I’ve seen a lot of hullabaloo in different venues of the webz lately by competitors of various strength sport talking about training for upcoming events. First off, it’s kinda cool that I have so many contacts that train and compete. Second off, it occurs to me that lots of peeps I know over compete. Ya know, those who are talking about their next competition in 8 or so weeks the very night that they’ve just PR’d all their lifts on the platform earlier in the day? Look people, you beating your body into the ground for a chance of glory every eight weeks will take you just so far. When I see that the nagging shoulder pain is worse and worse but you just “train through it” for the next comp I want to give you a V8 smack to the forehead. But that’s not my beef today. You silly people are on your own…for now.

My beef today are for those of you who are looking too FAR into the future. I’ve seen a lot of comments by throwers who are training NOW for the Master’s World Championships next September in Scotland. SEPTEMBER! 2014!!! Uhhhhhhh, that’s 11 months away and the season is just now coming to an end. We just got out of a 6-8 month season and you’re training now for 11 months away? I’ve seen comments about meets or Strongman events that are 6 months away and people are dialing in their tapers now. SRSLY? How about you CF’rs who begin training for next year’s games the day you got booted out of Regionals.

Look, I’m all for looking into the future. Ya know, here’s what worked for me last time; here’s what didn’t; here’s what drove me into the ground; here’s what didn’t; etc. and take those pointers into the next year. It’s called reflection and we’ve already talked about it. I’m all for researching other programs that have worked for people in similar circumstances and figuring out how to fit that in your life. It’s called preparation and should absolutely be part of your life if you’re a competing athlete.

But to say, “I’m training now for 11 months down the road” is silly. We’re not Olympians, we wear kilts and kick off our events day with a shot of scotch. Let’s take it down a notch, eh? Your golden egg is recovery, especially as a Masters competitors. Rest. Why are we so panicked to rest and recover. As if replenishing our bodies is time lost? Listen to those who’ve come before us who drove their bodies into the ground and have fought long and hard to find their way (usually post surgeries) back to training. Recover. Rest.

Eye on the prize people is not that competition, it’s a healthy and strong body ALLOWING us to kick arse in that competition. Focus!

I’m eagerly anticipating laying out next year’s throwing season…next year. There are some amazing opportunities for those of us in this fringe sport and I absolutely hope to be as prepared as possible for each and every one I’m lucky enough to be a part of. But now? Now I recover; condition; go to Lithuania; take walks; focus some time on the Snatch and Clean and Jerk which makes training fun. Stuff like that. Not everything has to be do or die in the gym today. It’s ok. We’ll all be ok.

Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read.

Athenaeus

Training Log