James,

87 feet!!!!!! I'd retire after a toss like that ;-) Seriously though...I think the breaks are a good thing. I'm already looking at my schedule for next year and think that ONE event per month may give me the time in between I need to rest. This year I think I pushed it just because I was so glad to be able to compete after my injury.

I also know what you mean about a relaxed swing/focusing on release. I'm throwing better in the rain and snow now than I was during this summer. I think it's a combination of being relaxed and just letting my form 'happen' and not being too tense that I shorten my arms and try to muscle the hammer.

Too bad the "Frozen Stones" are too far away for me to travel ;-)