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| Pan Am Championships...; I arrived in Rio de Janeiro today... | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 31 2006, 02:47 PM (1,461 Views) | |
| jake clark | May 31 2006, 02:47 PM Post #1 |
Super Fan
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Greetings to everyone. I just thought Id try to do a ´journal´ type thing while Im here to keep people informed. I will try to do one again during Worlds while Im in China and the other journies I may be on... I figured it might be entertaining in someway, and also give people a better idea of what is happening. Before I begin I must speak about how awkward the keyboards tend to be in other countries! Keys are in different spots, there are different letters, symbols, and it gets quite annoying after a few minutes. I will try to do my best with grammar and all that, but it might not turn out too well!!! Shrupp, I dont want you ´slammin´ me for any of that nonsense! ha ha I arrived here at our hotel today and the weather is pretty nice. I think its around the mid 80´s and Im staying right on the beach! Not any old beach either. Our hotel is right at the intersection of the infamous Copacabana and Ipenema Beaches! (my spelling might be off on those). I didnt have time to hit the beach yet, but managed to find a McDonalds that is located quite close to my hotel (Thank God). When I travel I usually like to try the different foods and resturaunts, but its ALWAYS nice to have a McD´s nearby. Everyone on the team is napping right now so I decided to take a stroll and see whats around here. After eating some good ol´ American food I felt quite guilty... I was 16 lbs. overweight before doing so and weigh in on friday!!! It wasnt a smart choice, but on the other hand it was VERY well deserved... or so I thought! My travels over the past few days have been horrible and I was celebrating arriving with my luggage and all. After Trials in Iowa this past weekend I flew back to Virginia for a few hours (enough to do some laundry) and was back on a plane to head out here THE SAME DAY. Needless to say, I´m a bit exhausted and pretty fat to say the least!!! ha ha. While strolling through the streets here I met some very friendly people. By friendly, I mean people that are willing to help you as long as you buy something from them or their shop! Thats how it works in many countries. Im not sure if the correct word is ´friendly´... maybe it should be ´shady´. Anyways I saw some souvenier places, nice clothing/shoe shops, and several ´Beauties` along the way. When I returned back to the area that my hotel is at I saw some pineapples for sale on the corner and decided to buy a few. I wasnt hungry, nor do I think I will ever eat them... I just thought it would be cool to say I bought some pineapples! Wierd, I know. I paid the equivalent of about $2 for 2 fresh pineapples. The guy that I bought them from made me sniff them... I thought it looked wierd, but he suggested and I went along with it. I got back to my room and woke my roommate up to smell the pineapples... I was a bit scared to do so since its HWT World Champion Dremil Byers... however he went along with it and smelled them to. He thought they smelled very good. ha ha. Now we have two pineapples in the room for decoration or something. They smell good right now but after a few days and SEVERAL dirty practice outfits being hung on the wall... Im sure the pineapples and their lovely scent will wilt away! Enough about the pineapples, however that is highlight of my trip thus far. Our hotel is very nice, the Brazilian people seem very friendly, and this city has a lot to offer. Some places seem quite worn down, but I havent seen anything too shabby. Im supposed to be here until Sunday, but am thinking of staying for an extra week to vacation and see more of this place. When that time comes Ill make my decision on what Ill do. Im sad to say that I will most likely keep what happens during that time private! But all of you are welcome to use your imagination! ha ha. I suppose its time for me to go workout and shed a few pounds. If anyone has any questions or specifics they would like to know... feel free to ask. Like I said, I will try and write everyday if possible and keep you all informed. Tomorrow I plan on seeing the beach for a little bit, but will spend most of the day working out and enjoying the sauna. Until then, Jake |
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| cwillaert | May 31 2006, 03:04 PM Post #2 |
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Fantastic
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Outstanding! I look forward to reading your updates. Don't get too close to those pineapples though...don't want Byers to mistake you for food and have you lose a finger or something. Did you point out the McDonalds to him yet? I think I recall reading in an interview once that he makes it a point to eat there pretty much daily. 16lbs...not too bad. But I'm guessing you won't be in a very good mood tomorrow night. |
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| Sharkey | May 31 2006, 04:22 PM Post #3 |
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Fantastic
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Jake. I look forward to any journal writing you have time to post. Good Luck!!!! |
