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Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Nepal, Himalayan jewel (Part 3)

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

 Today was the day we would emerge above tree line.  We all arose early, as we were eager to see the changes in the terrain.  Amar, Guindi, Siri, JP, and I headed out towards Dingboche enjoying each step of the way with much of the trail ascending.  As we trekked, we periodically viewed mountain peaks above the wispy clouds. The most commonly viewed one was Ama Dablem (20,987 feet), east of our trekking route. 

All the way up the trail (even above the tree-line), we enjoyed wild flowers carpeting the mountains in the colors of garnet, pearl, sapphire, lavender, and crimson.  As we climbed above the tree line, the trail began to change from rocky to smoother dirt sprinkled with smaller stones.  There were endless fields ringed by rocky fences. Potatoes, a staple food, was grown in these fields. There were many Nepalese working the fields to prepare for the upcoming winter. In each teahouse we stayed, we noticed ever growing piles of potatoes stored inside for the upcoming months.

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Nepal, Himalayan jewel (Part 2)

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

We soon discovered the Himalayan trails are rough and rocky. They demand close attention and good footing. Our guide, Amar, and porters, Guandi and Siri, glided along the trails while JP and I trudged. Although my trudging was much lighter than JP's. While JP raced small and large sailboats along the eastern seaboard and behind the Iron Curtain as a young man, I had hiked and backpacked in the Sierras. My footing gained further experience by running thousands of miles on trails through mountains in the East, Midwest, and West. Together, JP and I climbed Kilimanjaro and hiked Marin.

But nothing had quite prepared us for the difficulty of the Himalaya.

Go Giants!

Grab the beer and the snacks-- the series begins tonight! Here's the schedule, and all games will be broadcast on Fox. If you want company, several bars in Marin will feature the game on the big screen.

• Game 1-Rangers at Giants, Wednesday, October 27th, 5p PT
  
• Game 2-Rangers at Giants, Thursday, October 28th, 5p PT
  
• Game 3-Giants at Rangers, Saturday, October 30th, 4p PT
  
• Game 4-Giants at Rangers, Sunday, October 31st, 5:20p PT
  
• Game 5-Giants at Rangers, Monday, November 1st, 5p PT
  
• Game 6-Rangers at Giants, Wednesday, November 3rd, 5p PT
  
• Game 7-Rangers at Giants, Thursday, November 4th, 5p PT

 

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Nepal, Himalayan jewel (Part 1)

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

Marin is full of athletic adventurers. This year, our athletic journey took us to Nepal, a Himalayan jewel, for trekking. This is part 1 of a three-part series.

The wild, wild east atmosphere of Katmandu lies in direct contrast to the underlying calm of the Himalaya. We arrived in Kathmandu to marigold leis in the traditional Nepalese style, along with  our guides, Pancha and Amar.  Driving through the city reminded me of Bangkok 20 years ago, except with significantly more cars.  The roads are packed with bicycles, rickshaws, scooters, cars, and buses, driving every which way. You ride along watching the whole crazy scene and hope for the best. If you were to describe Kathmandu in one word...vivid.  A living, breathing organism that takes on a life of it's own. 

Between the many temples, Hindis, Buddhists, Muslims, hustlers, trekkers, tourists, political tensions and chaotic traffic, Kathmandu takes you back in time.  It creates a feeling of excitement and wonder, yet awareness that underneath, lays much suffering.  From a 25%+ poverty rate and the sale of young girls into servitude and prostitution by their families, this pain simmers beneath the outsiders' view. 

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Sports psychology in action

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

Sports psychology techniques are powerful tools for the recreational/amateur athlete and mandatory for the professional.  As a sports psychologist,  I've always advocated the importance of practicing what you preach.  Maybe a bit of a cliche, but true.  Your goals, thought habits, focus, and visualization techniques play a vital role when participating in a race, even if you're not an elite participant.  So I ran in my first road race 1/2 marathon in 18 years and put sports psychology to work.

