Sneaking Out To Surf

Well, I've got a mountain of work today, meetings I am not really looking forward to, and a ton of things to organize. Instead of spending a bunch of time writing witty banter about sports or something to that effect I am going to go surfing. I've gotta run because my first meeting is at 8:30.

I'm no Mick Fanning but I have fun nonetheless!


Have a great weekend!

Can Playing Golf Help You Lose Weight? Is Golf Really Exercise?

Today's post is written by Matthew Papa, a biologist who enjoys writing articles on sports, health, and diet based on scientific findings. In his website, devoted to best weight loss programs, he provides information on a wide range of topics, from Medifast discount coupons to the Strax rejuvenation lap band procedure.

So...what about the questions posed in the title?

The answer is yes--golf can indeed help you achieve your fitness goals and even lose weight.

Getting people to increase the amount of physical activity they get on a regular basis is one of the primary goals in the on-going fight against obesity and the serious health conditions associated with it -- including stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and a wide range of debilitating muscle, joint, and bone problems. For health care professionals, the search is on to identify and encourage more physical activities that people of all ages will actually enjoy doing and therefore be more likely to perform consistently.

One fitness program that has caught on quite well recently is the "10,000 Steps” challenge, which involves encouraging people to wear an inexpensive pedometer all day every day. It can be quite a revelation to see how many (or how few) steps you take each day without even thinking about exercise. For many people, the daily record the pedometer provides is a highly effective motivator, encouraging them to make minor adjustments in many of their activities to increase that total incrementally every day. The 10,000 Steps program has been a great success, in part because it is so easy to do. It requires no expensive equipment or special facilities. All you need is the pedometer. Studies have shown that people who attain the 10,000-step goal are more likely to meet the standard recommended levels of daily physical activity.

Once you recognize that walking really can be a worthwhile form of exercise, it's not a stretch to see that golf too (a "good walk spoiled") could and should be regarded more seriously as a form of exercise that millions of people already partake in and enjoy. The classic stereotype of a bunch of portly duffers tootling around in golf carts doesn't really suggest strenuous physical activity. However, the growing popularity of golf on TV and the celebrity status of the top professional golfers have done a good deal to dispel some of this stale imagery. There are in fact quite a few stellar athletes in the sport, and nary a golf cart in sight on TV.

Golf is in fact a hugely popular sport that for most people does (or can) involve a great opportunity for extensive walking exercise. The average 18 hole round of golf involves navigating approximately 4.4 miles of ground -- not an inconsiderable distance by any means! So the question arises, how does it fit in with the 10,000 Steps goal, for instance?

That’s what physical therapist Sandra Kobriger and her colleagues set out to determine. Their findings were published in the Mayo Clinical Proceedings as "The Contribution of Golf to Daily Physical Activity Recommendations: How Many Steps Does It Take to Complete a Round of Golf?" (Who ever said all scientific research has to be obscure?) Kobringer and her team recruited 42 healthy adult golfers -- 12 men and 30 women — who agreed to play three 18 hole rounds of golf at 3 public golf courses in Rochester, MN, carrying their own clubs or using a pull/push cart for them. The golfers were provided with electronic pedometers that were calibrated and worn in the most reliable and consistent manner.

The study results demonstrated that almost all the participating golfers took well more than 10,000 steps to complete each 18 hole round. The mean number of steps across all three courses was actually 11,948. There was no significant variance between courses or by age or gender of the participants. Obviously, anyone who completes 18 holes of golf is well on his or her way to exceeding the 12,500 step-per-day level that qualifies a person as "highly active."

A game of golf on a lovely Saturday morning in some beautiful park-like setting doesn't provide the same kind of physical workout as a 5-mile run, a racquetball duel, or a basketball game. However, health experts and researchers have come around to the view that many less intense forms of exercise can also yield real health and fitness benefits in the battle against being overweight and obesity -- and are a lot more engaging and accessible for many people. Sandra Kobriger and her colleagues have the evidence -- a nice round of golf would be a great way to get your 10,000 Steps this weekend! Just stay away from the golf carts.

Wild World of Wednesday - December 16, 2009

Holiday Greetings: My inbox is filling up with holiday greetings from the numerous mailing lists I am on. This one from the Rays is one of my favorites.

Speaking of Baseball: One fan is keeping up with all of the events, gossip, and other happenings in the McCourt divorce case. Check out Dodger Divorce for the latest on the train wreck.

