In the weeks leading up to the USA Championships I did not train very smart. My technique had become a little off, and I began pressing too hard for distance in training. I try to take most of my training throws at a range intensity (85-93% of max), and the increased number of high intensity throws really burned me out. On the day of the meet, I knew I would need to throw around my PR to make finals. I gave it everything I had, but my body just wasn't in condition to throw that far.
I took one week off after USA's, and since then training has been much better. I ended my competitive season at the end of July at two meets in Ashland, Ohio. Jud Logan put together 2 great meets with the top 3 throwers in the US and I walked away with 2 of my better marks on the year (67.86m and 68.44m). The week following I had some fun producing a new 5k training PR of 85.10m, and now it is time for rest.
Time off is difficult at first. To go from training twice a day to just hanging out is a weird feeling. I'm spending my time reflecting on the changes I made this year (both good and bad), and starting my plan for next year. I made some big strides this year, but there is much more to come. One main change I have planned for next season is adding training with a 10kg hammer (previously I only went as high as 9kg). I'm hoping this will help me to improve my special strength and provide disciplined technique. A second change I am planning is moving from 6 throwing sessions/week to 8-9. As long as I'm smart about my throwing intensity I think this will be a very positive change. In the meantime I'm trying to enjoy the down time, but also counting down the days until training resumes!
Cheers,
Kevin
