inspiring individuals like Ryan to get out there and do the things that you enjoy, and to not let their diabetes control you, but to control their diabetes! <br />
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Obviously I am passionate about diabetes and the quest to one day find a cure, but finding a cure for breast cancer is huge on my list as well. My step mother, who has been in my life for more than 35 years is a three time breast cancer survivor and an inspiration to me as to what we can accomplish if we put our minds and hearts into something we believe in. Rose I love you, you are my hero! <br />
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I wish that I could be at the “Standup for the Cure” event in Newport Beach, CA. this coming May and paddling to help find a cure, but instead I will be competing at the upcoming 2012 Waikiki Paddle Festival <a href="http://quiksilverlive.com/waikikipaddle/2012/">http://quiksilverlive.com/waikikipaddle/2012/</a><br />
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I’m SUP surfing as much as possible and once I can get my hands on a SUP race board (had to sell my race board to help with the move over to Hawaii) I will start to put in some distance training and get out there an paddle my heart out for all the people like Ryan and my step mother Rose!<br />
Do everything you can to enjoy every day because just like my good friend Jeff Archer says,” you only live once”’ YOLO! <a href="http://www.yoloboard.com/">http://www.yoloboard.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-16167154375225946112012-03-15T06:54:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:36:46.619-07:002012 Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">This
past weekend I went up to Dana Point, California to the third annual Mickey
Munoz Mongoose Cup at Baby Beach, in Dana Point Harbor with Bill and Ryan
Maloney. I met them up in North San Diego County and we all piled into Bill’s
van and were on the road, looking forward to our chance to
paddle with surf legend Mickey Munoz.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocdCoQ0syFU/T2FMzA8ot7I/AAAAAAAAAZE/Bd4LXLnCwS4/s1600/421128_3372535680313_1476918825_3085056_426829559_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocdCoQ0syFU/T2FMzA8ot7I/AAAAAAAAAZE/Bd4LXLnCwS4/s320/421128_3372535680313_1476918825_3085056_426829559_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bill Maloney going with the now infamous Conner Baxter stroke!</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup is an event filled with fun, SUP clinics and all kinds
of watersports vendors and super cool people. All of the money raised from the
event goes to benefit local charities and surfing organizations.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RvGvOIiW8/T2FN8Yg7TyI/AAAAAAAAAZM/Q6SuefuylsE/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RvGvOIiW8/T2FN8Yg7TyI/AAAAAAAAAZM/Q6SuefuylsE/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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Super famous photo of Mickey - "the Quasimoto"</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If
you don’t know who Mickey Munoz is, take a look, the guy is amazing and a surfing
legend! Who is now in his 70’s and paddles like crazy, and lends his expertise
as a waterman to the SUP community. I could only dream of being as hip and
awesome as he and his wonderful wife Peggy Munoz.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3fjcM03oo4/T2FOXjUnRRI/AAAAAAAAAZU/gQZi4-HZkHA/s1600/430277_2874755835424_1455807303_32137061_886309569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3fjcM03oo4/T2FOXjUnRRI/AAAAAAAAAZU/gQZi4-HZkHA/s320/430277_2874755835424_1455807303_32137061_886309569_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mickey signing his book, "No Bad Waves: Talking Story With Mickey Munoz".</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
first met Bill Maloney through Facebook, his son Ryan is 13 years old and also a type 1
diabetic. We instantly hit it off and I have since become great friends with
their whole family. Ryan was interested in paddling and saw that I was a T1D
just like him so we hooked up and have since gone SUP surfing and paddling
together a number of times. Ryan has inspired me in so many ways and I am
stoked to call him my friend.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLUibY_wFAI/T2FPN6I_DwI/AAAAAAAAAZo/1kg67fiX0tA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLUibY_wFAI/T2FPN6I_DwI/AAAAAAAAAZo/1kg67fiX0tA/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ryan and I at La Jolla Shores.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
have tried to show him whatever I can in regards to SUP surfing and racing, the
kids a natural. We share information about managing our diabetes and about how
to compete as SUP racers successfully and safely despite having diabetes.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vylZPdeSBHU/T2FQX8AYUZI/AAAAAAAAAZw/PL2bAo9rD4o/s1600/430449_325372537511648_127385880643649_846267_1185112469_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vylZPdeSBHU/T2FQX8AYUZI/AAAAAAAAAZw/PL2bAo9rD4o/s320/430449_325372537511648_127385880643649_846267_1185112469_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ryan and I talking story with Pam Strom.</div>
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<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
arrived at the event and Bill kind of stood back and let Ryan and I do our
thing, we unloaded the boards and took off to register for the race. Then he
and I began to run all over the place like two little kids in a candy store, “well
one little kid and one grown up that basically acts like a little kid”.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MIzKVEDtdI/T2FQmqyQgFI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/w2vr_HDHG4w/s1600/052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MIzKVEDtdI/T2FQmqyQgFI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/w2vr_HDHG4w/s320/052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
visited with all kinds of old friends and met all kinds of new friends. I
introduced him to the Infinity SUP team and he introduced me to the
VictoryKoredDry guys. We met Judie Vivian, the organizer of the “Standup for
the Cure” event for Susan G Komen. I think they ought to call it, “Standup for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>A</u> </b>Cure”. Seeing as how there is
more than one disease in this world that I think should be cured. But Judie was
super cool and even told Ryan and I that she might include a small piece about
SUP with Diabetes in their April 13<sup>th</sup> newsletter! Ryan and I were
super stoked to hear that.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWXfkbG-8S0/T2FRwb31IuI/AAAAAAAAAaA/2AH-RPrUMzQ/s1600/430404_325371934178375_127385880643649_846250_282520525_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWXfkbG-8S0/T2FRwb31IuI/AAAAAAAAAaA/2AH-RPrUMzQ/s320/430404_325371934178375_127385880643649_846250_282520525_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Brian Hagg, Ryan Maloney and Paul Zacharias. Three generations of SUP racers and type 1 diabetics.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
then tested our blood sugars and took off on the fun paddle around Dana Point
harbor with a couple of hundred or so other paddlers. Ryan and I were laughing
and playing as we paddled the short couple of miles, and at one point we tried
to switch boards and got all tangled up in Ryan leash and both fell into the
water. It was cold, but with the sun shining and he and I filled with all kinds
of energy, or maybe it was sugar, we got back on our boards and took off
laughing. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5ckk8ihhmg/T2FSigQsACI/AAAAAAAAAaI/klivNTRYULc/s1600/426048_325372124178356_127385880643649_846255_1474823970_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5ckk8ihhmg/T2FSigQsACI/AAAAAAAAAaI/klivNTRYULc/s320/426048_325372124178356_127385880643649_846255_1474823970_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then
it was back to the beach for some of the awesome SUP clinics being conducted by
a few of the sports super stars, we first listened to Byron Kurt talk about
being aware of the waters conditions prior to paddling and how to navigate certain situations
caused by things like tides, waves and currents. The next one we attended was
be given by Rob Rojas, he was offering his expertise on paddling technique.
