First Practice

[Christo13]

A few months ago, I spoke with Alan H from the forum about Highland games. It's something I always thought looked like something I'd enjoy, but I had no idea where to begin.

Alan gave me a lot of great advice when I chatted with him, but I was working on some other fitness-related goals at the time.

I decided that it was time to just go for it when it came to practicing for the Highland games.

I met up this morning with a great group of guys and practiced the Braemer stone, the 28 lb. weight for distance, and the light hammer. I mainly worked on form this morning, and plan to keep that up before even thinking about distance.

I felt pretty comfortable with the stone and the hammer. The weight for distance thing is going to take a lot more practice (it will all require a lot more practice, of course).

I had an absolute blast this morning and discovered that I'm not only fortunate for finding a group that practices very frequently, but that the group offers great advice, support, and isn't afraid to razz the new guy out of fear of scaring him away!

Thanks to Alan for first taking the time to chat with me about training.

I have a long way to go, but I look forward to improving and competing.

My wife, Cynthia, took a couple photos. Here's one of the shots from the first time I ever picked up the light hammer:



Christopher

[Cynthia]

I'm so glad you finally got a chance to go to a practice. These guys really seem great -- very funny and incredibly nice! I enjoyed watching the practice and chatting with them. I look forward to going to more and I can't wait until next weekend! I sure hope we'll be able to go both practice days

It's so cute how excited you are about this!!

[Arizona Scot]

It's truly great that you have found a group such as this to train with, I have been at it since Feb. and have a group that gets together about twice a week to practice. Keep with it and enjoy it as much as possible.

[fudgeman]

Man do I envy you! I was a pretty fair shot and discus thrower in my day but that was MANY years ago. Wish I had gotten the Scottish "bug" when I was younger because I would have tried it all. Oh well, I enjoy watching it now and wish you the best. Enjoy! Me today after picking up a 28# weight====>>

[Alan H]

Hey, this is great news.... and you look pretty good with that hammer, too!

I would give my eye-teeth to have a group that got together on a regular basis to work out, I'm spending the vast majority of my time alone, with suggestions here and there. Take advantage of it.

anyway, you're welcome, and WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION! LOL

[Christo13]

Thanks to everybody for replying.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's practice.

I have plans for tomorrow night, so I'm not sure I'll make the Sunday practice, but I hope to make both days this weekend.

Christopher

[Detroitpete]

Good for you! Grip and rip brother, grip and RIP!

[Christo13]

Today's practice went well. Three hours in the heat, and it felt good!

I focused on form a lot today, and things felt great. I worked one one spin with the weight for distance, and worked without the weight on two spins.

There's a smaller festival in mid October I plan to compete in.

Even though Cynthia and I have plans tonight, I plan to be at practice tomorrow.

[Cynthia]

I do hope we're able to make tomorrow's practice as well, if you're up for it Christopher! I'm having a blast! Looking forward to seeing you compete someday (in a kilt! Woohoo!).

I'm just glad we found these guys & gals. They're great help!