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Ask the Paddlers…
Bill is our interviewee for
September 2003. He paddles in the engine room.
Q. Why do you like to paddle?
Bill: Paddling, for me, has been an evolutionary thing. I have been fairly active for the last thirty years, starting with running due to having to loose about thirty pounds. I will admit I became obsessed with the sport to the point whereby I developed a rather severe sciatic problem. Due to my perceived need to maintain a rigorous exercise program, I began swimming and cycling until I could get back to running. I then decided to put the three sports together and began a triathlon career that include about thirty-five triathlons including Ironman Canada.
During my stint with triathlons, I had the opportunity to participate in several
"quadrathons," with the fourth sport being a rowing shell. I began rowing seriously about ten years ago, and have participated in several Sound Rowers events around Puget Sound.
Now to paddling. We have a son who is going to Portland State University. During our Portland visits, and walking along the Portland Marina, I noticed some long canoe-looking craft. Someone said they were dragon boats. I did not have a clue about dragon boat racing, until one Saturday I noticed many people, with paddles, going down to the boats. Hence began my desire to try the sport. I did not know about the Tacoma Dragon Boat Association until Maritime Fest 2002, when the City of Tukwila decided to put together a team. My wife works for the City. This was my opportunity to try the sport, and I have found it to be a great complement to my rowing, swimming, etc.
So, to answer the question, "why do I like to paddle"? I like the fellowship (this is the first time I have participated in a team sport); I like being on the water; and it is a good diversion from rowing.
Q. How do you mentally prepare for competition?
Bill: I have found visualization to be the best way to prepare for competition. I try to "see" every aspect of the event; where I will be at various times during the event; what problems might occur during the event; and what can I do to overcome
these problems.
Q. What do you eat before a workout or to refuel afterward?
Bill: I try to maintain a healthy diet at all times. Accordingly, I do not have to alter my diet for workouts or for refueling. The most important thing is to be sure I am well hydrated.
Q. How do you control your weight without compromising your nutrition?
Bill: I have found the best way to control my weight is to eat moderately and to maintain well-rounded food and exercise programs.
Q. How do you keep your lats and shoulders from getting tired?
Bill: There are times when they are very tired. I attribute that to good workouts. However, with the good workouts comes strength and endurance. This keeps me from being so sore that I have difficulty in my everyday duties.
Q. What kind of training do you do in the off-season that helps you paddling?
Bill: I swim several times a week, use my Concept II rowing machine, go rowing, and do some weight lifting.
Q. How do you balance an over-demanding schedule?
Bill: This is where I am very lucky. I retired in April, 2002, so I have time to "play". However, I now volunteer for several organizations. My time spent with these organizations takes into account my "play time".
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