So you want to be an athlete?

**Yaish** · 24th February 08, 03:51 AM

Bakersfield maybe? I'd love to compete at the same games, though we'd be in different classes anyway.

Not having a drop in throws after the off season is a good sign. Keep us informed on how the actual game day events turn out.

I just got back from the Phoenix Games, I took 4th in B's out of a field of 10. I wanted to place, and actually was in third right up until the last event when I got edged out. I'm still happy with it though.

**Alan H** · 24th February 08, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by Yaish

Bakersfield maybe? I'd love to compete at the same games, though we'd be in different classes anyway.

Not having a drop in throws after the off season is a good sign. Keep us informed on how the actual game day events turn out.

I just got back from the Phoenix Games, I took 4th in B's out of a field of 10. I wanted to place, and actually was in third right up until the last event when I got edged out. I'm still happy with it though.

NOthing wrong with fourth, as long as you're happy with your marks!

I'm tempted to do Bakersfield, maybe see if I can talk TimC into carpooling down there. You know, leave at 6:00 on Friday, drive until 1:00 AM, crash in sleeping bags. Get up at 7:30 Saturday morning, throw in the B's so we can all hang out together, then take a nap until 7:00. Then we hop in the car and take 2 hour driving shifts until we get home.

I'd be cross-eyed on Sunday, but that's OK.

**Yaish** · 25th February 08, 10:13 PM

Well Alan, I might be a bit closer to you in a couple weeks. I'm going to the Rhino Games in Exeter the 8th of March, it's about an hour closer so maybe not as bad.

We might then go to the Calaveras Celtic Festival on the 9th. No athletics this year that I can see (darn it) but we'll get to watch the Knights of Avalon joust and listen to some great music.

I am also building a set of hammer boots this week. I'll take detailed pictures and do a write up on how I made them.

**Alan H** · 3rd March 08, 12:02 PM

I"ve been working on extension behind me when doing the 16 pound hammer and it's paying off with throws regularly in the high 70's low 80's. My personal best last year was 77 feet. Between "looking up" and extension, extension, extension, I hope to set a PR at Bakersfield or Woodland.

Now if I could just get it together on the WFD!

**Yaish** · 3rd March 08, 12:41 PM

I haven't matched my best hammer from last season, but I haven't dropped off much either so I am happy with that.

Keeping the arms long and the chest back is key. Now I am working on my rotation speed and placement so I get a better release.

WFD is just hard. Do you double spin or single spin?

**Alan H** · 3rd March 08, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by Yaish

WFD is just hard. Do you double spin or single spin?

I double, but me mate Jim does a single spin from a standing position with the weight "cocked" behind him in the small of his back.

I'm getting the footwork down better in the double spin, but not yet so well that I'm releasing much power in the second turn.

I also have to load up 50+ pounds on that plumbing stuff a few times before Bakersfield, so that I remember what it feels like! I'll throw in the B's so we can hang out together.

**Yaish** · 3rd March 08, 06:25 PM

AWESOME! I'm looking forward to throwing with you.

I single spin, not double so I can't offer too much advice. Do you have any video? Nothing helps in figuring out what you are doing wrong like looking at it after the fact.

I finally got a spin down for doing the Open Stone, but it's still really ugly. I'm throwing just as far as with the 'shuffle' but I know I am doing it with horrible technique. The good side of that is when I finally get my technique smooth I should increase me throw by several feet.

**Greyshadow** · 3rd February 09, 04:51 AM

Tons of great information here! I am just starting to get back into the gym. I have absolutely no experience throwing, but my determination to do it should help me out some. If there is anyone in the Northern VA area that would like to meet up and show me some pointers...that would be great!

**B Hall** · 5th February 09, 05:26 PM

go to www.Heavyevents.com (masa website) you want to talk to Bryan (sheaf Daddy) He is in Vienna Va. They have a practice group and they really help out new guys.