Schuylkill Dragons

2010 Princeton Race, Infamous Turn @Gazebo

2010-11-29T18:28:00.000-05:00

2010 Princeton Race 500M, Final, Boat One, to Finish Line

2010-11-29T18:25:00.000-05:00

2010 Princeton Race, 200m Boat Two, First Race

2010-11-29T18:17:00.005-05:00

2010 Princeton Race Video 200m, Boat One, First Race

2010-11-29T18:11:00.000-05:00

Ithaca Photos

2009-07-13T11:44:00.002-04:00

SD Holiday Party 12/6/08

2008-12-08T09:20:00.002-05:00

SheRox 2009

2008-11-11T10:00:00.003-05:00

I'm interested in participating in She Rox Aug 2, 2009.
I've never done a tri before, but this one sound fun... though the swim seems a bit daunting
Anybody else planning to partcipate?
Tina

SD Teammates featured on Fox 29 News this morning!

2008-10-03T12:15:00.004-04:00

See the clip!

Princeton Race, Sept 20, 2008

2008-09-22T10:11:00.004-04:00

Great Racing Everyone! Pigtails and all! Here is a random selection of Jen and Danielle's photos....

outrigger paddling technique

2008-09-10T14:46:00.000-04:00

Check out these videos. Lots of good tips that apply to dragon boat paddle technique (food for thought, anyway) and that reinforce everything we have been hearing from our coaches. http://blip.tv/file/911411; http://blip.tv/file/920916; http://blip.tv/file/928742; http://blip.tv/file/940214; http://blip.tv/file/998657; http://blip.tv/file/1070487

And it looks like these guys use the paddle erg for training...

Paddling in Portland!

2008-08-01T14:07:00.001-04:00

I had a great time paddling with the Wicked Club - in fact, I went back the next morning @ 6 a.m. for more!! They're so into Dragonboating, they even have a boat hanging from the ceiling of the convention center.

my favorite picture from long beach!

2008-07-29T21:22:00.001-04:00

One of your Crazy Coaches Cross-Training

2008-07-11T14:58:00.000-04:00

Just beginning Unicycle lessons. Yes, unicycle the one tire bike. Last night was our first class. I mastered getting on it, while holding onto the wall :)

Jonathan our instructor, said the key to riding a unicycle is keeping the chest open and leading from the core.

Once again, movement comes from the core and the chest is kept open.

I think I'm seeing a theme across sports.

The West Coast connection

2008-07-10T15:02:00.000-04:00

I was inspired to search out a team with whom I could practice while in Portland next week. (I'll be joining the Wicked Paddlers Club on Tuesday night). Imagine my surprise when this post appeared on the blog for the American Association of Law Librarians (AALL) conference, July 12-15:

Portland culture - dragon boats
July 10th, 2008 by Laurie Daley ·

When you come into the Oregon Convention Center and get close to
the registration booth, you may notice a large, colorful boat hanging from the
ceiling. This is a dragon boat, and it is part of a group of boats
Portland received several years ago from its sister city in Taiwan,
Kaohsiung. Portland is the only city in the United States that holds races
with this decorative style of dragon boat; most races use a smaller, faster, and
lighter style of boat. The Portland race is held during Rose
Festival in early June, and has 92 teams with rosters of about 22 people on each
team – 20 paddlers, one caller, and one tiller. Teams are mostly from
Portland, but come from Washington, California, and Canada.

I’ve
paddled for five years on a women’s team, the Oregon Women Lawyers Dragonflies;
and it’s a lot of fun.

SDs get used for More PR

2008-07-09T10:57:00.000-04:00

I think we need to start getting royalties for the use of our images :)

http://idragonboat.org/

Results from the Pittsburgh Race

2008-07-09T08:32:00.001-04:00

http://www.threeriversrowing.org/PDBR/Pittsburgh%202008_Results.pdf

Pittsburgh Regatta

2008-06-30T17:41:00.002-04:00

If you look at Jenny in the the first team pic you will see some very reasonable but fun pigtails. (Pittsburgh skyline in the background.) A little discussion and during the break between the 250s and the final 500 meter race and Stefanie and Rosemary spring into action to create the new team look. It's contagious!

