"on a shoestring"

 X-TRAIN Series: Dragon Boat

I’m always amazed when I see a video of a team paddling in unison; plus I think water sports have a way to attract me.

It was since last year that I wanted to try this sports of paddling aboard a dragon boat but because I was busy for other things I wasn’t able to try it. But things changed one Monday afternoon when I found myself soooooo bored in the 4 corners of my room. At that time, a friend of mine suddenly texted and invited me to join her to paddle. I didn’t think twice, packed my bag and went to Manila that same day to check out dragon boat the next day. That was the first time I paddled and after 5 days, my back muscles are still hurting.

Then came my second try last Saturday with Team Onslaught.

Team Onslaught on training

The session started with 15 minutes of stretching and warm-up in front of Manila Oceam Park.

I then found myself helping other paddlers bring the boat to the water. I borrowed a paddle and went inside the dragon boat with others. Within seconds we are already maneuvering out for an intense paddling session on the bay of Manila.

Paddlers going to their respective places

As with running, there is a proper form of paddling. It starts with how to hold the paddle correctly, then seated erect, looking forward and using your core and back muscles as you paddle out. You have to twist your side muscles and get the help of your core so that your shoulders will not hurt after the session. The experienced paddlers, called pacers (same with running) are positioned in front while the newbies are at the tail of the boat.

Paddle Paddle, eyes on the front, use the back and core muscles

The leader/coach tells the team what to do like paddle hard, paddle harder, long paddles, easy (stop, my fave command), ready, and how many the team should paddle.

Unlike running, dragon boat racing is a team sports, you have to go with the pace of the group and be challenge yourself to paddle as long as needed.

“Sa running, anytime pwede kang huminto. Sa pagsasagwan, medyo nakakahiyang huminto kasi nakikita mo yung ibang teammates mo sumasagwan at nahihirapan din. Mas mapapadali yung training kung sasabayan mo sila.”

Easy. The camera has a way of making us smile (the paddling was intense)

I like this sports because you don’t need a special gear or something when you want to try it. You just have to be there on your sports attire, preferably shorts and slippers, and that’s it. The paddle? You can borrow one from the club you join.

The over-all experience was great, especially seeing the Manila Skyline from a different perspective. I really love how the sun rises out of the tall buildings of Makati and Ortigas.

I think everyone who wants to try this sports should ready themselves to get a little bit wet and dirty (because Manila Bay is polluted). “Bawal mag-inarte sa tubig at sa mga basura na makikita mo sa Manila Bay.”

One of the benefits of paddling: Manila Bay sunrise from a different perspective.

Special thanks to Onslaught Team president, Ms. Pinky for a very nice paddling session. Until next time po!

Want to try this?

Onslaught Team practice happens every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Call time is 4:45am at Manila Ocean Park, Manila City.

Onslaught Racing Dragons
Priscilla Pinky Castillo
0916-5485070
pplcastillo@yahoo.com
Jojo Obogne
0928-4792549
jojo_strongman@gmail.com
http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Onslaught-Racing-Dragons/100001492642595

You can also check the official website of Philippine Dragon Boat Federation.

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X-TRAINING SERIES is a new feature in this running blog. I will be sharing with you some of the cross-training sports that I am trying out as a runner. Cross-training is good for runners as it trains other muscle groups; aids our recovery phase; prevents injury and burnout. It is also good for those who have injured themselves while running, a perfect way to be in shape while recuperating from injury.

If you know of a very good x-training for runners like me, do invite me to try it so I can also feature it on my blog.

Dragon Boat |Barre | Wall-Climbing |Surfing | Yoga | Tai Chi | Pilates | Hiking | Surfing | Wakeboarding |

I just want to share this run for a cause at UPLB.

The FUN RUN (“100 for 1″) for our Sis Nina Kristine Abad, is already approved by UPLB Chancellor Velasco. We are hoping to get as much participation from our brods and sisses as possible. We highly encourage friends of our organization to join the Run. This Fun Run is in cooperation with the College of Development Communication, Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Theta Epsilon Sorority and Teatro Umalohokan Inc.

