Training notes

A.M.
I've been having a string of bad practices over lately. I just didn't feel like I had much coordination during the throw. It was greatly evident while throwing the 8kg hammer. But every time I go through times like these I learn to focus more on developing better technique than trying to throw hard. Coach B. has changed my winds once again. He has me bend my right side on the wind and keep my hands close to my right ear. He also has been coaching me to not turn/move my left leg first. The hammer should move around the left. And he has been stressing not to help/lift my right leg once the hammer has made it pass 0 degrees going into 90 degrees. These things tend to happen more when I'm have a bad rhythm day. Even though I was making these mistakes he still found good things to say about the throw which helps my motivation.

P.M.
I felt totally different this afternoon with the 7.26kg and 6kg hammers. I felt I had better coordination and I move the ball a lot faster. Coach B had me stand more up right in the winds then bend my back going into the turns. This helped with pushing the ball. Right now my specific strength seems to be very good. I'm moving weights at good speeds which can be transfered to the throw.

Training notes

Today's training was a good day. Besides having to deal with about 350 stinky high school wrestlers, I had some decent throws. This morning I was throwing the 8kg and thought the throws were alright at best. About half way through practice, Coach Bondarchuk goes into the circle and looks at the hammers. I had no idea why he was in there but after the next throw I knew why. He says to me "I thought you were throwing the 6kg." Which translates to I was moving the 8kg like the 6kg!! That is one of the best things he has told me since I moved up here. That means that I'm moving the ball well. I had a right to fell like I was on cloud nine. My training buddy Martin even told me my throws were improving. And to top it off I beat Dane Miller in a jump off!!!! Well another day down, one throw closer to becoming better.

JUST A THOUGHT

I'm in the best situation of my life. I'm pursuing a dream that I know will materialize (Olympics 2012)and I am in a training environment that is conducive for this dream. Coach Bondarchuk is the most determined person I have met in track and field. He comes to practice sometimes 7 days a week 6-8hr a day to help me and others alike achieve greatness. He doesn't care if there's bad weather, disputes between the city over throwing the discus while people are using the track and he shows up when he's sick. This is truly the kind of coach an athlete needs to prepare him/her for success. Though it can be reached by other means, I'm grateful that he is a part of my approach. Thanks Dr. B!! Your efforts are never overlooked.

Training notes

A.M.
8kg. Hello everyone. This morning was a tough practice. I had a hard time putting together a decent throw. My speed felt way down. However, I didn't feel bad at all. I wasn't tired nor did I have sore muscles. Coach B. had me bend my left side on my winds and it helped me push the ball better. He was stressing to keep a bent position throughout the entire movement. This prevents me from being "up" in the throw.
P.M.
7&6kg. My program has changed since Saturday. I've been throwing the 7 and 6kg hammer in the afternoons. They felt really good and light. It's because I have been throwing the 8kg for so long. I was supposed to only do specific strength exercises in the afternoon but I misunderstood him and continued to do the 8kg lifting in the afternoon.
Today he told me I was doing the wrong workout. I was saying to myself geez how long will I be on the same lifting program for both workouts. The throws were great though. 8 reps with both weights.

Training notes

A.M.
On Friday I had a variation change in my program. Over the break I was throwing once a day and using my 8kg program. Now I'm doing the 8kg program but I'm taking 5 throws, doing my full lifting program, back down stairs for another 5 throws, into another full set of lifting, 5 more throws then 1 set of lifting for all my exercises. Wow!! A little tired after that. But it is nice to have a slight program change. I think that this variation is preparing me to change my program. And also to end the peak condition. If there are any coaches reading this post a comment on how you feel about it. My second set of throws felt stronger but I had fatigue in my legs. Many of the throws felt like I was glued to the ground on my second turn(I only do 3). He also has been coaching me to not lift my left foot so high off the ground, more specifically not having such a big heal turn. Which, in the US this is most often taught. Coach Bondarchuk says that it is not necessary. I recall going to a throws camp and the person putting the camp on would blast us for not being able to lift our toes high enough going into a heel turn. "You guys can't even slide a penny under there." Now I know that that move is not needed. If you look at many of the athletes he has coached in the hammer most if not all of them have heel turns that don't involve the toes trying to touch the sky. lol. Well that a lot for today. Please leave comments.
P.M.
Same as above, long,good, and productive workout.

IT'S A NEW YEAR

Hello everyone,

Happy new year!!! I'm back in Kamloops, B.C., well rested, excited and ready for the new season. While I was at home I injured my back (threw my back out) while lifting. That was truly a painful experience. I had to be taken to the hospital and giving three shots to the bum to try and relax my back muscles. I had x-rays taken but I can't know the full extent of my injury until I get an MRI. Even though it was painful it was a blessing because I was able to rest and allow some of my minor injuries time to heal. I rested about 2 weeks and I got right back into it.
Coach Bondarchuk kept me on the same 8KG workout but had me on 1-a-days for 2 weeks in total. On Monday I think that I'll be getting a new program. The first day was a little painful but I was able to train through it. The 8kg felt the best it ever has. I had a ton more speed. My training partners even commented on how much better and faster I looked. That was something to be happy about, but I have to be very careful not to re injure myself. So I haven't been doing any heavy pulls in the gym. Everyday I feel a little better. There are a few days that I have a little set-back where I feel a little worst, but thats all a part of the process.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! MAY IT BE DIFFERENT FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.