Now that I am past my second meet for outdoor season, I am starting to get a feel for the correct form and what it takes to throw the qualifying marks for USA Nationals. After my first meet at Sienna Heights where I went 17.01m, I started practicing with an additional coach near Findlay, OH, John Bowman. His insight and different coaching techniques have definitely opened my eyes to other styles and what it may take to get over 60 ft. Even though I am still learning to incorporate his coaching skills with my throws I still am improving after only being with him for a couple weeks.

 

At my past competition at Ashland University 4/26/14 I threw 16.46 m. Knowing that I am incorporating new additions to my technique my distance will not increase until after a couple more weeks or even longer. As of now my goal is to get more repetition in and continue to be patient. Whenever you are trying something new it takes the body awhile to adjust and perfect it whether it be with form, a new event, or even a new lift.

 

When new aspects come into play, patience becomes a vital key to becoming a successful athlete. For example, when I started training for the 2012 Olympic Trials in March of 2012 I knew that my distance would decrease before it increased. Even though this can be one of the most frustrating details about throwing, I qualified with the B standard after training for 3 months. Knowing that I have the ability to qualify for such a highly qualified meet within 3 months with God's hand; I know without a doubt that qualifying for USA Nationals with the A standard is within reach. Overall I know that I am in a good place because even though my distance is not where I would like it to be I am at 53 ft compared to being at 47ft back in April 2012 before the Olympic Trials! :)