Surf Story Project: On a less strange note - this Friday is the release party for Surf Story. It starts at 6 pm at the Hurley HQ in Costa Mesa. Check out this link for more details.


Today In Sports History

1972 - Miami Dolphins become the first undefeated NFL team (14-0-0)

1973 - O J Simpson becomes the first NFL player to rush 2,000 yards in a season

Gift Idea: Annika Fragrance

Since she left the world of competitive golf Annika Sorenstam has been quite busy with a new baby and new business endeavors. I had the opportunity to try out her latest offering, a new fragrance called "Annika". It turns out to be exactly as I would expect - a subtle, yet feminine fragrance. You wouldn't expect something Annika makes to be bold and in your face and this most certainly isn't. This scent truly captures what you imagine as Annika the person would be like if you met her in person.

At first I thought there was a hint of a powdery smell but it gave way to a more clean and natural scent. The web and literature copy describe it in this way:

"Annika" boasts rich aromas of amber, vanilla, white flowers and citrus. There is nothing more alluring than natural beauty and the confidence of a woman...a woman wearing "Annika". Prices are $59.50 for 1.7 oz. and $79.50 for 3.4 oz. All domestic orders ship free during this month.

You can order this fragrance online.

I was sent several of those paper inserts that you would normally find in magazines along with my samples of this scent. If you would really like to see what this smells like I'd be happy to send you one of these papers. I've got six of them so just leave me a comment and let me know.

5 Questions About Where Golf Is Going

Golf should be fun. If golf isn't fun for you then you shouldn't play. Now I'll admit, many times I'd rather watch paint dry than watch certain golf coverage but that doesn't mean I am not a fan. I shouldn't have to suffer through another season of Big Break in order to be a fan of golf. (Seriously, who else is tired of that train wreck? I know, that's another subject.)

Plenty of people are speculating that golf will now take a serious nose dive since Mr. Number One is on an indefinite hiatus. Others are hoping for old favorites to shine. Wherever you are on the spectrum, I just want to know:

1. Were you only interested in golf because of Tiger Woods?

2. Now that Tiger is taking time off, will you stop following golf?

3. Why are you so affected by the latest developments with Tiger (if applicable)?

4. Do you think golf can "recover"?

5. Do you believe that golf has lost credibility in the public eye?

I'll still be watching Phil Mickelson, John Daly, Lorena Ochoa, and all of the other excellent golfers out there. Heck, I am counting the days until the next LA Open. I can't wait!

Tales From The Inbox - December 11, 2009

Send The HWC A Card: The Homeless World Cup sent out a card-less holiday greeting. Click here to check it out and donate today. Every small amount helps!

Fresh Air Fund: The Fresh Air Fund is looking for runners and sponsors to join the Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon this coming March 21st. This is a great way to participate in NYC's premier summer road race while helping Fresh Air Fund children. Over the last year, support from friends helped the Fund give nearly 10,000 inner-city children country experiences that they're still talking about! They rely on donations this time of year to keep programs strong for the summer months. Get all the information here.

Las Vegas and Steffi Graf: Here's some information about a new contest from a press release that I received:

As more and more consumers strive to maintain a truly healthy lifestyle, TEEKANNE Herbal Wellness Teas and tennis legend Steffi Graf have teamed up to launch “Win a Wellness Weekend” a sweepstakes whereby three lucky winners and their guests will experience a rejuvenating wellness weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada with Steffi Graf.

As part of the “Win a Wellness Weekend” sweepstakes, three lucky winners and the guest of their choice will fly to Las Vegas to enjoy a relaxing wellness weekend getaway, highlighted by a meet and greet with tennis legend and TEEKANNE tea lover Steffi Graf. Winners and their guests will receive roundtrip airfare to Las Vegas and hotel lodging for two nights. Additionally, winners will receive a $1,000 gift card to spend however they choose during the weekend, a year’s supply of TEEKANNE Herbal Wellness Tea, a personalized, autographed photo of Steffi Graf, tennis legend and brand ambassador to TEEKANNE Herbal Wellness Tea—and the epitome of health and wellness!

