Tried to run a very crummy 5km today. In hindsight, I shouldn't have run as hilly a course - my legs deserved a break. My legs felt like they had nothing, which was a combination of lots of running, training, gym and strength training, so fair enough!! And also, running without food - as much as I wish it wasn't an issue, I'm not sure it's for me. I had little spring in my step, and even after a walk break I felt sluggish. Just no energy in the hamstrings I guess.
Still, I was glad that I was out there attempting rather than just whining and attempting to sleep for a little longer.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Wednesday 6.6km
Ran after training again today. Was great. My legs were sore: mainly my calves and ankles, so that's a sign that running strength is coming back (and that guns hurt your legs). As well as this, there was a cardio battle, but that's getting better. I could feel my ankles hurting and my feet in my shoes, because of the lack of time on my feet. With time and experience...
First 2km uphill, ouch at the last bit, but I perservered. It sucks starting with hills because you need a rhythm and to get the blood flowing.
2-3kms downhill.
Had a break around 3.5km (18min), for 3minutes. Then I was back on track, and slowed a little.
3-4 short, up and down hilly
4-4.8, sharp downhill (although if you run up the other side, like I have a tendency to do, it's hard work), in preparation for a couple of 100ms running hard up the other side!!!
The rest home, just flat...oh boy, I like how this natural tendency to push myself harder at the end of each run is starting to kick in.
Felt great at the end (despite kinda dead). Ipod died too at about 4.5km (NOOOO!!), but it was great to run without it and to see how much I could really push myself, versus rely on distraction and ignorance.
40minutes.
First 2km uphill, ouch at the last bit, but I perservered. It sucks starting with hills because you need a rhythm and to get the blood flowing.
2-3kms downhill.
Had a break around 3.5km (18min), for 3minutes. Then I was back on track, and slowed a little.
3-4 short, up and down hilly
4-4.8, sharp downhill (although if you run up the other side, like I have a tendency to do, it's hard work), in preparation for a couple of 100ms running hard up the other side!!!
The rest home, just flat...oh boy, I like how this natural tendency to push myself harder at the end of each run is starting to kick in.
Felt great at the end (despite kinda dead). Ipod died too at about 4.5km (NOOOO!!), but it was great to run without it and to see how much I could really push myself, versus rely on distraction and ignorance.
40minutes.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Monday Run 4.5km
Ran tonight after training. Was a good run, clear skies and a full moon, pleasant temperature too (slightly warm after the first signs of Spring today). I had to walk about 30m after the 3rd km, but the running back after that was quite strong and stable, so I'm getting fitter. The hills were run pretty well; overall I'm happy.
4.5km (out and back 2.25km), 27.10ish
4.5km (out and back 2.25km), 27.10ish
Sunday, August 26, 2007
*sigh*
Well comp royally sucked. Not something I want to talk about, because I have no answers. I spent 9 1/2 hours in that competition hall, and my head was killing by the end of it, and I was so tired.
Things that I've learnt from/since:
*I really really didn't think I have been getting enough sleep at all. I only got 6 hours on Saturday night, and Friday night was not good either. So I was not well rested and refreshed. Also, I think I got sunburnt and was dehydrated from Saturday. I just slept last night, 11 hours, and I feel better today for it, even though I'm still exhausted.
*Tumbling rocks :D I want to start tumbling, but not sure if that's a possibility yet.
*Open DMT was my last event. I wasn't originally rostered on (at my request), but after stuffing up age, I wanted to change the record for the day. I didn't want to go home not having had accomplished or done a full event. So I made myself vulnerable by requesting to go into open...falling was not an option. Anything less than standing up was failure. I had to prove that I could do it: prove it to my teammates and my coaches. And I did. Two tiny steps on both passes (of an incredibly shit run up mat, DMT and landing zone).
So I think one of the reasons that worked was because I got angry. I had something I had to prove. I was determined, I had to prove the record and expectations of others wrong.
But how do I replicate that in comp? Because I don't want to always have one event which I have to get completlely wrong for me to be fired up. It's too risky.
I think also I just have to do double the routine work, especially full vols. I have to know so exactly what everything feels like. Just continuously churn out 10 skills. I didn't overthink tramp, I didn't underthink tramp - I just have no idea what happened. I think I have a real problem adjusting to other equipment - especially in terms of what to spot.
I don't think we're going to a qualifier or another comp for the rest of the year, which sucks, because now I'm in the right mindset to set the record straight. Not competing for four months kidna makes you forget.
Things that I've learnt from/since:
*I really really didn't think I have been getting enough sleep at all. I only got 6 hours on Saturday night, and Friday night was not good either. So I was not well rested and refreshed. Also, I think I got sunburnt and was dehydrated from Saturday. I just slept last night, 11 hours, and I feel better today for it, even though I'm still exhausted.
*Tumbling rocks :D I want to start tumbling, but not sure if that's a possibility yet.
*Open DMT was my last event. I wasn't originally rostered on (at my request), but after stuffing up age, I wanted to change the record for the day. I didn't want to go home not having had accomplished or done a full event. So I made myself vulnerable by requesting to go into open...falling was not an option. Anything less than standing up was failure. I had to prove that I could do it: prove it to my teammates and my coaches. And I did. Two tiny steps on both passes (of an incredibly shit run up mat, DMT and landing zone).
So I think one of the reasons that worked was because I got angry. I had something I had to prove. I was determined, I had to prove the record and expectations of others wrong.
But how do I replicate that in comp? Because I don't want to always have one event which I have to get completlely wrong for me to be fired up. It's too risky.
I think also I just have to do double the routine work, especially full vols. I have to know so exactly what everything feels like. Just continuously churn out 10 skills. I didn't overthink tramp, I didn't underthink tramp - I just have no idea what happened. I think I have a real problem adjusting to other equipment - especially in terms of what to spot.
I don't think we're going to a qualifier or another comp for the rest of the year, which sucks, because now I'm in the right mindset to set the record straight. Not competing for four months kidna makes you forget.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
An update...running
So, I've had a pretty fantastic week running-wise, in terms of numbers. Both frequency and kms: I think I may even break 20km this week!! That's the first time in AGES!!! Most likely a YEAR!
(Disclaimer: it's not because I'm terribly slack, it's just hard to be consistant when you're consistantly sore and tired from training 5x weekly. So I'm just consistant at being inconsistant).
Nothing has been stellar in terms of what others may perceive as 'high quality', but in terms of achieveing the important goals, I've done that.
Sunday: Want to know what a swamp smells like? I now know. The same with a mire. They smell like my shoes, which REEEEEK and still stink out the house, my room, my car, my feet, a 10km radius around them - anything, it doesn't matter. I can't get them to stop smelling, despite putting some 'anti odour' powder liberally through them.
The reason for this smell is because in the pouring rain on Sunday, I went for a 1hr50 minute run/walk adventure. I hadn't eaten breakfast beforehand either (some interesting research I need to conduct on this). I just went out with the aim of being totally relaxed, enjoying myself, and going for a long slow run. Important that I could still talk throughout it. I decided to try and have a consistant rest period, so I wouldn't get overtired.
So out I ran, decked out in my comfy comfy old old tights, a singlet, long sleeve shirt and iPod. After a while, the rain made it impossible for my iPod to stay in my ears - I hate that. So I ran with just one ear piece in for a while, and then neither. It was fun: I loved running through the local streets, smiling my head off, knowing that people were looking out of their car windows with amazement at the craziness I was demonstrating. I was soaked. At one point I stopped into my church to get a drink (and hoped no one would see a soaking me). I knew I hadn't worn great socks for running in the wet (--> blisters), so I decided to walk most of the way back to my car. My legs had no running left in them. But still, lots of fun, and lots of HILLS :D :D :D
Around 11.5-12km (because I can't remember where I parked my car), and I think I ran half of that.
Monday. Run 5km after training (even though I had blisters, ignore it, IGNORE IT!), the standard - oh wait, no, I changed that route. 4km, and out and back of 2km (including 2km of hills). I think around 25 minutes for that, which is pretty good given two things: my 4k time must be really soft at 24min (and I think it is, I think I could go sub 20 easily if I tried), and it didn't feel like I was out there running for that long. I didn't have lots left in my legs in terms of muscling myself up the hills: so lots of walking breaks. But good to go out again and have fun pushing myself, enjoy it, and feel like I was regaining some strength. Plus, first time in ages I'd run two days in a row.
Wednesday. The quality of running decreases...because my feet were still sore, and I had left my iPod in my coat :( So I ran without it after training. I think just 2.5km, and a pretty abysmal 2.5 as well. It's funny, either when I run with my iPod, I'm oblivious to any pain in my body, or, when I run without an iPod, I'm already grumpy, so therefore succeptible to being even more grumpy and woosy. Because my right shin hurt, a lot. It was so bizarre - it's never hurt before. It wouldn't let up. Most likely just where and how of my running, and the fact I was trying to avoid the blisters on the inner side of my right foot. I'm so whiny though. There's no toughness in me.
Hopefully I can run tonight, but that run is not to be too important as to superseed tomorrow morning's run. I always run well on Saturday mornings, and I enjoy it, and maybe 5-6km is do-able.
I think the key is, rather than trying to just run a minimum or smaller distance where I can run 100% of it, before I increase distances, that I should run longer (i.e. 5-6km, 30-40 minutes etc) even with walking breaks, because I'll improve more quickly, and my legs will get used to spending more time on my feet.
(Disclaimer: it's not because I'm terribly slack, it's just hard to be consistant when you're consistantly sore and tired from training 5x weekly. So I'm just consistant at being inconsistant).
Nothing has been stellar in terms of what others may perceive as 'high quality', but in terms of achieveing the important goals, I've done that.
Sunday: Want to know what a swamp smells like? I now know. The same with a mire. They smell like my shoes, which REEEEEK and still stink out the house, my room, my car, my feet, a 10km radius around them - anything, it doesn't matter. I can't get them to stop smelling, despite putting some 'anti odour' powder liberally through them.
The reason for this smell is because in the pouring rain on Sunday, I went for a 1hr50 minute run/walk adventure. I hadn't eaten breakfast beforehand either (some interesting research I need to conduct on this). I just went out with the aim of being totally relaxed, enjoying myself, and going for a long slow run. Important that I could still talk throughout it. I decided to try and have a consistant rest period, so I wouldn't get overtired.
So out I ran, decked out in my comfy comfy old old tights, a singlet, long sleeve shirt and iPod. After a while, the rain made it impossible for my iPod to stay in my ears - I hate that. So I ran with just one ear piece in for a while, and then neither. It was fun: I loved running through the local streets, smiling my head off, knowing that people were looking out of their car windows with amazement at the craziness I was demonstrating. I was soaked. At one point I stopped into my church to get a drink (and hoped no one would see a soaking me). I knew I hadn't worn great socks for running in the wet (--> blisters), so I decided to walk most of the way back to my car. My legs had no running left in them. But still, lots of fun, and lots of HILLS :D :D :D
Around 11.5-12km (because I can't remember where I parked my car), and I think I ran half of that.
Monday. Run 5km after training (even though I had blisters, ignore it, IGNORE IT!), the standard - oh wait, no, I changed that route. 4km, and out and back of 2km (including 2km of hills). I think around 25 minutes for that, which is pretty good given two things: my 4k time must be really soft at 24min (and I think it is, I think I could go sub 20 easily if I tried), and it didn't feel like I was out there running for that long. I didn't have lots left in my legs in terms of muscling myself up the hills: so lots of walking breaks. But good to go out again and have fun pushing myself, enjoy it, and feel like I was regaining some strength. Plus, first time in ages I'd run two days in a row.
Wednesday. The quality of running decreases...because my feet were still sore, and I had left my iPod in my coat :( So I ran without it after training. I think just 2.5km, and a pretty abysmal 2.5 as well. It's funny, either when I run with my iPod, I'm oblivious to any pain in my body, or, when I run without an iPod, I'm already grumpy, so therefore succeptible to being even more grumpy and woosy. Because my right shin hurt, a lot. It was so bizarre - it's never hurt before. It wouldn't let up. Most likely just where and how of my running, and the fact I was trying to avoid the blisters on the inner side of my right foot. I'm so whiny though. There's no toughness in me.
