November 24th, 2011 Bob Sochowski Enjoys Life on the Water
 Someone once said to me that the best way to have a full life is to stay active. Sometimes I think I may have taken that mantra too seriously but I’m sure having a great time. I’ve incorporated fitness into my lifestyle because I believe it connects the body and soul, clears the mind and provides a wealth of new energy.I was never “into” sports during my childhood, but the competitive side of things did interest me. In 2001, I decided to do something sporty that would involve fitness and team building, and allow me to learn new values. I joined a recreational dragon boat team because almost anyone can paddle a dragon boat – regardless of their fitness level. Depending on your fitness level and time commitment, you may want to paddle only for recreation or compete at the national level. I began by training at a recreational level, twice a week in the Victoria harbour for 12 weeks. At that time, I was just starting out, enjoying the workout and beginning to see immediate personal gains, including lowered blood pressure, improved breathing capacity, weight loss, better-toned muscles and, best of all, the tranquility I experienced in viewing the ocean from a different perspective. Where else in Canada could I do this for 12 months a year? Years passed, and I decided to train in the Outrigger, which allowed me to stay in condition during the off-season for dragon boating. In 2007, I was invited to train with the Gorging Dragons Dragon Boat team for the 2008 Malaysia Club Crew Dragon Boat Championships. The Gorging Dragons is a highly competitive team known for its determination to win and train hard. While training with the team, I was asked if I wanted to race for Team Canada in the 2008 World Outrigger Canoe Sprint Championship in Sacramento. With more than 40 countries in the competition, I decided to go for it so switched my focus to training for the Outrigger Sprints. The commitment for training at this level was high and intense. I was training on the water eight times a week, paddling in the Gorge and the Victoria harbour, continuing strength training five times a week and increasing my cardio activities. In addition, I was working full time and finding time for my personal life. Having just turned 40 that year, I was eligible to race on the Team Canada Men’s Master Outrigger Team. This allowed me to race against the world’s best athletes – something I had never dreamed of. All of my training proved very worthwhile because Team Canada Men’s Master team manage to race in the semi finals. While I was racing in Sacramento, our Gorging Dragons team won medals in Malaysia! After a bit of a break, I started training again last year in preparation for Hong Kong 2012 Club Crew Dragon Boat Championships or the 2012 World Outrigger Canoe Sprint Championship in Calgary. There will be challenges ahead to train as much as I’d like because my job today is much more challenging. To add one more stake to the fire, I am currently completing my doctorate degree. I’m confident I can achieve it all by setting realistic goals, identifying priorities, maintaining a strong discipline, and receiving support from partner, family, and friends – all important factors for success. I know I’m getting older, but I believe that while I can compete, I will. The journey getting there may not be easy (oh those aches and pains), and it can be discouraging when results are slow, but when I get there, especially when I am standing on the podium to receive my medal – it will be well worth the effort. Paddles Up! Bob Note: Bob is a Building Technology Advisor (Mechanical) with Integrated Workplace Solutions.
"Mental toughness is learned. It's not a skill that everyone has, or is born with. There are people that are born tougher than others mentally, or figure things out earlier in their life. But if you have motivation you can acquire mental toughness, it's just about what your body gets used to putting up with." -Greg Jackson
June 15th, 2011 What a great weekend of racing! June 9th, 2011 
May 26th, 2011
May 18, 2011 Last night was a GREAT practice! The team was really pushing hard to impress Tom and look “pretty” for the videos he was taking…hopefully we succeeded! It also seemed like everyone was in a good mood; helps when the weather is fantastic!
May 12, 2011 7 weeks till Welland! |
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