July 19 update

hello Everyone!

Last week there was a golf tournament at my dads golf course . They had a free dinner for guests. my family , my brothers family and my dad went to it. They had free beer , salads and beef and buns. Oishi deshita!!!

I am playing in a fun golf tournament this Saturday. it is a best ball game. in each group every one shots then choose the best shot. Then the entire group hits from the spot and so on. Ususlly the scores are below par. it is fun!

I am working on a huge kitchen now. I will take some pictures tomorrow.

Bye for now.

Doug

July17 up date

Hi!

Well it was soccer night last night. I must say the best part of the game last night was the beer after. We did not play very good at all. no effort to pick those loose balls up. Pretty much out worked us. We did manage a tie. We played in the last 15 minutes. We actually could have won. . I was pulled down in the 18 yard box and our penalty kicker missed it. We have a golf tournament this Saturday, followed by a backyard party. Good for team building.

Have a good day you guys! More soon!

Doug

July 14, Update

Hello!

So it is still smoking hot here in Kelowna. It has been at least 35 degrees C, for most of last week.

So I thought I would give you some history of my mothers side. She is from Scotland. She came to Canada when she was around 18 I believe. Yes, met my dad in Kelowna. She was a Lab tech,. She tested peoples blood. Her Mom and Dad stayed in England. My Grand father was the Mayor if Stockton on Tees. There is a great picture of him with the Queen of England. The picture I am attaching is of my Grandfather and Grandmother!.

Bye for now.

DOug

July 9 Update

HI!

It was a great Day! It has been so hot and low humidity here! Okanagan Lake is warming up too! Nice for swimming!

Monday is soccer night! We tied 1-1! We should have won! At the end of the game guys in the middle did not mark thier men. 3 guys were wide open and scored at easily up close to the goal. Yes, team work is vital to win. Same for skiing. We need guidance from coaches, support from team mates, a good tune up man (or have good skill yourself), And all having the vision of VICTORY! That is key! Not to just compete! Always push yourself to do your next level of Excellence! Never be satisfied!

Lets all kick butt this next season! You all can make it to your next level! See IT! Believe IT!

Bye for now!

Doug

PS This picture is of my O-Gi Chan and O-Ba Chan! They both passed away but I still think of them often. I appreciate what they have done for me and look up to them for the way they had to live during the hard years ! They wanted the best for Thier family! Just like I want the best for mine and for all of you! Always look for things you Appreciate! Every Day!

Bye for now!

Doug!

July 8 Update

Hello,

So, I played a early game of golf. 9 holes and breakfast for $29. I shot a 41. I have gone to the driving range quite a bit lately. I have been working on different parts of my swing. It is working.

So here are some pictures of our house here in Kelowna. Not sure if I have shown you any before.

Bye for now

July 7 Update

Hello everyone,

Ok, I have been busy doing Kitchen installs. Too busy! I even had to work today being Saturday!

Hey, I got he latest issue of SRC magazine. Here is one of the Articles by a well know Canadian Sports scientist! Good advice for the hot summer, and your work outs.

Bye for now.

Doug

June 26 Update

Hello Everyone,

Here are some pictures from the snow yesterday. Incredible huh!

Also did a great workout today. 30 minutes of the stair climbing. one set of running step by step jogging, walking down controlled and slow. Next set, running up, skipping one step with a lunging motion. last set walk up backwards! All sets fallowed by walking down slowly and controlled. I kept repeating the sets over and over for 30 minutes.

Have a great day! Keep up the good workouts!

Doug

June 25 Update

Hello everyone,

How are all of you! Great I hope! I am fully recovered from my flu bug. That was terrible!

I played soccer tonight. We won 5-2 ! I played mid field. No I did not score. I am trying to get soccer legs back again.

We got a lot of rain yesterday and it snowed in the high hills around Kelowna. Yes, snow! My mom said it snowed 10 cm at Big White. She lives up at the Ski Hill.

No other new news for now!

Bye !

Doug

June 17 Update

Hello Everyone,

Well, I unfortunately picked up the flu bug from Makaiya and have been in bed the past 2 days! Yes, very sick Gedi to Gedo gedo! I have not felt like that in a long time! I would not want to share those feelings with anyone.

Today was Fathers Day here in North America. It is a day to celebrate being a dad! Usually, celebrated with a card and maybe a small gift. We went out for Brunch. Brunch being between breakfast and lunch. My stomach was still upset so I could not eat. I just had juice. It was ok because my dad and Chrissy's mom and dad were with us. They could enjoy the meal.

Have a great week! keep that exercise going! I know this next season coming up will be another level up for everyone!

Bye for now!

Doug

June 14 Update

Hello !