Hopefully I can run tonight, but that run is not to be too important as to superseed tomorrow morning's run. I always run well on Saturday mornings, and I enjoy it, and maybe 5-6km is do-able.
I think the key is, rather than trying to just run a minimum or smaller distance where I can run 100% of it, before I increase distances, that I should run longer (i.e. 5-6km, 30-40 minutes etc) even with walking breaks, because I'll improve more quickly, and my legs will get used to spending more time on my feet.
The massive update...acrobatic sports
Ok, so I've been a little slack with everything...just writing that up, that is! I think I'm three weeks behind??? Well, week 1 and 2 happened as per normal, only that I was so so so so sore, I could barely move, the entire time. Incredibly exhausted. I needed to do lots of sleeping.
Gym. Well, after the brilliance of my ro-flics, they've gone drastically down hill...let me give you an example from feedback from one of my coaches: "Wow, you're setting up for a really good layout!" As in, I've lost the ability to travel backwards, I keep on taking it up (like a back sault, shocking really *rolls eyes*), and basically it's a case of *maybe* I'll put my hands down. I'm whipping and I'd just rather do 4 whips on the rod this week than struggle to do ro-4 flics. So tumbling is going to be in-ter-est-ing on Sunday at comp.
Not sure if I will be able to tumble at comp, because shhhh be really quite about this: my back hurts a lot when I tumble or jump or run. Either way, after comp I'll have plenty of time to be taking a step back to get it perfectly right again. That means heaps more flics on tramp (and I did flic back sault, easy) and heaps more ro-flics onto mats in the pit...tumbling lower, and long, so hopefully I can engrave some technique into my head!
I did giants :D In straps, spotted "just in case", so essentially by myself. They're my first ones, and I was completely annoyed because I didn't get "new skill high" from doing them. There was nothing exciting about doing it...I did probably 8, 2 x just single giants, and then 3 x 2 in a row. I've really got to make sure I tap late (I'm an early tapper); it was great to be able to see Anthony point to exactly where I needed to be. I could two swings, then giant: the second swing had great block which was at reverse handstand. No worries.
Tramp. Well, we've got comp on Sunday, so we've been doing routine work until the cows come home. We took the rudi out of my vol; it's been too inconsistant with linking it into the next skill. Sometimes it's fantastic and feels easy, other times it just doesn't work for me. It's a skill where one of my big issues with it is not knowing how to cope when I've got a lot of time (height), which is odd, because that never happens in any other skill. So that's something to learn and try and work on. Surely with time and practice, I think this skill in combination will come. I'm just a little confused and uncertain as to what I've got to do exactly, every single time, and when. But it's staying in my set, because my DTBs are double in, back out drills. Oooh, I've just thought of a new skill I can do for 1.6 in DD game! Oh damn, I'd have to do that straight (I was going to go for full full straight for 1.6), but hey, the 1.4 spot is a bit vacant at the moment (with either a HIHO P, FO S or now DIBO T).
It was a great feeling on Wednesday to be able to get up on tramp and do my work (F7/L7) first go, with no struggles. I was in a crappy crappy crappy mood, my back was hurting a lot, but I didn't want to say anything (because they'd make me get off the tramp and just do strength for the next week), and also because I wanted to jump and compete. But it was hard trying to convince myself that I just needed to ignore it and work through it. I had told myself that that was what I was going to do: just train as if nothing was wrong, so no one would know. But it was difficult not to be whingy (when I had right to be), and hard not to have self doubt in your ability to jump and do things.
Anyway, routine is going fine, bar the landing of the double pike. I wish I was doing 4 doubles now (with HO T-DB T). It's annoying that my three doubles still only = 7.1 DD (because of repeat skill).
My half out, back saults are getting so good - they're consistantly good. Overall, I'm getting better at maintaining my height. Eg. in my set, ho T, b/s P, bar S - I'm starting to understand that yes, I am at a great height, don't just cut yourself down lower because it's "easier" to deal with. Try as hard as you can to relax, and maintain and gain height. HO P, b/s in routines is SOOO much better as well. half out pikes are getting a LOT easier, which is great. I've consistantly been in a great spot to do ho, bs, ho, and also, ho p, db t. I can't wait until the week after the comp where we start putting new skills together and solely training new skills (no routines for me until December!). The grand ambition of two of my coaches is to start with three doubles together, ending double pike. I'm hoping that changes to a four double start, ending FO S; I'm sure I'll also have to compromise to allow that dreaded full half to be in the mix somewhere. Oooooh, and I'm so excited, I can't wait to be able to put HIHO on tramp.
Full outs...well, I turned two on Wednesday. The first one didn't have enough rotation, and barely twisted, so essentially was a back cruise duck with an extra 1/4 turn. (landing on tummy). The second one, HAHAHA, ooooh it was so much fun. I know I twisted at the wrong time :D But it felt good still, and I knew I hadn't got 'lost'. So technically I did a full twisting double straight, but where exactly the twist was located....I think it was BETWEEN the two saults. Probably a little full-in ish. Hehehe, my teammates were a bit concerned, but I wasn't! No matter how many drills I do for anything, I think I still will do that one freak mistiming of any skill I learn. I did that with half out pikes (turning in the first sault), occasionally I also did it learning half outs. I did it with HIHO, and I do it all the time with full halves. But I'm the kind of person who needs to make that mistake, in order to know exactly what not to do next time. Hence, I've never turned a half out in the wrong phasing since, I've never turned an arabian to the left by mistake since, and most likely I will never again have the same problem with full outs again.
Interesting notion too - I think my FOs were really whippy, because my double layout isn't the greatest in the world. I know that physically (both physically and by the laws of physics), it's "easier" to keep straight in a FO around than a double lay, but still, I think the start of mine may have imitates B's too much - her shoulders down and whipping.
Ok, massive speeching done. I think. I could rant and rant about strength, but that's a bit of a moot point at the moment.
Gym. Well, after the brilliance of my ro-flics, they've gone drastically down hill...let me give you an example from feedback from one of my coaches: "Wow, you're setting up for a really good layout!" As in, I've lost the ability to travel backwards, I keep on taking it up (like a back sault, shocking really *rolls eyes*), and basically it's a case of *maybe* I'll put my hands down. I'm whipping and I'd just rather do 4 whips on the rod this week than struggle to do ro-4 flics. So tumbling is going to be in-ter-est-ing on Sunday at comp.
Not sure if I will be able to tumble at comp, because shhhh be really quite about this: my back hurts a lot when I tumble or jump or run. Either way, after comp I'll have plenty of time to be taking a step back to get it perfectly right again. That means heaps more flics on tramp (and I did flic back sault, easy) and heaps more ro-flics onto mats in the pit...tumbling lower, and long, so hopefully I can engrave some technique into my head!
I did giants :D In straps, spotted "just in case", so essentially by myself. They're my first ones, and I was completely annoyed because I didn't get "new skill high" from doing them. There was nothing exciting about doing it...I did probably 8, 2 x just single giants, and then 3 x 2 in a row. I've really got to make sure I tap late (I'm an early tapper); it was great to be able to see Anthony point to exactly where I needed to be. I could two swings, then giant: the second swing had great block which was at reverse handstand. No worries.
Tramp. Well, we've got comp on Sunday, so we've been doing routine work until the cows come home. We took the rudi out of my vol; it's been too inconsistant with linking it into the next skill. Sometimes it's fantastic and feels easy, other times it just doesn't work for me. It's a skill where one of my big issues with it is not knowing how to cope when I've got a lot of time (height), which is odd, because that never happens in any other skill. So that's something to learn and try and work on. Surely with time and practice, I think this skill in combination will come. I'm just a little confused and uncertain as to what I've got to do exactly, every single time, and when. But it's staying in my set, because my DTBs are double in, back out drills. Oooh, I've just thought of a new skill I can do for 1.6 in DD game! Oh damn, I'd have to do that straight (I was going to go for full full straight for 1.6), but hey, the 1.4 spot is a bit vacant at the moment (with either a HIHO P, FO S or now DIBO T).
It was a great feeling on Wednesday to be able to get up on tramp and do my work (F7/L7) first go, with no struggles. I was in a crappy crappy crappy mood, my back was hurting a lot, but I didn't want to say anything (because they'd make me get off the tramp and just do strength for the next week), and also because I wanted to jump and compete. But it was hard trying to convince myself that I just needed to ignore it and work through it. I had told myself that that was what I was going to do: just train as if nothing was wrong, so no one would know. But it was difficult not to be whingy (when I had right to be), and hard not to have self doubt in your ability to jump and do things.
Anyway, routine is going fine, bar the landing of the double pike. I wish I was doing 4 doubles now (with HO T-DB T). It's annoying that my three doubles still only = 7.1 DD (because of repeat skill).
My half out, back saults are getting so good - they're consistantly good. Overall, I'm getting better at maintaining my height. Eg. in my set, ho T, b/s P, bar S - I'm starting to understand that yes, I am at a great height, don't just cut yourself down lower because it's "easier" to deal with. Try as hard as you can to relax, and maintain and gain height. HO P, b/s in routines is SOOO much better as well. half out pikes are getting a LOT easier, which is great. I've consistantly been in a great spot to do ho, bs, ho, and also, ho p, db t. I can't wait until the week after the comp where we start putting new skills together and solely training new skills (no routines for me until December!). The grand ambition of two of my coaches is to start with three doubles together, ending double pike. I'm hoping that changes to a four double start, ending FO S; I'm sure I'll also have to compromise to allow that dreaded full half to be in the mix somewhere. Oooooh, and I'm so excited, I can't wait to be able to put HIHO on tramp.
Full outs...well, I turned two on Wednesday. The first one didn't have enough rotation, and barely twisted, so essentially was a back cruise duck with an extra 1/4 turn. (landing on tummy). The second one, HAHAHA, ooooh it was so much fun. I know I twisted at the wrong time :D But it felt good still, and I knew I hadn't got 'lost'. So technically I did a full twisting double straight, but where exactly the twist was located....I think it was BETWEEN the two saults. Probably a little full-in ish. Hehehe, my teammates were a bit concerned, but I wasn't! No matter how many drills I do for anything, I think I still will do that one freak mistiming of any skill I learn. I did that with half out pikes (turning in the first sault), occasionally I also did it learning half outs. I did it with HIHO, and I do it all the time with full halves. But I'm the kind of person who needs to make that mistake, in order to know exactly what not to do next time. Hence, I've never turned a half out in the wrong phasing since, I've never turned an arabian to the left by mistake since, and most likely I will never again have the same problem with full outs again.
Interesting notion too - I think my FOs were really whippy, because my double layout isn't the greatest in the world. I know that physically (both physically and by the laws of physics), it's "easier" to keep straight in a FO around than a double lay, but still, I think the start of mine may have imitates B's too much - her shoulders down and whipping.
Ok, massive speeching done. I think. I could rant and rant about strength, but that's a bit of a moot point at the moment.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
gym good again...
I did 20 more ro-flics onto mats in the pit, and then set myself up for them on floor...first one, my friend asked if I wanted a spot, I said no...landed on my head partially. Second one (after a little while), I asked her to stand in...and then proceeded to do one FANTASTIC Ro-flic, with perfect timing, distance, shape and rebound...and then told her she could go away :D I did 20 more, they're soooo good, I'm in a great spot to do several more...easy easy easy.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
full outs on the way...
I ducked my back cruises for the first time today (I've only done back cruise one other time). They're square, straight, cruised and they're sooooooooooooooooooooo easy.
And FUN!
And FUN!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Wow, oh wow, fun :D
I had a great time at gym tonight. Firstly, two things:
1) I'm completely buggered in the legs from last night's strength (the guns, me thinks). My coach was slightly sadistic and left us a strength list that took ONE HOUR to complete. We had barely any trampoline work; the majority was strength.