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| jake clark | Jun 1 2006, 12:05 PM Post #4 |
Super Fan
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Day 2... Last night following a couple hour workout at my hotel I hit the street again. Before I get to that, I have to explain our workout area. It's atop our hotel and fairly decent for a foriegn health club. We have use of a co-ed sauna (I keep my fingers crossed for a good looking girl to come in), 2 bikes, 2 treadmills, and a few other out-dated machines. All of that for about 60 people to use... really fun! After the sauna we go to the pool, also located on the top of the hotel. It's beautiful! There is no ceiling so it's an open air pool with a bar and an excellent view of the mountains and beach... its on the 30th floor and I get a bit nervous standing too close to the edge. From my hotel I have a small mountain peak blocking the famous "Christ the Redemer" statue of the MAN himself standing atop a peak with his arms out. I could be wrong on the actual name of the statue, but that is what I overheard people calling it. If you were to see a picture of it or google Brazil you can see what Im talking about. Anyways, about that stroll I took last night... Myself and Mike Ellsworth went for a walk to pass some time and every few feet (literally) we would be approached by women soliciting themselves... seriously. I wasnt sure if it was because Im soooo good looking, but I have a feeling that didnt play a factor in their decision! These women were young and old... but honestly most of them were very attractive and could easily have a good life in the states on their looks alone! In the few blocks we walked I had my butt grabbed SEVERAL times... and it wasnt by Mike!! As we were walking you would see parked cars with extrmely tinted windows and cardboard blocking the windshields. Use your imaginations! Also during the walk we purchased a few "counterfit" items/souveniers along the way. These people had little blankets laid down on the sidewalk and were selling everything from jerseys to keychains at a VERY cheap price. You would be in the middle of looking at something and hear people yelling down the street (kind of like a chain reaction going down the boardwalk). At that time the vendors would grab there stuff quickly and walk off for a few minutes. I was a bit confused at first, but then figured out that they were warning eachother of the police making their way down the street. It was amazing at how well they worked together... and how swiftly they disappeared! As Mike and I were getting close to our hotel the "warning screams" came again and the vendors were scurrying in every direction. I looked to my left and saw a police car with its sirens on being followed by two vans... the convoy stopped abruptly and a dozen police or so scrambled out of their vehicles chasing the vendors with clubs. This all happened within 10 yards of me! It all happened so quick, but we stayed for a few minutes and no one was apprehended?! I found it very odd. The police are sooo worried about these "counterfit" vendors, but do nothing about the prostitutes!!! Somethings are a bit backwards no matter where you go! Im sure that during my time here I'll have a few morally correct stories to explain, but at this point... its been pretty much a circus! Mike and I did happen to find a corner juice shop that is AMAZING!!! They have every fresh fruit imaginable and you make a blend of whatever kind of juice you want! Deeeeeeee Licious! Today the weather is very rainy so the beach is out of the question. I might be able to do some more shopping if the rain dies down a bit... but am not in the mood to be harrased by all the women! I was told that the area we are in is flooded with prostitues due to the fact its the "tourist" area of the city. Hopefully I can find the different part of the city before I leave! Tomorrow is weigh-ins for myself and a few other weights. Im was just 3.5 kilograms over (about 8 lbs) and am not sooo worried about making weight anymore. I must get going for now, but will write again soon. P.S. The pineapples are still holding on quite strong and might be eaten over the next few hours!! Its very tempting! Until next time, Jake |
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| cwillaert | Jun 1 2006, 12:33 PM Post #5 |
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Fantastic
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Think there is a correlation between those two? |
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| jake clark | Jun 1 2006, 08:23 PM Post #6 |
Super Fan
