CARIFTA Trials 2011

What a disappointing day it was at the trials yesterday at Hasley Crawford Stadium! Not only that I didn't make the team but I didn't come in the top three even. The CARIFTA trials is what I have been training for, for the past couple weeks, months, years.... At the end it's always to make the team...

So there I was at the trials, 1st throw, concentrating on technique, focusing, pulled off a 13.05 meters... I immediately thought I was taking home the third place with that one throw, to the point where my other five throws were less than my 1st throw. Wondering why I was satisfied with 3rd? Well, competing with us again, were the two national athletes, Hezekiel Romeo and Akeem Stewart and those two were basically fighting for 1st and 2nd, nobody could come near their distance of 16 to 17 meters. There we were, doing our throws, 1st three rounds came to and end and still I was locked in 3rd and suddenly my nemesis, Micah Mc Nish pulled off a 13.21 meter throw...

At this point, I am in awe... studying how could this happen, trying to get my head back in the game, I felt the nervousness in my body. Two throws passed and still haven't passed his mark! There I was about to make the final throw and nerves beyond my experience! Bamm!!! 11 meters... Terrible!!!

I sat down just there gazing thoughts started flowing through my mind... "what would coach say?" "what have you been training for?" "all this training for nothing?"... All negative thoughts, I honestly felt like tearing up at that point. Luckily coach wasn't as hard on me as I expected... He was just curious to know what went wrong... How did I fowl two of my throws? I blamed the nerves...

At the end of the day

1st place: Akeem Stewart 17.24 m

2nd place: Hezekiel Romeo 16.69m

3rd place: Micah Mc Nish 13.21 m

Hezekiel Romeo and Akeem Stewart will be representing Trinidad in CARIFTA Games 2011 Boys U20 shot put

Note to self: 2012 IS MY YEAR!!!!!

Nationals 2011

So yesterday was nationals!!! Yup! Tobago, Toco, and many other districts came together to compete for the title of National champions 2011! I on the other hand was focusing on obtaining third place in the shot put. With national athletes, Hezekiel Romeo and Akeem Stewart in the same age category as I am, I had no chances of pulling off a second place victory.

Although third place was my goal, it was not "in the bag" for me. There were other athletes like Kyle Preudhomme and Micah Mc nish also competing for the spot. To top that off my coach, Ishmael Lopez told me if I allowed Micah to beat me, I am not allowed to train under his name, so my reputation and my career was on the line!

At the beginning of the throws, I was doing okay as I took the lead of Micah by a couple centimeters. I was pretty confident that 3rd place was mine! On the last round however, Micah threw 12.7 meters and that topped all of my previous throws. At this point, my coach looked at me and I could feel the energy coming out of him. I began to panic, legs began to shake the whole works! As I walked into the circle, the nerves turned to adrenaline!! I pulled off a 12.9m throw which took the third place home for me!

I was overjoyed at that point but then it hit me, the top 8 throwers had to go for another round! In this round neither myself nor Mc Nish threw beyond the 12.9 mark so it was official! I took home the bronze!


In the end, Hezekiel Romeo (Port Of Spain) took home gold Akeem Stewart (Tobago) took home silver and Garth Williams Port Of Spain) took home Bronze

Test Update- Days 2-4

So my last week of gym tests began on Ash Wednesday after the Carnival celebrations so we only did 4 days of tests which ended on the Saturday (12th). I didn't get the time to update everyday after the Wednesday so here I am updating for the days I omitted (Thursday to Saturday)

On Thursday we did heavy throws i.e. throwing with the 7K. The outcome was very satisfying as I threw the shot a whopping 12.36 meters while gliding...

On Friday we had a gym test which included Power Cleans and Incline Bench press... I was very jubilant about my cleans but the inclines... not so much!! For some reason my Incline Bench press will not budge. Ever since I know myself doing Incline bench press I have been maxing out 185 lbs... only once I increased to 195 and it dropped back to 185. On Friday my incline remained 185 (very annoying). Cleans had me feeling very elated!! 225 lbs I took home! I was very pleased with this result and I hope for much more in the near future...


On Saturday we had a test with our regular weight, 6K, and not much improvement came out of that... I threw 13.56 meters gliding but I threw 12.28 while standing. The theory goes that you are supposed to gain 2 meters off your standing throw, while gliding however that didn't happen with me! I only got one meter which shows how much work needs to be done with my glide technique.