2) I went for a run before gym, same 5km loop as last week...Cardio wise felt so much better, legs just killed muscular wise...I had a 5min walking break (for about 200m) (and different to the 10m walk, then feel fine and run from last time), ouch. At one point I had about a k or so to go, and I realised I had 8minutes to run it to crack 30minutes. So possible to break a PB. So again, I used the "Run Hard or Go Home" playlist on that last bit, and just ran as fast as I could maintain (bit sluggish in turnover). I said 'GO!" and I went for it; I told myself if I could stop to consider that I should slow down, I wasn't concentrating all of my efforts into running; if I could still walk ok at the end, I hadn't run hard enough.
Legs killed, but goal achieved. 29.20, which is PB (for this lot of beginning running again), of 1.20 :D And I can confidently look forward to taking 4-5 minutes off my time.
Gym:
I had a mission: to get my tumbling sorted for comp. And tonight I did, and it's Sooooooooooooooo easy! Round off-flic, easy. I've got a great roundoff, and a fairly-ish good (most of the time) flic, but I hadn't put them together for ages...
I had a thought earlier this week of the best way for me to put the skills together. Not that I wasn't capable of it, but I knew the first few would be cautious. So I did RO-jump back onto mats in the pit, then Ro-flic into the pit (no mats) - they were fine. So I put one crash mat in, which was lower than the floor. And I did a few - yay! Really, it's not that hard: you just push back and make sure your hips are open and arms straight, and the worst that will happen is that you get stuck in a handstand. Then I progressed to 2 mats, floor height, and did 25 of them. They're really really good - good distance, nice form, good technique.
YAY! Now I only have to be able to Ro flicx4 in two weeks....
1) I'm completely buggered in the legs from last night's strength (the guns, me thinks). My coach was slightly sadistic and left us a strength list that took ONE HOUR to complete. We had barely any trampoline work; the majority was strength.
2) I went for a run before gym, same 5km loop as last week...Cardio wise felt so much better, legs just killed muscular wise...I had a 5min walking break (for about 200m) (and different to the 10m walk, then feel fine and run from last time), ouch. At one point I had about a k or so to go, and I realised I had 8minutes to run it to crack 30minutes. So possible to break a PB. So again, I used the "Run Hard or Go Home" playlist on that last bit, and just ran as fast as I could maintain (bit sluggish in turnover). I said 'GO!" and I went for it; I told myself if I could stop to consider that I should slow down, I wasn't concentrating all of my efforts into running; if I could still walk ok at the end, I hadn't run hard enough.
Legs killed, but goal achieved. 29.20, which is PB (for this lot of beginning running again), of 1.20 :D And I can confidently look forward to taking 4-5 minutes off my time.
Gym:
I had a mission: to get my tumbling sorted for comp. And tonight I did, and it's Sooooooooooooooo easy! Round off-flic, easy. I've got a great roundoff, and a fairly-ish good (most of the time) flic, but I hadn't put them together for ages...
I had a thought earlier this week of the best way for me to put the skills together. Not that I wasn't capable of it, but I knew the first few would be cautious. So I did RO-jump back onto mats in the pit, then Ro-flic into the pit (no mats) - they were fine. So I put one crash mat in, which was lower than the floor. And I did a few - yay! Really, it's not that hard: you just push back and make sure your hips are open and arms straight, and the worst that will happen is that you get stuck in a handstand. Then I progressed to 2 mats, floor height, and did 25 of them. They're really really good - good distance, nice form, good technique.
YAY! Now I only have to be able to Ro flicx4 in two weeks....
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Run 5km
I ran tonight, after training (which we finished with a fairly intense strength session). It felt nice (after a while)...it was a perfect night. Full moon, clear black skies, dark, and a great coolish breeze. Today was the warmest day in a while, around 22*, so it wasn't even freezing at night. Running at 8pm reminded me of old times, when I started running, and why I developed a love for it.
I ran my hilly 5km loop (slightly short of 5.0). Considering the first run of this distance in ages, and I was sort of buggered, I did fairly well in 30.40 - my best for this course is 28something and I had a few walking breaks of around 10m. I felt great starting again after them.
I definitely could feel the effects of having had been sick; it was my cardio that held me back. The last 800m or so is my 'make or break' stretch, where it's a short intense uphill (50m), and then about 800m of slight downhill, but mainly flat running. That's my speed bit: it's the challenge. Get up the hill, power on, and then GO. And hold out - don't stop running fast once you get to the flat.
Tonight one of my favourite songs came on and I just went "GO, go hard, go all out" in my mind. And I did.
Good fun.
I ran my hilly 5km loop (slightly short of 5.0). Considering the first run of this distance in ages, and I was sort of buggered, I did fairly well in 30.40 - my best for this course is 28something and I had a few walking breaks of around 10m. I felt great starting again after them.
I definitely could feel the effects of having had been sick; it was my cardio that held me back. The last 800m or so is my 'make or break' stretch, where it's a short intense uphill (50m), and then about 800m of slight downhill, but mainly flat running. That's my speed bit: it's the challenge. Get up the hill, power on, and then GO. And hold out - don't stop running fast once you get to the flat.
Tonight one of my favourite songs came on and I just went "GO, go hard, go all out" in my mind. And I did.
Good fun.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Officially back...
I'm officially back into the world of being a runner, gymnast and trampolinist. My sore muscles, my obsession and passion for strength and training has been proving so. I'm getting better, I'm getting stronger. I did more flics yesterday and they were fine and great - all of them consistantly the same. That's what I love about me training - once I have a giant lightbulb moment, or something 'clicks', I never forget it, and I never make that same mistake again.
I ran this morning, 20 minutes :D 3.5km, uphill for the first 1.5, downhill for the next 2. My legs were so sore (and it was cold), but after a while, once I got going, it was good. I did some strength with my kids and felt great after I'd had a shower.
I ran this morning, 20 minutes :D 3.5km, uphill for the first 1.5, downhill for the next 2. My legs were so sore (and it was cold), but after a while, once I got going, it was good. I did some strength with my kids and felt great after I'd had a shower.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Gym last night
Wow, it is really hard trying to practice piano when you've got a rip and can't stretch properly with your right hand to the 9th interval. Eowtch.
I love being sore. When you wake up the next morning and your body doesn't want to move because it's sore in places you wouldn't have thought of and muscles you never even knew you had. Today I had that: every muscle in my body didn't want to move, it just wanted to stay as still as possible in bed. I was kind of waiting for the aching to seep out of my body...my ankles, my legs, my butt, my arms, my back...ahhh, so refreshing though!
I went for a run yesterday, which turned into a walk after my legs decided they didn't want to be connected to my lungs (just a really dead feeling in them)...2 hours of wandering and swinging on swings and enjoying the sunshine. That was great :D
Gym training, pretty ok.
I've FINALLY fixed my flics, and I know what I've been doing wrong. I've been pushing with my legs far too early, so that there is no energy left when I leave the floor. I did 25 on tramp and they were great (yay, because I used to hate doing these on tramp) - they're travelling enough, and there's a natural upwards and backwards rebound off them. So that's good - I've got to keep on practicing them (have to tumble at least 3xflics at comp).
Front tumbling is not going well...just can't front sault step out properly :( I can't seem to overrotate, even though front saults are easy for me. Did a little bit more front sault work for beam, but I haven't been keen to do them on beam again...it really killed my feet the first time.
Bars...
Well my muscles were kind of dead, so I didn't do much, but out of the 10 'kips' I did, 7 of them were so close - so that's good. I want to maintain a consistancy, that even if I'm not making it (and I'm thisclose, I need a few more degrees of pull), I'm still getting to the same point and practicing the right techniques and developing the right muscles.
Did a few actual clear hip circles, ha. They're fun.
And we actually did some strength! I made my friend do some...I promised her only 10 of every gut combo...(so 10 x 10), and a bit of leg work.
I love being sore. When you wake up the next morning and your body doesn't want to move because it's sore in places you wouldn't have thought of and muscles you never even knew you had. Today I had that: every muscle in my body didn't want to move, it just wanted to stay as still as possible in bed. I was kind of waiting for the aching to seep out of my body...my ankles, my legs, my butt, my arms, my back...ahhh, so refreshing though!
I went for a run yesterday, which turned into a walk after my legs decided they didn't want to be connected to my lungs (just a really dead feeling in them)...2 hours of wandering and swinging on swings and enjoying the sunshine. That was great :D
Gym training, pretty ok.
I've FINALLY fixed my flics, and I know what I've been doing wrong. I've been pushing with my legs far too early, so that there is no energy left when I leave the floor. I did 25 on tramp and they were great (yay, because I used to hate doing these on tramp) - they're travelling enough, and there's a natural upwards and backwards rebound off them. So that's good - I've got to keep on practicing them (have to tumble at least 3xflics at comp).
Front tumbling is not going well...just can't front sault step out properly :( I can't seem to overrotate, even though front saults are easy for me. Did a little bit more front sault work for beam, but I haven't been keen to do them on beam again...it really killed my feet the first time.
Bars...
Well my muscles were kind of dead, so I didn't do much, but out of the 10 'kips' I did, 7 of them were so close - so that's good. I want to maintain a consistancy, that even if I'm not making it (and I'm thisclose, I need a few more degrees of pull), I'm still getting to the same point and practicing the right techniques and developing the right muscles.
Did a few actual clear hip circles, ha. They're fun.
And we actually did some strength! I made my friend do some...I promised her only 10 of every gut combo...(so 10 x 10), and a bit of leg work.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Trampoline update
Well, I had three weeks break as everyone else headed off to Vic for nationals. It was devastating for me not to be there. I had a good look at the photos though, and it was sad that I wasn't there in them. I found my age group photos...looked at all my teammates...but what change occurred was that I shouldn't need to continue looking at the photos. That's not going to achieve anything. I'm well capable of making it and I should've been there: so let's get working to make sure I will be there.
Training started last week...I wasn't even sure if I was going back. I'm not going to National Clubs, which was another setback - I was keen to go, it was at SASI so I wanted to prove myself there, as well as amend my history at Nat Clubs. It was going to be my last competition - I wanted to finish off one more competition season this year, and I decided after state I couldn't stop, so I'd end in September. But I went anyway...there's a few smaller competitions, and I can still qualify for next year. I didn't even know what I would do if I did qualify for next year's nationals...
But I went anyway. Man, it was CRAZY. Absolutely no set/vol/routine work. No doubles. We've just been working new skills for a week and a half - and crazy new skills (well, intermediate/advanced doubles). Have been doing soo much cruising, and so many individual skills. No hard and difficult drills, not alot of saults in a row. Highlights:
Monday we did 10 of every sault (so of course as a joke we got up and did front sault tuck, front sault pike...teehee, Nando and I played until our head coach gave us a stern look :D). Then twisting drills all night, just played, it was so much fun. Cat twists (as many in a row as you could do), double cat twists (I almost kicked my coach, oops), triple cat twists (crazily and neatly done by Jas); corkscrews...heck that was funny, oh my goodness, I'm so the worst at front cruising, I haven't done lots of it at all. But it was funny. I love that skill. It combines the funnest stuff, rotation and twisting. I found letting myself "fling" back up first before twisting helped :D;
Then FULL TWISTING REBOUND was next. Oh my gosh. I was freaking out at that one. 3/4 of us had never done that (J competes full half). And I was pretty much concerned that I would be landing on my head. I may be full twist front queen (I am. Blind landings are my thing), but seriously. There's no other way to learn this skill other than to just do it. Sure it helps to work barani cruise ducks in the pit, but it doesn't take the fact away that you need to be able to do it. So I decide to just go for it. Did the crash dive, then just pulled after I landed - and I did it! Fully rotated, and fully twisted! I couldn't believe it. I did two more (and they got worse and scarier), but hey, it was something the others didn't manage to achieve :D (only because they're always better than me). Poor lemming, she hurt her back doing this and is now on strength training for forever and ever and ever.