Ryan through him a curve ball and asked about stacking your shoulders at the
top of your stroke just prior to your paddle entry, kind of caught him off
guard, but Rob being the consummate professional that he is and expert paddler
handled it just fine and integrated his answer perfectly with his explanation
on how to get the most power from your stroke.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKoUgtK-kyU/T2FTFeQ_yuI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/wHTZ_wfDmVM/s1600/419921_325372767511625_127385880643649_846273_1237760094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKoUgtK-kyU/T2FTFeQ_yuI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/wHTZ_wfDmVM/s320/419921_325372767511625_127385880643649_846273_1237760094_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ryan soaking up information during Byron Kurts SUP clinic.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQgB0GT1thY/T2FTiOz4amI/AAAAAAAAAaY/_iOUbVC72vU/s1600/430393_325372830844952_127385880643649_846274_689258437_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQgB0GT1thY/T2FTiOz4amI/AAAAAAAAAaY/_iOUbVC72vU/s320/430393_325372830844952_127385880643649_846274_689258437_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ryan and I during the SUP clinic on stroke technique from Rob Rojas</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With
all that was going on around us we soon lost interest and took off back out on
the water to practice what we had learned and to just have some fun! We tried
different boards and Ryan let me use his Boardworks M & M race board. I
love this board and really think that it is one of the fastest boards on the
water. Ryan was on the new C4 Travis Grant race board, equally fun and fast!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROvtLaLXwis/T2FUMN62AmI/AAAAAAAAAag/3XNEgTOPxSY/s1600/429639_325372280845007_127385880643649_846260_2052302569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROvtLaLXwis/T2FUMN62AmI/AAAAAAAAAag/3XNEgTOPxSY/s320/429639_325372280845007_127385880643649_846260_2052302569_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blah, Blah, Blah....tippy...Blah, Blah, Blah!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then
more blood sugar testing, a little insulin and then lunch. It definitely was
not a healthy lunch, but who cares we were starving! Then it was relay / race
time!</span></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv513BXHhNw/T2FWl-5NM_I/AAAAAAAAAao/8LCe3bnQtvA/s1600/426793_2821410496238_1288219850_41628305_1907477317_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv513BXHhNw/T2FWl-5NM_I/AAAAAAAAAao/8LCe3bnQtvA/s320/426793_2821410496238_1288219850_41628305_1907477317_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
was super excited to see which team I was on, turned out it was team one and
our teams captain was Byron Kurt! This guy is super-fast and really talented,
the other team members were a guy named Dave and I brand new paddler Kelly. We
got to race on Byron’s stealthy looking carbon fiber Hobie, I like these
boards, especially because my first and only SUP race board was one of the
custom carbon fiber Hobie race boards made for one of their team riders from a
couple of years ago. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCIuMc89_Lw/T2He0tIa-vI/AAAAAAAAAa4/ENfqNSauHGY/s1600/430646_3369528485135_1476918825_3082841_67988780_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCIuMc89_Lw/T2He0tIa-vI/AAAAAAAAAa4/ENfqNSauHGY/s320/430646_3369528485135_1476918825_3082841_67988780_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As
always the relay is meant to be fun but trust me when Kelly French, the beach Marshall yell’s those
famous words, “racers are you ready!”, and the horn blows, it’s on. Amateurs and pro’s hit
the water, rails bashing, paddles flying and a lot of cheering from the crowds
on the beach. Got to love it!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZjpjDCafOU/T2HoFVedY8I/AAAAAAAAAbA/PvZ4hg8Kams/s1600/430202_3370537750366_1476918825_3083575_663464671_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZjpjDCafOU/T2HoFVedY8I/AAAAAAAAAbA/PvZ4hg8Kams/s320/430202_3370537750366_1476918825_3083575_663464671_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As always, the crazy SUP start!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIVIuZWcWTU/T2Hoo4VaqHI/AAAAAAAAAbI/aavzQyJ9_jo/s1600/421753_3369537045349_1476918825_3082848_759985415_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIVIuZWcWTU/T2Hoo4VaqHI/AAAAAAAAAbI/aavzQyJ9_jo/s320/421753_3369537045349_1476918825_3082848_759985415_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Byron killing it along with Bruce Brunson.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riCjl8pFK-U/T2Ho8yTOvAI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/6D_0ov6ojss/s1600/425320_321788301203213_142977309084314_812130_1205295393_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riCjl8pFK-U/T2Ho8yTOvAI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/6D_0ov6ojss/s320/425320_321788301203213_142977309084314_812130_1205295393_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Waiting for the transition.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
did pretty well, Byron took off and came back into the beach in second place,
then it was Dave’s turn, he had a great paddle out and around the bouys. Kelly,
bless her heart had never really paddled much but was so filled with enthusiasm
and desire she took off and gave it her all. A lot of the teams caught up to
her as she enthusiastically navigated around the buoys. I was jumping up and
down cheering her on as she paddled back to the beach. We had a pretty good
transition and away I went, I paddled as hard and as fast as I could and was
able to pass a number of other paddlers. I hit the beach and ran through the
chute to finish in seventh place, the last team to qualify for the finals!
I was spent, got some water and ran over to check my blood sugars….trending
towards a low and not wanting to crash I grabbed a juicy juice and ran back to
the water’s edge for the start of the final.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viHaGbiEojE/T2Hpb54VK4I/AAAAAAAAAbY/tDyXua24H14/s1600/426963_3369703209503_1476918825_3082933_332455683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viHaGbiEojE/T2Hpb54VK4I/AAAAAAAAAbY/tDyXua24H14/s320/426963_3369703209503_1476918825_3082933_332455683_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grippin' it and rippin' it!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY_ZwYEJFY8/T2Hp3O7gb8I/AAAAAAAAAbg/CYYhpKScaLQ/s1600/417651_3369704649539_1476918825_3082935_1762346518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY_ZwYEJFY8/T2Hp3O7gb8I/AAAAAAAAAbg/CYYhpKScaLQ/s320/417651_3369704649539_1476918825_3082935_1762346518_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The run up the beach!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again
we all lined up and waited for Kelly to start the race. This time though each
team had to paddle the course twice! Byron got tripped up at the start and
missed getting out in front of the pack, but the guy is like superman and as
always he paddled super-fast and managed to keep us in the race. Again Dave and
Kelly both took off and kept us in there, I was left with trying to bring it
home. Well that didn’t happen, but I did manage to contribute to a very
respectable 11<sup>th</sup> place finish out of like twenty-one or so
teams. It was a blast and I would do it
again!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9T3QCDHM70/T2HqH6elWpI/AAAAAAAAAbo/mYU-TGqyvyw/s1600/423394_3373489824166_1476918825_3085590_1345082506_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9T3QCDHM70/T2HqH6elWpI/AAAAAAAAAbo/mYU-TGqyvyw/s320/423394_3373489824166_1476918825_3085590_1345082506_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Craziest
thing ever was that the team that won the relay was led by Brian Hagg, team
rider for 404, a good friend of Ryan and mine, and get this, a type 1 diabetic!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAir3h8ot64/T2HqWY_VqYI/AAAAAAAAAbw/oBu1-VwSTzA/s1600/418485_2874456147932_1455807303_32136687_525104645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAir3h8ot64/T2HqWY_VqYI/AAAAAAAAAbw/oBu1-VwSTzA/s320/418485_2874456147932_1455807303_32136687_525104645_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Awesome day !</div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
had lost track of Ryan and his Dad during the relay race, but we met up after
and said our good bye’s to everyone and were on the road back home by late
afternoon. I ended up having dinner with Ryan and his mother and father. It was
awesome hanging out with a super cool family and enjoying a home cooked meal.
Ryan showed me all of his stuff and we talked about SUP surfing and racing,
having diabetes and living life. By the time I got home I was one tired puppy,
within minutes I was sound asleep and dreaming of my next adventure, Hawaii!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1sB6sgfeyo/T2HreMiAlTI/AAAAAAAAAb4/vD6ra7xtzg8/s1600/imagesCA63D5MI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1sB6sgfeyo/T2HreMiAlTI/AAAAAAAAAb4/vD6ra7xtzg8/s1600/imagesCA63D5MI.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yep,
I am moving back to Hawaii! I can’t wait to paddle the clear blue waters of the
Islands and experience the pure stoke and Aloha of the SUP community, SUP
racing and SUP surfing in Hawaii! Stay tuned......</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0Dana Point, CA, USA33.4669721 -117.698107533.4139881 -117.7770715 33.5199561 -117.6191435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-78163506044992488852012-03-01T17:43:00.003-08:002012-03-30T11:37:31.165-07:00Long Term Side Effects of Diabetes - What Scares You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTlYGd1zihU/T1AdQpCsQlI/AAAAAAAAAYM/FRG8RcBb_DI/s1600/imagesCAW1PAVW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTlYGd1zihU/T1AdQpCsQlI/AAAAAAAAAYM/FRG8RcBb_DI/s1600/imagesCAW1PAVW.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not sure if everyone understands, I know that few choose to talk about it, but there are millions of people out there that have been diagnosed with diabetes and their scared, feeling as if there is no hope. They are worried about the long term side effects of their diabetes. Amputation, blindness and heart disease. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Just ask your doctor, or do the research yourself about all the side effects of the disease and it’s enough to scare the living shit out of you. I am constantly running into someone that has a story about a loved one that had diabetes and eventually went blind, or had to have a leg amputated, or eventually died. “YIKES!”</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueYdT_g8ZDM/T1AdlVKYbiI/AAAAAAAAAYU/Bn2XT3k-w2M/s1600/slide02.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueYdT_g8ZDM/T1AdlVKYbiI/AAAAAAAAAYU/Bn2XT3k-w2M/s320/slide02.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is scary stuff, but you can reduce the risk of diabetic complications. When I was first diagnosed about seven years ago I was told that if I chose to ignore the disease and continue on my marry way I would ultimately fall victim to one of the many possible complications of ill managed diabetes.</span><br />
<br />
Look, I grew up with an older brother who was paralyzed from the waist down and unable to walk, born with only one kidney that he eventually lost in his early twenties. I don't want to have to go through even a little of what my older brother had to, so I choose to fight while I can! My older brother was born with most of his disabilities, and though he fought for many years he eventually lost his battle. But not before spending almost twenty five years on dialysis. He was sad to die, but glad to be done with dialysis. I will try and do everything I can to avoid the complications of diabetes.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It bums me out and I get pissed off when I think about my diabetes controlling me. I want to try and do everything I can to avoid the not so inevitable long term side effects of diabetes. This desire to overcome is what I sometimes draw on for my motivation. What ever your motivation may be, find it and hang on. We are in a fight for our lives, but with a little hard work, some determination mixed in with desire we can gain control and kick diabetes in the butt! </span></div>
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or the stomach!</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have only had diabetes a short time, but it seems to me that all these things I have heard from others about a loved one suffering from some horrible side effect caused by their diabetes might have been in some cases avoided if they would have fought a little harder to try and control their diabetes better. I am sure that most of these poeple fought to live, but maybe they didn't clearly understand that with a healthful diet and exercise they could have lived a longer, perhaps even avoiding some of the long term side effects of diabetes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have read tons of literature about how we as diabetics can live a long and healthy life with diabetes. These complications that happened to your loved ones, be it your grandmother or your uncle, didn’t have to happen. We as diabetics can live a long and healthy life. Serious complications do not have to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Actually from all reports it is not diabetes that will end up hurting you, but poorly controlled diabetes might. Poorly controlled diabetes is more than likely what killed your loved one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was told by my doctor that if I keep my A1C below 7.0% I will have a much lower risk of running into serious problems. So taking good care of myself and keeping a tight control over my diabetes will allow me to live a long and healthy life just like someone who does not have diabetes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This means, regular trips to the doctor, managing my cholesterol, watching my blood pressure, checking my feet regularly, exercising and eating right. I think that there is also a little bit of luck involved, but if you will do these things the fight for your life will be a lot easier than if you choose to ignore the problem all together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You really can make a dent in this disease and change the overall outcome if you will become fully informed, take positive actions. You can live an active, long fulfilling life filled with adventure and fun if you get the information you need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So take a big bite out of life and together we can help the world in the fight against diabetes!</span></div>