Overall it was a spectacular week in my favor (with the exception of that incline bench press) but I won't get too gratified because I will be expecting more and when I don't see that, I will become depressed! Lets just hope for better in the future!!

Another week of Gym Test- Day #1-

So after a long weekend of "wotlessness", soca and simply having a good time, comes a long tiring week of gym tests. Today was the 1st day and wow I loved the outcome! Snatch, Squats and Bench Press... they all increased!! To top that off after being tested we had throws with the 7K shot and my oh my was I throwing distant throws!
The evening started off with a simple warm up and stretch, we proceeded to the gym with another specific exercise (snatch) warm up by which we simply use light weights doing the exercise. Snatch being one of the difficult exercises had me not very excited but I thought to myself "let's just go in and pull off my previous weight."
To my surprise was a 10 lb increase as I pulled 175 lbs this time around. Honestly I felt I could have gone higher to at least 185 but say what... Lets just say I don't want coach thinking I'm on illegal substances.
Anyhow, after that adrenaline rush from successfully snatching the 175 it was off to squats! Now my squats previously was 315 lbs but after warming up with a 135 lb weight I felt I could have squat with the world on my shoulder. I did my previous max of 315 and coachman was reluctant to let me continue... I on the other hand was determined to increase!!! I increased by a jaw dropping 50 lbs as I successfully squat 365 lbs on my shoulder...
Doesn't end there!!! Next was bench press! The bench press wasn't remarkable, though I did increase by 10 lbs as I successfully pressed 215 lbs, I felt that 215 is too little.... I don't know that's just me..
So as you can see I had a really nice day at training today... test results was definitely motivating but I know after all this joy comes sorrow and probably in my next test things will be depressing. I can only hope for the best now, National Championships are approaching and I hope to throw at least 15 meters with my 6K and hopefully grab a 3rd place if not 2nd because I know the tobagonians are going to come hard as they always do!
Anyway all there is left to do now is pray and hope for the best... Keep the faith!!

Zonals 2011

Like I predicted, 2nd place was mine again this year in the under 20 category for Port of Spain and Environs. I must say I am not flabbergasted or awed with my throws and performance. Second place is very ravishing for my 1st year in the age group but seriously, how much competition is there in my age category?? Well at least in my zone only Hezekiel Romeo (Caribbean under 17 record holder and Trinidad's national athlete) was the challenge and always has been! It's always a fight for second place. Certainly enough I took home the silver and it's off to Nationals in the next couple weeks.

Day 5 Test- Standing, Gliding Throws... 6K (Average Weight)

My final day of test would have to be the most depressing of the five days. I am not satisfied with my throws, I threw 11.49 meters standing with the 6k and and 13.59 meters gliding. Now this is quite an improvement compared to that of my past development meet when I threw 12.01 metres gliding, but I was aiming for 14 meters for the least. I felt like I had the ability to do it and something just held me back.

To top things off, one of my co-athletes threw an astonishing 13.15 meters which I took to heart because his improvement was quite noticeable as his technique seemed brilliant! Coming to think of it though, I did pretty well, however, I have quite a long way to go still and that hit me!

For me to qualify for the upcoming CARIFTA games, I need to throw 15 meters which is 2 whole meters above my personal best. Yes! That's a lot! Two meters I said not two centimetres.

I am saddened by those results, even though they're 'okay' at my level. But to end on a good note, I do have zonals approaching in two days which I am going to try to take home 2nd place behind the Caribbean record holder, Hezekiel Romeo. I know their's no chance of killing him off with his astonishing throws, so second place will be acceptable for me.... At least for now.

Day 4 Test- Power Cleans and Incline Bench Press

Day 4 it is!!! Splendid performance today, I can't say I'm in the gym for no reason! Today we had tests on power cleans and incline bench press and I am very satisfied with what the end result gave.

As usual training began with a warm up. Today was a rainy day however, and warm up couldn't take place in such bleak weather so we had to do it in a very warm room inside the hallows of the Hasley Crawford Stadium... I must say the warm up was very adequate for the test I had ahead of me.

