Goals - Post 'em if ya got 'em

**Arizona Scot** · 20th May 08, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by Yaish

There's always Flagstaff...

Emolas, those numbers look really good. As I said this week I am working on a Stone tutorial, and I think that might help get those numbers up a good bit. Your other numbers actually look really good for a start.

On the WOB, remember it is NOT a shoulder/arm event, it's a LEG event. The power comes from your legs. Check my Prescott thread and look at my WOB videos. See the extension in the legs? Same for Alan, it's the STANDING UP that generates the power, the arm is just a simple lever that transfers the power to the weight.

Unfortunately I will be in California during the Flagstaff games.

**Yaish** · 20th May 08, 10:05 PM

LOL. Irony...

**Alan H** · 20th May 08, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by emolas

I really like this post as it's answering a few things I was wondering. I have been throwing stuff around for about a month now and just started measuring since I have some consistency to my throws. Knowing these numbers makes me feel better about competing for the first time.

Here are my bests:

Braemar 20ft

Open 25ft

HWD 18ft

LWD 33f

Heavy Hammer 62ft

Light Hammer 72ft

WOB 9ft (roughly)

Comparing those to the numbers you give is a lot more heartening than watching videos on youtube of people throwing half again those distances. The WOB is the one I feel I need the most work on. That is the one that needs more strength than I have because it's a pretty unused muscle group. When I started I could barely clear my shoulder with the weight and I've worked my way up to it going a little higher than I can reach in just over a month so I should be able to bring that up another foot or so. The rest of the events have more to do with my lack of technique limiting me than physical capabilities. As far as goals, I really haven't set any but I would think a 5%-10% increase across the board over the next year would not be too unreasonable.

You are in there....you're a solid competitor in the C class already. Find a Games, strap on your kilt and go throw!! You might very well WIN the hammer events, and you will almost certainly be in the top 3.

**Yaish** · 28th May 08, 12:26 PM

I agree with Alan. Those are some respectable numbers. A bit more stone work perhaps, but that's more than made up for by some very impressive hammers. Those are nearly B class hammer throws there, so good work!

**Arizona Scot** · 29th May 08, 07:57 PM

Ok guys ready for a good laugh, I finally got all my equipment together. And tonight I had my first throwing session. The numbers don't look that bad for the first time except maybe my hammers. They need alot of work I am sure there is more technique than I am using now. Also I need to get some gloves a couple of times the handle was coming out of my hands to early.

Open Stone: 24'1''
Breamer Stone: 19'3"
Heavy Hammer: 25'
Light Hammer:42'
Heavy Wieght for dist.:15'3"
Didn't throw a light weight for distance but did practice with a 15lb weight to try and get the spin down and threw that for over 40' a couple of times.

**Yaish** · 29th May 08, 09:02 PM

Not too bad on the stones or the weights, but the hammers definitely need some work. What did you use for the hammers? That's one event where even a little difference can make or break a throw.

I love the blue latex palmed gloves you can find at Home Depot or Walmart. They give lots of grip, perfect for hammers. Check Alan's thread about hammers for tips on technique, and remember LONG ARMS!!

**Arizona Scot** · 30th May 08, 12:36 PM

The hammers I have I made according to the info I got here using pvc pipe and a metal collar and chain for weights, I have one head that is 25lbs and one that is 15lbs. I have never thown any thing like this before and I need lots of practice. It seems so awkward to try and throw that way. Practice practice practice, hopefully I will get out at least once a week to throw from now till Nov.

**Alan H** · 30th May 08, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Arizona Scot

The hammers I have I made according to the info I got here using pvc pipe and a metal collar and chain for weights, I have one head that is 25lbs and one that is 15lbs. I have never thown any thing like this before and I need lots of practice. It seems so awkward to try and throw that way. Practice practice practice, hopefully I will get out at least once a week to throw from now till Nov.

if you are chucking that 15 pound over 70 feet then you are doing JUST FINE for your first season....more than "just fine". Hammer is my best event and I won some Class C hammer events with tosses right about what you are doing...71-72 footers. I practice with 15 lbs or weights on a 4-foot piece of PVC, too.

When I broke 80 feet two weeks ago that was a MAJOR celebration and it took me over a year to get there. You are doing JUST FINE, and I encourage you to get out to a Games and compete at least a couple of times this summer..

**Arizona Scot** · 30th May 08, 02:53 PM

Unfortunatly it isn't even close to 70' yet best I have so far is about 42' but it is my first time ever throwing a hammer. Going to keep work at it, hoping to get some of the Az rabble out to train with me. Can't believe how sore I am after only about an hour of throwing. Deffinatly uses differant muscle than I have been working in the gym.