“There’s nothing funnier than the human animal.”
       - Walt Disney

A horn bellowed through the damp wet fog covering San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and suddenly a gaggle of human animals were sent flying throughout the City streets.  Swept up amongst the thundering hooves we were soon deep into a concrete canyon surrounded by sheer vertical buildings at every turn.  The terrain was up, the terrain was down, and filled with many crevices and fissures that had to be negotiated along the way.  And like every great migration – such as the wildebeests crossing the treacherous Mara River – our passage had critical moments that demanded more attention to detail, skill and a little luck.  Whether it was hurdling freeway barriers; or diving under Jeeps; or ascending an endless flight of stairs inside AT&T Park (fresh with remnants from the previous nights epic battle Bears & Beavers); or vaulting over school buses … the obstacles made our travels more challenging, yet more rewarding!

So maybe the inaugural Men’s Health Urbanathlon in San Francisco didn’t have quite the death defying drama of the Great Migration, however, it sure was fun pretending it did.  And it sure was beautiful every step along the way – look to the left and see the radiant Ferry Building being kissed by the morning sun; look to the right and see the Occupy Villagers awakening from their slumber; crest the climb, take a deep breath, and appreciate the Bay Bridge connecting into Treasure Island; and run to the finish line with the always spectacular Alcatraz Penitentiary and Golden Gate Bridge in full view!  As for the aforementioned gaggle of human animals, a wonderful group of fun-seeking athletes which included a flock of Challenged Athletes Foundation friends completing each obstacle much more gracefully than I.  And in the end, if even for just a few hours, everyone had great fun experiencing the City with the imagination, smile and enjoyment of a child!

Alan Shanken, the new face of Men's Health Magazine! See him soon on NBC's coverage of the Urbanathlon.Awesome Athletes, Awesome People!Awesome Athletes, Awesome People!

As we gear up for the September 2012 CAF Yosemite Hiking Challenge, a hiking adventure featuring 3 hikes throughout Yosemite National Park, I took a moment to reflect back on the amazing memories from the 2011 trip.  This past September hikers from San Diego, Washington DC, Philadelphia and even Perth, Australia met at Yosemite National Park for an intense hiking challenge to raise funds for CAF.  After checking into the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, we met in the restaurant for a pre-arranged welcome dinner and briefing.  The anticipation, energy and excitement were palpable as participants got to enjoy the fun meet and greet. 

Day 1:

We met early outside the hotel to take the pre-arranged bus to Glacier Point.  After getting a fix of the breathtaking views and posing for a group photograph, we began the 12 mile hike down to the Valley. 

We set out on the Panorama Trail to the top of Nevada Falls, our lunch stop.  From there we went down the famous, or infamous, Mist Trail and the granite steps within a stone’s throw of Nevada and Vernal Falls.

We used the shuttle from the trail’s end at Happy Isles to return to our hotel for a well earned hot shower.  Even though we were hit with a rather intense storm on the way down, everyone felt exhilarated by the experience.  It built wonderful camaraderie.

We met for a pre-arranged dinner at the Yosemite Lodge and traded stories of our first day with new found friends.  After a briefing for our next day, most retired early to bed, tired yet eager for the next day’s adventure.

We met for a pre-arranged dinner at the Yosemite Lodge and traded stories of our first day with new found friends.  After a briefing for our next day, most retired early to bed, tired yet eager for the next day’s adventure.

Day 2:

 What lay ahead – an undulating 12 mile hike with no steep climbs to some of the iconic view points overlooking the valley.  We began the day with a 1 mile “warm up” hike up Sentinel Dome to take in the fantastic views.  We continued on to Taft Point and the Fissures. The brave were willing to lie on their stomachs and peer down the sheer cliffs to the valley floor, 3000 feet blow. 

We then continued on a less used trail through beautiful forest to Dewey Point, our lunch spot.  The views from this isolated spot were breathtaking. This particular stop was one the group talked about for the rest of the trip.  One of the beautiful features of this trip is having knowledgeable and experienced guides lead us through some of the beautiful yet lesser known trails and sights. From there we had a gentle return through the forest and along McGurk Meadow. 