something completely different

2008-06-30T17:41:00.001-04:00

Some of you may have heard Terry Gross interview Jill Bolte Taylor, brain scientist about a week ago on WHYY. Here she is on ted.com talking about a stroke she experienced when she was 37 years old. http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229

Aimee's Baby Shower

2008-06-16T19:06:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from Aimee's baby shower. Thanks to Marlene and Mary Kay for putting on a great party. A gorgeous car seat will be delivered at Saturday's practice and another gift once all the contributions have been tallied.
Aimee, Chris and baby are clearly part of the SD family. The cake reads "Coming Soon! Baby Boy SD Rodriguez" and the paddle/trophy rack (see Marlene's on the wall behind Mary Kay) says 'Happy Birthday L'il Rodriguez from your Schuylkill Dragon Aunties'

Who wants to take a challenge with me?

2008-06-13T17:18:00.001-04:00

According to the A Hundred Push Ups site 100 push ups is within our grasp!

Leading with the core

2008-06-13T10:26:00.000-04:00

So us coach types have been talking about using your core; And I've been working on some of my personal training certification continuing education credits and reading a lot of things lately about body mechanics...

One of the main things that I've been seeing is that for pretty much every sport and physical activities we do, we as we are constructed work most efficiently and powerfully when we lead with our core.

So just something for you all to ponder and try :) Try walking leading with your core and hips.... Try swimming using your core and not so much your arms/legs. Look at the baseball players, the really good batters lead with the core/hips the arms just attach them to the bat. Same with golfers...

Food for thought!

More blogging needed!!

2008-06-13T10:25:00.001-04:00

Hey check out my other hobby http://cbs3.com/local/Circus.Philadelphia.School.2.747021.html

:)

Photos from Dragon Boat Camp, Week 2

2008-05-27T09:37:00.000-04:00

Photos include Judy G, Roxanne, Stephanie C., Tina H., Joann, Rosemary, and Anne S. (from PDBA)

Great Urban Race

2008-05-21T09:41:00.000-04:00

Since the Washington Race was postponed, Jenny Pierce and I signed up for the Great Urban Race (part running race, part scavenger hunt and really fun!). Jenny was a great partner, I was a first-timer and we came in 31st out of 125-only 4 minutes out of the top 25! Kris Hall, who partnered with Ed from Edventures, (a friend of the SDs!), won first place! The race results and some photos from the start line are posted here:
http://www.greaturbanrace.com/register08_philadelphia.html

Here are some of our "clue" photos and a photo of Kris and Ed....

Washington DC Festival Cancelled for SDs in 2008

2008-05-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

Well they made their decision and the festival will be held on the 31st-1st. I have sent an email to the organizers saying we cannot attend.

Some have asked about going for just Sunday. It was discussed but the final decision was no.
The reasoning is as follows-
The fund raiser is a 10 course banquet and most likely will go late.
To both race on Sunday and attend the banquet people would have to leave at 3:30-4 Sunday morning (if not earlier) to get there in time. Races on Sunday were scheduled to start at 8 so we would have to be there no later than 7.
Most people would have to drive back that same day (making a very long day!)
There is a race the next week right here in Philly.

Everyone wanted to go and we are very sorry it didn't work this year. But-the race organizers have decided to put any fees paid this year towards next year. So we already have one race scheduled for 2009! Woohoo!

Jenny

June 14-15 out for DC-maybe May 31-June 1

2008-05-16T10:27:00.001-04:00

See the website for more detail and check your email for Schuylkill Dragon paddler survey on DC Festival

DC Festival Postponed! Possible new date June 14-15

2008-05-14T17:24:00.000-04:00

Click here for more information.

Week 3 camp in Tampa

2008-05-09T19:40:00.000-04:00

check out this link for a slideshow of week 3.....

http://web.mac.com/chia5924/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html

Article in NYTimes about the Schuylkill

2008-04-28T14:04:00.000-04:00

This was published last week. It's about rowing but still, they are talking about our river.

Click onto the pretty picture to read the article.