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Fight For Your LIfe!</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-36479644317803752012012-01-30T08:37:00.000-08:002012-03-30T11:38:17.980-07:00Adversity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All of us have had to face it in our lives. Maybe it is some random misfortunate circumstance, an unexpected medical diagnosis, or a period of hardship. If your anything like me, you probably never really gave it much thought that your life could be affected by these things.</div>
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Adversity hits us all from time to time during our lives. It may be in the form of marriage trouble, a lost job, financial hardship, maybe even your health. It does not care about who it affects; all of us will face it in our lifetimes. The question is how we deal with it once it is upon us.</div>
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When the proverbial shit hits the fan and everything is going to hell in a hand basket most of us have the tendency to run and hide, duck and cover, and withdraw. Most will say that this is not the right thing to do when faced with adversity.</div>
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When I feel like a crab in a bucket and nothing seems to be going right, what ever adversity that I have in my life, I try to keep moving forward. There are many times that I feel down and defeated after what seems like a never ending string of misfortune, but I stand up and choose to deal with each obstacle, facing the adversity head on. </div>
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I know that in your heart it feels as if you can't go on, and it feels impossible to move forward, but even one small step can make the difference. Sometimes if we stop for a moment we can find hidden blessings in our lives, it seems hard at times, but they exist.</div>
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I find comfort and strength in the water, when I am paddling, SUP surfing, swimming, diving or just hanging out at the beach I feel better and the time I spend in or on the water allows me to think things through and gain some focus. What ever your hidden blessings may be they are out there, you just have to stand up and put one foot in front of the other open your eyes and heart and you will find yours.</div>
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Ignoring the adversity I face in my life, and that you might be facing is not the answer, so for today I will choose to continue my fight to overcome!</div>
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Aloha!</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-61869947954772146192011-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:002012-03-30T11:39:26.362-07:00Should you wear a medical ID bracelet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_c2KECJ5-8/TuDt3sRN-MI/AAAAAAAAAWc/tK9nW3hxSRM/s1600/ZY2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_c2KECJ5-8/TuDt3sRN-MI/AAAAAAAAAWc/tK9nW3hxSRM/s1600/ZY2048.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sticky Jewelry is a company in Florida that makes medical alert jewelry. They have a huge selection of bracelets, charms and necklaces. There are all kinds of styles to choose from, I was provided with a medical alert bracelet and asked if I would wear it and write a lttle something in review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for looks this bracelet was super hip and kind of fit my character, laid back and all about the surf and the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Believe it or not, the one thing that bugged me to no end was the litlle beed things that secured the thing to your wrsit . They would get in the way when I played my ukulele and just generally would get hooked up on things. I could see this becoming </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">problem for someone who is active and adventourous. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But again, killer design (less the beads) and look, decent functionality. All around I’d give it about a seven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been a diabetic for seven years or so now and there have been a number of close calls during trainging for a distance paddle event where I crashed hard and could have gone into diabetic coma. I always think what would happen if I had no identification or information regarding my being a type 1 diabetic and a first responder would have not a single clue, that could be the difference between living or dying So it makes sense to me, a medical ID may save your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Who should consider wearing one?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyone who has a condition that may require special attention in the event of an emergency. For me its diabetes, but there is a list as long as my arm of different examples, heart disease, autism, asthma, food allergies…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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So if this sounds like something that might benefit you or someone you know take a look at the Sticky Jewelry web site, there are so many styles to choose from your sure to find something that you will like.</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-59190019224140085932011-11-28T16:47:00.000-08:002012-03-30T11:40:33.433-07:00SUP SURFING – AND LIVING LIFE.....<div style="text-align: center;">
My love for the Ocean and all things water is something that has helped me through so many tough spots over the years.</div>
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Growing up surfing and diving in the South China Sea, water skiing and wake boarding in Lake Tahoe, or running with lava rocks under the crystal blue waters of Hawaii, my heart has always been drawn to the Ocean and all things water. </div>
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Whether it's a SUP surf session or a distance paddle on my SUP race board I often find myself looking back at the land, gazing at the coast line in the distance and for a moment all life's worries are there on the shore and not in the water. It's a moment of pure freedom, of pure Aloha!</div>
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These photos were taken by a guy on the beach who offered to send them to me, "so stoked on random Aloha!"</div>
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There had been a really decent West swell that had been producing some really fun waves for the past week or so. This was the end of the swell but still super fun. The conditions in Coronado were near perfect, sunny, gentle off-shore breeze and consistent waves.</div>
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I woke up and was in the water at the crack dawn and proceeded to absolutely tear it up for about 2 1/2 hours before these pics were taken, so I actually was pretty spent and was thinking about a juicy juice.</div>
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I love this photo, it clearly shows how well the Infinity Quad SUP board that I'm riding reacts to the water and generates speed through the sections.</div>
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Short wave, but still having more fun than ever! </div>
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The only thing that I cannot escape while I'm in the water SUP surfing of SUP paddling is the fact that I am a type1 diabetic and so I take a few precautions prior to a session like this one.</div>
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I eat breakfast and drink a bunch of water to be sure I am properly fueled and hydrated, I check my blood sugar and shoot for about 190-200. Then I will paddle out and go for it!</div>
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I carry a couple of carbohydrate gel packs under my wet suit collar for an emergency. These gel packs would provide me with plenty of sugar if I were to crash and needed to get back to the beach.</div>
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I also am very aware of how I feel physically at all times while I'm surfing, so that if I begin to go hypo-glycemic I will recognize the signs and either paddle in or eat the gels and then head in.</div>
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Please remember to be safe and take the time to deal with your diabetes, and you can live life !</div>
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Aloha.....</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-25874867306807159232011-11-03T11:25:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:42:12.817-07:00Stand Up To Your Obstacle...you only live once, so do everything twice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gotta Keep Your Head Up.....</div>
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It's been awhile since I have posted anything. I have been busy with my own obstacles. After my last visit to the endocronologist I recieved the news that my A1C is at 6.5! But for some unknown reason I have been experiencing extreme highs and lows for the last month. It's been really rough but I think that I might have a grip on managing this silent disease again.</div>
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I have been super bummed about the lack of interest of others in helping me to bring awareness to the diabetes epidemic that our country and the world is facing and the lack of support that I have recieved, but thats alright....I will find a way....just gotta keep my head up!</div>
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I have been able to get out and enjoy the ocean and do a little SUP surfing this past month and for that I am so greatful and super stoked!</div>
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I am almost ready to start my training and racing for the upcoming year, so there will be lots of posts in the future.</div>
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Aloha!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-52582545098264489292011-09-29T19:02:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:43:38.317-07:00The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: Impact, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, CA<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Impact, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">SUP with Diabetes is an inspirational blog where I share my stories and adventures with Type1 diabetes and Stand up Paddle boarding (SUP). I am trying to beat the odds and turn my diagnosis and passion for SUP racing and surfing into a platform. As a Type1 diabetic, an Elite and top age group SUP racer I am hoping to inspire and motivate others facing obstacles in their own lives, and too help the world understand diabetes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past weekend I competed as an Elite paddler and an age-grouper in what the SUP community considers the premier SUP racing event of the year, the 2011 Rainbow Sandals Jerry Lopez California Battle of the Paddle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The fourth annual Battle of the Paddle in Dana Point, CA, held on Sept. 24-25, brought out the best Stand Up Paddlers in the world. The extremely competitive races drew approximately 1,000 competitors, who chased the $25,000 prize purse, as well as thousands of local spectators. The weekend’s events were broken into multiple divisions and race types, including elite, long distance, age group races and SUP surf relays. </span><br />
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Thousands of spectators gathered along the shore to watch the Battle of the Paddle.</div>
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From North to South the beach was packed!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first race was the Elite race - heat 1, with only the top half of the 80 or so racers advancing to the Elite finals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I knew I could paddle the distance without any problem, it’s the speed and intensity of the race that I had to pay attention to. My blood glucose level was about 180, thirty minutes before the start so just about five minutes from the star I drank a bottle of Hint Water combined with a carbohydrate supplement, "good to go".</span></div>
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I got caught up in traffic and never recovered, stayed pretty much in the middle of the pack the whole time.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a couple of super crazy buoy turns and some massive carnage in the waves and on the beach, I was paddling hard and determined to leave it all on the water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My blood sugars would not be an issue due to the short distance short distance . But they could become a factor due to the extra excitement, adrenaline, chaos and the flat out speed of Battle of the Paddle. </span></div>
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The crazy board to beach transition, boards flying, thousands of people screaming, some of the most fun I've had in a while. At this very moment I'm living! </div>
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In the end I finished in the middle of the pack and would not advance to the Elite finals.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Theres always next year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Results: </span><br />