Day 3:

As we stood in the parking lot of our hotel, we could see the highest point we would ascend to on today’s hike – the top of Yosemite Falls.  Amazingly enough the Falls, which is usually dry by this time of the year, was still running due to the record snow melt this year, what a treat! This was the day we had the opportunity to earn bragging rights – a 3000 ft climb from Yosemite Valley to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. 

What a feeling to get to the top and relax for a well-deserved lunch before heading back down the mountain.

Some elected to take it easy today with a more gentle hike in the Valley, a bike ride or fly fishing.

We enjoyed a farewell dinner at the Lodge and had the opportunity to share photos, laugh and chat about trip highlights. 

This year the 2012 CAF Yosemite Hiking Challenge will yet again promise an amazing adventure filled with challenging yet beautiful hikes.  We hope you join us this September for this amazing experience and opportunity to support CAF.  For more information visit http://cafyosemitehikingchallenge.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1003345

“Challenges are what makes life interesting;
   Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”
       - Joshua J. Marine

 The cool fog sat gently on the tops of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge last Saturday morning as a group of special riders were about to embark on a two day journey through the Sonoma Countryside.  It was the inaugural NorCal Back to Back Century ride and, in all honesty, I had no idea if I could complete it.  But I’m a hopeless romantic always in search of fun and, well this seemed like a lot of fun.

 I helped lead the troops up the first gentle climb out of Cavallo Point and what I didn’t realize at the time was, whether riding the Epic Course or Classic Course, this weekend would serve as a microcosm for life – filled with glorious peaks, valleys, lessons and opportunity.  Sometimes the road was smooth and easy and the scenery so beautiful and breathtaking I swore I was dancing on my pedals in Heaven.  Other times the pitch was steep and seemingly forever as I had to beg my body for every ounce of energy to turn over my pedals just one more time – and when summiting each climb with sweat pouring off my chin I would slink over the handle bars to catch my breath and pause, the view is nice when you conquer the grind!  New friends were made who would teach me about biking long distances and look after me in the pack.  Other times it was my responsibility to set the pace or help tow someone up another hill.  And just like life, my experiences were enriched by the people surrounding me.  After all, it’s a lot easier to carry on when NBA Legend Bill Walton is bellowing through the trees how awesome you are!

 As for my fellow challenged athletes, this was a team made up of talented riders and, more importantly, larger than life hearts.  Alan Shanken rides like a metronome steadily pedaling onward and upward; he has found his passion in life by serving the challenged athlete community and the B2B ride was his creation – I wonder if he knows he’s the reason I showed up to the start line?  Gil Magallanes rides like a Green Beret in the Army, always soldiering on with determination, honor, dignity, and, of course, a big smile.  Thank you for serving our country Gil!  Geoff Turner is fearless whether it’s bombing downhill or challenging the double Epic Ride – he has taught me a lot about pushing limits and changing perceptions over the years.  Nick Roumonada was our Ironman last weekend completing over 217+ miles of riding, however, what resonates with me was his talk Saturday evening.  He gets it!  He gets that life has a cruel way of breaking our hearts, but has the compassion to give us the opportunity to do great things – even if those things are new and different.  And then there was Tara Butcher whose silky smooth and calm riding style will serve her well on the MDC ride from San Francisco to San Diego in October.  On the second day of riding I was bothered by a leg injury, but Tara’s words, “pain is a sensation that goes away, but quitting lasts forever” kept me pedaling towards the finish.

