Tecolote 2009 Race

My hard work is starting to pay off. The Tecolote 5000m paddle race was yesterday. I made a concerted effort to push myself right from the beginning to see how I would do. I finished 3rd in the stock class and I believe 5th overall. Great finish for me. Both my strength and endurance are improving. Thank you to SPI and all my training partners for always pushing me.

Congrats to all my bro's, Byron 1st, EJ 2nd, Wally 4th and Mike 5th.

Team Beaver 3-5th places.

SS

This Weeks SUPdate

The 2009/2010 So Cal Ocean Racing Series started in November. At the first race in La Jolla I took 9th place in the stock class (12' 6" and under). I had a rough start and it cost me. The second race was two weeks ago in Oceanside. I finished 6th in the stock class. All SUP So Cal race results can be founds at www.johnsonbigstick.com/racing.html

My bro EJ finished 2nd to the paddling super freak Danny Ching. Wally had a great race in Oceanside and took 3rd place, congrats to EJ and Wallace.

Last week I was traveling for work and had little time to train. I was back at it Saturday on JT's new training curcuit:(Indo board weighted squats, paddle cable pull on the Bosu ball, pike push ups on the physi ball, jump rope-100 touches, lunge cable pulls and one-leg balance on the Wobble board-30 seconds each leg. Repeat this routine three times.

Sunday, 5.5 miles of sprint training in Dana Point Harbor. 200m on and then down to 75% in the off legs, no rest for 5.5. miles. This was a great race simulation. 

Monday repeat the SPI workout four sets. Tuesday paddle with EJ, Brandi and Wally. A full lap sprint around the DP island. Each racer was stage 20 seconds apart. The goal was to not be caught. I was successful in that task. We did two hard laps (1.6 miles each) and some sprints at baby beach. Wednesday, back to SPI repeat the JT workout, three sets. Mike Catanzaro of SPI worked on my shoulder tendinitis post workout. Thanks Mike.

SS

Welcome to Sancho's SUP Journey

In an effort to chronicle my SUP racing for the 2010 season. I have decided to post all of my progress on this blog. Follow me on this journey of training and racing in SoCal in hopes of continued improvement and ultimately top finishes in the biggest events.

A little about me, I am 45 years old (46 in March). I have been a Professional Body Boarder, Racquetball Teaching Pro, Competitive Rock Climber/Boulderer and now competitive SUP racer and surfer. I am married with two kids, Luc 8.75 yrs and Enzo 7.75 yrs, yes two kids in one year.

I have a core crew I paddle with on a regular basis, Wally Emory II, Mike "Metro" Dido, Ernie "EJ" Johnson , Byron "the Horse" Kurt , Brandi Baksic and occasionally Pete Stirling and Rob Rojas. I will join Pete and Rob when I can get my arse out of bed at 4:30 am. I have yet to do that this winter, Pete and Rob I will see you in the spring, too cold at 5am.

I currently train by paddling three days a week (usually early in the morning) and workout at my new sponsor the Sports Performance Institute (SPI) in Laguna Beach, California. The folks at SPI have adopted me and are beginning to develop a balance focused paddle specific workout for when I train off the water. I do believe that I cannot achieve my goals paddling alone and with my new angel "JT" at SPI pushing me, I will get to the next level.

I am currently affiliated and help promote the following companies: Hobie SUP, Hobie Polarized, Sports Performance Institute,  XS Energy Drinks, Waterman's Applied Science, Future Fins, Oxygen 4 Energy and Ember Clothing. Please visit them all, they are the best in class.

Wish me luck,

Sancho