Splash and Dash: Ultraman Canada-- the final leg (Part III) (plus video)

Splash and Dash with Dorette Sommer-Franks

Stage 3--the final leg.

That's exactly how my legs felt by the end of Stage two (170 mile bike) of Ultraman, as if they were on their last legs.  By the eve of the double marathon of Stage 3, I was hobbling and a bit concerned, "how was I going to run 52.4 miles?"

I was alone in our hotel room my body after enjoying a fantastic dinner of beef stroganoff (just like Mama used to make!). Maybe not the healthiest of pre-run meals, but I was not going to argue with my brain which wanted the stroganoff. My body was working to repair itself -- nothing really worked right until this point, not even my taste buds.  But they worked that night and I was happy to have a decent appetite back.  

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: College competition ahead

 Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

Summer is about to end for athletes who plan to go off to college.  Whatever the sport, playing at the collegiate level presents a new and unique situation from athletic endeavors at other times in life. And even for the new vs. returning student athletes, there exists a different experience.  The high level of competition is one challenge, but also keeping up with academics and a social life presents others.  The mental challenges facing these young adults are vast. There is a need for strong focus and concentrations skills.  The importance of positive thought habits is invaluable. The mental skills used for sport are also important in their approach to the college setting. 

To take a closer look at the new vs. returning collegiate athlete, I interviewed two young crew competitors both developed out of Marin Rowing in Greenbrae.  Kristy Wentzel will soon leave for her first year at Stanford.  Natalie Wong is returning to Harvard for her final year.  They both share a love of rowing.  What they further have in common is their tough mental fortitude to perform at high levels in crew, each in her own respective style.

Splash and Dash: Ultraman Canada-- The race is on (Part II)

Splash and Dash with Dorette Sommer-Franks

With a little less than one year's worth of Ultraman training and ten years of swim, bike and run base, the road to becoming an Ultraman was complete.  Making it to the start of each day's stage race would be the next goal: the 10K swim and 90-mile bike (day 1), 170-mile bike (day 2) and double marathon (day 3).  In Penticton, Canada, I was greeted by my three-time Ultraman crew (Rob and Beth Brewster, my husband and coach, Duane Franks and Tom Koundakjian, aka "The Rookie". 

Having a crew is not only essential, it's mandatory. The crew is the athlete's lifeline to fuel and hydration needs, heat management, swim guidance, pacing the double marathon, thinking for the athlete when the athlete can no longer think wisely for themselves, changing flats and most important-- at least in my books, entertainment. They not only lift their own athlete's spirits but also other athletes passing by when they see the most outrageous characters--running up a hill in devils costumes or to busting a move in a tiny men's Speedo while donning a flowered bathing cap.  A sense of humor is essential. 

Splash and Dash: Ultraman Canada-- the making of an Ultraman (Part I)

Splash and Dash with Dorette Sommer-Franks

Some of us forty-something's may remember as kids watching an animated TV show called ULTRA-man.  ULTRA-man was this ginormous robotic tin-looking super hero who defended cities from alien and monster villains.  He had all the right moves, and with a karate chop here and kick there, he came out ahead and saved the day.  But ULTRA-man wasn't always a tall super savior; during his "off" hours, he was an ordinary guy who secretly possessed super human strength and power

The Ultraman I trained myself to be is not that kind of ULTRA-man.  I am not an uber-human possessing wondrous superpowers or shape changing devises that increase my power and endurance which sustain me to battle my evil nemesis (in fact, the only thing I battle daily would be my own ego). For that matter, I am a woman who decided at the age of thirty to do something different for myself and I started participating in triathlons. That was just a little bit over ten years ago. 

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Motivation of female athletes

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

What motivates you in life?  Feeling physically good?  Goal achievement?  Having fun?  Watching yourself improve?  Are you self or other motivated?  Are you an initiator or follower?  Motivation simply defined is maintaining a high level of interest and enthusiasm for training and racing.  Starting out is easier for some people.  Persevering to maintain and hit the finish line fully spent is often the hardest.  What do you do to motivate yourself?  What kinds of rewards do you give yourself as you are preparing for an event?  Or, do you reward yourself at all?   In other word, what motivates you in sport?