 As the last long climb of the weekend approached I jumped off the front to play.  After countless switchbacks I peeked back and couldn’t find my group – I was off the front riding solo.  I would eventually be swept up by the “A Group” – the beasts who set a blistering pace on the Epic Course – and they decided to keep me company over the summit.  As we fueled up at the last SAG stop I had every intention of waiting for my group to catch up, until the A Group asked if I would do the honor of leading them home.  REALLY!?!?  ME!?!?  I felt like a little kid that finally got to play with the Big Boys!  Of course I will.  The last nine miles were tough as the wind kicked up and double-double cheeseburgers animal style with grilled onions danced in our heads – and wouldn’t you know, we passed an In-and-Out Burger on the way in.  At least life has a sense of humor too.  There were two short climbs that were crazy steep (for me), but we were all smiles rolling into the finish … and it was so great to watch all the other ear to ear smiles come home safely. 

 Last Saturday I did something I didn’t know I could do and as I sat in the rocking chair famished and exhausted I knew something very special had just happened.  “The only true gift is a portion of thyself.”  (Ralph Waldo Emerson).  I gave everything I had – literally had nothing left – and everyone else gave everything they had and in return we are all better for having made the inaugural NorCal Back to Back Century Ride an “Epic” and “Classic” success!!!

 Tara said “quitting lasts forever” … I hope she knows “victory” lasts forever too;-)

***
Special Thanks to Alan Shanken, Richard Wittington, Kristine Entwistle and the CAF Crew for executing an awesome event. 
To Jay Ridgeway and the PacWest Crew – thank you for your leadership to make sure everyone came home safe. 
To the volunteers – thank you for your time and patience, we couldn’t have done this without you.
To my fellow riders – it was an honor and pleasure to ride with you.

Join the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) at La Tienda, the wine bar at En Fuego Cantina and Grill in Del Mar from 6-8pm on Monday, July 25th for a celebration of summer, sports and challenged athletes!
 
Come thirsty and ready for some fun: En Fuego and La Tienda are featuring our special Athlete Margarita, a low calorie, low sugar, “skinny” margarita that’s better for you and great for CAF! For the entire month of July, En Fuego will donate $1 of every Athlete Margarita ordered to CAF. Spend the evening dining on an assortment of tasty appetizers, listening to live music and meeting new friends, including some of CAF’s inspirational athletes. La Tienda and En Fuego will also donate 10% of the evening’s sales towards CAF.

All supporters will receive a 50% off coupon towards an XTERRA wetsuit and have the chance to win awesome CAF prizes in the raffle. We hope you’ll be our guest for what’s sure to be a memorable night in Del Mar!

La Tienda wine bar is located next door to En Fuego at
1342 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

The two joined together to give back at Winter’s Family Beach Fest, a family-friendly 5k, 15k and 1 mile races and activity filled weekend that supported the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Cody meets Winter for the first time

Friday night carnival

Friday was more than just your average packet pick-up. Parents brought the whole family out to participate in some of our unique offerings including free kids dashes, face painting, a chance to touch Winter’s prosthetic tail and meet its creator, enjoy a nice frozen snow cone and chow down on some pizza. Local environmental groups were also present and set-up just like they are in the upcoming movie “Dolphin Tale”.

Cody gets his face painted at the carnival on Friday

The kids had fun on their dashes

Ready, Set, Go!

Saturday morning started early with volunteers graciously arriving at 5:30am to ensure that the race went smoothly. We offered some really great perks to participants to ensure they were happy including a trolley service, free admission into the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, bag check-in and lots of volunteers everywhere answering any questions that anyone may have.

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to meet Cody, you know that he is not shy. He took control of the opening ceremonies and even got the crowd started by singing the “Star Spangled Banner”. Once the racers were off, they were flying along the course, up-and-down the beach—and luckily not the causeway!

Cody gets the race started

Justin and Cody walk the mile

The one mile event was the hardest for one participant, local injured Marine Justin Gaertner. Justin lost both of his legs in an explosion while in Afghanistan and just returned to his home in Trinity, Florida from Walter Reed Hospital. He received his walking prosthetic legs only three weeks before and was just becoming accustomed to them when he decided to try to walk the mile with Cody—the longest walk that he had since losing his legs. His mom was going to walk behind him with his wheelchair in case he got too tired and couldn’t make it, but he was determined to finish it on his own. With Cody by his side and dozens of followers watching their every step and marveling at the two new friends completing their journey, both Justin and Cody crossed the finish-line together.