I did feel not as sleepy during the day today! I did start work late because Makaiya was sick all night. She was throwing up and did not sleep much! I felt bad for her!

So when I arrived home, Chrissy told me of a place close to a small town called Oyama. Now Oyama is about 20 Minutes from Kelowna. This place is a den for rattle snakes. I guess there are hundreds of them. I do not want to go there.

I will also pit more pictures up from tajanna's Grad.

Bye for now!

Doug

June 14 Update

Hi!

It is early morning in Canada. I have Jet lag. I could not sleep on my flight home. I was too excited to see my family, and too excited about my life! Things are so exciting!

I am back at work installing cabinets. I am so sleey during the day though. Enjoy the pictures.

More later!

Doug

June 11 Update

Hi Everyone,

It was great to see you guys! I aprreciate all of you very much. You are all so much fun to spend time with! Please keep up the great effort with your training. I have heard many stories of more exercise being done.

I am safely home in Canada. While I was in Japan I did miss Tajanna's Graduation. Here are some pictures.

Bye for now!

Doug

June 7 update

Hello!

So today was the first day of the ICI custom fair. I was very happy to see those of you that came. I enjoyed dinner and drinks very much after!

Tomorrow I will meet the Tea clipper team at around 6 pm. I plan to be there from the afternoon. I hope to see you there sometime during the next few days.

more soon!

Doug

June 7 Update

Hello everyone,

I just arrived back from Onjuku. I stayed with Yasuda San for a couple of days. It was so much fun! Yasuda San and Jun Chan teached me how to surf. On the second day I made progress and found everything easier. Especially paddling! The first day my balance was at the back of the board! Needless to say I was very tired that day!

We also went golfing. Jun Chan played well and took Yasuda Sans and my money. We played a skins game. We played the Camel course. It was a fun challenging course. In 9 holes my best rounds were 43 twice, 48, and 50! I did not play my best golf but had too much fun, had great golf partners, and played a course that had a completely different view that I have ever played before.

Onjuku is such a nice area. I wish all of you best and hope you enjoy the time you spend there.

I have also heard many of you are doing more muscle training this year. Great! In surfing a little I found the paddling motion is very good for shoulder strengthening. Also good for strengthening your back. If you can keep your heart rate up it would also be good for endurance. It is very important to keep the stomach strong as well and keep body balance. So do those sit up and crunch work outs. Now strengthening our legs is the important area! Surfing does not really touch that part of the body so if possible include leg workouts into your day if you can. Legs are of course the main focus for ski racing!

The great thing about ski racing is that it is fun yes. The goals we set for it though pull us to a strong, healthy life style. My goal is that even in my older years I still have a strong, healthy, flexible, athletic body! And why not if I maintain my body through exercise and healthy thinking. Yes, our minds are part of it! Every morning see all the good things in your life and see what great things are to come!

Bye for now

Doug

June 1 Update

Hello everyone,

I am back in Japan! I had a long day of travel yesterday. Awake for 27 hours or so.

I am looking forward to seeing you all again. At the Goldwin and ICI fairs! Or where ever else we might meet.

I will leave for Canada again on June 11th. I know I will enjoy my short time here.

See you soon!

Doug

June 1 update

May 30 update

Hello Hello,

Makaiya has been doing very well lately too. She wanted to go in golf lessons this spring. She said she is having fun playing. her teacher said I am in trouble because she seems to have a feel for it. Great ! My daughter will be beating me a few years! Hee Hee! No way! I will practise too!

Bye for now.

Doug

May 29 Update

Hi !

Here are those pictures I was talking about yesterday.

We all took some pictures outside, then in for dinner and speeches and at last the dance. We all had a great time! I can not believe Tajanna is Grading! She is going to a Fashion design school in the US next year. She got a $ 25 000 US scholarship to the school! We are very proud of her!

Her ceremony Will be next week when I am in Japan! She wishes I could go to it but she understands my responsibility in Japan!

More soon !

Doug

May 28 Update

Hi Everyone,

Here is some news. I jsut came back from Tajanna's prom dinner. Yes, she is finishing high scholl this June!!

I will include some pictures tomorrow!

Bye for now.

Doug

May 22 Update

Hello every one,

Well, I must admit I have a little fat on my stomach compared to years past. So I have been exercising more. I am playing soccer on Mondays and I have been running stairs. Yes, Close to my house there is a set of stairs that is around 100 steps. I have been jogging up and down for 30 minutes. It has been a great burn for my legs. Feels great! I seem to be trimming down again. If any of you work in Tall buildings it could be a good work out during lunch or during the day sometime. If you have a shower in your building. I sweat like crazy when I do it.

Bye for now.