We started off with the power cleans and then proceeded to the annoying (personal view) incline bench press. I unfortunately, didn't have my straps or back brace with me but I proceeded with a co-athlete's straps and no back brace. I felt very enthusiastic and felt the adrenaline and knew that I was going to increase my cleans... Fortunately for me, I increased by an astonishing 20lbs! Yup I managed to clean out 215lbs max!!!! Consider that sh*t MOTIVATING!!!!!!
Below is the video of me cleaning my 2nd to last weight of 205lbs which I then increased by adding 5lbs to each end. (durrrr)



Doing my Incline was not equally as motivating but with my results from cleaning, I couldn't complain. My max just remained at 185 lbs... I tried the 195 lbs but failed miserably!
Below is the video of me trying the 195lb incline with a disturbing failure lol...From the video I see how tense I was and how poor my breathing was.




But overall today I was pleased.... nothing to be too upset about and besides I had fun. Now I'm just waiting on my final day of tests to go and conquer!!!

Day 3 Test- Forward and Backward Throws, Standing Long Jump

Day 3 of my tests was fairly impressive... I don't know whether it was due to me not being aware of my previous accomplishments in the given test exercises but I was somewhat pleased with the result.

Training started off with a typical warm up, three laps at a mediocre paste just to get the heart pumping and maintain a warm body temperature throughout the test. We followed up with some hand and leg coordination exercises and a nice stretch for safety.

Forward and backward throws consist of basically throwing the shot (I was assigned 5k) from a deep squatting position into the air both forward and over the head respectively. It is not an exercise I fancy doing very often but it is very much required as a shot putter for strengthening the shoulders, and we also do the exercise prior to competing for warming up the shoulder.

In the forward throw, I threw exactly 15 metres flat whilst in the backward throw, I threw 16.56 metres. I was required to throw exactly 1 meter above the forward throw, in the backward throw but I successfuly passed the one meter difference. In the standing long jump, I jumped 2.56 meters which isn't particularly spectacular but is an Okay distance... at least for now.

These results I am pleased with but particulalry the backward throw because I had some serious problems performing that throw and gaining distance from it. I am pleased with day 3... patiently waiting for day 4's arrival!!

Day 2 Test- Heavy throws (7K)

Well today is Day 3 of my testing but yesterday was day 2 which I'm here to talk about, was too tired to update last night. Later tonight or tomorrow morning I will update on day 3 after I have completed the test...Testing was pretty simple yesterday evening, however my results were not as expected.

I got tested in the field of 'heavy throws.' Basically that's throwing the 7k to see the furthest you can throw. While standing (not gliding) I was pleased with my result as I threw 11.25 meters. As I mentioned before testing can be either demotivating or motivating and trust i got motivated by that result. I was satisfied with my standing throw...

When it came to gliding on the other hand, it was monstrosity to the fullest. CHAOS!! a pathetic glide of 11.6 meters, .4 meters beneath my personal best, and with a standing of 11.25, that should have been much higher. I was ashamed because I destroyed my co-athletes with my standing throws (well most of them) and they demolished me in the glides.

The issue: I'm not here to make excuses for myself at all, however, if anything to blame is the fact that i didn't warm up properly just as with my development meets. When warming up i made two laps instead of the regular 3 at a very fast paste which is illogical for a warm up. I can't say I didn't learn from it though, shows me how demanding the warming up phase is to every aspect of training.

So as of today my personal best for standing throws with 7k, 16.2lb is 11.25m and the glide I would leave unattached for now... I know I am capable of more than that feeble 1.6m throw... Consider that demotivating!

Day 1 Test- Snatch, Squats, Bench Press

The title says it all.... Just as I am tested in school, I am tested in training! Today was the 1st day of 5 days of Testing. What happens is, once every month, We are tested to see how much we have improved and how much our weights need to be increased for every repetition. This can also be motivating and demotivating, depending on the result of the exam. During the 1st day of testing we did three (3) of the five (5) basic gym exercises, (for field athletes) snatch, squats and bench press. The other two (2) exercises, power cleans and incline bench press were not attended to today.

We started off with a general warm up followed by a simple stretch for safety while being tested.
What the test incorporates is the constant increase in weight until you are unable to further increase, and the last weight of a successful repetition is considered your maximum weight. We also do a light weight of about 5-8 repetitions as a warm up prior to the test.

My results today were fairly well but I was very pleased! I increased in snatch, by 20 lbs, my bench press remained the same and my squats I felt could have increased but my coach decided not to let it increase due to lower back complications that was of concern.

As of today, my bench press is 205 lbs my snatch increases to 165 lbs and my squats remains at 315 lbs.... Considered motivating!!!

