Hi All,

If any of you have followed my twitter, you realize that my computer has been down for a few days… Yes, I’ve been very sad about that. This is my only link to the outside world as we do not have t.v. and it was taken from me by a malicious virus.

Okay, that being said, what has happened in my life thus far.

Working and Money:

I lived the good life for too long and finally got my first job and looking to have a second one. The first one is mostly done on computer and the second one will be hourly working at a supplement company (for the discounts). I couldn’t find work last year that fit with my training, so it’s only right I get two again this year. Hey, I did it in 2008.

That takes a lot of stress off knowing I will have at least something coming in as my little savings was emptied from last year. I did discover how difficult it is to find work. Even work I considered myself over qualified, a great match, minimum wage, anything and I would even get a call back. It’s hard to convey your intelligence, your hard work, and your commitment to a company when your work history reads like a high school drop out. But it’s their loss. I know the kind of person and worker I am, even if others haven’t realized it yet. Despite what they, the Olympian title doesn’t really help all that much.

Training and Throwing:

Training, I’ve been pretty healthy so far this year, no major injuries or aches. For that, I’m thankful. Because, until I start getting those pay checks coming in, I’m currently on the “I hope I don’t get hurt or sick because I don’t have health insurance plan.” …

I’m focused on being more of an athlete this year. My strengths as an athlete are my attention to detail in the technique, my speed, and explosiveness. I’ve never been an strength athlete. There are those who can squat 100-150lbs more than I can and yet I can clean and snatch more than they can. That’s the difference between power and pure strength. I got a little bit away from working on my strengths last year and I think the results spoke for themselves. While not ignoring our “weaknesses” as an athlete, it’s important we keep developing and working on our “strengths.”

That being said, I only life heavy clean and ft. squat once a week and heavy snatch and explosive step ups once a week. The other two-three days of lifting or conditioning work is mostly metabolic conditioning and explosive/athletic training. I’m doing a lot of heavy hammers and specific strength right now because I feel that it more important to me than say… bench press. Throwing, I’ve upped my throwing this year and am reaping the benefits. I throw 5 days a week for 20-32 throws not counting drills. I touch my competition hammer three days a week, throw heavy twice a weeks, throw a mix of heavy and comp twice a week, and one day I make room for my rhythm day with the 4k and 3k to make sure I’m keeping my feel, rhythm, and speed.

My throws are going well. Better than what I thought. Almost a little scary at this point because I don’t want to jinx it. I’m happy to be back and training at CSU with my coach and teammates, but don’t get me wrong. I’ve gotten a lot of great and encouraging emails but I’m also happy for my experience in leaving too. I learned so much and saw so much. I think it’s given me a bigger perspective of training and what’s out there so I can enhance and appreciate what I have here.

Love Life?:

Pass… lol… I tried the internet dating and I am now retired from it. lol

Annual Meeting:

I am happy to say this weekend I am in VA Beach at the USATF annual meeting. I have served as the women’s throw rep for the last two years and have been re-elected to represent and speak on behalf of the women throwers. I am a very vocal person in this sport and I’d like to believe I am approachable and speak up for everyone, even those who may be afraid to do it themselves or not sure what to ask for. My only hope is to one day leave this sport better than I found it.

Just a quick plug, join the TFAA. lol

Alright that’s it for right now. We are trying to make some good changes in Track and Field and hopefully, we will see these shortly.

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