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