Seaso Wrap-up

[Alan H]

This was a heck of a season for me. I threw at more Games...

Ardenwood, Woodland, Stumptown (more of a party than a Games), Watsonville, Enumclaw, Monterey, Pleasanton, Santa Cruz and Ventura...that's 9 events over a 7 1/2 month training period.

I set at least one PR at every one of those events, except Pleasanton where I was throwing with two bad knees and significant lower back compression.

I broke 30 feet in the Open Stone at Ardenwood, then beat that record again at Watsonville.. Tied it at Pleasanton and beat it AGAIN at Monterey, and didn't go below 30 except at Enumclaw, with it's really awkward Open Stone. 30 feet int he Open Stone was my last "Big Goal" that I had for myself when I started. I want 40 in the light weight, 80 in the light hammer, and 30 in the open stone

I took my light hammer from 78-79 and a prayer for 80, to a PR of 87 feet and only did not pass 80 feet at two Games. While Ventura was disappointing in the light hammer department, I'm regularly throwing over 87 in practice.

I destroyed my personal long-standing 65 foot barrier in the Heavy hammer this season, going 70 at Monterey, two throws at 66+ at Santa Cruz, and 68+ at Ventura.

I finally got 20 feet in the sheaf at Santa Cruz, and I would have had 22 if we'd set the bar properly at Ventura. **Frustrating** but I know what I did.

I broke 50 twice in the light weight for distance and darned near did it again at Ventura; only an inch. I *NEVER* thought I'd see 50 feet in the light weight. *Never* Only five guys in the 50-59's threw the light weight over 50 feet, in North America this year. Not too shabby for this old man.

Caber is now my weak event, despite actually winning it at Ventura, which was a huge shock.

I set a PR in the heavy weight for distance over 30 feet in Enumclaw.

I finally put the Braemar stone out over 27 feet, this past weekend at Ventura.

Even better, I strengthened old friendships and made a bunch of new ones.

Now for the off-season. I'm taking three weeks off....no gym, no throwing. Hopefully I'll get some horsepower back in my legs. I'm going to ride my bike to work and maybe go to the pool a couple of times the next few weeks. Off-season weight training starts the 2nd week of November.

[Stiavo89]

As you say, a heck of a season! I am not a competitor, but I can certainly appreciate the dedication and practice required to compete at that level! Are you still hoping to make it to Victoria BC for the 2011 games? I am planning a family trip to Victoria to coincide with the games this spring, and would love to have a chance to see you compete!

[Tony]

Congratulations Alan.

A fine set of achievements!

[TimC]

proud of you, Alan. Good job!

-Tim

[Detroitpete]

Good job old man! Alan., its been very cool to follow along with you this season. You worked hard in the off season and seemed like you enjoyed yourself this year--good for you!

I'm with you--just finished my last for this year--did more games than I planned on doing--now--to rest Off season training for me starts in November as well. And THIS year --I WILL train and train smart!