What I'm Capable of...

So as a developing athlete it is quite important to keep track of progress, bad habits and good habits, all in the effort to perfect what you do. In the upcoming weak, empty slots will be filled and numbers will grow as a test is being done to show how performance has grown.
Currently, this is what my very best can do:

Exercise Max/Personal Best(P.B)
Bench press: 205 lbs
Snatch: 145 lbs
Incline Bench Press: 195 lbs
Power Cleans: 185 lbs
Squats: 315 lbs
Shot put 6K:
Shot put 7K: 12 m (Glide)
Shot put 5K:
Long Jump standing:
30 meters sprint:

Other information:
BMI: 27
Height: 5''11.5
Weight: 200 lbs

What's on My mind

Yup! here we have it... It is what it is... training rules me. I am most definately adjusted to training. Good or bad? I don't know! That's what this blog will show... the outcome... the good the bad and whatever there is between that. I'm taking the risk! I'm having faith, I'm putting my life in God's hand! I'm going after my dream and working hard for it! success or failure? We'll see! It's all about the field, the iron ball, the metal bars, the concrete circle.... sweat, long nights and HARD WORK!!!

CXC Approaching...

I must say... These days I am having to make the most career threatening and obscure decisions I have ever had to ponder on. Its like I have to choose between what's best and what's 'bestest.'
There's the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams approaching and my training is still going on. Now, these exams are none to frolic with, it's what determines your future. Where I'm from its just a petite bit of what changes you from a boy to a man. I now must choose between training which can possibly give me a scholarship, and not training, but dedicating lengthy time to studying and preparing for the exams of my life thus far.
Now people might see this and immediately think, "okay forget about the training and hit the books" but that's the mind of people who are completely unaware as to how much training has developed my social skills and not to mention my self esteem . People who have no idea how much I love what I do and how much effort I have put into it.
On the other hand some people just might say, "don't stop training, just balance your time." Now this I won't even listen to because that person either have no passes, is a scholar or seriously trying to screw me over. CXC is not a joke and i stress on that! Balancing the time is no easy task especially when training ends 6:30- 7 pm everyday.
This is how I see it:

• If I train hard, I MAY BE able to pull off the scholarship. (I am too worried that injury or some other means of negativity may affect my opportunity.)
  
• If I quit training, I WILL be able to pull off my goals of all 8 passes. ( I love training too much for this option)
  
• If I balance training with studies, chances are I won't be able to dominate or be at my full potential at any one of the areas. Hence no scholarship nor passes. (I want to be sure that I do my best in everything)
  

Now seeing how I'm thinking you should get why I'm in such a mess with this situation. Maybe I am over-thinking this but i know this is a decision that will forever affect my future. CXC is about 3-4 months away and I am in no way willing to stop train that long. I will say though, that the month before exams training has to be shoved to the side. I will leave this blog without a conclusion as to what I am going to do in this regard.
I am not only very nervous about this period of my life, I am also excited as I have so much to express to you, more updates and in the next couple months I will let you know how things are coming along. I'm ready to face this, ready to make the mistakes that I would learn from, ready to conquer... It's my moment!

Training Sneeks

A bit of what I've been up to lately... what I've been practicing

Practicing to throw with a 7.2K shot


Doing Squats


Bench Press


Videos also available on http://www.youtube.com/chessboygw

Development

So today was the 1st development meet for the year and I must say I'm really not pleased with my result. Though I was placed third and it's my 1st year in the under 20 age category, I think I could have done much better.
Honestly I see myself throwing further while at general practice sessions. I threw 12.01 meters and whilst at training I've thrown further. Would I say I allowed my nerves to get the best of me? Most definitely! Something about competing just makes my muscles feel so weak and I get extremely nervous it shows in my throws.
I'm not going to conclude by saying 12.01 meters is my personal best. I think many things today wasn't done properly. The time taken for me to warm up was so minimal I literally felt cold while throwing. The amount of throws that was being recorded was only three (3) so I didn't gain any momentum. My warm up throws were only about three backward throws, a forward throw and a general standing throw. Not to mention I glided and had no warm up throws while gliding.
I'm not gonna let this bring me down though, because I know what I'm capable of and when the next development meet arises I will know what has to be done. I'm using this as a learning experience and hopefully I would get accustomed and not be a nervous wreck. I'm ready for what is to come and every other obstacle I have to overcome