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I just thought Id write a little more before I head off to bed tonite... I was just outside and Mike and I made our way to the juice bar again. Im trying to taste as many different juices as I can and tonite I sampled four different kinds... all of them Deeeeee Licious! So far Ive had mango, apple, coconut, sugar cane, and kiwi. The way they make the sugar cane is amazing... they stick a "cane"... looks like bamboo... into a machine and tah-da! you have juice... very tasty too! On our way back from the juice bar we saw a few coaches sitting at an outside cafe and spoke to them. They were sitting there with an older black guy that I didnt recognize but introduced himself as Darryl Gollar (spelling?). I knew the name was familiar and asked him where hes from. He said originally from Chicago, but wrestled at the Univ. of Minnesota and also under Chandler. Small world. I guess hes been living out here in Brazil for 6 years now and he seems to be enjoying it. I only spoke to him for a few minutes but am sure Ill see him again during my time here. As for the pineapples... I walked into my room this afternoon after working out for a bit. When I walked in Byers was standing there with a big smile on his face... I knew right away! He ate one of them and said it was delicious. I asked him how he did it since we have NO utensils around the room. He ripped the top off and then pulled it apart splitting it into two pieces! Scary. ha ha. He said the juice was pouring out everywhere and when I looked at the garbage... I saw just how much of a mess it was! One pineapple down, and one to go! Weigh ins are tomorrow and I must get going to bed. Ive got to be up bright and early, around 7, to get my workouts started. Im about 10 lbs at the moment and weigh in at 2 p.m. Take care to all and Ill be writing again... Jake |
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| jake clark | Jun 1 2006, 09:29 PM Post #7 |
Super Fan
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I forgot to add that I recently bought 3 boxes of Cuban cigars from the Cuban wrestlers... Robustos and Esplendidos. hopefully I make it through customs with no problem!!! ha ha |
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| TazMan | Jun 1 2006, 09:33 PM Post #8 |
Wrestling Fan
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jake you are the man hope you are haveing fun just be good out there on your spare time glad to see you made it take care and keep every one posted on your adventure over there and good luck with your matches take care |
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| Dragon's Fire | Jun 1 2006, 10:38 PM Post #9 |
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Fanatic
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Pretty cool what you are doing. It has been fun reading your posts! Kinda puts us in your position. 10 lbs.? by tommorrow, you make that sound as if its not a problem!? Better lay off the Juice! Ha!
:D Good Luck! ;) |
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| storminjoeDE | Jun 2 2006, 08:09 AM Post #10 |
Wrestling Fan
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Darryl Gollar. I believe he was the first champion on American Gladiator. He was the only one that year to take out Nitro in the Breakthrough and Conquer event that year. Nitro threw a fit. The wrestling experience paid off. |
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| Ryan Rettke | Jun 2 2006, 09:09 AM Post #11 |
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Fanatic
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Good call. I remember him. I loved that show. I was a young teenager when it was on and always dreamed about being on it. Especially the Break through and Conquer! Now its off the air. Oh well! Jake, good luck man. You don't really need it. Thanks for all the updates! |
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| bparlin | Jun 2 2006, 12:41 PM Post #12 |
Fantastic
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Good luck, Jake. The updates are great. I hope the last few pounds came off quick. |
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| jake clark | Jun 2 2006, 06:07 PM Post #13 |
Super Fan
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Day 3.... Most importantly, I made weight! It wasnt fun, but that's the price you pay I guess. After making weight I enjoyed a few liters of pedialite (from the States) and a nice Chicken Fettecinni meal. It was almost as Deeeee Licious as the juice! A new day and ofcourse... NEW JUICES TO TRY! I have no idea what a few of them were... I just pointed at several fruits and drank away! I had no idea that Gollar was on American Gladiators... I too wanted to be on it someday... hopefully it makes a return... somehow! Great show! Tomorrow I will be wrestling and ended up with a pretty good draw. At these international competitions you draw a number and thats how they place you in the bracket. I was put on the opposite side of the Cuban which is what you hope for! If all goes well I should have him in the finals! I actually feel pretty good even though I cut a CHUNK of weight. I dont reccomend that kids go out and cut weight like us older guys by ANY means! We are much more experienced with that kind of thing and know what our bodies can handle. Its not smart to do a crash diet like I did, but sometimes you dont have a choice! Today was a very boring day... just worked out and weighed in. I also got in a little bit of shopping, but the weather is a bit rainy and it's keeping me inside. I suppose Im going to snack on some more food... I like to have a weight advantage when I compete! haha. I will write again when I get the chance. Hopefully I have some good news to share! Until then, take care and FEEL FREE to ask any questions you might have! Jake "The Juice Man" Clark Pineapple #2 is still alive and well! I have a feeling Byers will get to him soon though! |
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| Sharkey | Jun 2 2006, 07:39 PM Post #14 |