<a href="http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Elite+SUP+Heat+1+Individual%7EAll">http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Elite+SUP+Heat+1+Individual%7EAll</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">I grabbed my board and began to prepare for the Open Age group race. My blood glucose was at about 150, I needed to eat so I had a snack and took around 3 – units. With 2 hours until the start I knew I would peak just before. So just prior to the race I tested and was around 120. So I drank another bottle of Hint Water and carbohydrate supplement and ate a Cliff bar. </span></div>
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The start of the Open Age Group race.</div>
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I'm feeling great and had a great start.</div>
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The bouy turns in the Open race were wild, alot of different paddlers to deal with.</div>
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No waves on the way in.</div>
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Just about to the beach and the finish.</div>
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Jay "Sparky" Longley, Paul Zacharias and Jerry Lopez</div>
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2nd Place in the Open Age-Group Race SUP Stk. 40-49 Mens division.</div>
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FullResults:</div>
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<a href="http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Age+Group+SUP+Individual%7EAll">http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Age+Group+SUP+Individual%7EAll</a></div>
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Age Group SUP Individual Results - Stock M40-49</div>
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<a href="http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Age+Group+SUP+Individual%7EStock+M40-49">http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Age+Group+SUP+Individual%7EStock+M40-49</a></div>
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Erik Nordskog of OnIt Pro after my race. Thanks to Erik and OnIt Pro for hooking my board up with Xtreme Cream And Blue goo, its working great I feel like I am flying through the water.</div>
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<a href="http://onitpro.com/index.php">http://onitpro.com/index.php</a></div>
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The start of the Elite race.</div>
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Just over 80 paddlers who advanced from the earlier heats line up for the start of the </div>
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2011 Battle of the Paddle</div>
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The start of the race.</div>
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This is about thirty seconds after the start. These guys are flying.</div>
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This is a great shot from the water at the start.</div>
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The carnage and mahem that took place at a few of the bouy turns was off the charts!</div>
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Here a wave breaks just as the middle pack is coming around the bouy.</div>
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Boards crashing and people flying into the water, this is racing!</div>
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Chain reaction!</div>
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Racers and boards handelers.</div>
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The run up the sand and through the flagged area.</div>
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At the finish Conner Baxter, Jamie Mitchell and Danny Ching.</div>
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The Elite awards cerimony.</div>
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Elite Race Results:</div>
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<a href="http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Elite+SUP+Individual%7ETop20">http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Elite+SUP+Individual%7ETop20</a></div>
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Jerry Bess, Fernando Stalla and Giordano Capparella.</div>
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Jerry Lopez</div>
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Paul Zacharias and Jamie Mitchell rockin' the Kaenon Sunglasses.</div>
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Jimmy Terrell and Paul Zacharias</div>
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The girls of "Lazy Dogs", from Key West.</div>
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Hanging with Sandy of the "Lazy Dogs'.</div>
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Start of the Distance race on Sunday.</div>
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Water start and their off!</div>
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10 Miles of fun!</div>
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Danny Ching 1st Unlimited</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPwdk8Y_pro/ToTqNuur2sI/AAAAAAAAAVY/_bJ-164UctA/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPwdk8Y_pro/ToTqNuur2sI/AAAAAAAAAVY/_bJ-164UctA/s320/34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dave Bohene, Chance Feilder and Slater Trout un-official 2nd place. These guys were playing around on a new board designed for three paddlers, they were named most inspirational.</div>
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Results:</div>
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<a href="http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Distance+SUP+Individual%7EAll">http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110924_Rainbow_Sandals_Battle_of_the_Paddle.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Distance+SUP+Individual%7EAll</a></div>
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Perfect way to end the day.... </div>
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I met so many interesting people and had the time of my life. I learned a lot during my first attempt at the battle of the Paddle and will try to capitalize on the lessons so that next year I will do better.</div>
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Thanks to God, all my sponsors and friends and to Rainbow Sandals and Jerry Lopez for an amazing weekend of Stand Up Paddle racing.</div>
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Aloha</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-9725507355838476252011-09-20T20:16:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:47:17.199-07:002011 Hennessy's World SUP and Paddleboard Championships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hermosa Beach, California - Saturday, September 17, 2011</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Over 150 of the world’s best paddlers arrived in Hermosa Beach this past weekend to compete in the World SUP and Paddleboard Championships, the event attracted thousands of spectators who packed the Hermosa Beach pier. And amazingly enough I was one of those paddlers. I had qualified earlier in the year at one of the World Paddle Association sanctioned races; actually it was during the U.S. Championships this past summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was overcast and a little windy with somewhat choppy seas by the time the race started and there was just enough surf to keep it interesting. <o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span></div>
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Lots of folks from the SUP industry were there.</div>
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Lots of spectators.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was to be a 7 mile course with a beach start and a beach finish; it actually turned out to be just shy at 6.8 miles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Races are won and lost at the start.</div>
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When you race as with most things in life, you try and get off to a good start. If you don’t, you will basically be playing catch-up the entire time. In paddling a bad start can cost you seconds which can easily turn into minutes.</div>
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As the start of the race approaches you need to keep all of your focus on what your about to do and stick with your plan. Your goal is to get up on your board and moving at full speed as soon as possible. If you hesitate or fail to do this the other competitors that paddle at the same speed as you will create a gap that you more than likely will not be able to make up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eebFJNohRMo/TnlRW9LiQ2I/AAAAAAAAARQ/E2NrSoaK3i0/s1600/15a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eebFJNohRMo/TnlRW9LiQ2I/AAAAAAAAARQ/E2NrSoaK3i0/s320/15a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was the case with my start at the race on Saturday. I floundered at the start and it cost me a couple of spots at the finish. Oh well, there’s always next time.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other than a poor start and maybe my less than stellar finish in the surf, I had a really good race and felt strong throughout. My blood sugars were perfect and so I really can’t complain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I feel absolutely blessed to have competed in a race with a group of the world’s top ranked Stand Up Paddlers. </div>
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I thought that I might be able to be some what competetive in this sport when I started back in January of this year, but I had no idea that I would be competing in the world championships. Like I’ve said before, “I guess God has a plan”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YQ51iBkK0Q/TnlSORGGJlI/AAAAAAAAARg/1rRJfA2A6-8/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YQ51iBkK0Q/TnlSORGGJlI/AAAAAAAAARg/1rRJfA2A6-8/s320/23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here is the link to the results.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://worldpaddleassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Hennesseys-World-Champ-results-2.pdf">http://worldpaddleassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Hennesseys-World-Champ-results-2.pdf</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>I finished 27<sup>th</sup>overall in the SUP Stk. Class and 7<sup>th</sup> in my age group.<o:p></o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Preparation is key is the key to success; I have put in a lot of time on the water in the last 9 months or so but feel that I failed to maximize my potential as an athlete. There are a number of things that I need to do in the upcoming months leading into next year’s racing season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One key component to my continued success would be to design an individualized program, with specific attention in regards to my diet and of course to set goals related to performance and habits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Goal setting would be critical to my future success, as would be continuing to work towards them. Setting goals can provide motivation, direction and assist in progressing forward.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Having someone to assist me and to help me with devising the best plan for training would be key to improving. With someone else helping with my training it’s more likely that I will work on specific weaknesses and my overall performance. The structure of an individualized training program will also decrease my risk for injury.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Getting out on the water immediately after a race and working on the areas in which I failed or struggled with during the competition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Learning from my mistakes and practicing to let them go and to move on, focusing on the things that I did successfully in order to maintain an elite level of performance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Continued pursuit of mental focus, increasing the time I spend on training my mind, visualizing my success prior to my competitions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These are some of the things that will help me to become a better Stand Up Paddle racer and would help anyone pursuing any number of things in their lives in which they to desire to do.</span></o:p></span></span></div>
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Sunset in Hermosa Beach, Aloha!</div>
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Thanks again to all my sponsors!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-703658959300734182011-09-13T10:34:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:49:57.695-07:00Paddle2Live - Paddling together to bring courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Just two years after his cancer treatment, Jack Marshall Shimko, an avid waterman and outdoor enthusiast is ready to embark on his 2nd annual mission to beat cancer through his favorite sport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">In late August of 2011, Jack will begin his 260-mile ultra-marathon paddle in the open ocean as a Team Duke Athlete to fundraise for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. Jack will depart from Pt. Conception, CA, and plans to paddle 26 miles a day for 10 days, touching all 8 of the Channel Islands before reaching his hometown of Newport Beach.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><a href="http://paddle2live.org/">http://paddle2live.org/</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This past weekend I had the opportunity to take part in the 10 mile Elite Stand Up Paddle race to help raise money for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and to support Jack Marshall Shimko in their goal of raising $1,000,000 towards their fight against cancer.</span></div>
