Indoor Season so far...

Since I have competed for almost a month now, I figured I would update everyone on how the season is going so far. I headed into this season with the best fall training I've ever had. My strength levels are at an all-time high and I am optimistic of the season to come. I got my first real taste of international competition this past summer and I want more!

Well, I started throwing in practice again in December. I kept the practices short and once a week. I just wanted to have fun and get a feel for it. The last time I touched a shot was in July in Slovenia. I came back from Michigan in early January and started 'real' practice on January 8th. Needless to say, things did not go well, as the weather was very cold and our indoor facility is inadequate for a good practice session. I opened up on January 13th at LSU with a throw of 19.30m (63'4"). I had only had one practice since my return so I wanted to make the meet more of a practice than anything. It was my best opener so far, topping my opener last year of 18.99m (62'3"). Then the weather got really cold. As the nation was hit with a huge cold front, I was only able to get in one throwing session in two weeks. I threw again at LSU with a great atmosphere and some claps from the crowd. I was able to throw 19.88m (65'2") and had a pretty big foul at 67'6". The next week, at Houston, I threw 19.52m (64'1") on pure adrenaline. There were no big fouls and my technique was still very shaky. I managed to throw that far with intensity. I'm losing the shot off to the right very badly as a result of poor technique out of the back of the ring.

So now we are on to this past week. The weather was great! I got in two throwing sessions, focusing mainly on cleaning up my technique and balance. They were frustrating sessions but I am starting to figure things out. I traveled to Houston (without the McNeese team that I coach) for their All-Comers Meet. I felt very good about the meet. I did not have the responsibilities of driving a van at 6am or coaching all day before I threw. I had a nice meet opener of 19.38m (63'7"), along with throws of 19.59m (64'3") and 19.98m (65'7"). My technique was poor on all but the farthest and I was a little too intense. On the 19.98m throw, I stayed balanced and controlled. It was not an intense throw, but much more techniquely sound. I am very excited about my throwing so far. I feel that once I get balanced and in control, I will be able to see some very far throws. Next week I will be in Houston again, coaching my athletes in the Southland Conference Championships. In two weeks the USA Indoor Championships are to take place in Boston. I am peaking for this meet as it is the last one of the indoor season for me.