Doug

May 19 Update

Hello!!!

So one other thing I forgot to mention in my blog about concussions. Mouth pieces are also recommended to help prevent them.

Also back protection I mentioned is the following! www.the-raceplace.com/protective.htm
This site is an example of the back protection I was talking about.

So for those of you that have kids or kids that are racing. We had an excellent speaker on training windows for kids.

Usually from ages of 5 to 11 years old growth is slow. During this time it is important to train Quickness movements, flexibility and technique.

From Ages 11 to 14 are usually the ages of growth. During this time the kids are usually slightly clumsy. It is important to work on endurance this time.

After the main growth spurt is the time to strength training.

Have a great weekend!

Doug

May 12 Update

Hello everyone,

So, another update on the coaching conference. Another National team coach spoke on inspection of the course.

As we inspect we look for how fast we might be skiing in the different sections of the course. The speed will dictate what line you will choose.

We look at the snow condition. The way we ski on soft and icy snow is very different.

What the interval is between the gates. On the world Cup for woman the average GS set was 26 to 27 m. For men 27 to 28. Of course there were sets that were to the extreme sides.

We also look at the terrain and how it changes, We must be ready to adapt to any changes.

The most important thing you all must realize is that there is no one fast line. There are many fast lines. You must make as much speed as possible on your line. Of course he was talking about highly experienced World Cup skiers. Skiing a line 1 m to high or too low can effect time greatly. I believe what we are doing great with our line training. We are on the right path that will help you all understand line. You must all be confident in your talent and as I have said before see and believe! I Believe in you all!

Another skill I feel is just as important is looking ahead in the course and in free skiing! Please practice that everyday. Yes, when ever you can!

Bye for now!

Doug

May !0, Update

Hi there!

Another topic at the coaching conference was Concussions. Head trama! Now if you have a fall and bang your head we must watch for the following symptoms. Head ache, blurred vision, disorientation of time and date, dizziness, vacant stare, inconrehensive speech, nasea, ringing in ears, double vision, incooridination.

Now, The head coach of the Canadaian team said if you have one concussion in a helmet, you should replace it. Helmets are desinged for one big crash only! I know some of you have had concussions. Those of you that have had one please replace that helmet. We want to be as safe as possible.

Bye for now.

Doug

May, 7 Update

Hello Everyone,

So I played my second game of soccer tonight. My Brother Rick is also playing on the same team. It is fun to play with him since we do not see each other so much! I played mid field and forward in the game. The team we played against is the best team in the league. I scored the first goal of the game and we ended up winning 2 to1!!! I of course did the same positive thinking and believed The ball would come to me easily, I would score, and win! I will keep you update to how Our soccer team progresses!

So it is confirmed I will do a summer camp at Mt. Hood, in Oregon State. The closest city being Portland. I still must work on a few details of accommodations and other such details but the big problem of Liability insurance has been solved. I look forward to doing the camp and seeing the many kids wanting to come!

Bye for now!

Doug

May, 5 Update

Hello everyone,

During the Canadian Coaches summit there was alot of very good information . As ski racers we can always look for details to give us an advantage. My first topic is on aerodynamics! The Canadian Team does alot of wind tunnel testing. Did you know that the Canadian Team members use their One piece racing suit only once for each race. They have found that even in using the suit once it slows down! So for each race They use a Brand new suit! For YOU what is suggested is that you have a race suit, and a training suit. Of course your race suit is for race only! Training suit for training. Your race suit should always be stored in a clean plastic bag. You must care that it stays as clean as possible, and does not have any rips , cuts, or lint build up!

If your suit size is too small that is also slow! You need a suit that is the perfect fit. It is better if it is slightly big!

Wearing fleece under your suit is also slow. Smooth fabric is best! Under armour style Fabric.

For those of you with long hair. Pony tails and hair should be tucked into your helmet when ever possible!

Your suit should also be pulled over the top 2 buckles! The buckles when exposed was also found to be slow!

Back protectors are also used by all. The protector must fit properly of course. It was actually found that when using the protector it was faster when tucking.

When tucking it is important that hands are high in front of your face, elbows in line with your knees.

Please take note for next season! Lets set high goals! At Accel Ski System we are teaching you all the things that will help you achieve the best! You have to see and feel What you want! Do not see and think of things you do not want!!!

Bye for now!

Doug

May, 5 Update

Hello!

Chrissy and I are trying to eat better for good health! Chrissy made Spaghetti squash. The Squash when cooked comes apart looking like spaghetti. We cut it in half and put the sauce in the middle and baked it with cheese on top. The other dish in the picture is Mexican okonomi yake. I used a burrito shell shredded cheese on it, put in a frying and heat it. It melts ! After that add scambled egg with mushrooms and put it on top of the melted cheese. Next, put another shell on top and cook on both sides. We put salsa on top with a little sour cream. Very good!