I asked three women athletes (a recreational, an amateur and a professional) about what motivates them.

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Balancing the life of pro and coach

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

The intensity of Shelley (Evans) Olds emerges as she hits every race with 100% commitment.  Velo News branded her as the "five foot assassin."  Not only has she become a successful international competitor, but she is also a coach for the local Whole Athlete training team in San Anselmo.  Although a relative newcomer to cycling, she has accomplished much.  Her husband introduced her to cycling just four years ago. In her first year, Shelley raced road, track, tandem, and mountain biking.  A star soccer player in college, Shelley quickly transferred her athletic talents to cycling.  She declared, "An athlete is who I am to the core." As a passionate, disciplined, and competitive athlete, she is able to do something special; she competes and coaches.

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Why do runners run?

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

Why do runners run?

After a long hiatus from regular running, I participated in several races recently. Several striking features were noticeable about the races.  First of all, there were tons of young people running with great enthusiasm.  However in the 55+, the field was limited.  A friend of mine, Dane Larson took it upon himself to look at the results of the XTERRA Headlands 1/2 marathon.  He informed me that I was second in the 55-59 age group.  However, I looked up the results only to find out that there were only two women running in that age group.  In the Double Dipsea, the 55-59 year-old women's group seemed sparse. The group consisted of only 8 women out of 619 starters.  I often forget about aging and the impact it has upon sports participation.  Both these situations made me think about how I started running and the various reasons why I've run for years. After a serious bike crash sidelined me in 2003, I've just recently returned to running and didn't realize how much I missed it.

Splash and Dash: Biggest Loser contestants (& others) get a second chance

Splash and Dash with Dorette Sommer-Franks

Struggling with an injury?  Is that extra 10-20 pounds getting you down?  Caught in a rut, and lacking enthusiasm or motivation which would enable you to turn your life around and make a positive difference in your health?  Or maybe you tell yourself "I'm not strong enough-- fast enough" and you don't realize life could be more than just "fine".  

But what if life and how you were living it could be different?  Do you dare to dream an alternative possibility?  What if life's seemingly predictable path took a turn and suddenly your health, and lifestyle, was compromised? 

Now consider creating new found health and vitality, despite how people relate to you, despite what doctors say, despite the odds.  Those odds were stacked against just two of the fifty extraordinary individuals who will be celebrating and reuniting at this weekend's Tri-California Events, San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island. 

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: High altitude training

 Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

San Anselmo's Whole Athlete junior development cycling team is the first of its kind in the USA. Dario Fredrick is a pioneer in his training of junior mountain bike racers. He is the Team Director in the only UCI Junior Mountain Bike Team in the USA.  Quite simply, "the Whole Athlete Cycling Team is an internationally registered, non-profit funded Junior (18 & under) and Espoir (under 23) development program."  This team lays the foundation for younger riders to grow and develop to higher levels in the sport. For the second year in a row, Dario and five coaches donate their time to take the co-ed team to Tahoe for ten days of daily training at high altitude.  The high-altitude exposure is primarily in preparation for the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships July 15-18 in Granby Ranch, Colorado.  Some team member also plans to go to a World Cup Final and the World Championships.

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: 100-mile race through the Sierras

  

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

Imagine running 100 miles. Now imagine running 100 miles through the mountains.

This weekend, the Western States 100 mile race transforms the Sierras.  The race winds it's way from Squaw Valley to Auburn through the mountains in snow, heat, and sometimes heartbreak.  The race is an amazing test of endurance, strength, and fortitude for each runner.  In speaking with long time Board member, Mo Livermore, I was curious about the history and role of women in the race.  Beginning in 1974, the race grew out of a horse race. In 1979, Pat Smythe held the honor as the first and only official women's finisher whose time was 29 hours, 34 minutes.  Mo, a board member since 1978, ran five times and finished twice.  In the '79 race, men who told her she was running too fast surprised her.  In rapid speed, Mo's 1984 race earned her the coveted "less than 24-hour" silver belt buckle.  She has dedicated herself to organizing and working the race ever since.  In Western States, she sees a "sense of the possible," and endless adventure.  Over the years, she's noticed the women as not sweating the small stuff and looking better at the finish.