Ok, what else I'm up to:
Half in half out (HIHO)...I actually did one in the pit last Wednesday! I've been working on arabian crash dives in the past (tuck/kick out). Wednesday I went to do that, but kept on 1 & 3'ing every one :D And not on purpose, either! They're getting a lot better - I'm spotting at the takeoff the wall (at 9 o'clock), which I know is right, and I know I still turn early (but I think I always will, unless HC spends a lot of time with me re-teaching), but I'm not spotting the foam until 6 o'clock - far too late (I'm pretty sure). That doesn't matter in terms of I know I'm always completing 180* of twist, but it does matter because in HIHO it's so important to spot the end of the tramp and keep in contact. They're one skill you don't want to get lost in :D
So I started rotating better (need to work on the snap and set of rotation), I just twisted the extra 1/2 around at the end :D I was happy. I can't wait to put them onto tramp, I really like this skill. So many people have trouble with it or think it's hard, but it's not. However...
Today we had to do HIHO drills on tramp (so for me arabian crash dive). The first one, oh my gosh, I really really could've hurt myself - I wasn't even that high. But I went up, spotted at 9 o'clock (which I haven't really done on tramp much - that's more pit tramp where I developed that), and then turned to the LEFT. I twist RIGHT. When I first started tramp, I twisted left. I even learnt baranis to the left. But I'm ambi-twisterous (can dbl turn both ways), so I chose right, and consequently learnt everything to the right. But I learnt all my aeroplanes to the left (1/2 turn to stomach), and I still can't do it as well to the right as I can the left. So I realised I was turning the wrong way, and I tried to stop my rotation (I'd only done a 1/4 twist) - my coach pushed the mat under, and I crashed onto the mat on my shoulder. I hurt my back a little bit, only a little bit of pain for the rest of the night - we'll see in a few whether it's actually injured (most likely pulled muslces) if it still hurts.
So the next 5 were just baby ones, turned really early, not fully extended - just to make sure I wasn't going to become a COMPLETE headcase and lose them and freak out. The last one I did - I'd started spotting the end wall at 9 oclock again, and somtehing went wrong halfway through - I think I wasn't sure if I'd rotate enough, becuase I remember going "shit" halfway through.
But in the pit I did 5 arabians with tuck/kickouts - they were all fine, spotted, rotated - so I think a fear of being on the trampoline instead of fluffy foam.
Full in half out (FIHO). Oh my goodness. HC asked me to do these in the pit on Monday. So I'm great at barani, cruise (1/4 turn). Then the next part is 1/4 turn, spot, duck. Sounds simple...but I've invented many, many different ways you can now land on your head. So I thought after Monday's failing attempts to spot and duck she'd leave this skill...but no. Wednesday. AND Friday. Sheesh. For every 5 I do, I phase one correctly. But ooooowwww...man, it hurts. And I get so burried. And I know she's having me work this hard so I can do this as my forwards double instead of rudi out (because I don't know what ability she sees in me to do this, but she's still persisting), because of my royal suckage at rudis, but still, I'd RATHER be working rudi outs. They're going to be WAY easier to get. I've had a small play at them.
Full out (FO S). Did a few drills for back cruise duck. Simple. I've always been good at getting exact degrees of twist around, and staying square. I think the phasing of this skill will never be a worry, and that I will pick up this skill quickly. The only problems hindering this skill is I can't do a back cruise duck of a 3/4 back (can't cody), and my double lays need work first (they're still archy). I wouldn't need this skill on tramp for a while (but would love to couple it with a full in...let's go full full tucked, then full full straight :D), after I get my ROs, HIHO, 6 doubles in a row, etc.
I think that's it for what in particular I'm working on...haven't done a lot of doubles lately, just putting somersaults together and standing everything up and being consistant is hard as of now. Everyone's just been really sick (don't you love it when you all train together and share the cold); I've had a stomach ailing and I haven't been able to eat much. We're all still getting back into the swing of things, and I'm so glad that training is still 'easy' (even though small bits of routine work has crept in and there's nothing easy about off-season training and putting crazy skills on tramp).
For my comp in a month, I'll be competing vol only, and I hope to do an easy vol of...
1. HO P
2. b/s T
3. bar T
4. DB T
5. bar S
6. FTB
7. rudi
8. b/s S
9. bar P
10. DB P.
DD 8.0
(There's normally also a HO T in there; eventually DB P will move up and a full in, HIHO, or dbl lay/full out will go as last skill). Also hope at some point to fix my DTB.
Training started last week...I wasn't even sure if I was going back. I'm not going to National Clubs, which was another setback - I was keen to go, it was at SASI so I wanted to prove myself there, as well as amend my history at Nat Clubs. It was going to be my last competition - I wanted to finish off one more competition season this year, and I decided after state I couldn't stop, so I'd end in September. But I went anyway...there's a few smaller competitions, and I can still qualify for next year. I didn't even know what I would do if I did qualify for next year's nationals...
But I went anyway. Man, it was CRAZY. Absolutely no set/vol/routine work. No doubles. We've just been working new skills for a week and a half - and crazy new skills (well, intermediate/advanced doubles). Have been doing soo much cruising, and so many individual skills. No hard and difficult drills, not alot of saults in a row. Highlights:
Monday we did 10 of every sault (so of course as a joke we got up and did front sault tuck, front sault pike...teehee, Nando and I played until our head coach gave us a stern look :D). Then twisting drills all night, just played, it was so much fun. Cat twists (as many in a row as you could do), double cat twists (I almost kicked my coach, oops), triple cat twists (crazily and neatly done by Jas); corkscrews...heck that was funny, oh my goodness, I'm so the worst at front cruising, I haven't done lots of it at all. But it was funny. I love that skill. It combines the funnest stuff, rotation and twisting. I found letting myself "fling" back up first before twisting helped :D;
Then FULL TWISTING REBOUND was next. Oh my gosh. I was freaking out at that one. 3/4 of us had never done that (J competes full half). And I was pretty much concerned that I would be landing on my head. I may be full twist front queen (I am. Blind landings are my thing), but seriously. There's no other way to learn this skill other than to just do it. Sure it helps to work barani cruise ducks in the pit, but it doesn't take the fact away that you need to be able to do it. So I decide to just go for it. Did the crash dive, then just pulled after I landed - and I did it! Fully rotated, and fully twisted! I couldn't believe it. I did two more (and they got worse and scarier), but hey, it was something the others didn't manage to achieve :D (only because they're always better than me). Poor lemming, she hurt her back doing this and is now on strength training for forever and ever and ever.
Ok, what else I'm up to:
Half in half out (HIHO)...I actually did one in the pit last Wednesday! I've been working on arabian crash dives in the past (tuck/kick out). Wednesday I went to do that, but kept on 1 & 3'ing every one :D And not on purpose, either! They're getting a lot better - I'm spotting at the takeoff the wall (at 9 o'clock), which I know is right, and I know I still turn early (but I think I always will, unless HC spends a lot of time with me re-teaching), but I'm not spotting the foam until 6 o'clock - far too late (I'm pretty sure). That doesn't matter in terms of I know I'm always completing 180* of twist, but it does matter because in HIHO it's so important to spot the end of the tramp and keep in contact. They're one skill you don't want to get lost in :D
So I started rotating better (need to work on the snap and set of rotation), I just twisted the extra 1/2 around at the end :D I was happy. I can't wait to put them onto tramp, I really like this skill. So many people have trouble with it or think it's hard, but it's not. However...
Today we had to do HIHO drills on tramp (so for me arabian crash dive). The first one, oh my gosh, I really really could've hurt myself - I wasn't even that high. But I went up, spotted at 9 o'clock (which I haven't really done on tramp much - that's more pit tramp where I developed that), and then turned to the LEFT. I twist RIGHT. When I first started tramp, I twisted left. I even learnt baranis to the left. But I'm ambi-twisterous (can dbl turn both ways), so I chose right, and consequently learnt everything to the right. But I learnt all my aeroplanes to the left (1/2 turn to stomach), and I still can't do it as well to the right as I can the left. So I realised I was turning the wrong way, and I tried to stop my rotation (I'd only done a 1/4 twist) - my coach pushed the mat under, and I crashed onto the mat on my shoulder. I hurt my back a little bit, only a little bit of pain for the rest of the night - we'll see in a few whether it's actually injured (most likely pulled muslces) if it still hurts.
So the next 5 were just baby ones, turned really early, not fully extended - just to make sure I wasn't going to become a COMPLETE headcase and lose them and freak out. The last one I did - I'd started spotting the end wall at 9 oclock again, and somtehing went wrong halfway through - I think I wasn't sure if I'd rotate enough, becuase I remember going "shit" halfway through.
But in the pit I did 5 arabians with tuck/kickouts - they were all fine, spotted, rotated - so I think a fear of being on the trampoline instead of fluffy foam.
Full in half out (FIHO). Oh my goodness. HC asked me to do these in the pit on Monday. So I'm great at barani, cruise (1/4 turn). Then the next part is 1/4 turn, spot, duck. Sounds simple...but I've invented many, many different ways you can now land on your head. So I thought after Monday's failing attempts to spot and duck she'd leave this skill...but no. Wednesday. AND Friday. Sheesh. For every 5 I do, I phase one correctly. But ooooowwww...man, it hurts. And I get so burried. And I know she's having me work this hard so I can do this as my forwards double instead of rudi out (because I don't know what ability she sees in me to do this, but she's still persisting), because of my royal suckage at rudis, but still, I'd RATHER be working rudi outs. They're going to be WAY easier to get. I've had a small play at them.
Full out (FO S). Did a few drills for back cruise duck. Simple. I've always been good at getting exact degrees of twist around, and staying square. I think the phasing of this skill will never be a worry, and that I will pick up this skill quickly. The only problems hindering this skill is I can't do a back cruise duck of a 3/4 back (can't cody), and my double lays need work first (they're still archy). I wouldn't need this skill on tramp for a while (but would love to couple it with a full in...let's go full full tucked, then full full straight :D), after I get my ROs, HIHO, 6 doubles in a row, etc.
I think that's it for what in particular I'm working on...haven't done a lot of doubles lately, just putting somersaults together and standing everything up and being consistant is hard as of now. Everyone's just been really sick (don't you love it when you all train together and share the cold); I've had a stomach ailing and I haven't been able to eat much. We're all still getting back into the swing of things, and I'm so glad that training is still 'easy' (even though small bits of routine work has crept in and there's nothing easy about off-season training and putting crazy skills on tramp).
For my comp in a month, I'll be competing vol only, and I hope to do an easy vol of...
1. HO P
2. b/s T
3. bar T
4. DB T
5. bar S
6. FTB
7. rudi
8. b/s S
9. bar P
10. DB P.
DD 8.0
(There's normally also a HO T in there; eventually DB P will move up and a full in, HIHO, or dbl lay/full out will go as last skill). Also hope at some point to fix my DTB.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
do do do do...
Gym tonight:
25 flipping flips on tramp...I hate doing these on Euros...
15-20 on floor...man, this is just one skill that I don't think I'm ever going to naturally get. I'm never going to be a 'natural' gymnast. I'm programmed to churn out somersaults. Some were horrific, some were fantastic...very annoying. + 5 HS pops (ow, muscles).
For the life of me I could not front sault tonight, it just wasn't my salto night...
Bars...
15 attempts at kips...don't go there, tonight just wasn't my night, my muscles were working against me.
3 sets x 10 swings - they're getting so much better, as are the long kips off the dead swing. I'll be gianting fairly soon...
6 x cast HS (spotted) - yay :D
I'm getting more flexible too...next week I'm going to be doing a heck of a lot more stretching, strength and exercise...first week back is always odd.
Tramp is going good too...I'll update more on everything soon.
25 flipping flips on tramp...I hate doing these on Euros...
15-20 on floor...man, this is just one skill that I don't think I'm ever going to naturally get. I'm never going to be a 'natural' gymnast. I'm programmed to churn out somersaults. Some were horrific, some were fantastic...very annoying. + 5 HS pops (ow, muscles).
For the life of me I could not front sault tonight, it just wasn't my salto night...
Bars...