More later!

Doug

May 3, Update

Hello Everyone,

So my Drive to Calgary was around 6 hours. It was snowing high in the rocky Mountains the day befoer my drive. No snow on the road though.

they are changing the highway in sections of the Trans Canada Highway. Making it safer in the future for all drivers! That part of the high way is sometimes very dangerous because of the extreme weather conditions at times!

Bye for now.

Doug

May 1 Update

Hello everyone,

I have had such a great couple of days. I am at a coaching summit in Calgary Alberta! The national team coaches are here as well as many provincial and many head coaches from club teams. Many different speakers on many different topics. I will update my blog with the seminar information when I return home. I have a few pictures which I will also attach!

More in a few days !

Doug

April,27 Update

Hello!!!

I hope everyone is having is settling into life after the ski season. Yes, I have here! In the spring there is always so much yard work to do. I also had this old van in my yard for the past 2 years collecting dust! I cleaned it up and plan to sell it in our garage sale this weekend. Garage Sale? Sell your used items in your home! People put ads in the local paper and put signs up on the streets advertising the sale. The sale takes place, Yes, in the garage of your house or in the drive way. They are very popular! Buyers for the sales drive around and look for things they want. Of course always asking for a cheaper price! The sales usually take place on the weekend. It should be fun!

So 2 years ago an old ski racing friend of mine became the editor of SRC, SKi Racing Canada! His name is Gordie Bowles. I took a few issues to Japan this season. The magazine is very good and has many good articles! In the latest it talked about the great season the Canadian National team had. The best season for top 10 finishes ever!!! Great job to all! They will get stronger! I also Know we will get stronger! Please take this off time to look at your past season! How do you feel when you finish a race? Are you overly tired? If your goals in ski racing are to win then please strengthen that important body of yours! Run , swim , bike! Longer, low, intensity work outs for endurance training! Sit ups and back work. Strengthen your core! ( middle body)

See what you want out of skiing! Fun, Friends, sportsmanship, Victory, respect, health! What ever it is for you. See it, believe it, Do it!

Bye for now.

Doug

April 26 Update

Hello !!

I forgot to show you my glasses I bought in Oasaka. So get this, I bought 3 pairs of glasses with special UV protection lens for 11 000 yen. 3 Pairs!!!! With normal lens they would have cost
5 500 yen! What a deal! The Telephone # for the shop is ( 06) 6714 0464.

More later!

Doug

April, 23 Update

Hello every one,

It was my first game of soccer in over 5 years tonight. We won 4-2 ! No I did not score. I played mid field. I did run like a dog and got a great work out!

Oh, I also played golf once and shot a 86. Not bad for my first game of the year.

It has been warm to hot here ! Very nice!

More later!

Doug

April, 21 Update

Hello My Friends in Japan,

I have settled nicely into my life here in Canada!

The weather here has been good lately! IT is suppose to be 22 C this weekend.

I have been doing some muscle training here. Running, sit ups, push ups!! Feels good! Mrs, Matsura gave us a gift before I left their hotel! It is called the XaviXPORT, Aerostep! It is very fun especially for the kids. Makaiya has been doing it and has been having so much fun, plus she is getting stronger! It is great because we all do it together. I would suggest it for all families! strengthen , challenge, support, fun, good building blocks in many areas!

I also went to a talk on positive thinking last night. I hope we can always work on our thinking in our everyday lives. Make a commitment to take control of your thoughts and feelings! Every morning before you get up, see what you want in your day! Only what you want! Now your subconscious thoughts may tell you other wise. YOU MUST BELIEVE AND HAVE FAITH!

April,15, Update

Hello!

No rest for me on the weekend! We did tonnes of yard work. trimming trees, cutting grass, cleaning the garage and so on.

This picture is of me piggy backing Tajanna and Makaiya! My leg training. Hee Hee! This is the season for endurance training. That's longer not so intense work outs to work on strengthening your heart and lungs. That's 45 minute to 1 hour work outs!

Bye for now!

Doug

April12, Update

Hello from Kelowna, B.C. , Canada!!!

I am getting settled in to my life here. Lots to do around the house!! I am finding that I am a little worn down from the busy season. It would be nice to havea bit of a holiday! Maybe later inthe summer!

So I liked Okonimi yake so much I made some here. Chrissy liked it. Tajannas is working now so she can try it later. I will let you know if she likes it!

Bye for now.

Doug

April,11 Update

Here are some pictures from Big White Ski Resort! It was great skiing! Long runs and fast! Enjoy!