Splash and Dash: Swimming the Red Triangle (Farallon Islands to Golden Gate)

Splash and Dash with Dorette Sommer-Franks

Update: The Night Train did not finish their attempt to relay from the Farallons to San Francisco due to extremely cold water which caused one of the swimmers to experience hypothermia. Matthew Davie was swimming the 5th leg of a 6-person relay and was pulled from the water after swimming nearly 45 minutes in 49-degree water.

"Swim from the Farallon Islands to San Francisco?  Foolish, simply foolish," may be the first response from people when they hear of people swimming from the Farallon Islands. But on a clear starry night in August of 1967 a Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Evans jumped into the calm 56°F waters and began his swim from the Farallon Islands towards the California shoreline, 20 miles away. 

Splash forward to this Saturday, June 19, 2010. A team of six local bay area swimmers, known as Night Train (Vito Bialla, Matthew Davie, Paul Lundgren, Michelle Deasy, Joe Locke and Phil Cutti ) will be the first team to relay swim the 30-mile stretch from the Farallon Islands to the Golden Gate Bridge. And  swimmer Karen Rogers, will attempt the swim during the week of July 2-7th, 2010 in her quest to become the first female to swim solo from the Farallon Islands. 

"And the big deal is?" 

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Celebrating an extraordinary Dipsea racer

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

Years ago, I was lucky enough to enjoy Jamie Rivers' enthusiasm and energy just after she had arrived in San Francisco.  We both enjoyed the zaniness of a Hash House Harriers' run*.  Even then, Jamie's exuberance spread throughout the gaggle of runners.

I interviewed Jamie for a book I'm writing on relationships and female athletes. I was able to learn more about Jamie Rivers' life. She is just one of the Dipsea wonders in contention for this year's race. She grew up with three brothers on the island of Guam.  Her parents always encouraged the kids to do, and be their best.  The family participated in all types of outdoor activities.  Jamie described lots of team work.  Although, Jamie and her mother hung around sports in Guam, there were no organized sports for girls there.  She began running her dog on the beach in Guam, ran in a couple of races, and eventually ran the Guam Marathon.  Apparently, it took a long time for her to be competitive. 

Where to watch the World Cup (without going to South Africa...)

Once every four years, a sporting event takes place which unites the world for a brief few weeks.

No, we're not talking about the Olympics.

We're talking World Cup Soccer!! Ok, well maybe here in the U.S. we aren't quite as fanatic about futbol as the rest of the planet, but with news about it everywhere, you can't help but get caught up in the fun.

Here in Marin, the Lark Theater kicks off the series with a large-screen showing of the USA vs England match on Saturday, June 12 at 11:30 a.m. Price of admission includes food and drinks. Sit in style, munching your hot dogs, pizza or BBQ pulled chicken while cheering on the U.S.

The Lark will also broadcast the semi-final and final games on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, both at 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for Lark members and $15 for students 14 & under. Advance purchase is recommended.

If you aren't in Marin and want to catch a match, the SFGate has put together a comprehensive list of bars, restaurants and venues where you can sit with fellow Brazilians, Mexicans, Italians or French and cheer on the home team.

Go USA!

Two weeks (and several thousand push-ups) away from the finish

No--that wasn't your imagination. You really did just see that man doing push-ups, one by one, up the side of the road.

If you happened to be driving somewhere in Marin during the last month, there is a good chance you've seen the 'push-up guy', Joel Kirsch. He's the one making his way 'one push-up at at time', on roads, bike paths and the side of the freeway down the entire length of Marin County. He started his quest on May 10 and now just over a month later, we spotted him Tuesday on Plaza Drive in Mill Valley.

