2009 Goals and Training

**jgorley** · 9th December 08, 12:38 PM

Chase,

Most of the events are based on the legs. Not being able to do squats won't kill your games. You have a good set of other exercises to compensate. Box jumps are a great way to work the explosive speed and balance required. That is my focus in the gym now, speed. I have raw power, I just need to accelerate more. I would suggest you wear the brace as well. I know alot of guys have them and still throw. Check the NASGAWEB.com board for some other trianing advice. Or better yet, if you have a membership at a gym, talk to a qualified personal trainer. Also try and pick up a Highland Games training video, and there is always Youtube. With the tube, try to watch the pros as they will typically have the best form.

If you have other specific questions, let me know. I will do my best to answer them. You can also search this site for other threads for training tips.

James

**medic78** · 9th December 08, 02:24 PM

bring it on Chase I,m 6'2" and 225 46 y/o I'm sure if you throw here in TX are paths will cross. good gruop of throwers down here too. alway willing to teach a newbe no what age. good luck

**Chase** · 10th December 08, 05:42 AM

Thanks guys...Again, what are the master's weights?

**jgorley** · 10th December 08, 10:10 AM

Oops, I forgot that part. Instead of the 56# Weight for Distance and 56# Weight Over Bar, the Masters Division uses 42# versions. They don't drag you around nearly as much. Let me put it this way, I am counting down the years to Masters!

James

**Alan H** · 10th December 08, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by Chase

James,

I plan on it, but it's very discouraging when the competiton out weighs you by 25 to 50 lbs...I'm 49 years old, 6' 225lbs, but eveyone in my area is at least 250 plus?

Chase

It doesn't matter. I outweight Steve Elliot by 40 pounds, but he beats me in 6 of the 8 events. He finished the year ranked 10 in North America in the 50-54 class, i came in a #20.

Don't worry about it. Just get out and THROW....what , you think you're gonna get rich or famous doing this? LOL

**Chase** · 10th December 08, 11:09 PM

Well, that was a bit of a put-off...

I think I'm more worried about the embarrassment...I don't expect to win, but I definitely don't want to lose.

**Alan H** · 10th December 08, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by Chase

Well, that was a bit of a put-off...

I think I'm more worried about the embarrassment...I don't expect to win, but I definitely don't want to lose.

I'd say this...if you're really horrified by the possibility that you might finish last in your group, then you probably shouldn't do this. If your primary motivator would be to "beat the other guys" then this might not be the sport for you. If you are significantly concerned with looking like a fool if your technique isn't as good as the other guys on the field, then this probably isn't the sport for you. If you're really, honestly bothered by the fact that a significant number of the guys on the field will weigh 25-50 pounds more than you do, then Highland Athletics might not be the thing for you.

But if you enjoy challenging yourself, and competing against yourself, primarily...and the other guys secondarily....

If you can clap a buddy on the back when he beats you, and buy him a beer and be genuinely happy when he hits a PR that puts you in second place....

if you truly understand the rewards of challenging yourself and getting better, and see those rewards as greater than the reward of "beating the other guys".... if a PR is a better reward for you than winning your class....

....then the Highland Athletics might be for you.

I mean this post absolutely seriously and I offer it in all good faith and totally NOT as a put-down.

**Chase** · 11th December 08, 07:01 AM

Totally understand and completely agree...However, I don't have any technigue to guage as a baseline, having never been to the games and only watching videos...I've always heard that perfect practice makes perfect...How do I know if I'm doing anything right or wrong?

Personally, I feel like I'm ok, because there is no pain and I haven't injured myself practicing, but then, who's to say, I'm not pushing myself hard enough? Im not sure if you remember me Alan, but I'm the guy who competed in the logging games for several years and we have the same credo that you mentioned above particularly when it comes to buying the beer.

Chase

**Detroitpete** · 11th December 08, 07:22 AM

Chase,

Stick with it and enjoy the competition and friendship. In time and practice techique improves and so does height/distance.

I'm 43, 5'7", 185-190 lbs. I compete as a Master Lightweight when I can, or just mosh in there with the rest of the Ams. When we have a Masters class, then I throw the Masters weights. If we don't have a class, then I man-up and throw the 56#. Sometimes I compete against 25-30 year olds, over 6" and 240-250 lbs. No WAY I'm ever 'winning' at a games like that, BUT I can compete against my own personal records and enjoy a day outside throwing heavy stuff.

For me it's not about winning--when I do--I'm actually suprised. Its about doing something fun--just well enough to not embarrass myself too badly, enjoying the friendships keeping in shape and still being able to 'howl at the moon' a bit. For an old guy like me---nothing better.