I am freaking annoyed

**Alan H** · 17th July 09, 12:59 PM

I'm helping out a guy who's having real issues getting the weight over the bar. We added a foot to his efforts last night by doing three things.

1. look for the sky, reach for the sky at the end of the throw

2. dig as deep as you can at the bottom of the throw

3. pull straight up, not out.

I've also started doing some WOB tosses with 33 pounds, going for maximum acceleration and *pop* at the bottom. It's basically a speed workout.

**MMorgan** · 17th July 09, 03:31 PM

HAHAHA my lanky 160# 6foot tall a$$ wouldnt be able to toss it over my head...

**Dave Ogilbee** · 19th July 09, 09:21 AM

Gave your advice a shot this morning Alan. Definitely helped put a couple inches, if not a foot on the WOB for me. I think my main problem was letting the weight get too far out in front of me on the final pull.

**Alan H** · 24th July 09, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Dave Ogilbee

Gave your advice a shot this morning Alan. Definitely helped put a couple inches, if not a foot on the WOB for me. I think my main problem was letting the weight get too far out in front of me on the final pull.

Excellent! Make sure that you reach for the sky, arch your back,and when you're done you should be up on your toes.

13 feet? We've got a branch on an oak tree where I work out that's exactly 13 feet. I haven't been able to clear it....

...until last night. Last practice before the Claw, and I popped a real competition 42'er over that branch four times out of six tries at the very end of a nearly 3 hour workout.

**Dave Ogilbee** · 24th July 09, 11:13 AM

Just got done working out with Ryan Vierra. Gave me some good pointers on the WOB and Stones. My main problem on WOB is basically either a) breaking the wrist on the final pull and loosing power. b) letting the weight get too far out front c) releasing too soon overhead. Just trying to keep track of all the proper form is frustrating at times. But just getting starting and having no track and field experience just means more time to get technique down, I guess!

**HeathBar** · 24th July 09, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by Dave Ogilbee

Just got done working out with Ryan Vierra.

Wow! Ryan is a legend in the Highland Games arena.

**Dave Ogilbee** · 24th July 09, 01:58 PM

Ya, totally great guy. Feel very privileged to have met him.

Talked with him about Monterey, ill be there on Sat. but won't be able to make it Sunday, which is when C class would be competing. Just want to come out and watch some of the pros

Ryan said he was heading up to Enumclaw this weekend for the games there. Good luck to you guys! Wish I could head there myself but duties at home call.

**Alan H** · 24th July 09, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by Dave Ogilbee

Just got done working out with Ryan Vierra. Gave me some good pointers on the WOB and Stones. My main problem on WOB is basically either a) breaking the wrist on the final pull and loosing power. b) letting the weight get too far out front c) releasing too soon overhead. Just trying to keep track of all the proper form is frustrating at times. But just getting starting and having no track and field experience just means more time to get technique down, I guess!

FANTASTIC. Ryan is amazing. I mean, the man is an animal, but he's also a really nice guy, is willing to help anybody, and just generally has the best attitude anybody could imagine. Every minute you spend with Ryan, really pays off.

That's just excellent. Sign up for Monterey *QUICK*...come on out and throw. Ryan is throwing in the Masters 40-49's on Sunday. I'll be there, too.