Caution?!

I didn't lift legs Thursday because I had taken 16 jumps and wanted to try and jump again today.  I felt flat, which is an indicator I should have lifted.  Remember me commenting that I recover faster when I lift after?  I need to remember that.

In any case, had a big headwind and feeling crappy, I took 9 jumps and called it quits.  That used to be a good day. Had to be back a stride to use a small pole and still had to work too hard to get in.

This said, technically I'm getting some consistency and confidence in my jumps.  I was going to start using 4m poles on my fresh day Thursday but I may choose to stay here on the 3.75s.  We will have to see.  Thanks for your support.  I will carry on!  Bubba

Living Colour - "Open Letter to a Landlord" - Vernon Reid is a GREAT guitarist.  I read where another famous guitarist said he was the only one he knew that could name every note as he played it, no matter how fast he played - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V5VkMqM07s

Feeling Weak!!

It's inevitable that when you train consistently you're going to have days that you just don't feel strong.  Today was one of them.  It's super important that I finish these days and pay attention to every rep on every set.  Not anxious to move the weights up; just get it done right. I survived!  Have a great day and thanks for checking in!  Bubba

Winery Dogs - "Criminal" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QujWr3_zFE

Lookng Up!!

Today I quit trying to drive the square peg into the round hole!

Great advice from Kris about easing the run back and making sure I had good pole speed.  I used it this morning by starting with my first 12'4" pole from 3 rather than 2.  The objective was a relaxed run and almost too much pole speed to start.  Got in 16 jumps ending at 5 lefts.  Had I thought I could have safely taken three more jumps I would have gone to 6.  So dead on, he's right. I'll stick to this.  I also really pushed my grip from 2 steps and 4 steps. Good day technically as well.  Thanks so much for your support!  Bubba

Van Halen - "Right Now" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMV-fenGP1g

Wake Up Call!!

DAMN!!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM9QVI1NRFs

With this information I went into training a little demoralized.  The more I thought about it, the more I'm on track to be at 12'6" myself.  But its still a wake up call.  Have a great day!  Bubba

Pantera - "Cowboys From Hell-Live in Moscow 1991" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM9QVI1NRFs

Patience?!

One of my favorite sayings is that "Impatience means you have no confidence in your plan".  I'm patient and therefore confident. Not perfect, but I can see all of the pieces working together now.  Have a great day!  Bubba

Velvet Revolver - "Slither" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKz2U4fvA4U

Execute the Plan!!

I went out today, nervous to try the "List" as Kris and I agreed.  It went very well to a point but I also got some revelations.  From 8'-9'6" things went great.  The pole moved really fast and if I didn't jump up and swing my hips to my hands quickly I'd be into the bar instead of going up the pole.  By 10' I was really having to work to get there as my starting step was a left foot on 36'.  Kris I started at 32' rather than 33' because I was afraid I would have to reach. 

What I noticed was that my right Achilles got sore, which it never does. I normally start of with my right foot because I've had two Achilles surgeries on my left. In any case, mental note made.

Where I got into trouble was at 10'6".  I moved back a stride and still couldn't get to the box from the prescribed mid.  I guess I could have moved back another stride but it seemed I shouldn't have to do that. The bottom line is that I don't have a long stride length anyway, so pushing to get to the box is dangerous.  Actually I stopped because I felt one more attempt would strain my groin.

So the lesson learned is that I will forget about the mids, but match up the list grip to the list bar height to assure great pole speed.  Turned out I was only gripping about 2" higher than the list anyway so I was glad of that.  I can start from 2 lefts if I want as long as my grip matches the list bar height.

Overall it was great to be slamming my swing off of a stiff body at the top of my jump off of the ground.  Very rhythmical with great line ups.  I got in 13 jumps and most were pretty clean technically.  I can build off of this as long as I follow the precautions just listed.  I think that's just an age thing.  Thanks a ton Kris! Bubba

Avenged Sevenfold - "Buried Alive" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb29OEAppKM

Please check out Kris' Comments!

