Your first games and why?????

[Detroitpete]

Ok guys,

I was asked why in the world I would throw trees, stones and circus weights for fun--and how did I decide to even start doing something like this. Had to stop and think about it, but when I did---yep--we're a 'special' lot.

So how about your story? When did you decide you were gonna walk out in front of a crowd, kilted and throw stones, hammer, weights and toss a caber? What was your first outing like?

Mine:

Was feeling bored and like I was getting old. Hiking and rock climbing were'nt exactly 'doing it' for me. A friend of mine told me I should go check out the games at a local ren-faire. They were doing a caber demo and asked if anyone from the crowd wanted to give it a try. These were HUGE men---I'm 5'8".

I stepped over the fence--the guy looked at me like I was crazy. After some coaching, they gave me a starter 'stick' (about 19 feet 75 lbs). I picked it, took 3-4 steps and horsed it over. I got pats on the back and a couple of the guys told me to mash in next time I had a chance.

I practiced a bit, did a few more demos and after some knee/leg surgery and rehab--I entered my first games.

I won my class! I've been hooked ever since. But that is STILL the only games I've placed first in

So how about you? What lead you to this insanity? What was your first games like?

[Alan H]

Dang, I'd love to pop over a stick that size! LOL.... my practice stick now is 15 feet, 'bout 75-80 pounds.

How'd I get started? Well, former X-Marker Tim C and I used to go to Beer and Kilts night with the Nor Cal Rabble at the Devils Canyon Brewery. One night after an undisclosed number of Stouts, he turns to me and says... "It's six weeks until Woodland. You want to try the athletics for sh**s and giggles"?

Sure, says I.

So Tims brother came over the next weekend and we threw some stuff at the local playground.

The rest is private between me and my psychiatrist.

[DocMcgillicuddy]

I haven't actually competed yet and have only one training session under my belt. But I became interested in the sport after about 6-8 months of training powerlifting. I still love powerlifting and it's my number one strength related passion but I wanted to branch out into highland and strongman and conquer all things strength related in my life. I have my grandfather's kilt from when he used to train recruits to shoot in the military and can't wait to get some more time in throwing this year.

I'm going to be 25 this year and sometimes I feel like kicking myself for not getting involved in strength training when I was in high school. Youth is wasted on the young

Since I haven't competed I'll post about the first training session I had with some of the local guys.

We basically tried every event a few times. There were a few others there looking to try their hand at it and I had a ton of fun. Going in I thought my brute force from powerlifting would get me considerably farther than it did. I've never been so happy to be wrong. A whole new set of techniques to work on and read about!

Highlights for me include: 56 lb wfd tossing me to the ground as soon as I let it fly. Discovering just how hard it is to pick an 89 lb caber with zero experience. I probably had 5 pick attempts before I even got it up, then had so little technique that I let an awful toss go.

My form was so awful on the wfd that I was actually in a sling for 2 days because my shoulder was messed up something fierce. I caught some sort of flu so I decided to take a week off from all training and will be back to max effort benching on friday. I should be back to 100% to set a PR.

I'll be out at home depot on the weekend getting supplies to make a few of my own implements and train on non lifting days during the week.

[Detroitpete]

I haven't actually competed yet and have only one training session under my belt. But I became interested in the sport after about 6-8 months of training powerlifting. I still love powerlifting and it's my number one strength related passion but I wanted to branch out into highland and strongman and conquer all things strength related in my life. I have my grandfather's kilt from when he used to train recruits to shoot in the military and can't wait to get some more time in throwing this year.

I'm going to be 25 this year and sometimes I feel like kicking myself for not getting involved in strength training when I was in high school. Youth is wasted on the young

Since I haven't competed I'll post about the first training session I had with some of the local guys.

We basically tried every event a few times. There were a few others there looking to try their hand at it and I had a ton of fun. Going in I thought my brute force from powerlifting would get me considerably farther than it did. I've never been so happy to be wrong. A whole new set of techniques to work on and read about!

Highlights for me include: 56 lb wfd tossing me to the ground as soon as I let it fly. Discovering just how hard it is to pick an 89 lb caber with zero experience. I probably had 5 pick attempts before I even got it up, then had so little technique that I let an awful toss go.

My form was so awful on the wfd that I was actually in a sling for 2 days because my shoulder was messed up something fierce. I caught some sort of flu so I decided to take a week off from all training and will be back to max effort benching on friday. I should be back to 100% to set a PR.

I'll be out at home depot on the weekend getting supplies to make a few of my own implements and train on non lifting days during the week.

Good luck Doc! You are SO right about brute force not being enough in our sport--it acn get you so far--but with events like hammer, caber, sheaf and WFD--do much is about technique. Keep at it!

[ThinBlueLine]

Hey all,

I have been interested in competing for years, especially after having done powerlifting and thrown shot and discus in high school. The various slings and arrows of outrageous fortune have taken the last ten years of my life and sprinkled them with back surgeries, college, changing states of residence, and working my way into a law enforcement career. Things are finally starting to settle and after having watched the games at Loch Norman recently I feel I am ready to start training for Loch Norman 2011.
I like moving and throwing heavy things, I am decended from Scots, and I need something entertaining to keep me in shape. Highland Games are as good of a choice as anything.

[Detroitpete]

Hey all,

I have been interested in competing for years, especially after having done powerlifting and thrown shot and discus in high school. The various slings and arrows of outrageous fortune have taken the last ten years of my life and sprinkled them with back surgeries, college, changing states of residence, and working my way into a law enforcement career. Things are finally starting to settle and after having watched the games at Loch Norman recently I feel I am ready to start training for Loch Norman 2011.
I like moving and throwing heavy things, I am decended from Scots, and I need something entertaining to keep me in shape. Highland Games are as good of a choice as anything.

Getting into a games or two while your training this year can really help you out--that and findinhg other throwers in your area to practice with. Check out nasgaweb.com