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Okay, not my most wittiest title, but it amused me.

This is from my 2008 trip to visit NY and my club NYAC

So last weekend I had the pleasure of throwing in the Millrose Games. For anyone that is confused, the weight throw event is held at the Armory right before the meet but is still considered Millrose. The link to my series (compliments of Janet Wagner) is here.

Thoughts of my competition and training:

I do have a page on my website dedicated to my last meet info which includes usually a video or picture and some thoughts.

I’ve lost some aggressiveness in the past years. Afraid to mess up the throw or fail, I’ve lost a little bit of what makes me me. So I’ve been working on throwing lighter implements and getting more comfortable with 100%. That being said, by 75% relaxed effort is about as far as my 95% effort throws. The main reason, I tighten up, don’t work it as long, and don’t do as great a job sitting back.

In previous years, that would cause me to want to slow down my aggressiveness and keeping working it until it feels right. But, I need to learn how to handle my next gears and the only way to do that is to practice with them. At CSU in 2005, I threw the 3k over 80m, almost 82m, since graduating my best is maybe 77m. But I think that comes from fear of using that next gear with the comp weight. My light weight throw went wall to wall in our gym in 2005, that’s maybe 85 feet. So I know the speed is there, I just need to keep positions when I hit it.

I’m really forces myself to step out of my comfort levels. I need to sit back and work it more aggressively past zero. When I’m trying this, sometimes things I don’t want to happen, happen. Instead of getting down on myself, I keep thinking about what I’m working on. I know how to throw 74 ft in the weight and 232ft in the hammer. I need to change things and get better if I want to throw 78ft and 250ft… and the only way to do that is step out of the comfort zone.

Training is going really well right now. I’m healthy, I’m fast, I’m strong, I feel explosive and energized. I’m lighter on my feet. I’m happy to be working with Sam at the Norco Crossfit gym. He’s very knowledgeable and listens to what I need as I athlete. He doesn’t try to shove something that’s not me and won’t work for me down my throat. And I feel like I’m one of the fittest, athletic forms I’ve ever been. I can’t wait to show this off.

As for my continued training in weight. I think 23m is in me and waiting to come out. As I’ve said before, I’m not carrying the same weight (20lbs less) or the same just raw strength (but I’m way more explosive), so I can’t just fake it with a drag. I know what I need to do and I have a month to tighten it up and do it. But ultimately, I’m focused on Outdoors for Worlds and the Olympics.

Thoughts of NY:

Street performer dressed as Lady Liberty herself!

I love New York. Can I say that again? I absolutely love visiting New York. I tease about my inability to not look strangers in the eyes and smile and while this may present me with some danger riding the subway, I don’t care. I’ve been able to visit New York a few times for meets, functions, and friends, and every time I visit, I want to stay.

I don’t mind the business of the city, though I’d probably get rid of my car and keep my bike. But I love the cultures and people. As someone who doesn’t own a lot, I could definitely live in a tiny, crappy studio somewhere (2nd floor or higher though). I’ve moved around a lot and while meeting some amazing people, I find myself feeling out of place to say the least. When I go to New York, I feel like I could find my niche.

I am a huge foodie, so when I go, I like to try new places to eat and try. I love museums, sites, and entertainment and I find that readily available. Plus, I’ve been told I’m too intimidating at times and I think the East coast handles me a little better. :)

This last visit, I stayed at my club, NYAC right off Central Park, and got to stay an extra day to visit friends who live in Brooklyn. I mastered the subway system the last time I was there and wasn’t mugged or stabbed. It actually made me feel more confident about being in Europe on my own and navigating my travels. I love visiting my good friend Cat and her boyfriend Mike. They enjoy a lot of the same things as I do and we can find a French fry restaurant at 2am on a Sunday or check out a comedy show/museum or try a new place to eat!!!

I need to work on my accent and develop a hatred for all things Boston and I think I could fit in just fine. Oh, and stop smiling and making eye contact with the drunken crazy man on the Subway playing the Peruvian flute.

Thoughts of visiting my club, NYAC:

As many of you know, I represent the New York Athletic Club or NYAC. They have been my club since graduating college and have played a huge role in my success. They’ve help support me in my down years and up years and I’m very happy to have the opportunity to represent them in competition. This especially means a lot to me in years like last when you feel like everyone forgot who you were and what you’re capable of in throwing.

For one, it’s an honor to be among the many greats that have represented NYAC. Among the names you will recognize Olympic medalists Lance Deal, Al Oerter, and Jay Silvester. So to belong to something that has so much history and success makes you feel big. I don’t know. When I was in New York, I got to explore the building a little bit and there is so much to see and so much history. I wondered into the hall where they have the photos of all the Olympians and it was just really cool to see.

Speaking of really cool things to see, the club is AMAZING! You have to dress up to go through the front door, but I think dressing up makes you feel like you’re a part of something special and important. But once getting in, you realize the history of everything and all the nooks and crannies. I found the Solarium with an amazing 24th floor view of City Park and down town. I found the handball/racquetball courts and even got a private lesson from a 7x National champion. I hear their club is called the “Killers.” There is a running track, men’s and women’s locker rooms, hotel rooms, Tap room, ballroom, swimming pool, saunas, and so much I didn’t get a chance to see yet!

Also, on Saturday morning after the meet, I got to participate in the Saturday Morning Program that works with the kids of the club members and introduces them to tons of sports such as judo, fitness, basketball, soccer and more. I actually met one of the members during the Millrose Games that shared with me his experience of doing the SMP while he was kid.

The members are very friendly and open. I met many of the members, including the oldest Olympian member, after the meet. Everyone is approachable and supportive and very fun to share stories and a drink with after a hard day of throwing. ;)

Overall, I had a great experience. But the good thing is coming away from every meet with a lesson learned. Amber had a great meet and is a great thrower and competitor. But I’m not just going to sit back and stay content getting beat. I HATE losing, I HATE it. It never feels okay, even when I know I’m staying focused on the hammer. But I walk away from the meet knowing what I need to keep working on, what I need to tighten up. I came back Monday morning focused and ready as ever and I’m looking forward to walking into Albuquerque not only in my wonder woman costume, but also with a PR!

Good luck to everyone and their training!

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• 104th Millrose Games - Madison Square Garden