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The view from my truck on the way to the race.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was up early drank my water, ate my oatmeal, grabbed a cup of coffee, injected 4 units of insulin and was on the road by 6:00 A.M., heading north from San Diego to Newport Beach. I had just reached Dana Point when out of nowhere this unexpected storm, with rain, hail, lightning and thunder burst from the sky!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I had been visualizing and thinking about the race, listening to some Van Halen on the car stereo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">My plan was to get off to a quick start, paddle hard and fast for the first 2 miles, get to the buoy with the lead pack, once there I could make the turn south and set my pace for the next 4 or 5 miles ensuring a good position at the second buoy turn placed just at the end of the jetty there at the Wedge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is when I would begin to hydrate with my Hint Water and mixture of carbohydrate dietary supplement (rapid energy fuel made from natural juices). This strategy would ensure that I keep my glucose levels up, avoiding any unwanted lows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was a great plan; I had trained and was feeling good and was ready to go. Then Mother Nature stepped in and decided to throw a little curve ball at me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is what it looked like at the beach early before the race, there was rain, thunder, and lightning and of course wind. No excuses though, I am a waterman and need to be prepared for all types of conditions. But I have to admit, it does take a lot more effort to paddle when it’s like victory at sea and there is no consistent swell direction and you’re basically paddling in a washing machine for 10 miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">No worries, I checked my blood sugar, ate a banana and got some stretching in and got ready to race.</span></div>
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Suzy Strazzulla and I checking out the conditions and talking about the upcoming race.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some of the racers in the 10 mile Elite class gather around for a pre-race meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is Mandy McDonnell from the John Wayne Cancer Foundation with the course map.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here I am with Mark Pighini just prior to the start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Looking out past the Newport Beach pier towards the horizon the sky is dark and not looking to friendly, I think about Jack Marshall Shimko who is somewhere out there finishing the final leg of his 260 mile paddle down the coast of California and start to realize that this little 10 mile paddle is nothing compared to his battle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jack had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and only 2 years after his treatment he was enduring all that a 10 day 260 mile paddle down the coast of California could throw at you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have the utmost respect for people like Jack Marshall Shimko. As a matter of fact I have a list of people just like him that have been forced to deal with an unwanted disease or disability and have chosen to stand up and face it head on in an attempt to make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not trying to compare diabetes to cancer, but as I looked out at the ocean I realize that there is a similarity between what Jack is doing and what I am doing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We each have something that we want to achieve, something we are aiming for – a goal. We both are people who are giving rise to an action, or a condition – a cause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I tested my blood sugars one last time and was a little high, somewhere around 250. So I injected 2+ units of insulin thinking that I would be able to manage and level out when I began to replenish with my water / carb mixture.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The start of the 2011 Paddle2Live 10 mile Elite race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The horn blows indicating the start of the race and I am running through the surf and up on my board as fast as I can. I reach, set, catch and pull my way through the chop, heading out to the first buoy 2 miles off shore. I try and focus on technique and my plan, knowing that my battle with the oncoming swells and the erratic conditions will test my skills and push my body to its limit for the next 2 hours or so. <o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I reach the first buoy make the turn and start my paddle south. I fall off my board after being hit by a swell that seems to come from out of nowhere. I get back onto my board as fast as I can and continue to paddle south through the bump and the chop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m forced to paddle on one side for what seems like forever, my left arm is taking a beating. But as I look into the distance I can see other paddlers and they too are fighting the swells and enduring the same conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I struggle with the conditions, getting mad at myself for not training harder and for not being stronger. I think about Jack, I think about our goals, our cause’s and all those that we are trying to inspire. This gives me the motivation I need and I continue to paddle as hard as I can.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">During the 10 mile Elite race Jack completed his paddle from Point Conception to Newport Beach, arriving just north of the Newport Beach Pier. You can see the </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Virgin Oceanic’s racing catamaran, the 125′ Cheyenne, this was the support boat that accompanied Jack during his 260 mile paddle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack standing on the beach after 10 days of paddling, talk about an accomplishment! Congratulations Jack!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I eventually reach the buoys at the jetty make the turn; I am alone and was on my way to the finish. It was about a mile or so north of the jetty when I ran into a small sail boat regatta. I thought to take the high line around the boats and head North West against the swells, thinking that I could catch a downwind and ride the swells towards the pier and the finish line.<o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bad choice, the racers that were behind me took a line in closer to the beach and ended up passing me, reaching the pier ahead of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All of this was compounded by the fact that just after I made my turn and started heading back to the pier it seemed like I couldn’t stay on my board to save my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I knew that I was not sticking to my plan and I wasn’t drinking my Hint Water / carb mixture. I suspected that I was fighting with my balance due to the lack of sugar in my system and that I was going hypoglycemic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But with the adrenalin flowing and the desire to finish on the podium, I wasn’t following my plan. In the end not taking in the right amount of carbohydrate caught up with me. Trying to push through and not sticking to the plan cost me, I placed 3<sup>rd</sup> in the SUP Stk. Class of the Paddle2Live 10 mile Elite race.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After the 10 mile Elite race Mark Pighini and a very worn out me on the beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I learned something during this race though and need to implement these lessons in my quest to become a better Stand Up Paddle racer. First, I need to train harder and smarter. Second, I need to stick to my plan. And third, I cannot will myself through this disease. <o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have diabetes and need to make the necessary adjustments and listen to my body, recognizing the little things like not being able to balance on my board as maybe being a sign that I’m going low. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But most of all I learned that what I am trying to do as a diabetic regarding Stand Up Paddle boarding and racing is really not for me and my little ego, the medals, awards or the chance to stand on a podium and get my picture tagged on FaceBook. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I Stand Up Paddle and race, trying my hardest every time because I know what it’s like to suddenly be told that you will not be able to do something, or to be afraid of failure and not even try, or what it’s like to face an obstacle and think that I can’t do this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I paddle because as hard as it is and as hard as it will be, as long as I continue to try and do the best that I can then that is all that really matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And if through my struggles and accomplishments in Stand Up Paddle boarding I can inspire or motivate others to get out and face their own obstacles, then I will have achieved the greatest victory of all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3<sup>rd</sup> place SUP Stk. Paul Zacharias 2011 Paddle2Live 10 mile Elite race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">When I finished the race I was angry at myself for not finishing better than I did. My blood sugar was at 68 and I was shaking like a leaf from the cold. But I had tried my best and in the end that’s all that really matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">God has a plan and though I don’t always agree with it or understand it I need to just accept it. He had me finish right where I was supposed to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thanks goes to Jack Marshall Shimko, the Paddle2Live crew and the John Wayne Cancer Foundation who made it all happen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I also want to thank all of my sponsors for their support in helping me acheive my goal. Hint Water, Kaenon, OnIt Pro, Kinesys, SportMulti, H2O Audio, GoPro, and Indo Board balance trainer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Aloha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0Newport Beach, CA, USA33.6189101 -117.928946933.5131291 -118.0868754 33.7246911 -117.7710184tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-53326956391100486292011-09-06T11:43:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:48:20.192-07:00My Story - My Cause<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">My name is Paul Zacharias and I was born in the United Kingdom to an English mother and an American father stationed overseas as a United States Air Force pilot. I was raised mainly in the Philippines Islands. As a child I was always attracted to the ocean and the water. I spent the school year in the islands and the summers in southern California with my mother. I was certified as a PADI open water scuba diver in the Philippines on my 12<sup>th</sup> birthday. I spent almost every weekend diving with my father all throughout the Philippine Islands until I graduated High School.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I first started surfing in Southern California during the summers spent in with my mother. I eventually received my PADI advanced diver; PADI deep water and PADI rescue diver certifications and continued to scuba dive and surf most every weekend throughout my years in the Philippines. I swam age group swimming competitively and played water polo, tennis, ran cross-country, wrestled, played football, baseball, soccer and rode my skateboard and BMX bicycle in high school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">After high school I returned to the United States where my love for surfing took off and consumed a large part of my young adult life. I attended Long beach City College for two years where I swam and played water polo. This was an absolutely incredible experience; most of the guys I got to swim and play with were at the time some of the best water polo players in Southern California.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I eventually left Southern California and moved to Lake Tahoe, California and there I fell in love with snow skiing and almost all things having to do with snow. I earned my Professional Ski Instructors of America Level 1 certification and taught skiing in the winters. I was the most requested </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">children’s </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">ski instructor for a couple of seasons. The summers were spent water skiing and wake boarding, along with mountain biking and some rock climbing. After a number of years of this, on a random trip to Mexico I got back on a surf board by chance while visiting a sleepy little surf town north of Puerto Vallarta called Salyulita. It was during that trip that I decided that I wanted to get back to living near the ocean and back to surfing, swimming and diving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A short time after arriving back to Lake Tahoe from my trip to Mexico I was offered a chance to go and work in Hawaii. I packed up what little I had and moved to the Big Island of Hawaii for a little more than four years, where my true love of surfing and swimming took over. This led to a short but fulfilling career as an open ocean swimmer competing in a number of the ocean swim races and small triathlons on the Big Island. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">During one of my many days spent training at the pool in Kailua-Kona I was asked by the lifeguards if I would be interested in coaching a group of local kids who couldn’t afford to join the regular swim teams. I agreed and through the hard work and dedication of the kids we managed to win every one of the swim meets against a number of other similar teams belonging to the county pools.