2009 Goals and Training

[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

[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.

[jgorley]

Chase,

Most of the events are based on the legs. Not being able to do squats won't kill your games. You have a good set of other exercises to compensate. Box jumps are a great way to work the explosive speed and balance required. That is my focus in the gym now, speed. I have raw power, I just need to accelerate more. I would suggest you wear the brace as well. I know alot of guys have them and still throw. Check the NASGAWEB.com board for some other trianing advice. Or better yet, if you have a membership at a gym, talk to a qualified personal trainer. Also try and pick up a Highland Games training video, and there is always Youtube. With the tube, try to watch the pros as they will typically have the best form.

If you have other specific questions, let me know. I will do my best to answer them. You can also search this site for other threads for training tips.

James

[medic78]

bring it on Chase I,m 6'2" and 225 46 y/o I'm sure if you throw here in TX are paths will cross. good gruop of throwers down here too. alway willing to teach a newbe no what age. good luck

[Babyfire]

Hi James..

Great topic...

Here are my goals for 2009....2008 was my first year competing too and I basically took all of my personal bests and added 10 percent.

2008 I went to 8 competitions and for 2009 I hope to get to 12 or 13. My wieght then was 290 and I'm now down to 240. (which concerns me a bit but my strength in the gym has improved and hoping that lighter wieght will make me faster)



Light weight for distance: 67' feet 5 inches
heavy weight for distance: 34 feet
Light hammer: 112 feet 7 inches
heavy hammer: 86 feet 9 inches
Weight over bar: 14 feet 3 inches
Braemar: not an event in most of the comps I go to (Ontario)
Open stone: 41 feet 5 inches
Sheaf: 31 feet (16 lb)
Caber: Same as you James.....all 12:00!!


My two events I want to improve on most are Stone and heavy hammer....any suggestions?

Babyfire

[Ryan Nielson]

I think I want to drive down and do the Portland competition this year. Some other guys from my group did it last year and i'd like to go to a larger more competitive games besides just the local ones around here.

[Alan H]

Hi James..

Great topic...

Here are my goals for 2009....2008 was my first year competing too and I basically took all of my personal bests and added 10 percent.

2008 I went to 8 competitions and for 2009 I hope to get to 12 or 13. My wieght then was 290 and I'm now down to 240. (which concerns me a bit but my strength in the gym has improved and hoping that lighter wieght will make me faster)



Light weight for distance: 67' feet 5 inches
heavy weight for distance: 34 feet
Light hammer: 112 feet 7 inches
heavy hammer: 86 feet 9 inches
Weight over bar: 14 feet 3 inches
Braemar: not an event in most of the comps I go to (Ontario)
Open stone: 41 feet 5 inches
Sheaf: 31 feet (16 lb)
Caber: Same as you James.....all 12:00!!


My two events I want to improve on most are Stone and heavy hammer....any suggestions?

Babyfire

You're far, far beyond my marks, so it'd be silly for me to make suggestions. Try looking up the NASGA forums.

[jgorley]

Hi James..

Great topic...

Here are my goals for 2009....2008 was my first year competing too and I basically took all of my personal bests and added 10 percent.

2008 I went to 8 competitions and for 2009 I hope to get to 12 or 13. My wieght then was 290 and I'm now down to 240. (which concerns me a bit but my strength in the gym has improved and hoping that lighter wieght will make me faster)



Light weight for distance: 67' feet 5 inches
heavy weight for distance: 34 feet
Light hammer: 112 feet 7 inches
heavy hammer: 86 feet 9 inches
Weight over bar: 14 feet 3 inches
Braemar: not an event in most of the comps I go to (Ontario)
Open stone: 41 feet 5 inches
Sheaf: 31 feet (16 lb)
Caber: Same as you James.....all 12:00!!


My two events I want to improve on most are Stone and heavy hammer....any suggestions?

Babyfire

Wow! I thought I was doing good for a Rookie! Were you a thrower in school and just graduated college! (I can only hope, to make myself feel better!) Those are great goals. I am going to try and make a couple of games in BC this year. I probably, unfortunately, won't be making it to Ontario this season. Eventually I hope to. I hear the Canadians have some great games! Well run and have some clinics too.

Ryan, come on over! Portland is fun, with the pros, and so is the Enumclaw games. If you move up to B division come to the "Claw", it is a chance to see the pros again. We would love to see you there!

An update on goals:

Light Hammer-105', in just two practices I am up over 90' average.

Throw far!
James

[Ryan Nielson]

An update on goals:

Light Hammer-105', in just two practices I am up over 90' average.

Throw far!
James

Do you know where people buy those spades that attach to the shoes for their hammer throwing? Just wondering if you know?