Please take a few minutes and read my coach, Kris Allison's take on my blog yesterday.  They are at the bottom of the post.  EXACTLY why he's the best coach and my coach since I returned from two Achilles surgeries in 2005.  Thanks!  Bubba

Kick butt training song!  Megadeth - "Dread  the Fugitive Mind" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odBpvytd5Iw

Change of Plans

This is what I was about to write to my coach, Kris Allison, so I thought I would post it here as well.  Kris please shoot me an email with your input.  Thanks Dude!

OK so even with more eating of protein and lifting hard I've settled in at around 160 lbs.  Though I'm starting to move poles again, nothing big and certainly not a decent grip height.  I'm getting a push off at 10'6" and my grip is well under the bar at 11' and 11'6"  I'm trying to gain weight without the fat but that's a slow process. 

SO, Kris I'm thinking about returning to the "List" - http://www.bubbapv.com/Pages/dj.htm  The reason is that my start mark (list mid mark) for 8' IS my full run from where I can jump 11' each day.  The list brings you into the box much faster, with a lower grip, which believe it or not, rapidly moves you to bigger poles.  Since I can't seem to move big poles and I'm not getting my run back before I'm too tired, it seems the list would force me to do both rather safely and in a fun way.  Thoughts Kris!!  Thanks!  Bubba

Judas Priest - "Victim of Changes" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl2KTMXyH0M

I Just Don't Know!!

Training has been going well.  I'm stronger and faster.  My run has moved back a foot.  Today I jumped from 23', 33' and 43' = 13 jumps.  I'm jumping fairly well just not all of that high. 

I make 11' every day from 3 lefts/6 steps/33' which is fine, but I'm still fishing for constant hand pressure on the bigger poles.  If I hit it and hold it I blow through and the grip is too low.  If I hit and release I either bail out or don't get in well.  I

've come to the conclusion I just need to blow the pole away every jump and never let the pressure off.  Have a wonderful evening and thanks for checking in.  Bubba

Midnight Oil - "Burning Beds" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejorQVy3m8E

Work in Progress!!

I got 15 jumps in again today, so for that I'm happy.  I'm a bit frustrated because of my hit and miss technique, but I guess that's to be expected.  First, I'm up almost 4 lbs./2kg from last Sunday as I'm adding more protein and trying to gain back this lost weight.  This will effect timing in a good way when I'm a bit heavier where I'm comfortable.

The other issue is that the arc is fairly short so I'm having a bit of a tough time timing the jump through the take off.  If I jump through like I'm supposed to, I miss the bottom, and if I swing off the ground, I won't be able to move bigger poles. 

The few jumps I hit today felt good.  I turned under on 6 jumps that I should have gone on.  Once I bailed I saw I was easily in the pit, but when I bailed I didn't think I was in.  This will take care of itself when I'm more familiar with the poles/grips/runs, as I just start going no matter where I am. 

All of this said, 15 jumps and no injuries.  Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks for your support!  Bubba

Slash with Myles Kennedy - "World on Fire" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P1wI6rwnFc

Hmmm!!!

As I work so hard to refine my fitness, I realize that in five months I have time to get out of shape again!  That's a good thing to keep in mind when I'm grinding my but off in the hot garage, gym or track, so it won't happen.  Have a great day!  Bubba

One of the great underrated front me, Myles Kennedy, here with Alter Bridge.  Also love him with Slash - "Addicted to Pain" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M9QxzpTjec

Recovery

I re-learned a very weird lesson yesterday. As much as I feel like crap when I finish jumping, if I will go ahead and make myself go to the gym and lift legs/bars right afterwards, I recover much faster.  Most days after jumping I'm moving slow and kind of hobbling around the house.  Last night and today I feel actually pretty good. Glad I lifted yesterday ... and today! Have a great day and thanks for checking in!  Bubba 

To Dean "The Machine" Gregory, longtime friend and music guru - Winery Dogs Live - Elevate/Other Side from Sonicshpere 2014 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDnSkwvp384

Long Jump Day!!

