2009 Goals and Training

[jgorley]

OK, I know it is not 2009 just yet, but I thought it would be good to get a jump on the season. If you are anything like me the Highland Games addiction is overpowering! It is all I can think about. Even though I am on my winter break, ok...its hunting season here in Washington, I am planning for next year. I hope many of you are taking a break as well. Bodies need to have a little recuperation time. The 2008 goals thread was great! I was able to meet some of you and hopefully help you out as well. I thought it would be good to start goals now. This will give us a great starting point for the 2009 season. It will also help us get training tips to those who need help. If you are new to the games, you will soon learn that this is one of the most helpful groups out there! Everyone supports each other in the most positive way.

Here are my goals for the 2009 season. First I plan on moving to the "A Division" this year, probably by the third game. I hope to attend the following games:

Washington:
Bellingham, Prosser, Tacoma, Whidbey Island, and Kelso games

Oregon:
Portland and The High Desert games

Idaho:
At least one game, probably the Treasure Valley games

Arizona:
Tucson games

And here are the numbers:

Light weight for distance: 65 feet
heavy weight for distance: 35 feet
Light hammer: 95 feet
heavy hammer: 80 feet
Weight over bar: 13 feet
Braemar: 35 feet
Open stone: 40 feet
Sheaf: 22 feet (20 lb)
Caber: I just want to turn them all!

The hammer is my nemesis! It must come up! By the way I am listed on NASGA as James Gorley.

I hope to hear your goals, your progress, meet some of you at the games.



Throw far!

James

[Ryan Nielson]

I wanted to respond to this but it's really out of season for me It's damn cold here. I'm only practicing in my mind. Once I can begin training again I can even think about goals.

One thing I know for sure though the hammer felt better than ever at the last games and I feel I will again make huge improvements on that. I expect to break 100 foot on the light hammer for 2009.

[medic78]

Goals for 2009
keep my training up
make it to more games than 2008 made it to 3
and throw farther and have more fun

[Chase]

James,

What is your age, height, and weight? I'm just curious, never having competed yet, but looking to the HHGA in 2009...It would be nice to get a feel or establish a baseline.

Chase

[george7]

To be able to wear my kilt, even if it's ever so tight, after Christmas day.

[jgorley]

James,

What is your age, height, and weight? I'm just curious, never having competed yet, but looking to the HHGA in 2009...It would be nice to get a feel or establish a baseline.

Chase

Chase,

I am 32 and 245 pounds. I have put on some weight from the season, but should be able to work it off by 2009!! 2008 was my first season. I say the best thing is to find someone in our area and train with them for a while. It is never too late to start! I hope you make the dive!!

James

[Chase]

James,

I plan on it, but it's very discouraging when the competiton out weighs you by 25 to 50 lbs...I'm 49 years old, 6' 225lbs, but eveyone in my area is at least 250 plus?

Chase

[jgorley]

James,

I plan on it, but it's very discouraging when the competiton out weighs you by 25 to 50 lbs...I'm 49 years old, 6' 225lbs, but eveyone in my area is at least 250 plus?

Chase

Chase,

Look at it this way, you get to use the master's weights! That means alot. When I started in June I was just about the same weight as you. The important thing is not your size, but your technique. Granted mass moves mass, but it is no replacement for form. My brother is 3 years younger than me, has 3 inches and 60 pounds on me, and is as strong as an ox. He destroys me in the hammers but I beat him in every other event. Mainly because he muscles the weights and I have better form.
Let me know how things go!

James

[Chase]

How much of the technique is in the legs? I have a bad knee, but can tolerate most extremes with a brace...I also have skinny legs...I started doing lunges about two months ago and some machine weights for extension, flexion, leg press for girth, but I cannot do squats...Will this hurt me?

What are the master's weights?

[Ryan Nielson]

James,

I plan on it, but it's very discouraging when the competiton out weighs you by 25 to 50 lbs...I'm 49 years old, 6' 225lbs, but eveyone in my area is at least 250 plus?

Chase

I asked this same question a while ago and found out there are several pro level throwers out there less than 225 lbs. so the weight doesn't matter as much as you think.

I have a tough time keeping weight on. I got down to 230 after the throwing season and started to worry I want to get back up to about 245 before spring so I've been eating a lot more.