15 attempts at kips...don't go there, tonight just wasn't my night, my muscles were working against me.
3 sets x 10 swings - they're getting so much better, as are the long kips off the dead swing. I'll be gianting fairly soon...
6 x cast HS (spotted) - yay :D
I'm getting more flexible too...next week I'm going to be doing a heck of a lot more stretching, strength and exercise...first week back is always odd.
Tramp is going good too...I'll update more on everything soon.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Wednesday June 20
Today's run, comfortable enough. Glad to have the iPod back.
11 minutes, 4 minute break (I convinced myself to stop being wossy), then 4 minutes up the hills --> 15 minutes (had to fit it in before work/training).
Trained like crap, finished early, just did strength; aborted 30 min bike ride.
11 minutes, 4 minute break (I convinced myself to stop being wossy), then 4 minutes up the hills --> 15 minutes (had to fit it in before work/training).
Trained like crap, finished early, just did strength; aborted 30 min bike ride.
Monday, June 18, 2007
An amazing story.
Em from ausrun posted an amazing story. It makes you absolutely amazed at howfortunate we really are.
http://www.trainingrx.com/nellieaccount.htm
http://www.trainingrx.com/nellieaccount.htm
Oh no! No iPod!
I had to do the dreaded task today and run without an iPod. Which also meant I was running without a watch. Which meant that it was just me, some road, and a poor attempt at rain (mist is no fun to run in).
This may have been a good thing though, because it did mean I got to go out and "find the joy" in just running. Something I've been meaning to do for a long time...let running just be enough motivation to run. So I pushed when I felt like it, slowed to recover, explored the longheld-curiousity streets, and walked when I needed to feel normal again.
It's nice when you're feet stop being so frozen in your shoes and you can actually feel them producing heat. I ran through some very mushy terrain...good fun.
I wouldn't have a clue how long/how far...and that's the joy of it all (although it's bugging me).
I went straight to training afterwards. I put the double pikes up on tramp (YAY!) And they were fantastic too - not slung back, properly set into, opening up/slight kickout. Completely no dramas there - I feel like I've done so many they're second nature.
Did lots of rudis too...overall they're improved, but still not where I'd like them to be.
Did one really FANTASTIC arabian/ 1/2 in, 1 & 4. Properly timed and turned and rotated - it felt so good, and it looked exactly as it should. I could've easily snapped a double of it. I have a tendency to just take off from the bed, do a 1/2 turn, then crash dive. When really I should be initiating salto first, turning at around 9:30-10 o'clock, then starting the double at 12. I want to do more of these properly...I can't wait to do half halves (HIHO)...they're going to be so much fun.
As part of strength we had to climb rope (around 10m). Well, I PB'd for the highest I've ever gone, about a metre or so from the top...and then froze. I could see out the window. I looked down below. Everyone seemed tiny. And it was then that I remembered that I was scared of heights. I was trying to figure out the safest way to bail, or whether I'd have to call someone up to get me down. Scary.
Teammate: "You're scared of heights, and you do trampoline?"
This may have been a good thing though, because it did mean I got to go out and "find the joy" in just running. Something I've been meaning to do for a long time...let running just be enough motivation to run. So I pushed when I felt like it, slowed to recover, explored the longheld-curiousity streets, and walked when I needed to feel normal again.
It's nice when you're feet stop being so frozen in your shoes and you can actually feel them producing heat. I ran through some very mushy terrain...good fun.
I wouldn't have a clue how long/how far...and that's the joy of it all (although it's bugging me).
I went straight to training afterwards. I put the double pikes up on tramp (YAY!) And they were fantastic too - not slung back, properly set into, opening up/slight kickout. Completely no dramas there - I feel like I've done so many they're second nature.
Did lots of rudis too...overall they're improved, but still not where I'd like them to be.
Did one really FANTASTIC arabian/ 1/2 in, 1 & 4. Properly timed and turned and rotated - it felt so good, and it looked exactly as it should. I could've easily snapped a double of it. I have a tendency to just take off from the bed, do a 1/2 turn, then crash dive. When really I should be initiating salto first, turning at around 9:30-10 o'clock, then starting the double at 12. I want to do more of these properly...I can't wait to do half halves (HIHO)...they're going to be so much fun.
As part of strength we had to climb rope (around 10m). Well, I PB'd for the highest I've ever gone, about a metre or so from the top...and then froze. I could see out the window. I looked down below. Everyone seemed tiny. And it was then that I remembered that I was scared of heights. I was trying to figure out the safest way to bail, or whether I'd have to call someone up to get me down. Scary.
Teammate: "You're scared of heights, and you do trampoline?"
Friday, June 15, 2007
Another good training session
Training was encouraging today. I like that overall I'm improving: everything is becoming much more easier and second nature.
I did my first 4 vol the first time up - wow, that was really cool! Nice to see this coming together well. It's exciting :D
I did some good double pikes too, just still working on the set. In fact I did some fantastic ones. And worked hard at front cruising. I'm getting there - I really need to set a new pathway in my mind of what I have to do to twist.
And I was coached by my least favouritist person/teammate/coach, but it was actually really good today, which was brilliant...I can't believe we actually got through today without a fight, even a bicker. Amazing. It was like there was hope and potential for us to be friends (lol yeah right).
I did my first 4 vol the first time up - wow, that was really cool! Nice to see this coming together well. It's exciting :D
I did some good double pikes too, just still working on the set. In fact I did some fantastic ones. And worked hard at front cruising. I'm getting there - I really need to set a new pathway in my mind of what I have to do to twist.
And I was coached by my least favouritist person/teammate/coach, but it was actually really good today, which was brilliant...I can't believe we actually got through today without a fight, even a bicker. Amazing. It was like there was hope and potential for us to be friends (lol yeah right).
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Good night at gym
I had a good night at gym (apart from feeling relatively sick). I didn't get much done (feeling sick), but what I did was fun and note-worthy.
20 flic flacs on floor...they're getting GOOD. I struggle to push through my feet and have open enough shoulders...they really felt good at the end.
15 "almost" kips. I am so damn close. Every time. My legs were a little sore...but it's not long now, baby!
Had a great chat too with one of the guys, Dave. Haven't talked to him much before, but we're really similar and like the same kinda stuff. He wants to practice basing cheer more, and I told him I used to fly (briefly. For one lunchtime) - either way, I'm still light enough (ahem), but more importantly, coordinated and strong enough to do so.
And everyone constantly tells me that with my twisting techniques, I should just do diving...I dunno, I've done it before (and could never land head first)...yeah it's fun, but I love tramp and gym, and I don't really think it's smart to put those sports together. I love my gym family: eventually I'd have a new one at diving (I'd go to Homebush; I don't even know if they'd take me for elite/HP - I'm probably too old!)...but I don't know. Either option is fun. Maybe I should ask Brett at the next comp what he thinks I'd be like at diving. Too scared to ask Belinda :D She'd give me far too much of an honest answer.
20 flic flacs on floor...they're getting GOOD. I struggle to push through my feet and have open enough shoulders...they really felt good at the end.
15 "almost" kips. I am so damn close. Every time. My legs were a little sore...but it's not long now, baby!
Had a great chat too with one of the guys, Dave. Haven't talked to him much before, but we're really similar and like the same kinda stuff. He wants to practice basing cheer more, and I told him I used to fly (briefly. For one lunchtime) - either way, I'm still light enough (ahem), but more importantly, coordinated and strong enough to do so.
And everyone constantly tells me that with my twisting techniques, I should just do diving...I dunno, I've done it before (and could never land head first)...yeah it's fun, but I love tramp and gym, and I don't really think it's smart to put those sports together. I love my gym family: eventually I'd have a new one at diving (I'd go to Homebush; I don't even know if they'd take me for elite/HP - I'm probably too old!)...but I don't know. Either option is fun. Maybe I should ask Brett at the next comp what he thinks I'd be like at diving. Too scared to ask Belinda :D She'd give me far too much of an honest answer.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
THAT feels better.
Wow. As much as I've grown to dislike the gym (other than the free fees-ness, the weights, the showers, and the bikes :D), I do still love the challenge of going in there, and pressing a few buttons, and then starting. There's something very motivating to finish all those reps once they're plugged in!
30 minutes on L3 random (yes, not particularly the best), and for 98% of the time above 100rpm. Loved the feeling - it was straight after training, so my legs were already a little bit wheezy, but then you can feel your muscles work...ahhhh...and the post-soreness + awkwardness.
I feel a glow already. Marvellous.
30 minutes on L3 random (yes, not particularly the best), and for 98% of the time above 100rpm. Loved the feeling - it was straight after training, so my legs were already a little bit wheezy, but then you can feel your muscles work...ahhhh...and the post-soreness + awkwardness.
I feel a glow already. Marvellous.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Small beginnings
Well, today signified the start. I wanted to just run, aiming for a very cruisy 30 minutes, but really was out to gauge my fitness, to see how much I'd lost. Therefore no big hills - I just changed my route to avoid them.
Turns out I'm further back than I would like (well, dah, of course!). I was driving to the start, and I saw one of my friends so I decided to walk with her for the rest of her walk. Then I walked to the start. Already, my body was noticeably not rejoicing at the exercise. Just general out-of-shapeness, no spring in my legs. Once I got up the top of the very massive hill to start (did I mention I love hills?), I was off, and immediately I knew I wouldn't be cruising for 5km - I'd be struggling to run that instead.
So just gentle running - 12 minutes, 2 minutes walk, 8 minutes (down one very long and steep hill), then I decided just to walk back to my car (back UP the hill :D).
So not much running done, but hey - I was out there, I went and did some running, and now I know where I'm at. Plus I'm fairly confident I'll be back to running full 30s in about a week. Probably 40 minutes walking, 20 minutes running.
Someone reminded me about the hills on C2S :D (BIG evil grin :D). Bring it on. I mapped out some new runs on the way home too.
Turns out I'm further back than I would like (well, dah, of course!). I was driving to the start, and I saw one of my friends so I decided to walk with her for the rest of her walk. Then I walked to the start. Already, my body was noticeably not rejoicing at the exercise. Just general out-of-shapeness, no spring in my legs. Once I got up the top of the very massive hill to start (did I mention I love hills?), I was off, and immediately I knew I wouldn't be cruising for 5km - I'd be struggling to run that instead.
So just gentle running - 12 minutes, 2 minutes walk, 8 minutes (down one very long and steep hill), then I decided just to walk back to my car (back UP the hill :D).
So not much running done, but hey - I was out there, I went and did some running, and now I know where I'm at. Plus I'm fairly confident I'll be back to running full 30s in about a week. Probably 40 minutes walking, 20 minutes running.
Someone reminded me about the hills on C2S :D (BIG evil grin :D). Bring it on. I mapped out some new runs on the way home too.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Blahdom
I think I've mentioned the state of blahdom before. If I haven't welcome, although you'll need to look briefly, because it is quickly leaving my life.
I've had a pretty reduced last three weeks (especially running): uni has hit the stresses and the tiredness/burnout-ness is alarming. I'm not quite finished but I'm really enjoying just being able to do nothing...(ish). Well, it's on borrowed time - I still have 4 assignments due. I'm really tempted to hand all of them in very early. Once that is done I have an entire week's break.
I've got to realign my goals, redefine them. Especially Hunter Valley - I'm thinking that's far too far out of reach now. Well, not out of reach, but would I do as well as I had hoped?
I had a think about gym. I am getting better at gym; however, not really at the rate that I would like. There are so many other things I could be doing to improve, and yet I'm not consistantly doing them. It's annoying too, because what I can do, I do technically perfectly. And so it's just the extension of the skills I need.
Running...I need to have a real big think about what I really want to do, and then an actual way that is REALISTIC that will work. I think I've finally made a breakthrough with Saturdays and Fridays. Fantastic. Only took a lot of flooding and rain for me to realise how to make it work!
Nutrition and fitness and strength...add flexibility (hello oversplits) whilst I'm there. That needs to go on the up again.
