Quiet Intensity

The morning started out quiet. Both body and mind were idling at a low rpm. Unfortunately, on Friday I threw down a challenge for myself to attempt an eight minute snatch set today. Not to give in to weakness, I stayed calm and focused on each rep...

Jerk: 2 x 20kg - 6 minutes @ 6 rpm

Snatch: 20kg - 8 minutes @ 12 rpm

Treadmill: 20 minute light run

The snatch set went extremely well. I continued to focus on my finger lock on each downswing. My hands handled the set without a scratch. A good day!!

30 More Seconds!

Inching up, inching up!

Was shooting for an 8 minute jerk set today. It didn't work out exactly as I'd hoped...

Jerk: 2 x 20kg - 7-1/2 minutes - 6/6/6/6/6/6/6/2 (44 reps)

Snatch: 20kg - 6 minutes @ 14 rpm

Treadmill: 20 minutes walk/run

I could have made it to 8 minutes with the jerk given my conditioning and strength. Unfortunately, my technique was breaking down and that forced me to stop the set. The bell in my left hand was shifting, wasn't sitting right and kept landing on the knuckles of my hand. I was losing balance with that bell in subsequent reps and tried to end it clean.

It's ok. This is still a PR for me. My longest jerk set with the 20's yet. And most reps to date. Next week I am going to make my baseline sets 6 minutes rather than 5 and keep on pushing.

Snatches felt good. I'm now getting a real strong finger lock with the right hand. Need to focus on same with the left.

Focus on the Drop

These days are rough getting myself going! Being up throughout the night is a killer. Sorry, do I sound like a broken record? Anyway, I got my butt moving today nonetheless. I got a late start as well so knowing that I wouldn't have time for a run, I threw in some 24kg assistance.

Jerk: 2 x 20kg - 6 minutes @ 6 rpm

Snatch: 20kg - 6 minutes @ 14 rpm

One-Arm Jerk: 24kg - 8/8

Swing: 24kg - 10/10

I think I'm turning the corner with my snatches. I'm starting to feel more comfortable with the drop. I'm starting to land the bell in my fingers and not grinding it into my palm. Even the set itself, which had been a bit daunting for me is now almost at a level of "almost comfortable". I'm amazed at how these things just seem to fall into place.

I am going to have to change my training plan up a bit. I promised to support and participate in the upcoming Long Cycle Championship here in NYC next month. Only problem, I'm not training LC! I think I need to de-optimize my biathlon training for a bit and sneak in at least one LC session each week. Once the meet is over then I will resume my biathlon focus again. What are you gonna do, huh? It's all good. And what wouldn't I do for my friends!

Punching the Clock

Dragging today. Not a lot of sleep last night, was up twice with the baby. Today was all about 'punching the clock'. Getting it in and getting it done.

Jerk: 2 x 20kg - 5 minutes @ 7 rpm

Snatch: 20kg - 6 minutes @ 14 rpm

Treadmill: 20 min light run/walk

My palms held up well today during my snatches. I'm still rubbing against my right index finger though. Happy with today's outing given how I'm feeling physically.

Quicken the Pace

I now understand why we try to include running into our training programs!!

Jerk: 2 x 20kg - 5 minutes @ 8 rpm

Snatch: 20kg - 6 minutes @ 14 rpm

Treadmill: 20 minutes light walk/run

By the end of this jerk set, I was winded! And by the end of the snatch set, I was gasping for air!

I'm still having some issues with my hands (mostly right hand) during my snatches. Still need to focus on this.

Tough It Out

Felt a bit tired and fatigued today. Technique held up well. I had to grind out the last minute on my jerk set.

Jerk: 2 x 20kg - 7 minutes @ 6 rpm

Snatch: 20kg - 6 minutes @ 12 rpm

That's it!!

Waving the Workout

Quick outing today...

Jerk: 2 x 20kg - 5 minutes @ 7 rpm

Snatch: 20kg - 6 minutes @ 14 rpm

Very happy with both sets. The increased pace on my jerks held up well. At the end of the (predetermined) fifth minute I was not completely spent. Tired but not fried.

My palms are holding up well with the snatches now. Today's set although still not "easy" was the "easiest" 6-minute set I've performed so far. Only issue now is that I'm rubbing the bell across the base of my right index finger at the top of the snatch and losing a bit of skin there. Nothing too terrible but definitely a product of my technique adjustment. I guess I still need a bit more tweaking to do.