Part of my overhaul for this light weight (158-160) is to have a pole I could start at from 2 lefts/4 steps or 22'. I was able to jump 10' and almost 10'6" so that felt like progress.  Made 10'6" and 11' from 3/6/33' run.

Technically fairly hit and miss with no real constant solid hand pressure jumps, but I'm sure that will be back next session.  The surprise was I got in 16 jumps.  Normal I'm 6-9 jumps so I guess this shows my harder lifting and running is helping my endurance. 

I had no pain and it was really nice to have an extended jump session, no matter how low the level.  Have a great day and thanks for your support! Bubba

Queen - "Tie Your Mother Down" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLHChLq5peQ

Belief!!

Working hard and every moment I reach and strain I believe!  No matter how hard it seems and no matter how hopeless it sometimes feels.  I MUST believe or why bother!!  Have a great day!  Bubba

John Mayer - "Belief" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hFyvEswGRM

Focus on Goals!!

The hardest part of training is starting.  Once I'm in the rhythm I'm good and will get the most out of each set and rep.  The key for me is just to get out of the door early so I never feel rushed, and start with weights I can control.  I have a meeting this morning so I got up at 5:40 AM and was lifting by 7.  That gives me more strength that any weight lifted or rationalization as to why I can do it later, or make it up, and then don't. 

I find myself healthy and ready to jump a full week earlier than expected.  That said I won't.  I'll stick to the schedule and spend the next five days adapting to the new/old training.  A little more sore than I expected but that's good news.  Have a great day and thanks for checking in!  Bubba

April Wine - "I Like to Rock" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlcY_enzwmI

Rerouting!!

As you can imagine, as I travel I get to think about what I'm doing right and wrong with my training.  I look at what are real or perceived deficits and then plan for next year.  I remember when I was younger I used to share these plans with my mom.  Her response shocked me because it made so much sense. She said, "That sounds like a great idea.  Why don't you start that NOW?  Why wait for next year?"  This became the motto for me and my coach and dear friend Kris Allison.  So here we go again.

With five months until Worlds in France, I have plenty of time to benefit from these changes.  What changes you say? The reality is that most of what I'm changing is taking me back to what I used to do.  I've done lots of experimenting to address weaknesses and in the void were left mew weaknesses that used to be strengths.

My running has changed and my lifting has changed.  I'll give it a few more sessions before I jump. Last week I got four new 12'4"/3.75m poles to give me a 9 pole practice series.  I no longer have big gaps between poles, plus I have one I can jump on from 2 lefts/4 steps.  I feel certain that over time this will be a good set up.  With my weight this morning being 158.6, there are many adjustments needed.  Have a great day!  Bubba

Megadeth - "Mechanix" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAuYaeQjBXc

Back to Work!!

Really good long and quality running and lifting today.  I have a stretch of at least 11 consecutive days of training as I get a break from travel.  I need both!  Bubba

Winery Dogs - "Elevate" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnMBix9Zq5o

Carry On!!

I've gotten a couple of very good training days in yesterday and today.  Rain all around but got my sleds and gym in.  I'm being overcautious with the right hamstring thing.  This time last week it jumped up on my when I was doing sleds.  Today I had no hint of it. 

I have another short/normal week of travel so I will be home Wednesday and then home the entire week the next week.  I'll get a hardcore 11 days of training in and then jump that following Thursday about three weeks after the leg issue.

Got my new poles and taped and cut them yesterday.  I now have nine 3.75m/12'4" poles for training.  These will be somewhat forgiving so hopefully I can get some high level jumps in without getting hurt like  might on the 4.15ms/13'7"s or 4.30ms/14'1"s.  Have a great day and thanks for checking in!  Bubba

Roxy Music - "Love is the Drug" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n3OepDn5GU