I am getting ready for my first highland games.  It is on June 11^th in the town I grew up in - Kansas City.   The problem is I now live in Portland, Oregon where it rains a lot.  We are just now drying out a bit and I hope to have time to practice.  The only implement I have is a 56 pounder, I have a hammer on the way.

With the 56 for height (over-the-bar) I am having some trouble.  Actually getting it over the bar is the problem.  I am standing under the bar and getting the height but I hit the bar all the time.  Any ideas what I may be doing wrong?

The 56 for distance – I am not sure I can get the technique down on this one before June 11^th.  I can throw the weight further with one spin than I can with 3.  I plan to keep practicing with 3 spins but I was wondering if it would it be a big deal to just throw with one spin?

I look forward to hearing any advice on these questions or any tips on preparing for and what to expect at my first contest.

Anyway, I am looking forward to good bbq and some sunny weather in old K.C.

Cheers,

Jim,

Good to here from someone in the same place that I man in. I will be there in KC throwing in the C class. So if you don't get it down that well don't stress too much.

Try these two post that someone had put up earlier. They helped me a bunch ( I mean like from 10' to 20')

http://p076.ezboard.com/fasaafrm7.showMessage?topicID=5.topic - http://p076.ezboard.com/fasaafrm7.showMessage?topicID=5.topi c

http://p076.ezboard.com/fasaafrm7.showMessage?topicID=2.topic - http://p076.ezboard.com/fasaafrm7.showMessage?topicID=2.topi c

One is for the 28# and one is about 56# weight for distance.

As far as the Weight over bar I'm not haveing much luck with that either. But I'm sure some one will chime in. Good luck on your training, and I will see you in KC in June.

Terry Lawson

Jim-

It seems odd that you only have a 56, but you have a bar... huh?

Anyway, try this for height:

1) take a half-step out from under the bar, try the throw;
Did you clear? [Yes/No] If yes, go to 3; if no go to 2;

2) take another half-step out from under the bar, try the throw;
Did you clear? [Yes/No] If yes, go to 3; if no repeat 2;

3) raise bar and go to 1 <or> end process.

Try this for distance:

1) get really good at the single spin,

2) plan to watch and learn from the guys in your group at KC.

Good luck in your training,

-SillyLightweight 

First off, R E L A X, it's supposed to be fun.

On the WOB try to think about driving up with your legs and not using so much back. When you finish your pull you should be in a slight c, not leaning way back.

On the 56 for distance there is nothing wrong with throwing with one spin. Some knowledgeable folks throwing with one spin for an entire year before adding the second turn.

Good thought Bill,

I never thought about the "PR" on every event!!!

Terry Lawson

Thanks for your help guys.  I am looking forward to a good time, there seems to be alot of cool people doing the games.

The  AncientOne was wondering about my 56 lb weight:
I have a track and field weight that I can add a links to and change it from wfd to wob.

Thanks again,

jim

Jim,

Its all about the fun. We will have fun throwing together even if it 20' backwards!!!

Terry Lawson

No,no-

I'm clear on how to switch a 56 from distance to height or whatever, it was the fact that you, a newbie, have a bar - that was unusual.

I've known many guys who've collected equipment to throw and yet after years don't have a bar to throw at. You've got a bar, that's good.

Good luck in your training,

-AncientOne

Ancient One,

Most of us have bars! They just get really pi$$ed off when you throw a 56# weight in there!!!!

Sorry I had too!

Terry Lawson

I live in Longview, Wa  about forty-fifty minutes north of you.  I am having a practice This Sunday May 29.  If you want to come up and join in we will be glad to try to help you some.

Email me at mailto:kenfarnsworth@earthlink.net - kenfarnsworth@earthlink.net for details etc...

Yeah, but it's what I could get for free leftover from the Burchett master practice field...    One of these days I'll get some better weights.  I just wish I lived closer to other Highland games athletes...

I always wanna spell it athuleete... 

And maybe some biceps! 

I'll see what I can do about that... 

 I use a combination of biceps and Sheperds prayer. Alan Sheperd that is. ( Please Lord don't let me screw this up.)

WOB that is one thing(of many) that I'm not all that good at myself but one tip that I have that helped me get a p/r is when I let it go I jump nothing in rules say your feet can't leave the ground...plus spining with that thing isn't in the cards for Me i have a better chance of flying .I also only do one maybe to prep swing with it try and save all my strangth for get my hand over my head before I let go..but try the jump thing it might help

-Tim "Big Pull"

I had a good training session with Ken.  At least now I know which end of the caber is up.

I am looking forward to KC and meeting Terry and anyone else heading there.

Its going to be a blast!!!! Even if I threw today and cant get it out of the box much less down the field!

Terry Lawson

Terry,

I think your holding back.  You plan on handing all of us our arse next Saturday.

Ed

Nope I will be there to pick up the last place spot so no one wlse has too!

I do need to get a new training partner though! My 6 year old son is my throwing partner. And his only advise is "Its too hot and its too heavey, lets go swimming!"

Terry Lawson

Terry -

Sounds like good advice.

Are you going to have your kid out there in KC?  I will have my soon to be 4 year old out there.

I am trying to talk him into wearing a kilt (older cousin's skirt).

Already got his kilt! He will be wearing it with pride!!! I purchased him a mens small Sportkilt. It fits him great.

I hope to have a picture of him on here maybe this week end.

Terry Lawson

Ed is that hand going to help the rest of out a little?

Terry Lawson

Jim,

My son is wanting to do the kid games. He might be POed when he find out they dont have a wt for distance.

Terry Lawson

Sounds like the apple does not fall far from the tree.  Mens small at 6 years old, I hope I don't have to throw against him. 

That is great you, Ed and I have kids around the same age, now I know my son Coulter will have a blast. 

Terry,

I'll throw on a raw flesh if that's what it takes.  I opened my yap and folks'll be there to watch you put on a clinic.  So I plan on nothing but PRs.

Of course, the best laid plans of mice and men...

My little one will show up in her kilt too! Though at 14 months, I have to improvise a bit for her...  So cute though! 

She looks forward to kicking my butt in throwing when she gets to weighing more than the weights...