Tight

I finally got back on the runway after taking it slower since I rolled my ankle. I did some run throughs and a few short approach jumps. The run throughs felt pretty good. The thing I am focusing on is my last 5 steps getting to the board. I need to stay aggressive all the way though and explode right on that last step. My first 3 ones were good, but then I just got plain tired. I had gone for a run in the morning so I was kinda tired before praciticing (thought i was in better shape).

Also did some short approach jumps. Things felt fine when I took it safe, but as soon as I tried to really dig, I was just tight and too tired to push through.

I plan on competing next weekend in Radford, 15 minutes from Blacksburg. I should be able to get 52 again, hope to use it as an escalator towards harder more focused workouts based on my deficiencies at the meet. Stay tooned! 

UGHHH

So, got out to the track today after a long day of sitting in the sun and watching construction. Excited to have a nice technique day. But........ as I'm warming up, i freaking roll my ankle!?!? It isn't the same inward roll that has plagued me. I did an outward roll because of my orthotics (arch supports) making my steps awkward. So, icing it now, don't think it will be serious. I am planning on competing at the end of the month, should be fine by then. Hoping to have a solid 52' performance. 

Blade training begins

First day roller bladin and it went ok. The rollerblades themselves feel pretty good, alittle right at the toes probably because of my really wide feet. I'm hoping I can break them in. I practiced on our running track, pretty good idea because the track didn't let me go too fast so I could focus on form. Since I was going at a controlled speed I could concentrate on my form and balance. And wiping out didn't hurt at all lol. Looking forward to next session.

Blade Nation

My roller blades came today!!! I am so excited to add them into my workout regiment. I have read they work the quads hamstrings calves and buttocks pretty good and also the abs to a lesser extent. What I gathered from my meet in February was that I lacked strength coming to the board and pushing off. This should help. I plan on doing morning skates and/or warmup/cooldown skates around workouts. Should be a nice way to relax and 'meditate'. I have tried yoga for the past month or so, but I think I need intense motion to feel calm, oddly. And also I'd really like to be a speed demon, always has been a dream of mine. Olympics 2018!!! jk

In other news, did some cycling and arm weights at the gym today. Felt a pretty good burn, nothing spectacular though. Wasn't really able to do the workout I wanted since so many people were at the gym. 

A New Hope

I competed today at the virginia tech elite meet. Competition wasn't elite at all however. Marquis dendy was jumping but he said was doing short approach coming off of surgery in the fall. But, I still managed to jump something better than last season legally, and I had a foul jump well over 52'. 

Now, I hate to be one of those people that talks about woulda coulda shoulda, but this was a purely practice meet, so I am bolstered by such a good jump. All of my other jumps hung around 50' which is odd to me, I'm usually a jumper that hits around the same distance. The problem was in the takeoff I believe. And it was partially mental. My run through was strong until I stood up and braced for the board. If I felt good about my position I would blast off the board and stay disciplined through the phases. If I didn't feel good I would be lazy and then try to power through the rest. Overall very happy, ankle didn't give out. I won, lol. Now to organize a training plan to clean up my weaknesses. And to call Muhammad, lol. 

Jump Day

First 9 step approach day of season. Went ok. Had to relearn how much technique matters and translates to feet onto your jump, especially when speeds pick up. I felt like I was just flailing being blasted out of a canon. My body started to remember my technique. My best for the day was 49' 6".

Another thing that kinda messed things up was my runway. I was so focused on hitting the board from 9 steps that I sacrificed real speed and posture coming into my takeoff. I should have been just when I felt right and not worrying so much about distances jumped, especially on my first day. I guess I got excited. 

Video and notes with comments will be uploaded soon.

Runny

Did my first solid run through practice of the season. Was decent, felt pretty strong coming into the takeoff. Was feeling best taking a 125' run. I need to remember that. When I get into meets I convince myself that since I'm more excited I run faster and therefore need to backup. But all that ends up happening is over striding and coming to the board with no explosion. 

Also, listen to explosion by j alvarez, farruko, and daddy yankee. Produced by musicologo. Daddy goes off!

Excited for 9 step approaches tomorrow