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">After returning back to the mainland and settling in San Diego I continued to swim and surf a little. But I soon became a victim of the rat race spending less and less time in the water. Then the unthinkable happened, and my life changed forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had just moved to San Diego, CA. from Kona, Hawaii when suddenly I lost a considerable amount of weight in a short period of time and experienced extreme fatigue to a point where I could barely lift my arms or take a step without feeling absolutely exhausted. On top of this I was thirsty all the time, and had to urinate constantly. I eventually went to the E.R., where I learned that I had what the doctors referred to as delayed onset adult juvenile diabetes, or more commonly known as type-1 diabetes. My initial blood glucose level was like 550. So they kept me in the hospital for about five days on an insulin drip. Once my blood sugar levels were back to an acceptable range 80-110, they gave me insulin and scripts for syringes, needles, test strips and other strange equipment that I had no idea how to use. Basically, this whole new world was plopped down in my lap and I was told to figure it out, or die.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I felt as if this had come completely out of nowhere. I felt very alone, confused, and uninformed for the first several months. I was suddenly faced with a serious, life altering disease. I felt completely isolated; it was difficult to find information that could relate to me. Most of the information out there was for children or parents with children diagnosed with diabetes. I signed up for a JDRF walk in San Diego. I was like the only adult with diabetes that was actually doing the walk. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Since then I have just tried to continue to live my life as normal as possible. Basically not letting the diabetes control my life, but trying to control my diabetes. I try and perform just as everybody else does in this world, except I always have snacks with me and I test my blood sugars about 8 to 10 times a day and I inject myself with insulin. I knew that the only thing that would make me feel whole again was to get back into the water and continued to surf, body surf swim and run. I would just make sure that my blood sugars were high enough to allow me to take part in these sports and incase I crashed (went hypoglycemic), I would always carry cake gel or glucose in some form or another. The problem is that most of what I do revolve around water so I need a form of glucose that is contained within a waterproof package. Diabetes has really given me new perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I changed my diet to include more carbohydrates. I was told by a nutritionist that my diet was to lean, and that I needed to include more carbohydrates now that I was a diabetic. So I learned about the nutritional values of the foods that I was eating. I had to learn which foods were super low on the glycemic index. I have measured and weighed enough food, read the nutrition labels of foods so that by now I know pretty much know how many carbs exist in what I’m going to eat by just looking at the food. You tend to eat the same things a lot because you know how much insulin to inject for those particular foods and how your body is going to react.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was making due and learning to deal with the new twist in my life when I was asked about a year ago to go and try this sport called Stand Up Paddle surfing here in Coronado, CA. where I live. It was the most fun I had in years, instantly falling in love and about six months into it I was asked if I would be interested in trying my hand at stand up paddle board racing. The rest is history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now comes the hard part, competing in an endurance sport like stand up paddle racing. I am not some super famous athlete that was suddenly diagnosed with diabetes and has a team of doctors and trainers to assist me in trying to figure this stuff out. I don’t have sponsors who supply me with test strips and insulin. I do it on my own, so there is a lot of trial and error involved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I inject Lantus, which is my basal insulin and Humalog as my bolus. I take my basal in the evening and the Humalog is what I inject with my meals. I also have to inject Humalog periodically thought the day if my blood sugar gets too high after eating. Funny thing the human body, it does not always metabolize food the same way every time. I try and keep my blood sugar level at the optimum level at all times. A good diet and exercise helps considerably. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But there are still complications. If I train real hard I suffer from exercise induced hypoglycemia. This occurs sometime after your done training, usually without any kind of warning. “I’m telling you this is really complicated”. The endocrinologist, who definitely has a little more education than I do usually doesn’t have the answers. This is simply because not a lot of people have tried to stand up paddle race with diabetes, or perform in any of the endurance sports. Don’t get me wrong, there are a number of professional athlete’s that have type-1 diabetes. But you can count them on your fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So when I race I have just a few things that I must do. I wake up and eat my typical breakfast of water, plain oatmeal and a couple of cups of Joe w/no sugar creamer. I inject a specific amount of insulin for this meal knowing that in 2 to 3 hours I will peak and require more food prior to the race. I usually try and show up fairly early so that I can test when I get there and eat a banana, drink a sports drink in preparation for the event. I want my blood sugar levels at about 200+ for a 5 to 6 mile race. This probably sounds easy to do, but trust me it is really hard to time everything just right. Then warm up and attend the pre-race meeting. Then right after the meeting I test again and make any adjustments that I need to, either take some insulin or eat, drink whatever so that during the race I have enough sugar to complete the race. OK I’m already exhausted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Then find your board, make sure that you have glucose gels in your pocket for worst case scenario. This would be bonking in the middle or worse yet, at the end of a race. Then it’s just like everyone else. Line up; know that you put in the time on the water training. I visualize the race and the start and wait for the start. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now again comes another obstacle. While just like everyone else, I take off fighting for a good start so that I can get out into clean water and focus on my stroke cadence, get in my groove. I am looking at the water conditions, waves, chop, and bumps, whatever. I am making the adjustments to accommodate the various conditions. I am looking at who’s around me and where I am at, sighting the buoy ahead, thinking about my turn as I approach. But during all of this I have to constantly be aware of my physiology and how I feel. I don’t want to bonk, but I also am a competitor and the thought of having to stop and consume a gel or even take a swig off a camelback filled with a sports drink means that I will lose time, or be passed or caught, by those whom otherwise would not catch me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is all made extra hard because sometimes you are just tired and your muscles burn and hurt because that’s what happens when you race, and so you dig deep and grind it out. But for me, I need to somehow be sure and not try and will myself through these feelings. I have to be able to discern between just hurting because you’re racing, and going hypoglycemic. But it’s all good! A little bit of sugar goes along, long ways!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Having diabetes has forced me to learn more and more about diet and nutrition. It has forced me to learn about my physiology. No matter what I do, no matter where I’m at I have to be aware of how I am feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I really hope that by telling a little bit about my story and competing in stand up paddle racing I can help others understand that diabetes can be treated and that with exercise and a healthy diet they too can achieve the dreams or realize their goals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ultimately I would love to continue compete in as many stand up paddle surfing events and races as possible. Showing others that just because an obstacle has been placed in your life such as diabetes this doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in the activities that they love, especially the kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I will not let diabetes be an excuse though. I will train and try just as hard as anyone else. Since the start of my racing I have finished in at least the top twenty at each of the races I have competed in. And will continue to train and race hard in my quest to reach the podium.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">You can conquer anything you want when the desire to achieve it is filled with passion, a hunger so deep that nothing can stop you from accomplishing your dream.</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-808973389508170932011-08-30T09:57:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:51:11.029-07:00GoPro HERO TEAM ATHLETE – HERO Elite 2011<div style="text-align: center;">
Congratulations! After reviewing your profile and resume, you have been chosen to represent GoPro at the highest level for the upcoming season. You seem to have what it takes to BE a HERO and have the qualities and characteristics we look for in a support athlete. </div>
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Sweet deal from GoPro, I look forward to being a HERO for them in the upcoming season!</div>
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GoPro produces the famous HD HERO® line of wearable and gear-mountable cameras and accessories, making it easy for people to capture and share their lives’ most exciting moments in high definition. GoPro’s products are sold through specialty retailers in more than 50 countries and online.</div>
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<a href="http://gopro.com/products/">http://gopro.com/products/</a></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-48302286486490788212011-08-28T17:06:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:56:28.871-07:00I'm a diabetic and I wear flip flops......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I grew up wearing flip flops. When I was a kid in the Philippines everyone wore flip flops. I’m pretty sure it was the national foot wear, of course unless you were Imelda Marcos who made international news with the stories about her massive shoe collection. But I bet even she had flip flops. I also lived in Hawaii for almost 5 years on the Big Island, where flip flops or slippas were definitely the norm. I still am not happy unless I have a decent pair of flip flops.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So here’s the gig. When I was diagnosed with diabetes a number of years back the doctors and the diabetes educator’s told me that I could no longer wear flip flops or go bare foot ever again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">O.K., let’s talk about this; I am a surfer, swimmer and pretty much all around beach bum. This was not something I wanted to hear. It was not a big deal when they said, “don’t eat a lot of sweets or drink sodas”.….never have, no big deal that they said “you will have to take snacks with you every wear you go”.…..I like snacks. But don’t wear flip flops? were they out of their minds!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you Google feet and diabetes or bare feet and diabetes or even just diabetes you will be bombarded by stuff like, diabetics should never wear flip flops, diabetics should always wear protective footwear, even the slightest injury to a diabetic’s foot can cause a wound that is almost impossible to heal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">O.K., I’m all freaked out again. This is real and yes there is truth to this information. But, let’s think about this. If I am taking care of my diabetes and have a reasonable A1C, I eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and I am not suffering from any signs of neuropathy can I then wear flip flops?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I’m not a doctor, but if this is the case with you I suggest you ask your doctor what he or she thinks. And make your own decision based on the facts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now here’s my take, I spent nearly 25 years on construction jobsites. And I spent a lot of time playing as a kid and I grew up exercising and eating a healthy diet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">When I was a kid you pretty much went barefoot from the last day of school all through the summer until the first day of school in the fall. And after you have stepped in enough piles of dog poop while running through the yards in your neighborhood you learn very fast to look where you step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Construction jobsites, there are lots of nails and sharp objects that you learn to avoid stepping on and this is usually done by trial and error. I have had a ton of tetanus shots over the years.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>My parents did not allow myself or my siblings to eat junk food or drink soda's. I basically was raised drinking water or milk at dinner and eating lean meat, chicken, fish and a lot of vegetables.</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So these were just a few things that prepared me for wearing flip flops as a diabetic, I learned to watch where I stepped. To be aware of what will or could potentially cut, hurt, damage or make my feet smell bad and to eat a healthy diet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So if you do choose to wear flip flops like I do watch where you step and if you happen to cut your foot, hopefully by exercising and eating a healthy diet you will have improved your circulation and have greatly reduced the odds against the cut not healing properly.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If you’re faced with an obstacle in your life don’t let it stop you. If you hit a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to get over the wall, go through the wall or find a way around it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-65470723519220532062011-08-27T21:01:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:58:15.852-07:00Summer’s paddle celebration on Alamitos Bay at the LBCSUP Grand Prix<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="style_9" style="line-height: 17px;">"The secret is out, Long Beach is now becoming a destination for paddlers and water enthusiast,"</span></div>