The details of the fund-raising activity for our beloved sis are as follows:

When: Sept. 24, 2011 (Saturday) | 5:30-8:00 AM
Where: This is a 5KM-route Run around UPLB Campus which will start and end at the Baker Hall.
Registration Fee: 100php (inclusive of water, bananas and snacks)

*The fastest runner of “100 for 1″ shall be acknowledged in the event. Certificates shall also be given.

How to Get to UP Los Banos:

1. From Cubao. Take the Bus at HM Transport Terminal (Near Victory Liner Terminal) going to Sta.Cruz. Tell the conductor that you will get off at College, Los Banos. Then take the jeepney going to UPLB, tell the driver that you will go to Baker Hall. (Bus fare: Php104, Jeepney fare: Php8). Bus start to leave Cubao at 3:00am. Travel time is 1:30-1:45hours

2. From Gil Puyat/Buendia LRT. Take the Greenstaror DLTB bus going to Sta.Cruz. Get off at College or Junction, Los Banos. Take the jeepney going UPLB, get off at Baker Hall. (Bus fare: Php94, Jeepney fare: Php8). Travel Time is 1:30-1:45hours

3. From Alabang. Take the Bus going to Sta.Cruz, HM. or You can ride the bus going to Calamba. From Calamba Crossing (Fare: Php45), take the jeepney going to UPLB (Fare: Php20). Travel Time is 1:00-1:30hours.

Yes, I Support Isidro Vildosola. And you?

Coach Sid during the Philippines National Games, Panaad Sports Complex

Coach Sid, as most runners call him, hails from Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

If there is one runner that I’m a fan of, hands down, it’s Isidro Vildosola. Not only a runner, but a fast one. He is a member of National Team, Philippine Sports Association for the

Differently Abled (PHILSPADA). He also does some coaching with APEX.

Coach Sid with his 2 silver medals from Arafura Games 2011

I really admire his determination- his disability doesn’t stop him from competing here and abroad. I once saw him during one of the episodes of The Biggest Loser Philippines.

Among his awards are:

ASEAN Paragames record holder for 800m and 1500m.

Silver Medalist, 1500m event. Asean paragames, Guangzho, China, December 2010

2 Silver Medals for 5,000m and 1,500m, Arafura Games 2011

(I wasn’t able to get all his awards but he has more on his list.)

Coach Sid on Arafura Games newspaper front page

Here’s my short interview with him last May when I saw him at Bacolod City.

James: What’s the next big event you are preparing for?

Coach Sid: I’m looking forward for the London Paralympics on August 2012. But I have to qualify first, so I will be joining the Frankfurt Marathon in Germany.

James: Do you have something to say for persons with disability?

Coach Sid: “Huwag silang magtago, mahiya o matakot na kantyawan at kutyain.” (Don’t be afraid or be shy of their situation, don’t be afraid to be intimidated with condemnation) I challenge them to show their talents and be discovered. I know that there are a lot more in the provinces, share it to the community and don’t lose hope.

James with Coach Sid, I'm inspired!

He would like to thanks PBA Partylist for sponsoring him. Still, he needs more support especially during training as his nutrition needs is lacking at times.

If you are looking for a running trainer and wellness coach, shoot him an email at vildosola2010@yahoo.com or call him 0999-586-9257 / 0935-191-1877

Do you have a copy of the latest issue of Runner’s World Phillippine?

It’s still out today!

If you are like some whoare having a hard time training during the rainy season, then check out this issue. The main theme is “Keep training during the rainy season…”

Popular belief states that you should stay out of the rain to avoid getting sick. The latest issue of Runner’s World Philippines proves otherwise, with tips on staying safe and healthy while running in the rain. This issue also gives you the right running gear perfect for this rainy season.

Monica Torres, July-Sept2011 Runner's World cover

Plus, get advice on training and self-motivation from the country’s best runners including cover girl Monica Torres.

Monica is the 3-time CAMSUR Ironman 70.3 Champion in the Women’s Elite category (209, 2010 and 2011). I watched her interview last Sunday on GAME and I am inspired by this beautiful lady athlete.

Oh, before I forget, I have to grab my own copy narin.