Happy Campers Feel the Burn, learn to refuel

2008-04-28T11:56:00.000-04:00

After learning tips about refueling your body with a great breakfast, choosing food to sustain energy, and good combinations of fruits, nuts, seeds, greens, veggies, starches and proteins, this group of SDs, attending our first-ever mini camp, tasted some of Betty Arline's easily and simply prepared snacks at 12th Street Gym. Then it was off to Philly Fit Club for an amazing TRW workout with two amazing trainers, Don Bahr and Jessi Davidson. Don, pictured here, was patient, thorough and had tons of positive energy. Jessi, not only demonstrated and provided lots of individual attention, she had super contagious smile that kept every move fun and light. Then it was off to our regularly scheduled Sunday evening practice for even more fitness points.

Causeway Club Members

2008-04-23T12:01:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken after our morning paddle up to the causeway and back to camp. Total of 10 miles. On the way back we took 34 minutes. This was told to my boat. Was a long trip up and very warm & lots of sunscreen & water. Each person received an orange band for their wrist.

Dragonboat Camp

2008-04-23T11:11:00.000-04:00

Well, this was my first time at camp. I just love it! I plan to go every year and it would be great to have a full boat load next year of SD's only-all in the same week. The Canadians had 14 members from there team in one boat with Judy G. and myself. Lets see they ranged in age from 22 to 34. Everyone was wonderful. (The Canadian woman are heading to Penang-China for the World Club Crew Championship.) The coaches are so passionate and positive with each paddler. Pine resorts is real nice, beautiful grounds, ponds, wildlife all around you! Watch out for the "crock--gators." Each day we had pilates, streching and core conditioning. The video analysis of each paddler performance is so helpful to see how we changed in one week. Learning to position your feet to push off, and lead over the boat will help the boat glide faster and move smoothly as everyone is feeling the synchronicity of the team movements. It was a great week at camp. It is so important to keep up with off water training to be prepare for Camp or the spring. By the way Judy & I were in the boat that won the TWO races at Camp! I will post a photo later. Everyone should try Camp.

Newbie @ Camp

2008-04-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

Hey SDs,
This Newbie had a great week at Camp!
I made lots of new friends, searched for manatees, & learned lots about paddling technique.
For me the big take-home lesson was...
... stretch to bury the paddle-- then in a fluid movement pushing from heels thru core-- pull the paddle thru the water & exit at hip... Sitting up, breathe, relax, and do it again...
Our coach, Albert, demonstrated how the "breathe, relax" segment actually makes the boat move faster and gives you some time to recover before the next stroke.
Can't wait to see ya'll on the water.
Paddles UP!
Tina

Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with Chef Poon and the SDs

2008-04-21T11:41:00.000-04:00

SD Fundraiser and Special 10-Course Dragon Boat Festival Banquet
Joseph Poon Chef Kitchen,1010 Cherry Street, 2nd floor, Philadelphia 19107.
The date for the banquet is Saturday, May 31st at 7:30pm. Tickets are $50/person and seating is limited to 60. Family and friends are welcome. We expect the tickets to sell quickly.

Contact: Peggy Kovich-- email link on our web site: www.schuylkilldragons.org

This festival honors Qu Yuan, who served in the court of Emperor Huai, until he fell out of favor and was exiled. When news of the defeat of his mother country reached him, he flung himself into the Miluo River. The Chinese people searched for his body and threw food into the water to feed the fish, shrimp and lobster so they wouldn’t eat the body. Since then, Qu Yuan has been remembered with dragon boat races and other activities. The celebration is a time for protection from evil and disease for the rest of the year.

The 10-course banquet includes ALL of the following dishes:

Peking Duck Sushi Dragon Roll with Avocado, Jicama, Spring Onion and
Wok Toasted Black & White Sesame Seeds

Lobster Mango Samosa in French Phyllo with Thai & Hoisin Merlot Dip

Jumbo Soft Shell Crab on a Skewer with Lotus Root and Japanese Eggplant in
Fresh Ginger Garlic Szechwan Essence

Wasabi Shu Mai with Red Caper in Bourbon Honey Glaze

Lobster Foie Gras (Tomalley) with Lobster Coral Atop
Indian Roti with Fresh Thyme & Brandy

Asian Italian Cioppino on Linguini with
Fresh Lemongrass Pinot Grigio Black Bean Roasted Garlic Essence
(Includes Fresh Whole Lobster, Jumbo Shrimp, New Zealand Green Mussels, Canadian Little Necks, Calamari, Crawfish, Salmon Medallion and Escargot)

General Joe’s Surf & Turf: Chicken & King Salmon Medallion in Tangy Chili, Fresh Ginger Sauce

Triple Tender Greens (Green Beans, Asparagus and Baby Bok Choy) with Crispy Vegetables Spring Roll in Shiraz Brown Soy Essence

Spicy Indonesian Fried Rice with BBQ Pork and Pineapple

Ginger Carrot Cake with Pineapple Mango Coulis, Fresh Fruit & Chocolate Culinary Creation

Includes a glass of white wine to toast the Dragon Boat Festival

TRW workout

2008-04-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

Check out this amazing work out!