So this is the end of the "does she actually do anything, or does she just think and talk alot?"
signing off,
superwoman (who is now engaged, teehee)
I've had a pretty reduced last three weeks (especially running): uni has hit the stresses and the tiredness/burnout-ness is alarming. I'm not quite finished but I'm really enjoying just being able to do nothing...(ish). Well, it's on borrowed time - I still have 4 assignments due. I'm really tempted to hand all of them in very early. Once that is done I have an entire week's break.
I've got to realign my goals, redefine them. Especially Hunter Valley - I'm thinking that's far too far out of reach now. Well, not out of reach, but would I do as well as I had hoped?
I had a think about gym. I am getting better at gym; however, not really at the rate that I would like. There are so many other things I could be doing to improve, and yet I'm not consistantly doing them. It's annoying too, because what I can do, I do technically perfectly. And so it's just the extension of the skills I need.
Running...I need to have a real big think about what I really want to do, and then an actual way that is REALISTIC that will work. I think I've finally made a breakthrough with Saturdays and Fridays. Fantastic. Only took a lot of flooding and rain for me to realise how to make it work!
Nutrition and fitness and strength...add flexibility (hello oversplits) whilst I'm there. That needs to go on the up again.
So this is the end of the "does she actually do anything, or does she just think and talk alot?"
signing off,
superwoman (who is now engaged, teehee)
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
a bizarre dream
I had the most bizarre dream the other morning.
I was on an excursion in Canberra, and I hadn't read the activities sheet. So one morning they just said "put on your running gear, we're going for a run." The next part I remember was running up this MASSIVE hill, so long and so painful. It was on road, and it had kind of fall-away scenery. My calves killed. I was struggling so much to make it to the top, and staying in front of the people behind me. Then I reached the top, and I just remember people yelling "GOOOOOOOOO!!!! RUN!!!" as it then was a downhill run for another kilometre. And seeing this girl just absolutely fly past me and run so very fast, and I was just thinking "do you not know how DEAD I am? My calves kill! I just can't run any further or faster." Really struggling to run down to the hill. Anyway, I got to the finish line, which said 1:20. I'd just run a half marathon *humungous eyes*. That's under 4 minute kilometres!!!! Arghh!!! And I couldn't remember the first 17km, only the last 4. It was such a fun dream because I was pushing myself as hard as I could, and I could feel the great fantastic feeling of your calf muscles burning up hills...and 1:20 is my dream time for a HM!!!!
But moral of the story is I think...don't wake up, and then go back to sleep again. That's when the strange dreams happen :D
I was on an excursion in Canberra, and I hadn't read the activities sheet. So one morning they just said "put on your running gear, we're going for a run." The next part I remember was running up this MASSIVE hill, so long and so painful. It was on road, and it had kind of fall-away scenery. My calves killed. I was struggling so much to make it to the top, and staying in front of the people behind me. Then I reached the top, and I just remember people yelling "GOOOOOOOOO!!!! RUN!!!" as it then was a downhill run for another kilometre. And seeing this girl just absolutely fly past me and run so very fast, and I was just thinking "do you not know how DEAD I am? My calves kill! I just can't run any further or faster." Really struggling to run down to the hill. Anyway, I got to the finish line, which said 1:20. I'd just run a half marathon *humungous eyes*. That's under 4 minute kilometres!!!! Arghh!!! And I couldn't remember the first 17km, only the last 4. It was such a fun dream because I was pushing myself as hard as I could, and I could feel the great fantastic feeling of your calf muscles burning up hills...and 1:20 is my dream time for a HM!!!!
But moral of the story is I think...don't wake up, and then go back to sleep again. That's when the strange dreams happen :D
Training tonight was awesome.
Training tonight was so awesome. It was a great session where I got lots of good quality work done. And I was feeling pretty good as well because I finally got that MASSIVE assignment finished. Blimey. Took me three weeks to do.
1st go was 20 s/s, ending with HO. Not generally something I can do well, or stand up, because after 19 somersaults you're just so darn dizzy. And normally I do all the somersaults tucked, because then you start applying the systematic principles of correct phasing - and it works.
Well, today I did it differently. A lot more straight somersaults; the first 12 were on the cross :D and it was all great. I had a bit of a floaty set up for skill 20, but still better (and not dizzy) than usual. Then skill 19 I did a b/s T...to seat drop!!! Goodness. It was so funny. I don't know what happened, other than I got tired :D
Next lot of goes were based on set work. I really was just jumping quite well today. I got my first 3 controlled; I did some FANTASTIC b/s T-crash dive, ballout 1/2s. The ballouts had heaps of height, they were up, tucked and kicked, and I have plenty of time to stand up properly at the end. Yay :D
I finished my 100 straight baranis today. I did 45 today. I really had learnt the right feeling, especially because 90-100 was when I was quite tired, and I just didn't lift up, not even rolling. They were just lazy saults. My legs were killing from all the work. But I could feel how 90-100 were typical of the rudis that I do. Not enough effort.
So I'm now onto barani 1/4 turns (full half/front cruise drills), undesignated amount (until they're great). Ooooooh, they're so annoyingly tough. The first one I did, I completely missed the end of the straight barani (spotting), and just did a full twist front. I did two goes of 10 each; at about no. 6 each time they would start to be perfect drills, perfectly twisted and spotted, with arms in the right spot every time. So I have to do plenty more of these, because they're not quite consistent enough. I don't mind spending lots of time working on this because I know how important it is that I have great rudis and that I'm driving the process.
After that I went and did my double pikes onto a mat in the pit. It's been a good idea to do this - although I can do them on the tramp, Belinda won't let me, and I was originally poo'y about the idea. However, now that I've done them onto a mat, I can clearly see her point. I was annoyed too, because training skills into the pit - there's only so far that you can go with them to improve, and then you need the contact and feedback of the trampoline. I'm game to do them: it's just I know the first 5 would be kind of icky.
Anyway, so my coach suggested I do them onto pit mats. I remember being terrified to do double tucks onto the mat (and I would balk at 1 1/4!). The first few on Monday just FLEW. Overrotated, rolled out, almost on the other end of the pit - into the wall. That's about 3m of flying. Now that's fantastically fine if you're a WAG tumbler, but not on a trampoline. I've stood a variety up.
I learnt two really important things though:
1) Belinda was talking to another teammate about doing triples, and the importance of really consistent technique, just phasing each section right. She said to imagine your arms go up, and hit a brick wall - they can't go back any further (Takeoff position in all somersaults is to 12 o'clock). Then it's your toes that lead the sault. That really stood out to me, because it'll remind me constantly to wait, stand up, and not overreach in my take off (especially for the dbl pikes).
2) The other thing was something I learnt in my prelim jumps. My dbls had been travelling a lot, and rolling out - because although I had a straight takeoff and my arms were up, my bum was back. And if you're bum is sticking out, you're going to over rotate. And fall backwards. I tried and tried to correct. Then when I was jumping, I thought - "If I'm jumping in a straight shape now - I need to feel this shape when I take off". And I applied that, and it fixed everything up straight away. My doubles didn't move more than a metre - perfect for pit tramp. So so so so much better. So now I'm going to practice that.
It makes a lot of sense to - sometimes you just need the 'click' moments and then everything works.
Also finally put a press and set to my arabians/arabian 1 +3s...need to make that skill consistant, because sometimes they fly too far. I'm still anxious about making sure I'm spotting everything correctly and completing the turn rather than getting enough somersault initiated.
Strength too - blimey, I was buggered all throughout training today (sore legs!). It was nice to be tired :D Strength was only a basic complex (4x10) but it was nice to be able to do something and not feel like I was completely dying. Arms killed, though.
1st go was 20 s/s, ending with HO. Not generally something I can do well, or stand up, because after 19 somersaults you're just so darn dizzy. And normally I do all the somersaults tucked, because then you start applying the systematic principles of correct phasing - and it works.
Well, today I did it differently. A lot more straight somersaults; the first 12 were on the cross :D and it was all great. I had a bit of a floaty set up for skill 20, but still better (and not dizzy) than usual. Then skill 19 I did a b/s T...to seat drop!!! Goodness. It was so funny. I don't know what happened, other than I got tired :D
Next lot of goes were based on set work. I really was just jumping quite well today. I got my first 3 controlled; I did some FANTASTIC b/s T-crash dive, ballout 1/2s. The ballouts had heaps of height, they were up, tucked and kicked, and I have plenty of time to stand up properly at the end. Yay :D
I finished my 100 straight baranis today. I did 45 today. I really had learnt the right feeling, especially because 90-100 was when I was quite tired, and I just didn't lift up, not even rolling. They were just lazy saults. My legs were killing from all the work. But I could feel how 90-100 were typical of the rudis that I do. Not enough effort.
So I'm now onto barani 1/4 turns (full half/front cruise drills), undesignated amount (until they're great). Ooooooh, they're so annoyingly tough. The first one I did, I completely missed the end of the straight barani (spotting), and just did a full twist front. I did two goes of 10 each; at about no. 6 each time they would start to be perfect drills, perfectly twisted and spotted, with arms in the right spot every time. So I have to do plenty more of these, because they're not quite consistent enough. I don't mind spending lots of time working on this because I know how important it is that I have great rudis and that I'm driving the process.
After that I went and did my double pikes onto a mat in the pit. It's been a good idea to do this - although I can do them on the tramp, Belinda won't let me, and I was originally poo'y about the idea. However, now that I've done them onto a mat, I can clearly see her point. I was annoyed too, because training skills into the pit - there's only so far that you can go with them to improve, and then you need the contact and feedback of the trampoline. I'm game to do them: it's just I know the first 5 would be kind of icky.
Anyway, so my coach suggested I do them onto pit mats. I remember being terrified to do double tucks onto the mat (and I would balk at 1 1/4!). The first few on Monday just FLEW. Overrotated, rolled out, almost on the other end of the pit - into the wall. That's about 3m of flying. Now that's fantastically fine if you're a WAG tumbler, but not on a trampoline. I've stood a variety up.
I learnt two really important things though:
1) Belinda was talking to another teammate about doing triples, and the importance of really consistent technique, just phasing each section right. She said to imagine your arms go up, and hit a brick wall - they can't go back any further (Takeoff position in all somersaults is to 12 o'clock). Then it's your toes that lead the sault. That really stood out to me, because it'll remind me constantly to wait, stand up, and not overreach in my take off (especially for the dbl pikes).
2) The other thing was something I learnt in my prelim jumps. My dbls had been travelling a lot, and rolling out - because although I had a straight takeoff and my arms were up, my bum was back. And if you're bum is sticking out, you're going to over rotate. And fall backwards. I tried and tried to correct. Then when I was jumping, I thought - "If I'm jumping in a straight shape now - I need to feel this shape when I take off". And I applied that, and it fixed everything up straight away. My doubles didn't move more than a metre - perfect for pit tramp. So so so so much better. So now I'm going to practice that.
It makes a lot of sense to - sometimes you just need the 'click' moments and then everything works.
Also finally put a press and set to my arabians/arabian 1 +3s...need to make that skill consistant, because sometimes they fly too far. I'm still anxious about making sure I'm spotting everything correctly and completing the turn rather than getting enough somersault initiated.
Strength too - blimey, I was buggered all throughout training today (sore legs!). It was nice to be tired :D Strength was only a basic complex (4x10) but it was nice to be able to do something and not feel like I was completely dying. Arms killed, though.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
A conclusion
After weeks of distress, I realised something this morning. And that is that I'm not happy unless I feel like I'm achieving something (whether that is that I'm on the path to achieving something). But I hate the feeling of futileness, and I hate wasting time.
It's interesting too, having to turn my life from where I am now to back on track, focused. Like last night I was missing out so much on competing, and I was thinking and getting excited about my new routine. I can't wait to perform it. And I was thinking and planning what I need to do to get their, my action plan. It's so clear what I have to do. Now the challenge is to be able to go into training and not be distracted by everyone else, who are training for competition one month ahead of me.
Just to add - hopefully it'll be HO P, b/s, HO T, DB T, and ending FTB, rudi, DB P. That would as AWESOME as it's going to get, aside from not being able to do my other dream routine.
