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Ask the Paddlers…

Q. Why do you like to paddle?

Karen: I have grown up boating and love being on the water. In 2001 when a friend came up to me and said "Hey Karen, want to be on a dragon boat team? It’s a water sport, it’s right up your alley," my ears perked up and I said "tell me more." After finding what dragon boating was all about I signed up and became part of the original team that was formed in Kent for Kent Cornucopia Days. 

I loved the fact that if you were going to be competitive and win races you had to learn how to work as a team. Building your team skill level and having to paddling together in unison is challenging. I was hooked from day one and decided after that race that I wanted to be a part of Tacoma Destiny Dragons. Why? I wanted what they had to offer. 

This last winter I was out with shoulder surgery and knew I would not be able to paddle this season. What a blow. I decided I would learn how to steer and took the steering class. I came out one night in June to say hi. Clem the coach asked, "how you doing Karen?" Then he said "want to steer tonight?" I was shocked, not ready, didn’t have anything with me, and him waiting for an answer. The challenge! I stammered! He said now is as good of time as any to learn to steer. So I went out and did it. It was scary. I made it though the practice (poor team)! They got a work out. I did it without falling off the boat and got us back to the dock safely. I’ve been out ever since steering. 

You are always pushed beyond what you think you are capable of, yet you survive feeling great after it is all over desiring to become better and better at your skill. I love the team spirit Tacoma has. I’m proud to be a part of such a great team and sport. 

My Boeing Team (Boeing Flyin' Dragons) will participate for the second time in this year’s Maritime Fest Corporate Races (September 20). They are excited and know it’s a lot of hard work, however, they are looking forward to the challenge, hoping to bring home the gold. I invite everyone I talk with to experience this great sport and hope that they take the opportunity and come out and join us. You can come for (3) practices and see if this is for you. I would encourage all to try it and see if you like it.



Q. How do you mentally prepare for competition?

Karen: Eat a healthy meal with some type of meat the night before and go to bed early. I don’t eat before racing, however, I drink lots of water. I go over in my mind the techniques I’ve been taught. I keep my eyes on the person in front if they are in time or the head stroker, then I give it my all.



Q. What do you eat before a workout or to refuel afterward?

Karen: Not much, I don’t eat before a workout. During the week I make sure I have a balanced lunch at work and drink water. After practice I go home and eat a small dinner, which if I was doing it right I shouldn’t be eating it’s too late at night. On Saturdays after practice I eat a good lunch. I should be skinny, go figure. Maybe it’s the M&M or Ice Cream with hot fudge from time to time. 

Q. How do you control your weight without compromising your nutrition?

Karen: Exercising before shoulder surgery 5 days a week. Starting this month I’ll be able to start back with light work outs. I do a 4.5 mile walk at lunch when it’s not raining.



Q. How do you keep your lats and shoulders from getting tired?

Karen: Good question, I’ll be working on that come September. Right now everything hurts, from my shoulders to my toes: all the muscles are very tight.



Q. What kind of training do you do in the off-season that helps you paddling?

Karen: Work out 5 days a week in the gym. I also dance A LOT in the winter, and I snow ski.



Q. How do you balance an over-demanding schedule?

Karen: Organizational skills are my strongest suit. My work is very demanding as well as home life. Making time for practice is a form of ridding myself of excess stress, so I budget it into my schedule. It’s a necessity for me.

This page was last updated on 02/20/08.

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