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Paul Zacharias - 3rd place SUP Stk.</div>
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This is an overview of the event in Long Beach, CA. The sun was out and so were the crowds! I can remember doing swims in the bay here almost 20 years ago with the Long Beach City College Water Polo Team. We would swim from one end of the bay to the other and run back along the sand. Coach Hank Vellecamp had us do this over and over. The race today was a little more fun.</div>
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Brian Hagg and myself, pre-race photo. Brian is 19 years old and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about a year or so ago. (I might be wrong on his age and how long he's been a T 1, but I think I'm fairly accurate). Brian is an exceptionally talented stand up paddle racer and SUP surfer, this guy rips and is fast! It just goes to show that even when diagnosed at an early age or in your teens you can still participate in athletics and be competitive. Brian finished 4th in the unlimited division.</div>
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The start!</div>
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The pack took off and turned left as we began the race around the Island.</div>
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I'm right in the middle of this....not my best start.</div>
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This is like half way. Billy Kho and I finally dropped those two on the 14's and traded on and off through out the remainder of the race.</div>
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Billy finally pulled into the beach and I went around the bouy....smart move on his part. Billy Kho 2nd place, PZ 3rd in the SUP Stk. division.</div>
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The finish sprint up the beach! As I look at this photo I'm thinking that maybe I should have paddled harder and finished better than 3rd......cause I obviously have way to much energy left!</div>
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Ah! Just chillin' in the water after the race. Cheering on the other competitors as they finished.</div>
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Thanks to my sponsors H2O Audio, OnIt Pro, Hint Water, Kaenon, SportMulti, GoPro, Indo Board and Kinesys for your support!</div>
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Drinking some of my Hint Water and sporting my Kaenon Guage sunglasses post race. Great event, had an awesome time, can't wait for the next one!</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0180 Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA33.7483018 -118.117388433.7350988 -118.13712939999999 33.7615048 -118.0976474tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-49161396994013170472011-08-27T05:23:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:00:55.649-07:00SUP and Diabetes : Managing To Balance<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://californiastandup.com/index.php/training/itemlist/user/54-paulzacharias" rel="author">Paul Zacharias</a></div>
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Paul was born in the UK and has lived in the Philippines, Lake Tahoe, Hawaii and SoCal. Always the athlete, Paul has been active in swimming, water polo, surfing, scuba diving, skiing and triathlons. Since taking up competitive SUP racing 2010, Paul has been steadily moving up the ranks.</div>
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STAND UP PADDLEBOARD NEWS</div>
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Roland Baker just published an article about my experiences with Stand up Paddle racing and managing my diabetes.</div>
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Training Section</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-19204136062670043252011-08-25T17:05:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:04:41.152-07:00Another day, training and dealing with diabetes.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nAwtiWOg7c/TlbbbBs5tOI/AAAAAAAAANI/tlKihe9CJE8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nAwtiWOg7c/TlbbbBs5tOI/AAAAAAAAANI/tlKihe9CJE8/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I woke up this morning and based on my training was due for an aerobic paddle, 1.5 Hrs. at 70-80%. So I grabbed my 12’6 and headed over to Tidelands Park just across the street from where I live. As I pulled up this is the view that greeted me. What an awesome morning!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the new board bag. It’s an FCS, picked it up from Paddle Surf Warehouse in Dana Point, CA. </span><a href="http://www.paddlesurfwarehouse.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.paddlesurfwarehouse.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> these guys are super helpful and have tons of stuff. They are a Stand up Paddle specific shop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Out of the board bag and ready to go! This custom 12’6 Hobie carbon fiber stand up paddle race board is sweet! It is super-fast and handles pretty much all kinds of conditions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How awesome is this view? Board and paddle placed down at the water’s edge. There was zero wind and plenty of sunshine! I decided to head out under the Coronado Bay Bridge there in the back ground and head south for 45 minutes and then turn around and come back. An easy 1.5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was just another epic morning here in Coronado…classic conditions. I couldn’t resist adding another shot….. looking out at the bay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a result of exercise induced hypoglycemia. It was about 2 hours after my training paddle. I had gotten busy running around and let my blood sugars go low…..no worries, I usually eat and/or drink enough right after my paddles so this doesn’t happen. But as you can see I had the goods handy to reverse the effects. I try and reduce my Lantis to counter the effects of exercise induced lows and I reduce my short term insulin amounts prior to any kind of workout by about 50%. This typically works for me, but sometimes the body just does what the body does. </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The medal I received from my 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> place finish in the 10 – mile distance race at the 2011 Tahoe Nalu . It’s the epic conditions and being on the water along with the little things like this that make all the paddling and sometimes the rare exercise induced hypoglycemia all worth it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-13410587675471134342011-08-24T10:55:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:06:43.240-07:00On It Pro - Xtreme cream<div style="text-align: center;">
On It Pro Xtreme cream is sweet, definately faster than a sanded finish board!</div>
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Thanks for making me a part of the On It Pro Team.</div>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlsmEzLg4-U&feature=share">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlsmEzLg4-U&feature=share</a></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-11986246034502384682011-08-24T07:14:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:07:31.234-07:00George Zacharias - Who Dares Wins<div style="text-align: center;">
George Zacharias</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">November 20, 1957 - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May 28, 2004</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Am I just too rough around the edges?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have read and looked at a number of articles, blogs and various stories regarding diabetes and a lot either have confused me with all kinds of technical mumbo jumbo or made me say “what were you thinking”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not a professionally trained writer or a medical professional. I am just a guy that has type 1 diabetes and an athlete with a passion and a desire to share my experiences with others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I just want to let other type 1 & 2 diabetics’, pre-diabetics and or anyone who is facing an obstacle of their own not to give up! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again……”you need to control your diabetes, don’t let your diabetes control you”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">KISS –Keep It Simple Stupid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I saw one picture on a website where this type 1 diabetic was going on a trip and had posted a picture of their “medical supplies” that would be needed. There was so much stuff; it was intimidating to say the least. I’m sure that for some situations you might be forced to take more supplies and equipment than most, but if you can try and keep it simple. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have traveled all over the freaking place and all I take is a test kit and pen. I have a little zip lock baggy with all of my extra stuff like more pens, test strips, needles, and my Lantis. But that’s it. This works for me personally, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unless you’re going to be somewhere that you will be isolated from civilization, diabetes is pretty much everywhere, which means that most diabetic supplies are readily available. But of course if you are hooked up pump with all kinds of bells and whistles you might not be able to get what you need, so you will have to travel with a small cache of equipment. (Pumps are good, but you don’t have to use them).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was freaked out when I was diagnosed and was told all kinds of scary stuff by the Doctors and “educators”. I was able to figure it out pretty quickly, as I think (hope) most diabetics do. (Trust me there was some serious trial and error along the way). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But back to this small diabetic supply company this individual was putting together for the vacation. I think as a young person, young adult or even parents with an infant, if they saw all this stuff piled up and thought this is how as a diabetic you have to roll, most would freak out and say “there’s no way”!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a way. And please I’m not trying to disrespect anyone. Nor am I trying to minimize the seriousness of diabetes. It has to be dealt with and needs to be attended to properly. But it’s all good and life goes’ on. There is nothing that a type1 or type 2 diabetic can’t do!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who Dares Wins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe all this, and the way I think and how I deal with my diabetes has to do with my older brother George Zacharias who was born on November 20, 1957 in Kinglynn, England. George was severely deformed and had only one kidney, and a million other things that were wrong with him. The guy never walked a day in his life; he was confined to a wheel chair blah, blah, blah. George eventually lost his kidney and had to have it removed. He spent the last 25 years of his life on dialysis before he passed away May 28, 2004. But he never bitched about anything, not once. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mind you this was during a time when most of you were either not born yet and don’t know what I’m about to say, or you were and don’t want to remember. Back when my brother George was a kid and for most of his life people referred to him as the “crippled kid”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There wasn’t any handicapped parking or ramps anywhere when he was a kid and into his young adulthood. Nothing was really accessible to the physically challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">George may have been physically disabled but he was absolutely brilliant. Smart as a whip! But for the longest time the schools where we lived would not allow for him to attend with the “regular kids”. He was picked up every morning by a short yellow school bus with a bunch of kids that were mostly mentally challenged. Finally with enough bitching and complaining by my parents George was allowed to attend public school with the other kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But remember, this is also when most of America and the world thought it was o.k. to get a sun tan and to drink water out of the garden hose. Kids rode bicycles and skateboards without helmets, and for god’s sake we would climb trees hundreds of feet up into the air and build tree forts.” I cannot even remember the last time I saw a tree fort”? I mean come on now, I see mothers with leashes on their kids, and I think it’s a law here in my town that if you’re under the age of 18 you’re required to wear a helmet when riding a bike or skateboard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Neither we, nor George ever thought for a minute that he was different. We drug George everywhere and did everything just as if he were absolutely like us. We and George were forced to adapt to the various situations and figure out a way around anything that came up and for the most part it was on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I could and will probably write more about my oldest brother George. He was and will always be inspiration to me. And I know if he were alive when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes he’d a said, “shit happens”. And would have never even batted an eye and he wouldn’t have felt sorry for me. I’m sure he would empathize with me, but even that I’m not sure of. The guy was tough as nails I tell you. George had the Special Air Service (S.A.S.) Winged Dagger along with the SAS motto “Who dares wins” tattooed on his forearm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I guess the whole point to this post is that even though I and a lot of others out there that have type 1 & 2 diabetes or are pre-diabetic or might be facing another type of obstacle in their life? I just want to say even though at times it sucks; it’s going to be o.k. Just remember…….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If you’re faced with an obstacle in your life don’t let it stop you. If you hit a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to get over the wall, go through the wall or find a way around it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-55810273677062686692011-08-23T18:45:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:08:21.984-07:00NEVER COMPRIMISE, NEVER GIVE UP!<div style="text-align: center;">