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: "Legal since 1971 - 40th!" (celebrating women in the Dipsea!)

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

A historic event is about to take place.

The 100th running of the second oldest footrace in the country, The Dipsea Race!

This may be the 100th running for the men but it is only the 40th legal and official running for the women.  In speaking with friends of mine, Mary Kitchens and Martha Cederstrom (both former ultrarunners), we began talking about the Dipsea Race and the history of women in the event. They are both running in the 100th and were especially curious about womens' role in the race. Women only became legal participants in the race beginning in 1971.  This was the year the AAU opened long distance running to women.  Remarkably, two years after women were admitted, a young and talented 10-year-old girl, Mary Etta Boitano, won in 1973 with the gender and age handicaps in place.

Gala, expo and more planned for the Dipsea's 100th this year

The 100th running of the Dipsea Race--the oldest footrace in the country--is being celebrated big-time with events ranging from a star-studded gala dinner to a family-friendly Expo in downtown Mill Valley. The Dipsea Race Foundation is sponsoring the events leading up to the historic anniversary running which is scheduled for Sunday, June 13th.

First off, will be a gala dinner on Friday, June 11 featuring a cocktail reception, live music, a viewing of a historic film and a presentation of scholarships and awards to Dipsea Hall of Fame members. Cocktails will be served beginning at 6:00 p.m. tickets are $100 apiece, and the event be held at the Mill Valley Community Center. For more information, or to buy tickets, please call the Dipsea Foundation at 415.377.9612.

A free-admission Expo event follows on Saturday, June 12, with music, food, history and expert advice. Part entertainment, part information-- the Expo will feature Dipsea memorabilia for sale and advice on things like sports equipment and, of course, plenty of Dipsea history exhibits. the Expo will be held downtown at the Mill Valley Plaza and the fun begins at 10:00 a.m. and runs till 6:00 p.m.

Finally, on Sunday, the 100th running of the Dipsea Race takes place with runners navigating the challenging seven and-a-half-mile course which begins in Mill Valley and ends in Stinson Beach. 

(Historic photos in this story are courtesy of the Dipsea Foundation)

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: What's luck got to do with it?

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

How much does luck play a part in an athlete's success?

Lucky charms have been handed down for centuries. The modern day athlete still holds onto items to alleviate anxiety.  There are different names for these items, or rituals used to bring them luck on race day or for rewards following successes.

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Redwood High's mountain bike racing team

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

Marin County is mountain bike heaven.  We are the birthplace of the sport. Klunkerz, a locally made movie, provides a view of the development and birth of mountain biking here in our backyard.  We live in the watershed; in the valleys, or on the hillsides of beautiful Mt. Tam.  Lucky us!  The mountain is enjoyed by a variety of users besides mountain bikers including equestrians, hikers, and runners.

Today, I am here to talk about mountain biking for juniors. 

Point Bonita Lighthouse Hike: Moonwalking

Marin is loaded with spectacular hikes on the hills of Mt. Tamalpais, in the wooded valleys of central Marin and especially on the West Marin coastline. One of our very favorite hikes is to the historic Point Bonita Lighthouse. And if you get a chance to take their once-a-month moonlight hike, well that's really special. We were lucky enough to spend an evening two years ago--not only under the full moon-but during a mid-winter total lunar eclipse.

The first thing we noticed as we drove up to the trail head, were the dozens of photographers by the side of the road, setting up their tripods to capture the full lunar eclipse. And what better way to see it, than high on the Headlands overlooking the Bay.

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Tour of California begins Sunday

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

Another year has gone by, the Amgen Tour of California begins again this Sunday, May 16th.   The 2010 Tour has been moved from February to May.  But for the first time in the five-year history of the race, there will not be a stage winding through the golden hills of Marin.  Marin residents have expressed mixed reactions, ranging from disappointment to seeing it as one of the inevitable changes of life.