Races I want to do....

2008-03-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

Ok, here is one race I want to do in this lifetime... Bay to Breakers Race in San Francisco...love those costumes! I think I might need to be a superhero some day. Loved that 60s TV show, I dream of Jeannie, the pack of running Jeannies are just great!

Wanna' get high?

2008-03-28T10:12:00.000-04:00

Hehe!

Seriously, this article at nytimes.com is on the concept of a "runner's high" and how it isn't just a story runners tell the rest of us to make us feel bad! (hehe again!)

Eating at work-smart choices from NYT

2008-03-26T14:05:00.000-04:00

In the career blog there is a series by a nutritionist about healthy food for work.

This post, the third in the series, is about what kind of healthy food to stash in your desk drawer for those desperate times.

Sydney, Australia, "That Ecstatic American Group"

2008-03-21T10:44:00.000-04:00

Hey,
I just figured out how to embed video in the blog so here goes...
2007 World Championships, 500m Finals, Premier Open—Here is a video of that very exciting race where the premier men's team pulled up from last place to win the 500m race and set a new world record in 1:48:74

I love djsteveboy!

2008-03-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

Why you ask? Because he created Podrunner and Podrunner intervals, that's why!

As anyone who has finished a race to the Rocky theme knows-music is a powerful motivator. If you are like me, music helps you keep moving when you want to stop.

djsteveboy's site has two sets of download-able mixes. He just started a new Podrunner interval mix set, First day to 5K, which incorporates interval training and takes 9 weeks from no running to a 5k race. For those of you just starting to use running for cardio it would be great but it could work with any cardio training. Each workout is around 30 minutes.

For those interested in longer mixes for your workout there is the original Podrunner where each mix lasts about an hour and ranges from a consistent 130-180 beats per minute depending on the mix.

I like these because they have a consistent beat. I can use a slower beat for walking, medium for running and a high rate for the elliptical trainer. Since each one is about an hour I can go for as long or as short as I want.

Have fun with djsteveboy, my new bff!

Senator Obama meets Roxanne

2008-03-19T09:37:00.000-04:00

Roxanne made history yesterday! She will get us all the details but she had the opportunity, after spending the day with Senator Obama, to invite him to meet the SDs and take a scenic tour of the Schuylkill River in our dragon boat. Here she is with Senator Obama and a friend.

Indoor Erg Regatta 2008

2008-03-17T12:08:00.000-04:00

The SDs were represented by paddlers: Judy Gernon, Peggy Kovich, Sue Weinand, Barbara Mattioli, Linda Avila, Julie Regnier and Joann Fegley (coach, fill-in paddler...calm, cool and collected, she gives us strength!), Paula Humphries, who is now President of ERBDA and was patiently handing out hundreds of medals, and Paul Reichert, our super supporter and photographer.

In support of other local teams...

2008-03-17T11:26:00.000-04:00

If anyone is interested in supporting the GSK team, there is a fundraising (yes even they have to raise money) spaghetti dinner on April 6th from 4-8PM. This is Robin's team and a wonderful and fun group of people!

Mistressing the pullup and a yoga thing..

2008-03-14T13:43:00.000-04:00

On that note, here is a link, especially for women, how to work toward those ever-elusive pullups...
http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/displayarticle.php?aid=51

and just a kind-a cool site with quickie yoga exercises demonstrated on short videos...
http://www.practicalyoga.tv/yogaquickies.asp

Can you push up? Science says it's important!

2008-03-14T10:31:00.000-04:00

This is an interesting post on the NYTimes blog, Well, on the push-up and how it reflects fitness levels.

There's a movie too!

Jenny

Picture from Washington, DC race, 2007

2008-03-13T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!
Found this happy group among Roxanne's photos from the May 2007 race and wanted to post it here.