It's interesting too, having to turn my life from where I am now to back on track, focused. Like last night I was missing out so much on competing, and I was thinking and getting excited about my new routine. I can't wait to perform it. And I was thinking and planning what I need to do to get their, my action plan. It's so clear what I have to do. Now the challenge is to be able to go into training and not be distracted by everyone else, who are training for competition one month ahead of me.
Just to add - hopefully it'll be HO P, b/s, HO T, DB T, and ending FTB, rudi, DB P. That would as AWESOME as it's going to get, aside from not being able to do my other dream routine.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Golden dreaming...
This is for Ben, one of the glorious pictures I took. There are plenty more than this.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Storytime
Please too...another thought. If you'd like to share a story, write away as much as you want...you'll notice I ramble and you're welcome to to.
It was lovely getting an email from a gym friend (different gym) today telling me what she was up to...she's kicking some butt :D
It was lovely getting an email from a gym friend (different gym) today telling me what she was up to...she's kicking some butt :D
...
a little bit of an update...
haven't run since last monday, have been trying to let my body heal (been sick) - I'd really love not to be continuously sick all the time...
training has been semi ok...all my friends are training for comp and i'm not, so i'm a little bit stuck, goal-less for now which means i'm just floating around at training...i hate not having goals to train for. and yes i'm doing new routines and skill work/refining, but it's just blergh...i do HO P, b/s, jumps, HO T, DB T today. Easily could've just done the four skills in a row...I wish I could get my rudis fabulous and then learn rudi outs...and I wish my coach had a flippin' idea about progressions...i'm never really going to learn anything beyond the four doubles because she doesn't coach for parallel learning...you do the drills for about two weeks and then you're expected to just pull the skill around...oh well...i want to do 1/2 1/2s (HIHO) :D
on the bright side of finishing comp, i can eat whatever i want. on the downside, i've been so lazy and put on a stack of weight, and also lost soo much strength. I found my old elite tramp strength program last night, i'm hoping to start on that...
oh and 8 weeks till Hunter Valley HM...to which i'm just all "la la la" and most likely won't even be close to being ready for...
i dislike this "whatever" kinda phase, but, hey. it happens.
haven't run since last monday, have been trying to let my body heal (been sick) - I'd really love not to be continuously sick all the time...
training has been semi ok...all my friends are training for comp and i'm not, so i'm a little bit stuck, goal-less for now which means i'm just floating around at training...i hate not having goals to train for. and yes i'm doing new routines and skill work/refining, but it's just blergh...i do HO P, b/s, jumps, HO T, DB T today. Easily could've just done the four skills in a row...I wish I could get my rudis fabulous and then learn rudi outs...and I wish my coach had a flippin' idea about progressions...i'm never really going to learn anything beyond the four doubles because she doesn't coach for parallel learning...you do the drills for about two weeks and then you're expected to just pull the skill around...oh well...i want to do 1/2 1/2s (HIHO) :D
on the bright side of finishing comp, i can eat whatever i want. on the downside, i've been so lazy and put on a stack of weight, and also lost soo much strength. I found my old elite tramp strength program last night, i'm hoping to start on that...
oh and 8 weeks till Hunter Valley HM...to which i'm just all "la la la" and most likely won't even be close to being ready for...
i dislike this "whatever" kinda phase, but, hey. it happens.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Do we call it laziness...
Haven't done much this week. Woke up feeling sick on Wednesday (sore throat etc), so missed run then. Still went to training, had a cruisy session. Thursday went to gym, feeling pretty yuck. Even today I didn't want to go to training, but I still did.
So consensus is thus. When I feel sick, I feel crap. And I think I've been sick so often lately because I've been training 5-6 days a week, and thus when I actually have a break (Monday-Tuesday), my body decides it's fun to play catch up. Oh, and I've slept like crap this week too.
HATE being sick though. Means I'm also more sore...:O my hammies today...bugger, they killed.
This afternoon's training session featured our photos being taken for the newspaper :D We're all going to be stars. And she kept on focusing in on me (despite there being 10 or so of us in the picture). Eeeek. Still, fun. And sheepishly I will say it's always been a goal to get my photo (although I wanted an action one) in the sports section.
Training was cool...in particular stringing together as many doubles as we can (I broke my record), and reconstructing my rudis. That's so desperately needed. Especially because I don't have enough forward skills in my vol without it. (Goodbye piked barani).
Strength training at the end - I've lost so much strength. We had to do 10 pushups and 10 pushup claps - I couldn't even do all of that!!! I used to be able to do 100. I've been too lax about strength - I need to get myself back into it.
So consensus is thus. When I feel sick, I feel crap. And I think I've been sick so often lately because I've been training 5-6 days a week, and thus when I actually have a break (Monday-Tuesday), my body decides it's fun to play catch up. Oh, and I've slept like crap this week too.
HATE being sick though. Means I'm also more sore...:O my hammies today...bugger, they killed.
This afternoon's training session featured our photos being taken for the newspaper :D We're all going to be stars. And she kept on focusing in on me (despite there being 10 or so of us in the picture). Eeeek. Still, fun. And sheepishly I will say it's always been a goal to get my photo (although I wanted an action one) in the sports section.
Training was cool...in particular stringing together as many doubles as we can (I broke my record), and reconstructing my rudis. That's so desperately needed. Especially because I don't have enough forward skills in my vol without it. (Goodbye piked barani).
Strength training at the end - I've lost so much strength. We had to do 10 pushups and 10 pushup claps - I couldn't even do all of that!!! I used to be able to do 100. I've been too lax about strength - I need to get myself back into it.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Bling bling bling
Just a quick mention - our club earnt 31 medals at the state championships. (2nd overall; 2nd in age; 2nd in elite). 15 state titles, 10 silvers, and 6 bronze.
GO US!
GO US!
Monday 6.8km
Tonight's training was cancelled, and after some broken sleep this morning, I decided to run pm. Was a nice long slow run, with the focus on just running comfortably the distance and for time.
6.8km (according to gmaps), just under 45 minutes. Lots of up and downs all over the place, but nothing absolutely deadly.
Was feeling incredibly sick and bloated too the entire way - my stomach was 'pot belly' and all my muscles were stretching. I think that could be attributed to the potato gems for afternoon tea 1 hr prior :D
Was impressed to that I ran the entire way - first run of this distance in a week or two, and I tend to lose consistancy. Could really feel my cardio system struggling and working with the last few kms, just felt harder because I've been a little bit asthma sick plus it was quite cool.
Ooooh, I also had my first big stack - running downhill on dirt, tripped over a rock and fell down. Lots of dirt all over hands and knees. Was fun :D
6.8km (according to gmaps), just under 45 minutes. Lots of up and downs all over the place, but nothing absolutely deadly.
Was feeling incredibly sick and bloated too the entire way - my stomach was 'pot belly' and all my muscles were stretching. I think that could be attributed to the potato gems for afternoon tea 1 hr prior :D
Was impressed to that I ran the entire way - first run of this distance in a week or two, and I tend to lose consistancy. Could really feel my cardio system struggling and working with the last few kms, just felt harder because I've been a little bit asthma sick plus it was quite cool.
Ooooh, I also had my first big stack - running downhill on dirt, tripped over a rock and fell down. Lots of dirt all over hands and knees. Was fun :D
Sunday, May 20, 2007
State Championships...
Well today was the day I was competing at state trampoline championships.
You only really have to be at the competition hall (CCYC at Gosford) for your events. The idea is always to reduce the length of your days - comeptitions are so tiring. Especially when you might arrive at 7.45 (after driving for an hour or two), have general warmup at 8, and then not compete until 4pm (or worse). I think last night competition finished at 9.30-10pm.
So when the workplan said I only had to compete the Sunday, around 12pm, my coach said that a good time to be there was at about 11am (because these competitions will ALWAYS run longer than they have to). So I arrived at 11am, and go to sit down, and then Jas was telling me I had to go out the back and warm up. Why? "Because this is finals, and you're about to get marshalled!" - For the first time in my 7 years of competing, this was the first time I'd ever seen a competition running ahead of schedule.
So I ran out the back, basically jumped on a trampoline, bounced, then did a set routine, and then did a vol (both all the way through, no dramas - very different from last week's training!), somewhat panicking as well. I'm about to get up to have another go (normally you'd have 5ish goes: arm drills + saults, somersault go like a Ross Combo, 1 or 2 sets, and then 2-3 goes at whole vols or bits. Then you'd go relax, chill out, put on a leotard, actually do your hair so you look presentable, etc). Instead, I get called to marshal for trampoline...
After 10 minute touch (which went fine), we're ready to compete. I'm up in the later half of the flight. Not nervous at all, just ready. Got up, competed, and did a full routine!!! WOW! Coming from me, the queen of not doing 10 skills and doing that freak thing wrong which has never happened before. I remember halfway through the routine, just feeling a rush and a "WOW!" because I was doing it. My crash dive wasn't fantastic, and the ballout 1/2 neither (there's a 0.5 if ever one) - no kickout so left a bit all over the place going into straddle-rudi. My rudi...gosh. That's my Iffy with a Capital I skill (broken ankle, knee). And in warmups I over-ro'd one, did a 1 1/4 twist on another...I did it, absolutely killed my outbounce, but I finished up right! I had the biggest smile on my face as I turned to present, saw one of my teammates who was judging give me a smile and shake of the head. Got off, killed myself smiling and got a big hug from my coach :D It was so exciting and very, very happy.
Vols were next- I was only planning on doing 2 doubles (not the 3 I had been training in routines). Everything was going really well until the full twist back (FTB). I'd had the most annoying time with them in the last week. I have fantastic, beautiful, beautiful, neat and perfectly extended fulls with straight arms. Except for some reason, I would start going up into the full, and then get lost and stop turning, and have to try and full a "gymnastics tucked full" around - with arms all over the place (harder to turn when your arms and body are trying to go two different ways). So I stopped and crashed on the flyaway. Soooo annoying, because a) it's a full b) my routine is a piece of cake after the first skill c) I never crash fulls and d) it's another incomplete routine. I mean, really, a FULL TWIST BACK. Grrr. Sooo sooo soo annoying. Just because I'm crap at doing forwards twisting doesn't mean I'm bad at twisting backwards. I've done fulls, 1 1/2s, double twists, 2 1/2s, full in drills, full in tucked and piked...grrr. Of all the times for me to freak out. I think I tried to twist too early.
Still made finals (bless those NSW rules). Head coach said I had to take the FTB out of vol. Didn't warm up three doubles (was only going to compete them if things were fantastic). Ended up killing my bounce after HO P start and then basically just trying to string together 10 skills. Got through 10 skills, only to land my outbounce after DB T on the flyaway. So annoying. I had turned to my friend who was matting for me before I got up to compete and said "I really don't want to compete finals". I really just wanted to pull out of finals, and double mini, and go home. So odd and out of character for me too. But no one else was bombing (which is great for everyone else), and when everyone else is kicking your butt in terms of execution and difficulty. I always feel like I'm just so far behind, and that they're an entire league ahead of me.
Anyway.
I had a bit of a break before double mini. I tried to have a run through on the back tramp - wasn't worth trying after a few run throughs. Competition was fairly decent, except for the fact I didn't want to do it. But again, how stupid of me would it have been to pull out. One of my goals I realised on Friday night was that I didn't want to compete to other people's expectations - instead, what really mattered to me (aside from trying to make nationals). And that was, that whatever I did, it had to be to make me happy. So that focus took the shift off the "we've been training for nationals in July since last September". Although the idea of the only we've done in training since January is routines was still there. You wanted to make it count. You wanted that display, that routine, to show the culmination of everything you've done in training.
Off track...just shows how in a muddle my brain is.