The large group of participants on the mile

The inflatable palm tree finish-line greeted finishers as well as a beautiful finisher’s medal with Winter’s tail dangling from the top. Racers were encouraged to stick around to enjoy more of the environment carnival atmosphere and to take in the free admission to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Participants were able to visit the CMA for free after the race

Sunset fun at the pier

Many participants came back to Clearwater Beach later in the evening to enjoy free events and receive their top-finishers certificates. Local singing sensation Suite Caroline gave an energetic performance and many of the kids got up and danced to her songs. She was sweet to all of her fans and signed autographs after the show. CAF and CMA had the opportunity to present a couple of videos to the crowd before the free showing of “Nanny McPhee” out on Clearwater Beach.

Suite Caroline performed an acoustic set

Top finishers met on Saturday night

As the sun set and provided us with a multitude of colors in the sky, our weekend came to a wrap, but next year keep your eyes out for an even bigger and better weekend. You won’t be disappointed.

Sarah Reinertsen and Kaela Cruz

At only five-years-old, when other kids are worrying about learning how to tie their shoes, Kaela faced a far more insidious challenge:  Osteosarcoma.  She beat the cancer, but to save her life, her leg was amputated above the knee. Her charm and grace were on full display when she took the stage at the first Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala 2006, where a promise was made… when Kaela was ready, CAF would make sure she had a running foot. Now, five years later that promise is being honored, as Kaela receives that foot from CAF and Ossur and takes her next strides towards overcoming limitations.

Kaela will be one of the featured athletes at the 2011 A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope on June 8th at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC.  For more details or to register please visit: 

www.heroesheartandhope.com.

 Col. Gadson will be one of the featured athletes at the 2011 A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope on June 8th at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC.  For more details or to register please visit www.heroesheartandhope.com.

Gray has sold more than 15 million albums and is best known for her song ” I Try.”  In 2010, she released a new album “The Sellout.”   Her music is funky, vibrant and full of soul.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to listen to one of the most recognized voices in music live in an intimate setting, while honoring those who rise above their circumstances, achieve the unthinkable and influence a new generation.

Secure your spot today!

CAF grant recipiant Jim Laird carrying his bike to the bike rack after his ride

Our athletes took to the edge of the water; on-lookers could see the sprinkling of silver swim caps announcing their wave—the coveted fifth wave, right behind pro males and female athletes. How did our CAF team get such a desirable place? Thanks to the wonderful race director Susan Daniels and all of our participants were asked to raise a minimum of $500 for challenged athletes, although many people shattered their goal raising much more than recommended. This is one of the great perks of joining a CAF Florida Race for a Reason (RFAR) team.

CAF athlete Lin Dolen out on her run portion of the relay team

As the swimmers took off, relay team members paced at the check-point, waiting for their teammate to whiz by.  This year, we started a new way for athletes to participate in relays—they could choose to compete on a relay team with a challenged athlete. This really sparked people’s attention for what better motivation than to have a Ronnie Dickson or Lin Dolan running or your team or wounded police officer Jim Laird cycling for you?

Operation Rebound member Shawn Mello on the run portion. He was great!

Team members relaxed in the VIP tent after the race

One of our CAF athletes, Lin Dolan, was knocked over on her run by one of the elite athletes.  Lin was very badly scratched up and had a difficult time getting up.  A paramedic rushed to her side and offered her help, but she shook it off and got up.  The crowd around her started cheering “Go CAF” and she knew she couldn’t quit. That’s a true competitor.

Relay team members Marc, Pam and CAF athlete Jim all pose for the camera with their medals

After the triathlon was completed, our team gathered together at our special CAF VIP tent right at the finish line. Cold beverages, fruit, pizza and lots of laughter filled the space and onlookers were envious of our shaded and colorful crew.  We know that our team of 40 plus will grow for next year.