Kaenon Polarized was born from intense passion and a clear desire to never compromise.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmBDhAN12jo/TlRV-powJSI/AAAAAAAAAM8/KJTwvxLC5lo/s1600/Kaenon+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmBDhAN12jo/TlRV-powJSI/AAAAAAAAAM8/KJTwvxLC5lo/s320/Kaenon+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am so stoked to be a part of the Kaenon Pro Team</div>
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Thanks Kaenon</div>
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For helping me with my passion and clear desire to never compromise in my quest show people that even if faced with an obstacle in their life to not let it stop them, to never give up!</div>
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I love my Gauge sunglasses they are off the charts when it comes to providing protection from the sun!</div>
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<a href="http://www.kaenon.com/">http://www.kaenon.com/</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-24238561809509660612011-08-23T17:55:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:08:58.579-07:002011 Hennessey's-WPA World Championship Qualifiers<div style="text-align: center;">
My name was recently added to the list of qualifying men's paddlers for the upcoming WPA World Championships. </div>
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On Sept. 17 the Hermosa Beach Pier in Hermosa Beach, CA will be the site of the 2011 Hennessey’s-WPA World Championships of Paddling. The event will include both SUP and paddleboard divisions and be the first SUP world championship while continuing the Hennessey’s legacy of supporting paddleboarding around the world.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OznOADDM-ks/TlRIsznfDsI/AAAAAAAAAMw/9cmOrsMKE0E/s1600/2011+World+Championships.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OznOADDM-ks/TlRIsznfDsI/AAAAAAAAAMw/9cmOrsMKE0E/s1600/2011+World+Championships.png" /></a><a href="http://worldpaddleassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2011-World-Championship-Qualifiers_Men1.pdf">http://worldpaddleassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2011-World-Championship-Qualifiers_Men1.pdf</a></div>
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I am so stoked to have my name included on this list. It's an honor to be amongst some of the worlds greatest Stand Up Paddle racers in the world!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-54271583075652682122011-08-18T18:34:00.001-07:002012-03-30T12:10:01.763-07:00HINT Water is Clear and Simple.<br />
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I am happy to make known officially that HINT Water would love to sponsor me for the 2012 Stand Up Paddle Racing season.</div>
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The idea behind Hint is simple: pure water, nature's original refreshment, accented with a hint of natural flavor. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners: Hint is a refreshing alternative to sodas, juice and other sweetened drinks and it tastes great.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a type 1 diabetic and an Elite Stand Up Paddle Racer it is so important that I stay hydrated while I train and during my races. Hint is perfect for this purpose! I can drink HINT and not have to worry about my blood sugars going through the roof. During my longer races I can ingest a specific measued amount of carbohydrate mixed with HINT and it's all good. Thanks HINT for something that works!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I look forward to a long and successful relationship with HINT.</div>
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<o:p><a href="http://www.drinkhint.com/">http://www.drinkhint.com/</a></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-36011204144454785772011-08-18T17:58:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:11:23.256-07:002011 Ta-hoe Nalu Paddle Festival - 10 MILE DISTANCE RACE - 2nd place SUP Stk.<div style="text-align: center;">
Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."<br />
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I love that quote, it kind of say's it all. Thing's have not always been as good as they are right now. I am smiling and having fun this morning, the day of the 10 mile distance race. But as a type 1 diabetic I have struggles that alot of the racers don't have to deal with. But that's why kinda why I created this blog, for people that have to deal with obsticales that have been placed in their lives. Don't give up, I know that it may seem really hard and you may feel like every time you try and get up something else knocks you down.....but I believe that when one door closes another one opens. </div>
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My life is far from great and I still deal with all kinds of stuff......but you know what? "You gotta keep your head up, and it'll turn out fine"</div>
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It's not only about overcoming challenges, sharing dtermination or getting across the finish line, but to try and inspire hope and possibility.....</div>
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Focusing on what I need to do during the 10 mile race, visualizing everything from the start to the finish.</div>
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The race starts at a little after 9:00 a.m., I was worried about my blood sugar being to high and/or too low. I loaded my hydration system with some water mixed with a carbohydrate type syrup that will dissolve in the water and not settle at the bottom of the reservoir. During races over 6 miles I will typically deplete the glucose in my system, sometimes sooner due to the fact that I'm racing and exerting 90 to 100% of my energy. So I not only have to hydrate, but I also have to ingest carbohydrates or risk bonking....or passing out and, well it's never happened so I don't really know what will happen. (I have bonked during a race, just never passed out).</div>
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Little specs on the horizon. That point in the distance is called Dollar Point, the bouy is set just off the point.....just keep paddling, just keep paddling!</div>
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I am about a half mile off the beach and have been chasing down the 14's and I am pretty sure that any of the other 12'6 stk. SUP guys are behind me. So I am going for broke trying to catch the 20 year old kid who is also on a 12'6 Stk. and is ahead of me by about one minute.</div>
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The wind is picking up and has been blowing at our backs. So I try and do what I call the "Conner Baxter" and it works....holding the paddle like this seems to allow me to turn over a little quicker and gain some speed, wich allows me to catch a few of the bumps!</div>
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I am pulling with all that I have left in the tank. The guy on the 14' had been drafting on my tail for like about a mile after I caught and passed him. To have a 14' pull in behind your 12'6 stock and draft off you screws with your head. But I was able to shake him and finish strong!</div>
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O.K, the run up the beach and through the finish line...need sugar!</div>
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Tahoe Nalu 10 MILE DISTANCE RACE</div>
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Kings Beach, CA.</div>
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8/14/2011</div>
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2nd place SUP Stk.</div>
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1:59:47:52 Paul Zacharias M 47 Coronado, CA. Hobie</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-67270553668429903652011-08-18T16:35:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:16:06.819-07:002011 Ta-hoe Nalu Paddle Festival - 6MI STAND UP PADDLE ELITE 14'<div style="text-align: center;">
The main event of the year happened this August 13 & 14 on the shores of North Lake Tahoe.</div>
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The Main Event of the Year</div>
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2 days of events for all ages & skill levels</div>
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SUP / Prone / OC 1 Divisions......$ 20,000 i cash & prizes</div>
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Learn to Paddle from a Pro - the Ta-Hoe Nalu SUP Experiance</div>
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FUN / FAMILY / FRIENDS</div>
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Erik Nordskog of On It Pro was hooking the Hobie 14' up with Xtreme Cream, a high performance bottom coating.</div>
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Throwing the Shaka prior to race, so stoked to be a part of this event!</div>
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Moments before for the start, last couple of words of encouragement with Elite womens paddler Suzy Strazzulla. </div>
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Love this Photo...many of which were taken by my good friend and fellow paddler John R. Goodman.</div>
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And were off!</div>
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This is awesome, we are all bunched together going into the first bouy turn. That is South Lake Tahoe in the distance. Middle of August and there is still snow on the mountains. You gotta love it!</div>
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Back on the tail and pullin' hard trying to get the Hobie 14' around the bouy.</div>
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Getting ready to set my paddle, feeling the effects of the altitude.</div>
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Look at the clarity of the water! I am pulling some water here, trying to catch the guys in front of me. This picture was taken by Kristin Thomas, an increadible WaterWomen. Kristin raced earlier in the 5 mile open race where she took 1st place!</div>
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Coming off the last bouy turn and heading into the finish. </div>
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As I hit the beach at the finish, no matter what place I am in I always try and finish hard!</div>
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That sand is feeling really heavy. And you want to look like it's no big deal...there are hundreds of people watching!</div>
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Immediately after the race talking with Suzy. You can see by the look on my face water and air.....good thing. </div>
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Me and Talia Gangini. She was right behind me on the 3rd lap and the final lap. I was determined to hold her off and not get passed. Your probably thinking, "come on Paul she only a young girl". Talia just raced in the Molokai 2 Oahu 32 mile paddleboard race last month where she placed 2nd in the female unlimited class! This girl can paddle.</div>
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Group photo after the race. This group consists of pretty much the fastest SUP racers in the world, both men and women. I was increadibly lucky to have had the oppurtunity to paddle and race against them in Tahoe.</div>
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6 MI. STAND UP PADDLE ELITE 14' RESULTS</div>
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22nd place Paul Zacharias M 47 Coronado, CA. 14' Hobie</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2222701679842441462.post-32566949799695601932011-08-17T21:50:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:17:37.209-07:00On the Road - Destination Lake Tahoe....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I started off on my journey up to Lake Tahoe to compete in the 2011 Tahoe Nalu Paddle Festival with the sun coming up over the Mojave desert. </div>
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US 395 follows the valleys along the eastern edge of the Sierra.</div>
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Three Plus breaks up the monotony of the long drive. </div>
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Heading out of the desert and up into the mountains. US 395 traverses the entire length of the Owens Valley.</div>
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The highway finally passes Mono Lake.</div>
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Mono Lake and Me!</div>
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The East Walker River.</div>
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Nevada - Topaz Lake is where US 395 leaves California.</div>
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The east shore of Lake Tahoe.</div>
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After driving all day, I was finally heading down the west shore when I got this crazy idea to run to the top of Eagle Rock. Take a look at the video....Ouch! But hey, anyone who as ever taken the short hike to the top of Eagle Rock....so worth it. The views are spectacular!</div>
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I continued down the west shore with the moon rising over the lake.....final destination my friends house in Homewood.</div>
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<span id="goog_1534023614"></span><span id="goog_1534023615"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10225043297862277431noreply@blogger.com0