First pass just did a layout instead of FTB (had warmed up bar S- FTB, just wasn't in a fantastic spot). Second pass was going to be barani (T), double back tucked, and I DID IT!!! It was fantastic!!! Especially considering I learnt it about 1 1/2 weeks ago, and generally wouldn't stand up properly into it, and then consequently stack the landing. Instead, I was in a great spot, I stood up, rotated great (albeit with flexed feet and slightly chucked head...must work on that...thanks Nando), and landed upright - basically stuck the landing, except I was so shocked I landed on my feet, took a tiny step. A big smile again on my face, even nicer because two of my friends/coaches/training people were on the judging panel. So nice to do it. It was great not to have fall fest :D
Although in finals it was a bit of fall fest. I don't have 3rd and 4th passes (let's face it, I don't even have 2 passes). Did bar P-FTB, which I fell on - overrotated, did a full in drill aka full twist back to back, smacking my head into the mat. So frustrating. And an easy 4th pass, with a step.
I've competed the entire season without sticking one landing.
So my competition over...I came 3rd in the state on dmt. All the other girls completely kicked my butt in terms of difficulty, doing double somersaults together (:O).
Still, it wasn't too bad - glad I did compete dmt.
~~~~
Now the question is where to from here. I didn't make the state team, so no competition for four months...I don't really know where to go or what to do. I can't really work on anything new when I struggle with what I'm doing now, and also the new skills to work on are going past four doubles into the complex doubles, which take months to do the drills and progressions properly...I just don't know. Originally I was going to compete one more season, but whether that ends now, or has a break till August, then national clubs in September...and all my training buddies are going to nationals (and worlds), so that adds to the excluded feeling I hate so much. (That's what happens when you train at elite clubs). I don't know if I want to train, but the idea of giving up and walking away...
I saw my old coach today as well. I miss her so much. Didn't really get to talk to her either :(
You only really have to be at the competition hall (CCYC at Gosford) for your events. The idea is always to reduce the length of your days - comeptitions are so tiring. Especially when you might arrive at 7.45 (after driving for an hour or two), have general warmup at 8, and then not compete until 4pm (or worse). I think last night competition finished at 9.30-10pm.
So when the workplan said I only had to compete the Sunday, around 12pm, my coach said that a good time to be there was at about 11am (because these competitions will ALWAYS run longer than they have to). So I arrived at 11am, and go to sit down, and then Jas was telling me I had to go out the back and warm up. Why? "Because this is finals, and you're about to get marshalled!" - For the first time in my 7 years of competing, this was the first time I'd ever seen a competition running ahead of schedule.
So I ran out the back, basically jumped on a trampoline, bounced, then did a set routine, and then did a vol (both all the way through, no dramas - very different from last week's training!), somewhat panicking as well. I'm about to get up to have another go (normally you'd have 5ish goes: arm drills + saults, somersault go like a Ross Combo, 1 or 2 sets, and then 2-3 goes at whole vols or bits. Then you'd go relax, chill out, put on a leotard, actually do your hair so you look presentable, etc). Instead, I get called to marshal for trampoline...
After 10 minute touch (which went fine), we're ready to compete. I'm up in the later half of the flight. Not nervous at all, just ready. Got up, competed, and did a full routine!!! WOW! Coming from me, the queen of not doing 10 skills and doing that freak thing wrong which has never happened before. I remember halfway through the routine, just feeling a rush and a "WOW!" because I was doing it. My crash dive wasn't fantastic, and the ballout 1/2 neither (there's a 0.5 if ever one) - no kickout so left a bit all over the place going into straddle-rudi. My rudi...gosh. That's my Iffy with a Capital I skill (broken ankle, knee). And in warmups I over-ro'd one, did a 1 1/4 twist on another...I did it, absolutely killed my outbounce, but I finished up right! I had the biggest smile on my face as I turned to present, saw one of my teammates who was judging give me a smile and shake of the head. Got off, killed myself smiling and got a big hug from my coach :D It was so exciting and very, very happy.
Vols were next- I was only planning on doing 2 doubles (not the 3 I had been training in routines). Everything was going really well until the full twist back (FTB). I'd had the most annoying time with them in the last week. I have fantastic, beautiful, beautiful, neat and perfectly extended fulls with straight arms. Except for some reason, I would start going up into the full, and then get lost and stop turning, and have to try and full a "gymnastics tucked full" around - with arms all over the place (harder to turn when your arms and body are trying to go two different ways). So I stopped and crashed on the flyaway. Soooo annoying, because a) it's a full b) my routine is a piece of cake after the first skill c) I never crash fulls and d) it's another incomplete routine. I mean, really, a FULL TWIST BACK. Grrr. Sooo sooo soo annoying. Just because I'm crap at doing forwards twisting doesn't mean I'm bad at twisting backwards. I've done fulls, 1 1/2s, double twists, 2 1/2s, full in drills, full in tucked and piked...grrr. Of all the times for me to freak out. I think I tried to twist too early.
Still made finals (bless those NSW rules). Head coach said I had to take the FTB out of vol. Didn't warm up three doubles (was only going to compete them if things were fantastic). Ended up killing my bounce after HO P start and then basically just trying to string together 10 skills. Got through 10 skills, only to land my outbounce after DB T on the flyaway. So annoying. I had turned to my friend who was matting for me before I got up to compete and said "I really don't want to compete finals". I really just wanted to pull out of finals, and double mini, and go home. So odd and out of character for me too. But no one else was bombing (which is great for everyone else), and when everyone else is kicking your butt in terms of execution and difficulty. I always feel like I'm just so far behind, and that they're an entire league ahead of me.
Anyway.
I had a bit of a break before double mini. I tried to have a run through on the back tramp - wasn't worth trying after a few run throughs. Competition was fairly decent, except for the fact I didn't want to do it. But again, how stupid of me would it have been to pull out. One of my goals I realised on Friday night was that I didn't want to compete to other people's expectations - instead, what really mattered to me (aside from trying to make nationals). And that was, that whatever I did, it had to be to make me happy. So that focus took the shift off the "we've been training for nationals in July since last September". Although the idea of the only we've done in training since January is routines was still there. You wanted to make it count. You wanted that display, that routine, to show the culmination of everything you've done in training.
Off track...just shows how in a muddle my brain is.
First pass just did a layout instead of FTB (had warmed up bar S- FTB, just wasn't in a fantastic spot). Second pass was going to be barani (T), double back tucked, and I DID IT!!! It was fantastic!!! Especially considering I learnt it about 1 1/2 weeks ago, and generally wouldn't stand up properly into it, and then consequently stack the landing. Instead, I was in a great spot, I stood up, rotated great (albeit with flexed feet and slightly chucked head...must work on that...thanks Nando), and landed upright - basically stuck the landing, except I was so shocked I landed on my feet, took a tiny step. A big smile again on my face, even nicer because two of my friends/coaches/training people were on the judging panel. So nice to do it. It was great not to have fall fest :D
Although in finals it was a bit of fall fest. I don't have 3rd and 4th passes (let's face it, I don't even have 2 passes). Did bar P-FTB, which I fell on - overrotated, did a full in drill aka full twist back to back, smacking my head into the mat. So frustrating. And an easy 4th pass, with a step.
I've competed the entire season without sticking one landing.
So my competition over...I came 3rd in the state on dmt. All the other girls completely kicked my butt in terms of difficulty, doing double somersaults together (:O).
Still, it wasn't too bad - glad I did compete dmt.
~~~~
Now the question is where to from here. I didn't make the state team, so no competition for four months...I don't really know where to go or what to do. I can't really work on anything new when I struggle with what I'm doing now, and also the new skills to work on are going past four doubles into the complex doubles, which take months to do the drills and progressions properly...I just don't know. Originally I was going to compete one more season, but whether that ends now, or has a break till August, then national clubs in September...and all my training buddies are going to nationals (and worlds), so that adds to the excluded feeling I hate so much. (That's what happens when you train at elite clubs). I don't know if I want to train, but the idea of giving up and walking away...
I saw my old coach today as well. I miss her so much. Didn't really get to talk to her either :(
Friday, May 18, 2007
Saturday...
Well training last night was a shambles. We were all terrified when our coach walked into the gym, betting how much of a degree we'd get yelled at. It wasn't that bad, she either didn't know or tends to forgive us, we just didn't train great. I had a shocker (again - fourth one in a row). Despite all this, I'm not nervous at all for State. I'm really looking forward to it. Except the leotard bit...(just never look at what you look like).
I was a bit stuffed after training, tired. Had a good dinner but didn't get much sleep.
This morning I rode 20km in 30 minutes (way to go stationary bikes) on an empty stomach. My legs were sore. Normally, they'll be sore for the first 15, then calm down, but today they were just sore. Same with my shoulders and inner abs - it must've been gym on Thursday, because they're definitely feeling the effects of something.
I was a bit stuffed after training, tired. Had a good dinner but didn't get much sleep.
This morning I rode 20km in 30 minutes (way to go stationary bikes) on an empty stomach. My legs were sore. Normally, they'll be sore for the first 15, then calm down, but today they were just sore. Same with my shoulders and inner abs - it must've been gym on Thursday, because they're definitely feeling the effects of something.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Gym, gym, gym
Last night at gym...what fun!
Warmup and tumbling...did sooo many flics on floor, they're getting there. It was funny, because now I just go and go and go, and I remember I used to be so terrified to do even one. After that first one, all fear went, and now it's just bang bang bang, repetition after repetition.
Standing backs...eeek...
*Tried* doing cartwheel-back sault dismount on beam. Why can't I just do roundoff-back? Sooo much easier. Still, beam is still the easiest...
Bars...wow, 30 x kips, and you can tell I haven't been on bars for about 3 weeks. Legs just died, as they do...ended up doing kips where you just don't shoot your feet enough :O. Clear hips were a laugh as well, would get to invert, and then not shoot over properly.
A wee-extra little bit of tumbling at the end, can't quite remember...
And some double twists in the pit!
Fun, just tired this morning...I was too lazy last night.
Warmup and tumbling...did sooo many flics on floor, they're getting there. It was funny, because now I just go and go and go, and I remember I used to be so terrified to do even one. After that first one, all fear went, and now it's just bang bang bang, repetition after repetition.
Standing backs...eeek...
*Tried* doing cartwheel-back sault dismount on beam. Why can't I just do roundoff-back? Sooo much easier. Still, beam is still the easiest...
Bars...wow, 30 x kips, and you can tell I haven't been on bars for about 3 weeks. Legs just died, as they do...ended up doing kips where you just don't shoot your feet enough :O. Clear hips were a laugh as well, would get to invert, and then not shoot over properly.
A wee-extra little bit of tumbling at the end, can't quite remember...
And some double twists in the pit!
Fun, just tired this morning...I was too lazy last night.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The beginning...
Ok, so I started this year with some new goals, as I always do. I'm a very goal-driven person. Creating a blog was one of them. There's also quite a few extras, but the main gist is:
2007 Running Goals:
Run Quarry Road Trail as an out-and-back.
Run The Commenarra Parkway once a month (just one length, 8km).
Get back up to running 1hr
Beat 16km time (1:47) - goal is 1:30
Consistently run 6min kms for longer runs...speed up the pace for the rest!
Run GC or Hunter Valley HM this year.
Run 6ft Track by the time I'm 30. What a beautiful track (and those HILLS!!!). The only problem with this is, ahem, I have to run a sub 4hr marathon. (Me? Run a marathon?).
Of course, there are dreams, and then there is reality. What I've been struggling with most lately is sickness, tiredness, injury and trying to prepare for State Championships (trampoline) on Sunday!
2007 Running Goals:
Run Quarry Road Trail as an out-and-back.
Run The Commenarra Parkway once a month (just one length, 8km).
Get back up to running 1hr
Beat 16km time (1:47) - goal is 1:30
Consistently run 6min kms for longer runs...speed up the pace for the rest!
Run GC or Hunter Valley HM this year.
Run 6ft Track by the time I'm 30. What a beautiful track (and those HILLS!!!). The only problem with this is, ahem, I have to run a sub 4hr marathon. (Me? Run a marathon?).
Of course, there are dreams, and then there is reality. What I've been struggling with most lately is sickness, tiredness, injury and trying to prepare for State Championships (trampoline) on Sunday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