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Fantastic
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Thanks for taking the time to write that. GO JAKE GO! USA! USA! |
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| canbylancers87 | Jun 2 2006, 08:49 PM Post #15 |
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Jake, you're the man! Thanks for posting! Good luck this weekend! And keep making us Minnesotans proud!!!!!!!!! |
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| jake clark | Jun 3 2006, 10:07 AM Post #16 |
Super Fan
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Greetings again... We have just finished the first session of wrestling today (the second group of freestyle and greco). Some wieghts competed yesterday and the final ones will finish this evening. My first match I wrestled a guy from Equador. I won that (first two rounds) and by doing so, I was in the semi's against a guy from the Domincan Republic. I also won that match in the first two rounds and will be in the finals against the Cuban this evening. The level of wrestling here isnt nearly as tough as you might imagine. Besides the U.S. and Cuba, there are only a few wrestlers that are "skilled". Some of the matches are quite sloppy to watch, but wrestling just isnt too big in many Pan Am countries. The Cubans are great and its a nice experience watching how smooth and technical they are. The guy I have this evening has been around for quite some time and Im sure he has a World/Olympic medal or two! Outside of the competition... as always, the competitors are great people. The Cubans are very kind and there is a seldom "cold shoulder" from one wrestler to another. Wrestlers are GREAT people. The competition site is fairly small and has two mats set out. One for Freestyle and one for Greco. There arent too many spectators, but the ones that are there are pretty vocal. The gymnasium is also "open air" around the top. It has a roof, but only to cover the floor. You can catch a pretty nice breeze if you're sitting up top. As for the bathrooms... hmmmm... not even sure if I should go there! ha ha. I've seen worse, but it was still a sight to see! Something that I found very odd was the fact that in the mens bathroom, next to the toilets, they had a foosball table?! Wierd! I didnt get a game in, but challenged Steve Mocco to a game the next time he has to go! ha ha. Again last night, I bought some more Cuban Cigars... its quite addicting and becoming a daily thing for me. I now have 5 boxes and with some luck, I'll make it through U.S. Customs when I return. I fly out tomorrow and am hoping to get some sightseeing in during the early hours tomorrow... If I have any pics I'll see what I can do about posting them. I suppose that's all I have for now... I am off to take a nap and eat a snack before the finals. Jake |
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| Rock Star | Jun 3 2006, 01:00 PM Post #17 |
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...Rock on
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Jake, Thanks for the up-date, keep em coming. Good Luck in the Finals |
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| jake clark | Jun 3 2006, 06:01 PM Post #18 |
Super Fan
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Well... You win some, you lose some. I'm not sure if I'm honestly happy with that saying, but at times you need to just kick back and be thankful of where you are. I ended up losing to the Cuban in the finals. It was a close match and was close to going either way. I overheard the coaches saying that he was an World Champ a few years back, but that doesn't make me feel any better. You would think it would, but in actuallity it doesnt. I've had my most successful year thus far and still have the World Championships later this summer. I feel like I'm right there with some of the best in the world and hopefully I can work on my weakness's to beat them. I'm not young anymore and that's something I've came to realize over the past year or so (coincidence?). Our U.S. Teams took first in Freestyle and second in Greco. Several of the Americans wrestled great, including Cejudo who won the Gold. What a tough son of a gun! I fly out of here tomorrow, but am looking forward to a little vacation time... I haven't had much time to myself over the past several months and am afraid that if I dont make it back home to Minnesota, Momma Clark will disown me. For those of you that I know, you will be able to find me at "Billy's on Grand" over the next few weeks! Feel free to stop by and have a diet soda with me. Take care to all and thanks for showing interest on how I was doing!!! Jake |
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| canbylancers87 | Jun 3 2006, 06:58 PM Post #19 |
Member
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Jake, Congrats on your silver medal! That's something to be proud, especially in such a big event like the Pan Am Games! Us Minnesotans are very, very proud of you because of the way you carry yourself on and off the wrestling mat! Thanks for representing our state and country with such dignity and class. And thanks for keeping us posted on your adventures in Brazil! Best, CanbyAlum87 |
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