The “Win a Wellness Weekend in Las Vegas with Steffi Graf” Sweepstakes runs through March 31, 2010. To enter the sweepstakes employ one of the following methods: 1) visit the TEEKANNE website and fill out the online entry form, 2) fill out entry forms found on displays containing TEEKANNE tea in participating grocery retailers or 3) hand print your first and last name, phone number, email address, date of birth, street address, city, state and zip code on a 3" x 5" piece of paper and mail it with proper postage to TEEKANNE Sweepstakes Department, Redco Foods, Inc., 100 Northfield Drive, Windsor, CT 06095. All mail-in entries must be handwritten and be postmarked by March 31, 2010, and received by April 6, 2010. Winners will be randomly selected and notified on or about April 9, 2010.

I Know It's December But...Protect Your Skin From The Sun

As I was diligently working my tail off yesterday at the computer I came across this gem of a blog. Pale Is The New Tan is run by a dude in Burbank and is quite hilarious. Scroll through and you'll find spectacular pics of victims of tanning beds, spray tanning, and the sun.

Why do I bring this up? A colleague mentioned how, although summer is over, I still seem to have a tan. I assured her that it was only the skin that she could see, that being my hands and face. Unfortunately, being one to play plenty of golf and surf as much as possible I will get exposed to the sun.

I believe that in spite of my time outside I've been protecting my skin since I still get mistaken for being much younger than I am...I hope. So what do I do?

Since I can remember, I've been taking care of my skin. Grandmama introduced me to Oil Of Olay when I was like 10 years old and told me I better start taking care of my face. It may sound odd, but she made an impression. I've used a moisturizer with sunblock since my late teens. In addition, I wear a hat and sunglasses wherever possible to protect my skin.

Even when I golf in the desert I wear pants and 3/4 sleeve shirts to keep as much sun off as possible. I keep a spray sunscreen in my bag so I can reapply the exposed skin as often as possible.

What about surfing?

This is more difficult but possible. I keep a waterproof hat on when I am longboarding in calmer waves but a hat isn't always a possibility in the more powerful stuff. I bought some Watermans SPF 55 and Zinka products from Rider Shack. I put the Watermans on all over my face, ears, and neck and then add a line of Zinka around my nose and cheeks for good measure and put lip product with sunscreen on thick. Sure, my face is completely white but who cares? I am certainly not worried about looking pretty when I am trying to catch waves. My poor hands get quite a bit of sun but I do wear gloves when it is colder.

The rest of my body is covered in a wetsuit and booties when I surf except for a few months in the year. If I'm wearing a shortie or rashguard and boardshorts I do get color on the exposed parts of my arms and legs. I do go in with a waterproof sunblock to start, usually a Coppertone Sport or similar product, but it doesn't stay on like the Waterman or Zinka products.

The bottom line for me is that I am not going to hide from the sun. I would much rather be outdoors and active. I will however, do what I can to protect my skin.

Wild World of Wednesday With Big Waves

The waves have to be over 20 feet for the Eddie Aikau big wave event to run at Waimea Bay. In the last 25 years the event has only been held 8 times, including this week where monster sets pounded the coast.

I watched some of the live webcast and was completely captivated. Talk about huge waves. Anything over about 8 feet and I'm not in the water. Even then they have to have a nice shape and long periods between sets or I'll get worn out. After watching some of the event yesterday I wished I could have just 25% of the talent in the water that these competitors have!

Kelly Slater took an early lead, scoring a 98 on one wave but it was not to be. San Clemente surfer Greg Long came from behind to win - by 10 points! Congrats Greg!

Why I Still Root For The Raiders

1. They are the only NFL franchise to bring a Super Bowl title to my hometown.

Does there need to be another reason? Yes, Al Davis is nuts. Yes, JaMarcus Russell is taking up space. Yes, they really stink this year.

I don't care.

I was quite a pleasure to watch them beat the Steelers this weekend. It was like the old days where they had a team.

Go Raiders!

5 Questions - Women's Football

There has been a lot of buzz about the upcoming seasons of WFA and IWFL, the LFL, and IWFFA so I thought we could revisit some of the great interviews that have been here with current and former players.

BJ Coletta, Women's Football Talk

Wendi Kali, Portland Fighting Fillies

Amanda Garcia, Southern California Breakers

Joy Barry, Southern California Breakers

Becky Leetch, Southern California Breakers

Vanessa Santiallan, Southern California Breakers

Jody Van Zanten, Southern California Breakers

Oh yes, you saw me mention the LFL. It seems like there is quite a bit of discussion about this league lately - more than past seasons. If you don't know what the LFL is then you can look here.

To keep up on everything in the world of women's football, check out Women's Football Talk. The blog and radio show is one of the most comprehensive locations for everything women's football.