Hi this is Ann and most of you know that I am training to compete in Hawaii’s Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race on July 25, 2010. People call this the Everest of ocean competitions—and it is. On that Sunday morning, I will be out there with my board and paddle, making my way across thirty-two miles of rough water in one of the most arduous and treacherous competitions on the planet. With the potential for 30-foot swells, brutal winds and unpredictable currents, the race demands of its participants extreme physical and mental endurance. And at fifty-two, I will be the oldest woman to ever attempt this feat as a solo paddler.
Seventeen years ago, I was a suburban Colorado housewife, smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. I have come a long way. I got off the couch, and I worked to start living a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating right and taking care of myself and eventually became stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. This lifestyle change introduced me to the world of running and I became a runner. I trained and raced competitively in everything from 5Ks to marathons. During a trip to Hawaii, I fell in love with the ocean and was determined to make the islands my home. Finally, a few years ago, I discovered standup paddling, which has become both my passion and my purpose. I am currently training about four to six hours a day, meeting completely new tests of my strength and will. Not only do I have to train for this event at a much higher level physically and mentally, but I have much to learn about navigating, paddling and reading the ocean.
I have had the incredible good fortune to team up with Kauai native and cinematographer, Joel Guy, who is shooting a documentary about my journey to and the journey through the Molokai Channel. It is entitled 32 Miles From Now, and is tentatively scheduled for release in Fall 2010. A portion of the film’s proceeds will be donated to Save Our Seas (SOS). SOS is an international non-profit based here in Hawaii. Their work helps preserve, protect and restore the world’s oceans for future generations. As the ocean has brought such immense joy and purpose to my life and to everyone I know, I feel honored to help support SOS’s purpose.
An unbelievable group joins me on this quest, including my home support team, my coach, and the watermen and waterwomen who have been my mentors. I have been living off of savings so that I can train 5 -7 hours a day to make this dream a reality and hope that it helps someone else realize their own dreams and passion for life. Between coaching, support, and the production of this documentary, we are relying on the kindness of friends, family and strangers, alike, for many of the associated expenses. By making a contribution—of any size, whether it’s $5.00 or $500.00—you are helping in this quest and helping raise awareness about the health of our oceans. Everything is greatly appreciated.
For more information, please visit and view the trailer at 32milesfromnow.com.
To all of my donors and supporters—you will be with me on those long 32 miles!
Because we appreciate your support so much, with your permission we will put your name only on a special “Donor Appreciation” page on our website, with many many thanks.